The Effects of Three-way Cross Strategy on the Gander Reproductive Performance

Abstract

Background: Cross-breeding is the main strategy for improving the economic traits of livestock and poultry within a short time. But there are only a few studies on the comparative assessment of different cross-breeding methods to poultry reproductive performance. Methods: Here, intersect, back, upgrading and three-way cross-breeding strategies are employed for quantitative comparison of male reproductive performance using Carlos goose, Jilin White goose and Siji goose. The fertility rates and testis weight were analyzed and compared among the five cross-breeding groups. Also, the seminiferous tubule diameter and sperm concentration were measured. The mRNA levels of two reproduction-related genes, GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) and PRL (prolactin) were quantitatively measured and compared using the qPCR technique. Result: Finally we found that the three-way cross strategy had the biggest advantage for improving male reproductive performance according to the analysis of fertility rate and testis structure. Also all these data we measured suggested that the three-way cross strategy was beneficial to male reproductive performance and thus we provided a theoretical basis for making appropriate cross-breeding plans.