Gonadal Sperm Reserves Research Articles

Gonadal sperm reserves and testosterone profile of Wistar rats treated with Taurine following Cypermetrin toxicity

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Taurine (TAU) on sperm/spermatid reserves and testosterone profile of Wistar rats exposed to Cypermethrin (CYP) toxicity. Male rats weighing between 150 - 200 g age 10-11 weeks old were used. The experiment was divided into 7 groups, which included; Group A distilled water, Group B soya oil at 2 ml/kg, Group C TAU 50mg/kg, Group D TAU 100mg/kg, Group E CYP at 20 mg/kg Group F TAU at 50 mg/kg with CYP at 20 mg/kg and Group G TAU at 100 mg/kg with CYP at 20 mg/kg respectively. The treatments were administered once daily by oral gavage for 60 days. At termination, the rats were decapitated. Sera samples were obtained. The epididymis was separated into head, body and tail, testicular and epididymal filtrate volumes were measured. Paired gonadal and epididymal sperm/spermatid reserves were determined using a haemocytometer and light microscope. Testosterone assay was done with testosterone ELISA Kits. Results showed that testicular sperm/spermatid reserves of groups A and B were 11.50 ± 0.87b x106 /g of testes and 16.00 ± 3.08a x106 /g which were significantly higher than the rest groups (p<0.05). Sperm reserves of the tail epididymis was significantly higher in groups A, B, E and F (p<0.05). The values were 15.75 ± 2.95a x106 /g, 15.25 ± 2.81a x106 /g, 11.50 ± 1.50a x106 /g and 10.0 ± 0.0a x106 /g respectively, Sperm reserves of the head epididymis was significantly higher in groups D and E (p<0.05). The values were 10.25 ± 3.68a x106 /g 9.25 ± 1.89a x106 /g. It was concluded that taurine at 50mg and 100 mg/kg did not show any significant positive effect on serum testosterone, testicular sperm/spermatid reserves, tail and body epididymal sperm reserves. Taurine effect may be dose dependent and influenced by osmoregulation. It was recommended that higher doses of taurine be tested.

Improved gonadal sperm reserves, growth performance, and antioxidant capacity of maturity V-line rabbits fedVespa oriental meal

Insects continue to receive considerable interest as a potential nutrient source and as nutraceuticals. In this study, the effects of diets containing 25 and 50% ofVespa orientalis meal (VOM) as a replacement for soybean meal (control: 100%), on the reproductive potential of 90-day-old V-line male rabbits (average weight: 1.06±0.03 kg) were investigated. Bucks fed the 50% VOM diet demonstrated the highest increase in body weight, reaction time, and testicular weight at maturity, and their gonadal sperm reserves (GSR) increased significantly (P<0.001) compared with those of other experimental groups. GSR in the testis was significantly (P<0.001) higher in rabbits fed a diet containing VOM than the control group. Epididymal sperm reserves in caput, corpus, and cauda increased significantly (P<0.001) as the percentage of VOM increased in the diets of bucks. The daily sperm production per gram in the testis of bucks fed with diets containing VOM improved significantly (P<0.05; by 39.67 and 62.13% when provided with diets containing 25 and 50% VOM, respectively) compared with that in the control group. Similarly, testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the VOM-fed groups than in the control group. However, luteinising hormone levels declined (P<0.05) in the VOM- provided groups than in the control group. Supplementation with different VOM levels significantly (P<0.001) enhanced the serum total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased the serum malondialdehyde levels compared with the control group. Serum biochemical traits, including protein and lipid profiles and glucose concentration, were significantly improved in bucks fed with VOM-supplemented diets. In conclusion, dietary VOM supplementation promotes the daily sperm production, testicular sperm reserves, sexual hormone production, and antioxidant capacity of V-line bucks.

