Persistence of semen quality during the reproductive period in two strains of turkeys differing in semen yield.

Semen yield, sperm concentration and frequency of bent sperm were measured during the ninth week following stimulatory lighting (in January) and correlated with similar measurements obtained 1-1/2 and 4-1/2 months later in the reproduction period for two strains of medium bodied turkeys differing in semen yield. These correlations, based on measurements made early in the reproductive period, were not large enough so that the male's subsequent performance could accurately be predicted. Strain differences were also apparent in correlation coefficients for semen yield. The correlation coefficients were larger for the strain having the smallest yeild. In general, the significant correlation coefficients between semen yield and sperm concentration were positive and those between semen yield and percent bent sperm and between sperm concentration and percent bent sperm were negative. However, the correlation coefficients tended to be low in magnitude.