Characteristics of production, reproduction, and sperm quality in Kedu chickens

Abstract

Kedu chicken is an Indonesian native breed that exhibits promising potential as a layer chicken. This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance, reproductive performance, and sperm quality of Kedu chickens to determine their utilization and selection as superior breeding stocks. Ten roosters and twenty hens were used as samples, and data on body weight, egg weight, day-old chick (DOC) weight, hen day egg production (HDP), fertility, hatchability, DOC normality, and sperm quality were collected. The mean body weights of male and female Kedu chickens were 2395.7 ± 396.8 g and 1667.5 ± 177.86 g, respectively. The average egg weight was 43.52 ± 5.17 g, and the DOC weight was 29.19 ± 4.18 g. The HDP reached 68.89%, demonstrating excellent performance. Egg fertility was recorded at 77.43 ± 4.64%, while hatchability was 79.5± 4.1%. The DOC normality rate was 88.21 ± 8.42%. Semen volume of Kedu roosters was 0.34± 0.16 ml with a pH of 7.04±0.67, and sperm concentration was 3.02±0.43 billion/ml. Individual motility reached 63.06±10.3%, and sperm viability was 56.67±25.88 minutes. However, the sperm abnormality rate was 22.22±4.81%, indicating the need for strict selection of superior males. These results suggest that Kedu chickens have good potential as a source of superior local poultry breeds; however, improved reproductive management and genetic selection programs are necessary to maximize their performance.