The objective of this trial was evaluated the effect of different crude protein (CP) levels of diet for males with or without coumbing. Body weight, semen volume, number of spermatic cells and fertility were evaluated. A total of 32 males Cobb 500 were used being 50% coumbed and 50% decoumbed males. The roosters were exposed the same management conditions in starting and rearing phases. They were housed in individual metallic cages with feeders and drinkers. The experimental design was entirely casualized in a factorial 2x2, two comb conditions (with or without) and two levels of crude protein (12 and 16%). Semen was collected using the American methods and number of spermatic cells was determined by counting in Neubauer chamber. At 42, 43 and 44 weeks of age, six females were artificially inseminated by treatment, twice a week, with dosage of 0.05ml of fresh semen. The eggs were collected four times a day, identified, disinfected and incubated in similar conditions. After 21 day of incubation they were broken and examined macroscopically to analyze the fertility. The level of 12% of crude protein was enough to assist the reproductive demands and the permanence of males. Combed males had body weight higher than without combed males.
fertility; crest; broiler breeders males; crude protein
