RESUMEN
The present study was conducted to interpret the effect of magnetic field on water pH and calcium form, and evaluate semen quality, fertility and hatchability rates of Fayoumi chickens receiving magnetized drinking water (MDW). A total of 180 Fayoumi chickens (20 roosters + 160 hens), 54 weeks of age, were divided into two groups. The first group served as control, which received regular drinking water, and the second group was treated with MDW. Semen was collected twice (at day 15 and day 30 of the experiment) to determine semen quality. Fertility and hatchability were determined in two patches of hatching eggs through 1-15 and 16-30 days of the experiment. Results showed that the roosters of MDW group had higher live sperm and sperm motility ratios than those of the control group throughout the experimental period (1-30 days). The abnormal sperm ratio and methylene blue reaction time of MDW-received roosters were significantly lower than those of control roosters. Fertility and hatchability percentages of MDW group were greater compared to those of regular drinking water. Conclusively, alterations in the physiochemical characteristics of MDW and the calcium form can play a role in improving semen quality, fertility, and hatchability percentages during the late laying phase.
