Abstract
In an 8-week feeding experiment, 32 growing buck rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of an average weight of 1366.56±37.54g, were used to assess the effects of inclusion of different dietary concentrations of Cerium oxide (CeO), a Rare Earth Element, at 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm on fertility. The animals were randomly allotted to the four dietary groups, each consisting of eight animals per treatment. The Extra-gonadal Sperm Reserve (the sperm stored in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymis), the testes weights and the daily sperm production (DSP) were estimated. The results revealed that the extra-gonadal Sperm Reserves (ESR) were significantly (P<0.05) increased by dietary cerium oxide at 100 ppm inclusion. Sperm reserves were higher in bucks fed dietary cerium oxide compared with those fed control diet and the highest value recorded at 100 ppm level of inclusion. The results also showed that the testes weights and the daily sperm production (DSP) per testes of the buck rabbits were significantly (P<0.05) increased. The testes of the animals fed diets containing 50-150 ppm dietary cerium oxide had good and normal testicular generation and proper process of spermatogenesis. Therefore, feeding diets supplemented with cerium oxide to buck rabbits to be used for breeding would positively influence sperm production.
Highlights
The ban of all antibiotic feed additives by the European Union in early 2006 necessitated a strong demand for new, efficient, safe and inexpensive feed additives which would better promote growth (Redling, 2006)
The results revealed that the extra-gonadal Sperm Reserves (ESR) were significantly (P
The result of this study is in line with the report of Wu et al (1994) that reported an improvement in fertility of hens fed dietary rare earth elements (REEs) and Shao et al (1998) that reported that REE had significant positive effect on embryo development of carp
Summary
The ban of all antibiotic feed additives by the European Union in early 2006 necessitated a strong demand for new, efficient, safe and inexpensive feed additives which would better promote growth (Redling, 2006). Quite a number of feed additives are already known as replacements for antibiotics as feed additives but rare earth elements (REEs) might be the new generation of growth promoters. Chinese literature has reported amazing results achieved by supplying REE in animal diets (Redling, 2006). The performance enhancement effects of REE supplemented diets could be achieved in a great variety of farm animals as well as in aquaculture (Xiong, 1995). It was reported that proper concentrations of REE in diet can improve animal growth performance without any form of interference with the quality of products (Adu, 2005, Redling, 2006 and Akinmuyisitan, 2015)
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