Effect of dietary supplemented cocoa pod husk meal on the reproductive performance of rabbits

This study determined the dietary effect of cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) on the reproductive performance of rabbits. Twelve iso-nitrogenous (16.05% CP) and iso–caloric (2500.12 Kcal kg-1 ME) diets were formulated. The CPHM was included at 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5% levels for T1, T2, T3, and T4 raw; T5, T6, T7, T8 fermented and T9, T10, T11, T12 hot–water treated CPHM. Sixty weaned rabbits between 5 and 6 weeks old of both sexes (30 males and 30 females) with mean initial body weight of 606.42±1.30g were used. The rabbits were randomly distributed using a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were crossed at maturity for reproductive performance evaluation. Total protein concentrations of reproductive parts were determined. Result showed no significant dietary effect on reproductive performance. The 37.5% level recorded zero pregnancy in the raw and hot–water groups. Average gestation period ranged between 30 and 31 days. Average litter size at birth ranged 1 – 4 kittens. Average weaning weight ranged between 475 and 580.25g with the least weight in the raw group. Milk yield ranged between 205.46 and 262.94g. The sperm volume and gonadal sperm reserve recorded significant effect (P<0.05). In the raw and hot–water groups, the sperm volume decreased marginally. The protein concentration in the testes recorded higher significant (P<0.05) values in the control diet and the least value in raw group. The study concluded that fermented CPHM diets performed best at 37.5% level in terms of reproductive performance of rabbits. Keywords: Cocoa, Gonadal sperm reserve, Kindling, Milking, Sperm volume.

Influence of Graded Dose of Moringa oleifera Seed Extract Administered Orally on Testicular Pathology, Gonadal and Extra Gonadal Sperm Reserves of Wistar Rats Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei

BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera seeds are known for their high protein and vitamin content. Antioxidants are abundant in these seeds. Aqueous extraction was done. After that, an acute toxicity test was performed. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to see how a graded dose of M. oleifera aqueous seed extracts altered testicular pathology, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves in Wistar rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. METHODS: The rats were A, B, C, D, and E were randomly assigned to five groups with group E serving as the control group. The rats in Groups A to D were inoculated intra-peritoneal with 1× 106 virulent T. brucei brucei, and they were held for one week to demonstrate clinical signs before starting the extract therapy. Every day at 10:00 a.m., the rats were given treatment for five weeks with (75, 100, 125, and 150) mg/kg of M. oleifera aqueous seed extract for groups A, B, C, and D respectively. While the control group E received 0.5 mL/kg of water. For hema-tological indices, blood samples were collected every Monday between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. All of the rats were humanely sacrificed at the end of the six-week experiment, and their gonadal and extragonadal sperm stores were collected, tested, and processed for histopathology. RESULTS: After treatment, the rats' gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves (groups A to E) showed a substantial increase (213±1.1a; 221±2.1; 250±0.0c; 259±2.6d; 295±2.6e) × 106 and (115±1.1; 160±2.1; 153±0.0; 167±2.6; 120±0.6) × 106 respectively, compared to control group at P < 0.05 level. Sperm concentration of the right epididy-mis (60.0±1.1a; 90.2±2.1b; 96.5±0.0c; 98.7±2.6d; 69.4±0.6e) × 106 were significantly higher compare to the left epididymis (55.0±1.1; 69.8±2.1; 56.5±0.0; 68.3±2.6; 50.6±0.6) × 106. The PCV (%) and WBC (103/μL) levels in groups A, B, and C were significantly greater following infection than that in group E. Infection with T. brucei at weeks 2 and 3 shows poor semen characteristics, thereafter the semen quality has improved. CONCLUSIONS: Moringa oleifera aqueous seeds extract has drastically abridged the impact of trypanosomosis and enhanced the semen quality of the experimental rats.

GONADAL AND EXTRA-GONADAL SPERM RESERVES OF KANO BROWN BUCKS AS INFLUENCED BY SEASON AND FEEDING REGIME IN SEMI-ARID ZONE OF NIGERIA

