EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) ON SEASONAL EJACULATORY RESPONSE OF NOILER COCKS TO DORSO-ABDOMINAL MASSAGE IN SEMIARID ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) (Inrovit-CWS®) supplementation on ejaculatory response of Noiler cocks to dorso-abdominal massage. Twenty-two (22) weeks old Noiler cocks were used across three (3) seasons (Harmattan, Hot and Rainy). A total of sixty (60) cocks were divided into four (4) treatment groups (T1:0g, T2:2g, T3:4g, and T4:6g AA) in 3 × 4 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Cocks were conditioned and trained for response and semen collection using dorso-abdominal massage method for one (1) week (without AA). This was followed by twice daily dorso-abdominal massage with AA in drinking water for two (2) weeks, once daily (on alternate days) for two (2) weeks. Responses to massage were recorded. The results obtained indicated a progressive decline in both morning and afternoon responses to massage during training session. Extrusion of phallic fold (EPF) was observed throughout the study. However, during the AA phase, the results showed AA supplementation (particularly 2 and 4g) significantly (p˂0.05) improved extrusion of phallic fold (EPF), reduced abnormal ejaculation compared to the control group. Cocks exhibited significantly (p˂0.05) higher normal ejaculation (NOR), during once daily massage on alternate days. The rainy season showed higher (p˂0.05) incidence of normal ejaculation (NOR) when combined with 2 - 4g AA while hot season showed reduced normal ejaculation alongside increased abnormal responses. Higher doses (6g AA) during hot season demonstrated that AA led to mixed effect on ejaculation response. The study concluded that AA’s role as an antioxidant enhances reproductive performance in Noiler cocks under semi-arid seasonal variations, recommending 2 - 4g AA for optimal results.