Collection and Characterization of Rooster Semen from the Local and Rainbow Breeds in Burkina Faso

Abstract

This study evaluated the macroscopic and microscopic semen characteristics of Local and Rainbow breed roosters in Burkina Faso under controlled management conditions. Six roosters, comprising three Local and three Rainbow birds, were used, and 60 ejaculates were collected using the dorso-lumbar massage technique. The parameters assessed included ejaculate volume, pH, motility, sperm concentration, vitality, and morphological characteristics. Semen was collected twice weekly, and samples were analysed using standard laboratory procedures, including haemocytometer counting and eosin-nigrosin staining. The results indicated variability in semen quality parameters within and between breeds. Ejaculate volume ranged from 0.29 to 0.67 mL, while sperm motility scores varied from 2.5 to 3.5. Sperm concentration ranged from 1.9 × 10^9 to 2.5 × 10^9 sperm per millilitre. Vitality rates exceeded 60% in both breeds, with no significant inter-breed differences observed for most physicochemical parameters, including pH values, which remained slightly alkaline. Correlation analysis showed positive associations between semen quality parameters and morphological traits such as body weight, comb size, and tibia length. Larger and heavier roosters tended to have higher semen volume and sperm output. However, the age difference between breeds may have influenced some of the observed variations. Overall, both Local and Rainbow roosters showed semen quality parameters compatible with artificial insemination requirements under the study conditions. These findings provide baseline data for rooster selection strategies aimed at improving reproductive efficiency in poultry production systems in Burkina Faso.