How long are roosters fertile?

[B3NZ0]

I was recently given 2 roosters. One light Brahma 2 1/2 yo and a 3 month old rhode island red. Yesterday I received 4 Texas red hens and a 2 1/2 Buff Orpington rooster. Now that I have the hens the Brahma has taken the lead with them wondering if he will stay fertile for a couple more years or if I should switch him out with one of the younger roos?

 

[donrae]

My hatchery roosters have consistently been fertile into the 4th year. At that point, I usually want to change genetics/projects and switch them out anyway, so I'm not sure how long they'd be good after that.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

Literature on breeding programs suggests that fertility drops off on most birds that are over 2 years of age.

 

[centrarchid]

When the sex ratio is more natural, then declines of fertility that are significant in a commercial hatching egg production setting will not be an issue. My American Dominiques are fertile through at least 6 years when covering only four hens at a time. American Games can sire at least some offspring through 10 years although you do see a drop.