Effects of High Temperature on Semen Production and Fertility in the Domestic Fowl

THERE is considerable evidence that environmental temperature influences fertility and hatchability of eggs in the domestic fowl. Upp and Thompson (1927), Funk (1935) and Heywang (1944) reported that fertility and hatchability decreased during the hot summer months. Ota, McNally and Wilson (1955) found that fertility was reduced in a variable environment and that fertility and hatchability were improved by keeping the hens at a constant temperature of 65°F. Wilson (1949) showed that fertility in the female was not seriously affected by high temperatures. It has been demonstrated by others, however, that the fertilizing capacity of the cock declines during hot weather (Parker and McSpadden, 1943; Huston and Wheeler, 1949). Huston and Carmon (1958) found no statistically significant differences in fertility between cocks held at high (90°F.) temperatures and those held at normal variable temperatures. Since pooled semen samples were used, it is possible that two or three superior males in…