Abstract
Previous studies have shown Costus afer to possess ethno-medical and ethno-veterinary properties, however, the link between C. afer and reproductive activities are not clear. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of C. afer leaf on semen quality characteristics and testosterone levels of adult buck rabbits. Eighteen adult crossbred New Zealand and Chinchilla breeds were divided into three treatments (A, B and C) (n=6) in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 12 weeks. The results showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in sperm motility, sperm count, and normal morphology due to treatment effect. Sperm abnormalities, dead cells, sluggishly motile, and pus cells were significantly (P<0.05) increased in treated group. The treatment had no significant impact (P>0.05) on parameters like appearance (normal), semen volume, and viscosity between the groups. Serum testosterone increased significantly (P < 0.05) in treated groups (C: 21.0 ng/mL; B: 11.6 ng/mL) than control (A: 11.0 ng/mL), respectively. These results indicate that C. afer has a negative fertility impact on buck rabbits. Key words: Costus afer, semen, testosterone, rabbit, buck. 
Highlights
In recent times, the use of herbal medicines has gradually acquired a more vital therapeutic role to replace the synthetic once for animals and humans due to increased incidence of drug resistance (Olowosulu and Ibrahim, 2006)
This study was designed to assess the impact of C. afar on the fertility status in buck rabbits
The semen status of rabbits is a mixture of spermatozoa suspended in a liquid medium secreted at different locations by the epididymis and at various glands
Summary
The use of herbal medicines has gradually acquired a more vital therapeutic role to replace the synthetic once for animals and humans due to increased incidence of drug resistance (Olowosulu and Ibrahim, 2006). Several studies have revealed its ethno-veterinary and ethno-biotic importance such as antimicrobial properties (Akpan et al, 2012; Ijioma et al, 2014), hypoglycemic effect (Momoh et al, 2011), treatment of stomach aches and rheumatic pains (Etukudo, 2003), treatment of hepatic oxidative stress and toxicity (Ukpabi et al, 2012), anti-diabetic (Soladoye and Oyesika, 2008), treatment of eye inflammation, headache, oedema, and fever (Omokhua, 2011). This study was designed to assess the impact of C. afar on the fertility status (semen quality characteristics and testosterone levels) in buck rabbits
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