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of season and feeding regime on reproductive parameters of Kano Brown bucks. A total of fourty eight (48) bucks were used for this study which comprised sixteen (16) bucks per season. At the end of this study twelve (12) bucks, three from each treatment were orchidectomised. Twenty-four right and left testes were harvested, testicular weight (g) and length (cm) were measured. Epididymis was carefully separated from the testes using scapel blade and then separated into three parts (carput, corpus and cauda epididymides) weight (g) and length (cm) were also measured. Testes and epididymis were used to determine gonadal and extra gonadal (x 106)/g/testis which was done in the laboratory. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Completely Randomized Design. The results of gonadal sperm reserves (x 106)/g/testis differed significantly among the seasons, dry season recorded the highest mean value (2896.83 x106)/g/testis whereas rainy season had the lowest mean value (2350.15 x106)/g/testis. Similarly, for extra gonadal sperm reserves, dry season also recorded the highest values (1736.00 x 106) followed by harmattan season (1037.50 x 106). Based on the results of this study, it could be concluded that season and feeding regime had a significant effect on gonadal and extra gonadal sperm/spermatid reserves of Kano Brown bucks. Breeding bucks should be raised during rainy and harmattan seasons.

Effects of supplemental cocoa husk on testicular characteristics of pigs

48 Large white boars with an average weight of 35 kg were randomly allocated to 6 experimental&#x0D; rations compounded from conventional ingredients with maize and maize offal as the major energy&#x0D; Sources. Ration 1, (R1) served as the control and contained no Cocoa husk (CH) supplement.&#x0D; Rations 2.3.4,5 and 6 (R2-R6) contained 5%, 10%, 15% 20% and 25% inclusion levels of cocoa&#x0D; husk, respectively effectively replacing maize offal at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%, respectively. Significant effects (P&lt;0.05) were observed on testicular weights with a mean of 150g in the control Digs and 168g in the pigs on 5% CH diet. Further increases in the dietary intake of CH decreased testicular weight. The weight of the tunica albuginea increased initially with increasing CH inclusion up to 10% level (17.8g) thereafter gradually decreasing with increasing CH to10. 6g at 25% CH level. The cauda epididymal weight also exhibited a similar trend. Gonadal sperm reserves were influenced by dietary CH rising from 2.74x109 in the control animals to 13.05 x109 in the 10% CH supplemented group and falling thereafter to 3.21 x109 at 20%CH supplementation. Epididymal reserves were also similar in concentration to the testicular sperm concentrations. Significant dimly effects were observed in calcium, potassium and sodium concentrations in the gonads. Calcium content of gonadal tissues decreased with increasing CH level. Potassium and sodium however rose linearly with increasing CH incorporation zip till 20% incorporation level, and declined sharply in the pigs fed the 25%CH diets. In summary, cocoa husk supported optimum testicular characteristics maximally in mature boars up to 10 % level of incorporation and is tolerated without adverse effects on testicular characteristics up to 15% level.

Spermatogenesis, gonadal sperm reserves and fertility of rabbits fed micro doses of fumonisin

The effects of micro doses of dietary fumonisin, a metabolite of Fusarium verticillioides, on spermatogenesis, gonadal sperm reserves and fertility of rabbits were studied. Relative paired testis weight; sperm production rate and sperm storage potential were not adversely affected in rabbits which were exposed to varied minute levels of dietary fumonisin of about 153-161 µg/kg body weight/day over a period of 8 weeks. The toxin also failed to exert any influence (P&gt;0.05) on seminiferous tubular diameter and volume percent of testicular elements. Male fertility as evidenced by conception rate, litter size and embryo survival and normalcy was also not affected (P&gt;0.05). However, the frequency of occurrence of stages II and VIII of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced with increased dietary fumonisin levels. The results suggest that the ingestion of Fusarium-infected feed that would result in the liberation of about 153 µg of fumonisin/kg of body weight per day for a short time may not influence spermatogenesis, fertility in the male or the normalcy of the resulting foetuses.

Sperm production rate, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves in slaughtered White Fulani (Bunaji) bulls in a lowland tropical environment

Reproductive tract morphometry, sperm production rates, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves in Bunaji bulls were evaluated using samples from a total of 13 mature animals. The morphometric characteristics of the reproductive organs had generally low values but showed normal development. The daily sperm production (DSP) averaged 1.23 ± 0.16 x 109, while the daily sperm production (DSG/g) was 0.62 ± 0.11 x 107. Gonadal sperm reserve was 2.17 ± 0.73 x 109 while extragonadal sperm reserve was 3.82 x 109 for caput, 2.68 x 109 for corpus, 4.36 x 10 (for cauda epididymis and 0.62 x 109 for the ductus deferens. The relative contributions of the epididymal segments and the ductus deferns to the total extragonadal sperm reserves were 33.28%, 23.34%, 37.98% and 5.40% respectively. Testicular morphomeric characteristics correlated highly with themselves and with sperm production parameters as well as extragonadal sperm reserve. While these results provided information that would be useful in the determination if male/female ratio during mating and artificial insemination programmmes, the study also shows that good sires could be obtained from these animals for breeding and improvement programmes in this breed.

