Effects of dietary calcium fat powder based on flaxseed oil (Persialin®) on reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeder.

This study investigated the effects of dietary calcium fat powder based on flaxseed oil (Persialin®) on semen quality, testicular histology, testosterone, and apoptosis-related gene expression in aged broiler breeder roosters. Thirty-two 70‑week‑old Ross 308 roosters were randomly assigned to four groups with eight replicates per group. Dietary treatments included a basal diet (control) and the basal diet containing 1.4% (P-1.4), 2.8% (P-2.8), or 4.2% (P-4.2) Persialin® for six weeks. Semen and blood samples were collected at 74, 77, and 80 weeks, and testis samples at 80 weeks for fatty acid profile, histometry, and Bax and Bcl2 expression analyses. Persialin® did not affect body weight, ejaculate volume, sperm motility, or testicular index. However, roosters receiving Persialin® exhibited higher sperm plasma membrane integrity (linear trend, P = 0.05) andand functionality (linear P = 0.003) compared to controls. Sperm plasma membrane integrity increased from 83.8% to 88.4%, and functionality from 38.9% to 48.2%. Testicular fatty acid analysis revealed an increase in oleic acid (linear trend, P = 0.05), docosapentaenoic acid (linear, P = 0.02), and docosahexaenoic acid (linear trend, P = 0.07), while arachidonic acid decreased (linear, P = 0.008). Seminiferous tubule diameter was greatest in P-2.8, with a quadratic trend for diameter (P = 0.07). Testosterone peaked in P-1.4, increasing from 3.38 to 3.95 ng/mL, with quadratic (P = 0.03) and cubic (P < 0.001) dose-response patterns. Persialin® also decreased Bax expression and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in testicular tissue. Overall, P-2.8 improved sperm membrane quality and testicular morphology, P-1.4 most effectively enhanced testosterone, and P-4.2 most reduced apoptotic gene expression. These findings suggest Persialin® may mitigate several reproductive parameters in aged roosters, though further fertility studies are warranted.