Meta-analysis of zinc feed additive on enhancement of semen quality, fertility and hatchability performance in breeder chickens

Abstract The incorporation of zinc in the diets breeding chickens to enhance reproductive performance has been highlighted. However, no consensus reached on effect dietary supplementation outcomes chickens. Therefore, current study assessed effects semen quality, fertility and hatchability percentage using meta-analysis. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was also used assess sources (organic versus inorganic) A systematic search conducted four electronic databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-analyses yielded 521 candidate studies; 8 studies that examined met selection criteria were Outcome measures pooled random-effects model expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) each study. OpenMEE software analysis. results indicate significant increase output (SMD = 1.32 mL, CI: 0.76, 1.89), sperm motility 1.10 %, 0.81, 1.39), concentration 4.28 × 10 6 /mL, 2.78, 5.79), live percent 0.96%, 0.69, 1.23) reductions dead –2.80%; –3.43, –2.17), abnormal –4.64%; –5.74, –3.53) when compared controls, taking cognizance heterogeneity. In contrast, had percentage. revealed influenced aspects We conclude positive influence chickens, but did not affect hatchability.