English

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of the root-bark extract of Securidaca longepedunculata in the improvement of fertility in buck rabbits as envisioned by morphometric indices of the testes. Testicular morphometry of New Zealand rabbits was studied following treatment with different doses of the extract. The extract was administered per os in three doses of 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight to three treatment groups of rabbits A, B, and C respectively for 29 days in a completely randomized designed (CRD). Eighteen mature buck rabbits between the ages of 18 and 24 months and with initial body weight (1.1 to 1.9 kg) were used. Each group comprised of three rabbits replicated twice. After the period of treatment, rabbits were weighed and sacrificed. Mean absolute paired testes weight, testes length and testes width were obtained and expressed relative to body weight at sacrifice. The results showed a significant difference in the mean relative paired testes weight, testes length and testes width between groups (p<0.05). The treated group given 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract had the highest mean absolute and relative paired testes weight of 3.325 ± 0.1349a g and 0.2098 ± 0.0139a % with mean absolute and relative testes length of 2.4522 ± 0.0250a cm and 0.1538 ± 0.0040a %. While the group given 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract had the lowest values of 2.634 ± 0.2762b g and 0.1565 ± 0.0124b % with mean absolute and relative paired testes length of 2.1600 ± 0.0807b cm and 0.1299 ± 0.0039b % respectively. It was concluded that administration of the extract at 50 mg/kg body weight yielded higher testicular parameters of buck rabbits. It was recommended that the use of the extract in bucks should be done with caution in relation to dose and length of treatment and that a detailed research should be carried out to evaluate the semen quality of bucks treated with 50 mg/kg the extract. Key words: Securidaca longepedunculata, root bark, testes, morphometry, buck, rabbit.