Growth and Testicular Spermatozoa Reserve Potential Of Pre-pubertal Rabbits Fed With Diet Containing 16% Bovine Rumen Digesta-BIood Meal Mixture (50:50) In combination With 18% Cooked Macuna Bean Meal

The growth response of pre-pubertal rabbits and their gonadal sperm reserve potential at pubertal stage when fed diets containing a combination of 16% (50-50) bovine rumen digesta-blood meal (BRDBM) mixture and 18% cooked mucuna bean (CMBM). This was in replacement of 500/0 of the maize and 50% of the groundnut cake of a pre-pubertal control diet. Twenty-four male rabbits of mixed breed aged between 6-8 weeks and body weight range 900-915g were randomly allocated to two diets: the control (diet 1) and the experimental (diet 2). Daily feed intake (72.4±7.5g vs 64.0±9.1g), total weight gain (518±1g Vs 406±18g) and Terminal live weight (1427±48g vs 1317±410 were significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher in the control than experimental group. Feed to gain ratio in group I was marginally lower (7.5±2.6g Vs 8.5±1.2g) than for diet 2. However, dressing percentage (68.6±7.00/6 Vs 75.4±9.0%) was significantly higher in the rabbits on diet 2 than diet l. The cost per kg of diet Vs as well as the cost per kg live weight gain (N352.6±O.l VsN344.5H).l) was significantly lower for diet 2 than diet l. The paired testes weight (1.8±0.6g Vs 1.9±0.40, daily sperm production (3.6x 108 Vs 3,8x 108) and testicular spermatozoa reserve were marginally higher in rabbit on diet 2 (experimental) than diet 1 (control). The paired epididymal weight for rabbits on diet 2 was significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher (0.6±0.3g Vs 1.2±0.30 than those on diet l, indicating more efficient sperm storage. The hematological measured were not affected (P&gt;O. 05) by the dietary treatments. The non-significant difference (P&gt;O. 05) in the efficiency of sperm production and sperm reserve between the two diets confirmed that the inclusion of these materials, in the diet of rabbits supports the ventures Of increasing animal protein sources through cheaper rabbits production process in Nigeria

The Effect of Dietary Protein (Groundnut Cake and Coconut Cake) on the Live Weight Gain, Spermiograms, Gonadal sperm Reserves and Fertility of Boars

The study investigated the effect of dietary protein (groundnut cake and coconut cake) on the live weight gain, spermiograms, gonadalsperm reserves and fertility of boars. The study was conducted at the Swine unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The university of Uyo was used in this study. It is located in the heart of Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. A total of 18 grower pigs of large white consisting of 15 boars and 3 sows were used for the study. The boars were randomly selected into 3 groups (Ti, T2 and T3)5 of five based on average initial weights (20-25kg) and were tagged appropriately while the sows were randomly placed in 3 group(S1, S2 and S3) of 1 in each group. Three diets were made for the three treatment conditions. The boars in T1which is the control group were given normal maize fed, boars in T2 which is the first treatment condition were given groundnut cake diet while boars in T3 which is the second treatment condition were given coconut cake. These pigs were fed twice daily and water supplied adlibitium. Finally, the sow in S1 was artificially inseminated with the semen of the Boar in condtion group 1 (T1), S2 was artificially inseminated with the semen of treatment condition 2 (T2) while S3 was artificially inseminated with the semen of treatment condition 3 (T3). During the feeding trial, weekly feed consumption and weight changes were recorded, while weight gain, feed conversion. Result showed a significant difference on the live weight gain of boars between groups (P 0.05). It was concluded that dietary protein of groundnut cake and coconut cake could completely replace maize as they improve the live weight gain and sperms quality of boars. Implications and recommendations were made from the findings of the study.

