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The Effect of Dietary L-Carnitine on Semen Traits of White Leghorns¹

Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

² Corresponding author: phester{at}purdue.edu

A previous study conducted in our laboratory showed that feeding 500 ppm of dietary L-carnitine to young and aging White Leghorns for 5 wk improved sperm concentration and reduced sperm lipid peroxidation during the last half of supplementation. The current study examined the effect of feeding dosimetric as well as lower levels of L-carnitine for longer durations on semen traits of White Leghorns. In experiments 1 and 2, White Leghorns consumed diets supplemented with 0, 125, 250, or 500 mg of L-carnitine/kg of feed. For experiment 1, an 8-wk trial was conducted with 48 White Leghorns from 46 to 54 wk of age. For experiment 2, a 17-wk trial was conducted with 96 White Leghorn roosters from 46 to 63 wk of age. For experiment 3, 84 roosters were provided for ad libitum consumption a diet formulated to contain 0 or 125 ppm of L-carnitine beginning at hatch until 37 wk of age. Long-term consumption of 125 ppm of L-carnitine beginning at hatch was the only dietary treatment that sustained a persistent increase in sperm concentration. These results suggest that L-carnitine’s antioxidant influence on sperm production begins before the onset of sexual maturity.

Key Words: L-carnitine • semen trait • sperm concentrations • dosimetry

¹ Journal paper No. 2007-18120 of the Purdue University Agricultural Research Programs, West Lafayette, IN 47907.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				W. Zhai, S. L. Neuman, M. A. Latour, and P. Y. Hester The Effect of Male and Female Supplementation of L-Carnitine on Reproductive Traits of White Leghorns Poult. Sci., June 1, 2008; 87(6): 1171 - 1181. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]