Semen characterization of Dang Surat Thai native chicken
Authors:   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Lewchalermvong Kittima ,   Research Center on One Health, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Kulnanan Pawinee ,   Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand, Boonchay Kanpapat ,   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand,   Research Center on One Health, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Thaikoed Sunsaneeya ,   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.,   Research Center on One Health, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Phetcharat Yotsapat ,   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Yiengvisavakul Viboon ,   Veterinary practitioner, 122/3 Russame2/6 Krissadanakhon31, Baromrachachonnanee Rd. Bangkok 10170 Thailand, Damrongwatanapokin Thanis ,   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand,   Research Center on One Health, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Lavilla Carmencita ,   La Guardia Community College Veterinary Technology, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 USA, Sumretprasong Jureerat ,   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.,   Research Center on One Health, Walailak University, Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Published: March 2023

Native Dang Surat chicken play an important role in poultry breeding of southern Thailand but their production performance falls short of commercial counterparts. Nevertheless, native birds have superior disease resistance while meat texture and taste of eggs are popular among Thais. Husbandry of native breeds are confined to smallholders who can only fulfil local niche outlets. To satisfy the wide-spread demand throughout Thailand and further afield, local-breed sires are crossed with high productivity hens. To maintain a constant supply of F1 hybrids, a colony of Dang Surat cocks are maintained by the Department of Livestock who select by phenotypes, not semen quality that determines male productivity. Accordingly, semen volume, pH, color and consistency, sperm motility, concentration, viability were measured. Morphology was also assessed by using eosin-nigrosin staining. Semen was slightly alkaline (pH, 8.0±0.1), mean volume=265±23 μL, had high sperm concentrations, 2740±76 x106/ml, of which 98.9±0.1% were viable. Abnormal sperm heads, tails and mid pieces, cytoplasmic droplets and detached heads comprised 1.5±0.3, 3.7±0.4, 0.3±0.1 and 0.8±0.1%, respectively. The findings showed normal seminal fluids and sperm parameters similar to commercial poultry semen in general. Our data will help develop efficient cockerel selection, natural flock breeding plan, and assisted reproduction by cryopreservation and artificial insemination to better meet market demands.