Gonadal, extra gonadal sperm reserve and daily sperm production of breeder cocks fed graded levels of dietary fumonisin B1

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a secondary metabolite of the fungus fusarium verticillioides is known to be consumed by farm animals and has been reported to be associated with various farm animal diseases. To account for potential reproductive effects \of fumonisin in cocks meant for breeding purpose, sixty pre-pubertal breeder cocks of about 16 weeks of age were randomly assigned to four diets containing 0.2, 5.2, 10.2 and 15.2mg FB1/kg constituting diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. After 16 weeks of feeding trial all the pubertal cocks were sacrificed. Their testes and epididimydes were carefully dissected, removed, weighed and recorded. The left and right organs were homogenized separately. Dietary FB1 did not significantly (p> 0.05) influence both the gonadal and extra gonadal weights of the cock. The gonadal sperm reserves (GSR) of cocks fed the control diet (5.54x 107/testis) was significantly superior (p<0.05) to those fed diet 4 (2.66 X 107/ testis). Expressing the GSR on per gram of testis basis, cocks fed with the control diet had a significantly higher value when compared with cocks fed diet 4. The GSR in the left testis both on per testis and gram of testis bases was superior to those of the right testis. The dietary FB1 levels significantly decreased the extra gonadal sperm reserves (ESR) of the cocks which ranged from 4.21X107/epididymis for cocks on diet 1 to 1.33X 107 /epididymis for cocks fed diet 4. The daily sperm production (DSP) of the cocks both on per testis and per gram testis were significantly reduced as the inclusion levels of dietary FB1 increased. The DSP of cocks fed diet 4 were half the DSP of cocks fed the control diet. The study revealed that cocks intended for breeding purpose should not be exposed to dietary FB1 higher than 10.2 ppm FB1 for optimum reproductive performance.

Testicular morphometry and sperm reserves of local turkey toms fed varying levels of protein in the diet

The morphometry and sperm reserves of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens of three groups (n=5/ group) of sexually active adult local turkey toms fed isocaloric diet with varying levels (12 %, 16 %, 20 %) of protein were studied for sixteen weeks. The weights of the toms before treatment were between 3.5 – 4.5 kg, while at the end of the experiment the mean ± SD live weight were 5.29 ± 0.65, 5.39 ± 0.45 and 5.63 ± 0.49 kg for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The mean ± SD weights of the paired tunics, testis, epididymis and vas deferens, respectively, were 0.41 ± 0.11 g, 8.27 ± 2.37 g, 0.28 ± 0. 07 g and 0.36 ± 0.11 g (group 1): 0.43 ± 0.02 g, 8.50 ± 0.65 g, 0.33 ± 0.11 g and 0.40 ± 0.11 g (group 2) and: 0.49 ± 0.16 g, 9.83 ± 3.08 g, 0.40 ± 0.13 g and 0.50 ± 0.18 g, (group 3). The mean ± SD lengths of the testes were: 3.72 ± 0.34 cm, 4.40 ± 0.47 cm and 4.48 ± 1.14 cm; the epididymis: 3.12 ± 0.56 cm, 3.17 ± 0.67cm and 3.48 ± 0.49 cm, and the vas deferens: 17.27 ± 1.10 cm, 17.33 ± 0.93 cm and 17.49 ± 1.10 cm, for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Mostly, the parameters of the left organs were greater than those of the right. The mean ± SD weight of the testes positively correlated with that of the epididymis in all the groups (r = 0.72, 0.65 and 0.87 for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively) and the vas deferens (r = 0.54, 0.72 and 0.75 for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively). The gonadal sperm reserves were 0.19 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml, 0.21 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml and 0.21 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The mean ± SD extragonadal sperm reserves were, epididymis: 0.08 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml, 0.12 ± 0.01 x 109 cells/ml, 0.18 ± 0.00 x 109 cells/ml, and vas deferens: 2.00 ± 0.13 x 109 cells/ml, 2.82 ± 0.50 x 109 cells/ml and 3.75 ± 0.60 x 109 cells/ml for the three groups respectively. The vas deferens had about 88 %, of the extragonadal sperm reserve in group 1 and 90 % in groups 2 and 3. Sperm reserve was positively correlated to body weight and to the length of the testis. The results suggest, therefore, that morphometry and sperm reserves were better in turkey toms fed 16 % and 20 % than 12 % protein diets.Keywords: Crude protein, Fertility, Morphometry, Reproduction, Sperm reserves, Turkey tom

