MANAGEMENT OF

BREEDER MALES FOR

BETTER PERFORMANCE
UNDERSTANDING THE PHYSIOLOGY
OF MALES HELPS DESIGN THE

BEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Gabriel Novaes1 and Luciano Keske2
1
Veterinarian and Animal Reproduction Specialist at Cobb-Vantress
2
Veterinarian and Associate Director of Technical Service at Cobb-Vantress for Latin
Reproduction

America and Canada

T
he rearing phase of
breeding males is
extremely important
to achieve good fertility and
hatch from males later in
production.

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aviNews International March 2024 | Management of breeder males for better performance
 The keyword for the rearing phase is
uniformity. 1
In the rearing phase, the male
In the first 10 weeks, cell proliferation occurs
reproductive tract begins developing. in the testicles.
Good management will support this
development and positively impact Over the first 10 weeks of life,
sperm producing cells (Sertoli cells)
reproduction for life. Poor fertility can and testosterone secreting cells
often be traced back poor management (Leydig) multiply rapidly. Good
during rearing. management and nutrition are essential
during this time.

Once proliferation of these cells ends, the

The first 10 weeks of life define the sperm production potential is determined.
number of sperm producing cells
(Sertoli cells) in the rooster.

2
A higher number of Sertoli cells

Reproduction
equates to a greater sperm
production capacity.

If males are not in good The second phase, from 10 weeks to

condition at transfer, transfer, cellular proliferation ends and
production performance maturation and differentiation of the
gondal cells begins.
may suffer. Developmental
delays will decrease total egg Cells increase in size and functionality
to begin spermatogenesis.
numbers and, in some cases,
lead to infertile males.

3
In the third phase, transfer to sexual
maturity, photostimulation causes an
increase in testosterone production that
stimulate the formation of sperm.

This is the process that determines sexual

maturity.

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aviNews International March 2024 | Management of breeder males for better performance
 Sperm concentration may vary
from male to male. The semen
Considering that the mounting
should be white and viscous. A
process in birds is extremely
watery appearance will indicate low
physical, it is worth highlighting the
sperm count which translates to low
importance of the male having the
fertilization potential.
correct body confirmation.
Therefore, visual inspection of
The breast should be V-shaped with
semen is a useful tool to quickly
more mass on top near the wings.
and non-invasively determine
A flesh score between 2.5 and 3.0 is
the fertilizing potential of the
ideal. A male in good condition will
breeding male.
have:

Good development and coloration

Reproduction

of crest, wattles, cloaca, and

pericloacal region. Egg fertility and hatchability are the
first production factors impacted by
A flesh score of 2.5 to 3.0.
semen quality. The oocyte requires a
No defects or injuries including number of penetrations by sperm in
arthritis, pododermatitis or bone order to fertilize the egg.
deformities.
As the bird ages, semen quality
decreases. A drop in semen
production can be overcome with
good weight management and
body conditioning, antioxidant
supplements (vitamins, fatty acids,
and amino acids), and spiking or
artificial insemination.

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aviNews International March 2024 | Management of breeder males for better performance
 MANAGEMENT
Uniformity in the breeding At transfer, it is important to
phase is key. assess males for flesh scoring and
confirmation. Handle males and assess
the confirmation and flesh scoring.
At transfer, all males should have Likewise, assess behavior. The birds
a V-shaped breast with a flesh should be well distributed and no
score between 2.5 and 3.0. It can piling or crowding.
be difficult to achieve this level
When males are transferred to the
of uniformity, but it will pay off in
production house, take special care
production.
when handling males. Given testicular
development continues through
The amount of feed consumed is also

Reproduction
28 weeks, any stress can impact
important. reproductive function negatively.

To achieve good uniformity, keep

weights as close to standard as
possible. The most challenging time
will be between 13 and 20 weeks, as
puberty begins and uniformity tends
to deviate at this point.

Be aware of any males eating from

female feeders. Prevent males
from eating female feed by having
the correct feeding space per bird,
the correct feeder height, and even
distribution of feed. Males can
become overweight very quickly
by eating female feed.

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aviNews International March 2024 | Management of breeder males for better performance
 8 WEEKS
Among the milestones in the first PRODUCTION
8 weeks is good weight gain and
Body weight, uniformity and male
development at 7 days. Carry out
condition are among the most frequent
selection at day 7 and separate them
deviations in production. A good way
into 3 groups (light, normal, heavy).
to help keep these factors at standard is
For birds in light and heavy group, feed
to observe male feeding.
them back to standard. By week 4,
males should weigh around 690 grams. If males are stealing feed from the
female feeders, check feeders and
ensure the exclusions are correct
and not broken. Also check feed
distribution and feeding space for
males.
12 TO 16 WEEKS
Reproduction

Between week 12 and 16, the weight

curve can be adjusted to recover the
underweight birds. Gains of 3 to 4
grams per week from 12 weeks on SPIKING AND INTRA-
should be expected. SPIKING
For correct testicular From 40 weeks on, there is a natural
development, achieve a flesh decrease in male libido. Overweight males
score of 2.5 to 3 by 20 weeks. may have a decrease in libido earlier than
Likewise, aim for a uniformity 40 weeks.
of 93%.
Trade out at least 20% of males.

Lower spiking ratios will cause the

older males to dominate younger
ones. Spike males should be at least
25 weeks and weigh more than 4.1
kg. Intra-spiking can be done every
four weeks. Conduct a selection and
put males with similar weights in the
Management of breeder males for better same pens.
performance
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aviNews International March 2024 | Management of breeder males for better performance