Effects of tamoxifen dose and nutrition scheme during growth on stimulation of the reproductive system in cornish breed cocks

The effects of tamoxifen (TAM) antiestrogen dose as well as protein and energy content in feed on stimulation of the reproductive system development in meat type cocks were studied. The experiment was conducted on males of the Dominant White Cornish chicken breed. The optimum TAM dose for stimulation of reproductive system development was at the level of 5 mg per kg body weight. The effects of TAM administration on the following traits were investigated: body weight, breast muscle thickness, age at sexual maturity, egg fertilization and hatchability. No effect of TAM on breast muscle thickness was found. It was also noted that semen obtained from 11 to 12 week old males of the Dominant White Cornish breed could be used successfully in the insemination of females.