Effect of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on semen characteristics of male Japanese quail

摘要

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary l-carnitine supplementation (0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) on quail semen characteristics during liquid storage. Semen was collected using abdominal massage and suitable samples were mixed together, and sperm characteristics including percentage of motile, live, abnormal, semen pH, volume, and concentration were assessed. This experiment was carried out on the basis of completely randomized design. Results showed that the effect of l-carnitine on semen concentration was significant (P < 0.05). Quails that were fed with rations including 125 mg/kg l-carnitine supplementation had higher semen concentration compared with other groups. The lowest semen concentration was obtained in the control group. The effect of l-carnitine on semen pH and volume was not significant (P > 0.05). The effect of l-carnitine on motile and live percentage of sperm in milk and tris extenders in fresh condition was significant (P < 0.05). The highest motile and live sperms were obtained at the 125 mg/kg l-carnitine level. Therefore, use of l-carnitine supplementation (125 mg/kg) in male Japanese quail feeding is recommended to improve semen quality.