Effect of Gonadotrophin (Pergonal®) on daily sperm output, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of mature Yankasa rams in Eastern Nigeria

Three groups of 6 healthy mature Yankasa rams aged 2.0 to 2.6 years weighing between 30.50 and 30.60kg were used to determine the effect of Pergonal&reg; on daily sperm output, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. The rams were assigned to either 49.50 i.u (T2), 99.00 i.u (T3) or 148.50 i.u (T4) Pergonal&reg; injections (Ferring Labs, USA) each divided into 3 doses and administered for 3 consecutive days according to the manufacturer&rsquo;s prescription. Another group of 6 rams was given normal saline (1ml) during the same period to serve as control (T1). All treatments were given to study the effect of the drug on daily sperm output, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. All the treatments were given by intra-muscular injection. The results showed significant differences (P&gt;0.05) among the treatment groups in daily sperm output, (x109) daily sperm output per gram testis (x109), gonadal sperm reserve (x109), caput sperm reserve (x108), corpus sperm reserve (x108), cauda sperm reserve (x108) and vas deferens sperm reserve (x108). High correlations were observed between testis weight, caput weight and daily sperm output, gonadal sperm reserve, daily sperm output per gram testis, between caput weight, corpus weight, cauda weight and cauda sperm reserve. The results of this study suggest that the daily sperm output, daily sperm output per gram testis,&nbsp; gonadal, caput, corpus, cauda and vas deferens sperm reserves would be improved when 99.00 i.u &nbsp;of Pergonal&reg; is used for induction of spermatogenesis in Yankasa rams.

Testicular pathology, gonadal and epididymal sperm reserves of Yankasa rams infected with experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma evansi.

Aim:The study was conducted to evaluate the pathological effects of trypanosomosis on the testes, gonadal, and epididymal sperm reserves of Yankasa rams for 98 days.Materials and Methods:A total of 16 Yankasa rams, aged between 24 and 30 months and weighed between 22 and 25 kg, were acclimatized for a period of 2-months in a clean fly proof house and were adequately fed and given water ad-libitum. Of the 16 rams, 12 that were clinically fit for the experiment at the end of the acclimatization period were randomly divided into four groups: Groups I, II, III, and IV, each having 3 rams. Groups I and II were each challenged singly with experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federer strain) and Trypanosoma evansi (Sokoto strain), respectively, while Group III was challenged with mixed T. brucei brucei and T. evansi parasites (50% of each species in the infective inoculum) and Group IV was left as an uninfected control. Each infected ram received 2 mL of the infected blood containing 2×106 trypomastigotes via the jugular vein, while the control group received 2 mL each, normal saline.Results:All the infected rams developed clinical signs typical of trypanosomosis at varying pre-patent periods. The gross lesions observed in the infected rams in Group II were moderate and more severe in those of Groups I and III. Histological sections of the testes of infected rams (Groups I, II, and III) showed moderate (T. evansi-infected group) to severe (mixed and T. brucei brucei-infected groups) testicular degenerations with reduction in number of spermatogenic cell layers, degenerated seminiferous tubules, congested interlobular spaces, loss of tissue architecture with significant (p<0.01) depletion, and loss of gonadal and epididymal sperm reserves in Groups I and III in comparison to Group II and the control Group IV. No observable clinical signs and histopathological lesions were found in those rams of the control Group IV.Conclusion:The study concluded that trypanosomosis due to experimental T. brucei brucei or T. evansi or mixed infections (of both parasites) caused testicular damage, decreased epididymal and gonadal sperm reserves and an important cause of infertility in Yankasa rams.

