Journal of Animal Health, Veterinary Practice and Zoonotic Research
Potentials of Coconut Water and Skimmed Milk as Semen Extenders in Chilled Cobb 500 Cock Semen
Abstract
Hassan Rahilah, Orji Ugochi Juliana, Oniye Stephanie Adesewa and Ubah Simon Azubuike
This study evaluated the efficacy of citrated egg yolk, skimmed milk, and coconut water on the preservation of Cobb 500 cock semen under chilled storage. Semen was collected from six 60 –week- old roosters and extended at a 1:10 dilution ratio. Semen quality parameters including sperm motility, viability, concentration, morphology, mass activity, and pH were assessed at 0, 18, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of storage at 4oC. Phytochemical analysis of coconut water revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, and alkaloids, which are known to possess antioxidant properties.
Results showed that Coconut Water extender exhibited the highest sperm motility (75.00± 4.33%) and viability at 24 hours but declined sharply to zero by the 48th hour, likely due to its unstable pH and lack of buffering capacity. Citrated egg Yolk and Skimmed Milk demonstrated more stable sperm motility and viability profiles, with significant preservation up to 72 hours, however, by 96 hours, all extenders recorded zero sperm motility and viability, likely due to oxidant degradation. Although Coconut Water initially supported superior sperm quality, its acidification over time limited its long- term effectiveness, Citrated Egg Yolk, with its strong buffering capacity and clear optical clarity, proved to be the most reliable extender for longer-term storage, followed by Skimmed Milk. It was concluded that Coconut Water may serve as a natural, short-term semen extender, and recommends the inclusion of buffering agents such as sodium citrate to improve its pH stability and extend its efficacy in poultry artificial insemination programs.