Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the interaction effects of Arak (Salvadora persica) as feed additive and season on performance of pre- and post-sexual maturity of rabbit males. Ninety-six weaned New Zealand White (NZW) male rabbits aged 30 days with weighing average 586.4 gm (48 in each season) were used during winter and summer seasons. Within each season, two groups were used (24 in each group); the first group fed to ad libitum with commercial rabbit pellets and kept as control group, while the second group fed the same diet supplemented with 0.2% dried Arak powder. Body weight, daily gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion were recorded from weaning up to 70 days of age. Whereas, four rabbits from each group were slaughtered and genitalia were immediately taken and dissected. Blood samples were collected at 150 days of age from five bucks from each group. At maturity age, several reproductive traits were recorded. Results showed that final body weight, daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and weights of genital organs at 70 days of age significantly (P≤0.05) increased with dietary of Arak supplementation. Serum testosterone concentration at 150 days of age (maturity) significantly (P≤0.01) increased with Arak inclusion during winter and summer seasons. The minimum maturity age was obtained by 0.2% Arak inclusion during summer season (151 days). Sexual desire, mating activity, semen-ejaculate volume, advanced-sperm motility%, sperm-cell concentration and total-sperm output were significantly (P≤0.01) affected by Arak inclusion, season and their interactions. Conclusively, from these results could be concluded that the addition of 0.2% Arak (Salvadora persica) to growing NZW male rabbit diets till sexual maturity age under winter and summer season improved growth and reproductive capabilities.
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