Gonadal and Epididymal Sperm Reserves of Yankasa Rams Treated with Cypermethrin

Cypermethrin 3% (30 gram/liter) at the dose rate of 3mg/kg (0.1ml/kg) was used as pour-on. Sixteen healthy Yankasa rams with clinically normal genitalia were used. The animals were divided into groups A and B i.e. experimental and control groups. The experimental group was given Cypermethrin treatment as pour-on fortnightly for a period of twelve weeks. The control group was given distilled water at the same rate (0.1ml/kg) and route of administration for the same length of time. Rams from both the experimental and control groups were sacrificed for estimation of gonadal and epididymal sperm/spermatids reserves at the end of the twelve week studies. Epididymal and gonadal sperm reserves were estimated using a haemocytometer. Results showed that gonadal sperm reserves was not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Epididymal sperm reserves showed that there was a significant difference between the cauda epididymis of the experimental and the control rams with the experimental rams showing lower cauda epididymal reserves of 149.75±13.13 x106/g while the control rams had a value of 244.56±17.09 x 106/g (P<0.05), the caput and corpus epididymis were not significantly different. It was concluded that 3% Cypermethrin at the dose rate of 3mg/kg given for a period of twelve weeks affects the epididymal sperm reserves at the cauda segment. It was therefore recommended that the use of Cypermethrin be applied with caution in rams as it may affect the fertility of Yankasa rams negatively.

Effect of Gmelina arborea Leaf Meal on Sperm Production and Sperm Reserves in Rabbit Bucks

Thirty-two (32) male rabbits of heterogeneous stock (California X New Zealand X Chinchilla crosses), agedbetween 8 and 12 weeks, weighing between 1100g and 1250g were used in an experiment to evaluate the effects of Gmelinaarborealeaf meal on sperm production rate, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. Rabbit bucks were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments designated T1, T2, T3 and T4 containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of Gmelinaarborea leaf meal respectively. The results showed significant (P>0.05) influence of diets on testes andepididymalweights.Rabbit bucks fed 15% Gmelinaarborea leaf meal showedhighly significant (P0.05) influence of the dietary treatment on daily sperm production (DSP) and daily sperm production per gram testis (DSPG). The results also indicated that Gmelinaarborea leaf meal up to 15% in dietdid not adversely affect sperm production and sperm reserves in rabbit bucks.

Effect of human menopausal gonadotropin on testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks

&lt;p&gt;Testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit bucks treated with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (Menogon®) were studied. Twenty-four crossbred rabbit bucks weighing 1.3-1.6 kg at 15-17 wk were randomised into 4 treatment doses of 0 (control), 7.5, 15.0, and 22.5 I.U. in a completely randomised design with 6 bucks per group. A vial of Menogon® was reconstituted in 1 mL of physiological saline solution and administered intramuscularly at 72 h intervals for 56 d prior to commencement of sample collection. Parameters evaluated were ejaculate concentration, testicular morphometry, gonadal and extragonadal sperm concentrations. Results for ejaculate concentration (86, 110, 186, and 135×106/mm3) revealed a significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) higher difference in the 15.0 I.U. group. Gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserve indices were not significantly (P&amp;gt;0.05) affected by the treatment. Testicular morphometry results showed that paired testis volume (cm3), testis circumference (cm), ductus deferens length (cm) and epididymal length (cm) were significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) different, with a progressive increase that corresponds to increased Menogon® administration. High and positive correlations (P&amp;lt;0.01) were observed between testis weight and gonadal sperm reserves (r=0.99) and body weight and gonadal sperm reserves (r=0.99). Similarly, correlations between epididymal weight and epididymal sperm reserves (r=0.85), testis weight and ejaculate concentration (r=0.97), body weight and ejaculate concentration (r=0.96), body weight and testis weight (r=0.97), testis volume and ejaculate concentration (r=0.97), testis volume and gonadal sperm reserve (r=0.91), testis volume and testis weight (r=0.96), and testis volume and body weight (r=0.90) were positive and significant (P&amp;lt;0.05). Taking all the reported results into consideration, controlling the amount of Menogon® administration at 15.0 I.U. for rabbit bucks could be a promising approach to regulating testosterone synthesis and secretion, thereby affording a potential method of enhancing fertility.&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of Dietary Gossypol on Gonadal and Extragonadal Sperm Reserves of Yankasa Rams

