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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #87132
Title: HOW TO TELL A GOOD TOM FROM A POOR TOM AND CURRENT HANDLING AND PROCESSING OF SEMEN

Author
item Donoghue, Ann - Annie

Submitted to: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Turkey Reproduction
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Significant advances have been achieved in the selection of turkeys for growth and body conformation. Although reproduction performance is critical to efficient production, selection criteria of toms based on semen characteristics are not routinely practiced. Ejaculates are generally evaluated for semen volume and color and possibly sperm viability and subjective sperm motility. Yet, a routine semen evaluation procedure whic relates to the fertilizing potential of a tom, is not performed before males are used for breeding. To improve fertility, based on tom selection by sperm traits, semen assessment has to become part of the routine management and selection practice of quality sires. While toms may be managed as a "flock" they should be evaluated as individuals, and selected for based on sperm traits.