The Importance of Reproductive Efficiency in Broiler Breeders
In broiler breeder production, reproductive efficiency is a critical economic driver. Even small improvements in sperm quality, fertility, and hatchability can translate into significant gains in chick output and overall farm profitability. However, maintaining high reproductive performance in aging flocks remains a challenge, often linked to oxidative stress and reduced sperm functionality (Barbarestani et al., 2024; Kujoana et al., 2024).
Commercial Trial in Ross 308 Roosters
A three-month trial conducted in Gorgan, Iran, with 2,400 Ross 308 roosters demonstrated how VemoHerb® Tribens can effectively address these limitations under real production conditions. Birds were fed a standard diet or diets supplemented with 250, 400 or 800 mg/kg of the product.
Significant Improvements in Sperm Quality
The most significant effects were observed in sperm quality. Semen volume increased from 0.46 to 0.58 ml, while total motility reached 98.1%. Most importantly, progressive motility – the key determinant of fertilization success – increased more than threefold, from 10.68% to 36.26%, alongside a reduction in abnormal and low-motile sperm. These changes indicate a clear improvement in functional sperm efficiency.
These results are consistent with recent studies showing that phytogenic and antioxidant-based nutritional strategies enhance sperm viability, motility, and resistance to oxidative stress, ultimately improving reproductive outcomes (Asghari-Moghadam et al., 2025; Hayanti et al., 2022).
Higher Fertility and Hatchability Rates
These biological improvements translated directly into production performance. Fertility increased from 77.48% to over 81%, while hatchability improved from 76.29% to 80.56%. The proportion of Grade-1 chicks also increased, reflecting better chick quality and viability. In commercial terms, even these moderate gains can result in a substantial increase in total chick output.
Economic Benefits and Optimal Inclusion Level
From an economic perspective, the optimal balance between efficacy and cost was achieved at 400 mg/kg, delivering the highest return of €14.37 per rooster. This highlights the importance of optimizing inclusion levels for both biological performance and profitability.
Conclusion
VemoHerb® Tribens acts at the core of reproductive physiology by improving sperm functionality and translating these effects into measurable production and economic benefits. Under commercial conditions, this results in a more efficient and productive breeder operation.
In a sector where every percentage point matters, such targeted nutritional strategies provide a practical and effective way to maximize reproductive performance.
References
- Akhlaghi, A., et al. (2023). Effects of herbal additives on sperm motility and fertility in poultry. Veterinary Research Communications.
- Asghari-Moghadam, M., & Mehri, M. (2025). Effects of phytogenic feed additives on reproductive performance in poultry. Poultry Science.
- Asghari-Moghadam, M., et al. (2024). Nutritional modulation of sperm quality in poultry. Animal Reproduction Science.
- Attia, Y. A., et al. (2022). Nutritional strategies to improve reproductive performance in poultry. Animals.
- Barbarestani, S. Y., et al. (2024). Oxidative stress and reproductive decline in aging broiler breeders. Animals.
- Fisinin, V. I., et al. (2022). Advances in poultry reproductive physiology. World’s Poultry Science Journal.
- Gholami-Ahangaran, M., et al. (2024). Phytogenic compounds and reproductive efficiency in poultry. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
- Hayanti, S. Y., et al. (2022). The effect of vitamin E supplementation on poultry reproductive performance: A meta-analysis. Animals.
- Kujoana, M., et al. (2024). Role of oxidative stress in poultry sperm function and fertility. Antioxidants.
- Surai, P. F. (2023). Antioxidants in poultry nutrition and reproduction. Poultry Science.