Cottonseed and its by-products are used extensively for supplementing ruminant rations to increase productivity. However, they contain gossypol which is a reproductive toxicant in males of both ruminant and non-ruminants. This study evaluated the effect of dietary gossypol from whole cottonseed (WCS) and cottonseed cake (CSC) on the gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of Yankasa rams. Fifteen (15) Yankasa rams weighing an average of 20 2 Kg were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B and C) of five rams each and were fed diets containing 48 % WCS, 48 % CSC and control diet (gossypol-free), respectively for 14 weeks. The gonadal and epididymal sperm of the rams (3 from each group) were conducted. The data obtained were statistically analysed using GraphPad Prism version 5.0. Significance of differences between treatments means were determined at P ≤ 0.05 with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test of repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by gossypol. Gossypol-treated rams in groups A and B however, had numerically lower mean values of testicular and epididymal weight, length and sperm reserves than those of the control group. We concluded that gossypol present in whole cottonseed cake which causes reduction in testicular and epididymal sperm reserves and these feeds should be used with caution in breeding rams.

Gonadal and Extragonadal Sperm Reserves of Rabbit Bucks Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma Brucei in Zaria, Nigeria

Gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of 20 adult male rabbits (bucks) were determined following an experimental infection with Trypanosoma brucei brucei over a 12 weeks study period. Ten rabbit bucks were infected with 1 ml of the parasites containing 1 X 106 trypanosomes, while the other 10 bucks served as control post infection. At the end of the experiment, two bucks from each of the groups were sacrificed and their testes were harvested for the determination of gonadal and epididymal spermatozoa reserves using a haemocytometer. The mean gonadal spermatozoa reserves of the control and the infected rabbit bucks were 247.6 ± 65.13 X106/g testis and 173.1 ± 26.88 X106/g testis respectively. The mean epididymal spermatozoa reserves of the control and the infected rabbit bucks were 108.2 ±38.22 X106/g and 19.25± 13.41 X106/g, respectively. The mean (±SEM) of the caput, corpus and cauda of the control rabbit bucks were 106.9±10.63 X106/g, 7.63±2.63 and 175.00±26.50 respectively, while the mean (±SEM) for the infected rabbit bucks were 46.00±7.25, 4.13±0.38 and 42.63±37.13 X106/g respectively.

Testicular biochemicals, sperm reserves and daily sperm production of West African dwarf bucks fed varied levels of dietary aflatoxin

An experiment was conducted with twenty West African dwarf (WAD) bucks (5–6 months old) to assess reproductive potentials of growing WAD bucks to varied dietary aflatoxin of 0μg/kg, 50μg/kg, 100μg/kg and 150μg/kg containing in diets 1 (control) 2, 3 and 4 respectively, for a period of 12 weeks. At the end of the 12th week, the reproductive tracts of bucks were excised and homogenised in physiological saline for assessment of glucose, total protein and testosterone concentration, gonadal and extra gonadal sperm reserves. Results showed that gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves of goats fed control diet (2.71×109 and 3.07×109 spermatozoa respectively) were superior (p<0.05) to those fed 50μg/kg, 100μg/kg and 150μg/kg [(1.59×109 and 2.33×109), (1.09×109 and 2.45×109) and (1.00×109 and 1.41×109) spermatozoa respectively]. Daily sperm production of bucks fed the control diet was significantly (p<0.05) higher (7.60×108 spermatozoa/testis) than those fed 50μg/kg (4.47×108), 100μg/kg (3.07×108) and 150μg/kg (2.80×108 spermatozoa/testis). Sperm production efficiency also follows the same trend as daily sperm production. Glucose and total protein concentration in the testes declined significantly as the aflatoxin level increases in the diets. Testosterone level was significantly lower in goats fed 100μg/kg than others. The study suggest that exposure of male goats to dietary aflatoxin up to 50μg/kg diet will reduced testicular biochemical and testosterone with resultant depression in sperm storage capability and daily sperm production in the animals.