Assessment of Seminal Diluent Efficiency Using Different Extenders on Sperm Viability and Fertility of Muscovy Drake for Anas-Cairina Hybridization

Bangladesh's poultry industry offers rapid earnings and affordable employment opportunities, with a primary focus on chicken production. However, native duck productivity is low, leading to surplus drakes and spent ducks. Mule ducks, produced via artificial insemination (AI) between Muscovy and common ducks, are essential to global duck meat production due to their hybrid vigor and superior meat quality. However, optimizing AI techniques requires effective seminal diluents to preserve sperm viability and enhance fertility. This study evaluated the impact of different extenders and dilution ratios on the sperm quality and fertility of Muscovy drake semen in a tropical environment. Three extenders, Avian Universal (AU), Ringer’s Acetate Semen Extender (RASE), and Commercial Poultry Semen Extender (CPSE), were tested at dilution ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 on a productive F1 female (Pekin♂ × Rupali♀). Results indicated that AU extender achieved the highest fertility rate (67.8%), outperforming RASE and CPSE, while higher dilution ratios reduced sperm concentration and fertility. Temperature-humidity index (THI) analysis revealed a minimal impact on semen quality, although slight reductions in semen volume were observed. The findings underscore the significance of extender composition and dilution ratios in maintaining semen viability and optimizing AI success in hybrid duck production. Advancing artificial insemination (AI) in ducks requires refining semen collection methods, improving semen extenders, and enhancing storage techniques to boost fertility and efficiency.