Rabbit Bucks Research Articles

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF MONGREL RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY LEVELS OF GARLIC (ALLUM SATIVUM) MEAL

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of garlic meal supplementation on growth performance and semen characteristics in rabbit bucks. Twenty-four (24) mixed breed rabbit bucks were used for this study. The bucks were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks before the commencement of the study, during this period, they were fed formulated diet and Calopogonium ad-libitum. Feed and clean drinking water were offered ad libitum to the experimental animals. Four different experimental diets were formulated with varying levels of 0.00, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50% garlic meal as supplement and were coded as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, with as control. The 24 bucks were weighed and randomly allotted into the four experimental treatments and replicated thrice with two rabbit bucks per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD) for a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, semen collection was done using a specially designed artificial vagina for rabbits. The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The result showed that garlic meal had significant effect (P<0.05) on final weight, total and daily feed intake. Garlic significantly influenced (p<0.05) sperm volume, motility, concentration and total cells per ejaculate however, did not affect sperm morphology. In conclusion, garlic meal supplementation at 1.0% (10g/kg) can improve some growth and seminal parameters in male rabbits.

Regulatory effects of vitamin E nano-emulsion on blood metabolites, immunological variables, testicular architecture, and sperm ultrastructure of heat-stressed V-line rabbit bucks

The study investigated the beneficial effects of vitamin E-loaded nano-emulsion (NEVE) on hemato-biochemical changes, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immunological variables, and semen quality in heat-stressed rabbit bucks. Forty adult V-line rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing NEVE at 0 (NEVE0), 50 (NEVE50), 100 (NEVE100), and 200 (NEVE200) mg/kg for 12 weeks. The NEVE had a mean particle diameter of 32.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.6, and a zeta potential of −31.1 mV. The dietary NEVE significantly improved the hematological, blood protein, lipid profile, and liver functions of rabbit bucks (p < 0.05). The NEVE200 treated group showed higher levels of nitric oxide, TAC, and SOD in blood serum and seminal plasma compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, levels of MDA, IL-4, and TNF-α were significantly shrunken in response to the dietary treatment (p < 0.0001), while the IgA and IgG were improved in the NEVE100 and NEVE200 groups. The NEVE200 exhibited higher progressive motility, ejaculate volume, viability, and better libido (lower reaction time) than the untreated group (p < 0.05). TEM images illustrated that NEVE200 exhibited higher sperm cells with a normal structure, intact plasma membranes, and acrosomes than the other groups. Moreover, testicular architecture was improved with NEVE supplementation. Overall, the dietary addition of NEVE at 100 or 200 mg/kg could be an effective strategy to improve the health and semen quality of rabbit bucks during hot climates.

Correlation Analysis among the Various Inbreeding Coefficients of Pannon Ka Rabbits

In a closed population with a limited population size, mating of related animals is unavoidable. In this study, the genealogy data of a synthetic maternal rabbit breed called Pannon Ka were used to calculate different inbreeding coefficients. The evaluated animals were born between 1995 and 2020, and the pedigree consisted of 5819 animals that originated from 4205 rabbit does and from 1314 rabbit bucks. The pedigree was further extended with 16,013 dummy progeny records in order to calculate litter inbreeding coefficients. Besides the conventional Wright inbreeding coefficients, the so-called ancestral and new inbreeding coefficients were also calculated using the gene dropping method. By the end of the evaluated period, the litter inbreeding increased to almost 11 and 60% for Wright and Ballou inbreeding, while the Kalinowski and the Kalinowski new inbreeding coefficients were 9.25 and 16.67%, respectively. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the does and for the litters. Finally, the effects of pedigree length and completeness were also taken into account using the complete generation equivalents in a partial correlation analysis. Based on the results, it could be seen that the different ancestral inbreeding coefficients had high correlation. Similarly, the conventional Wright inbreeding coefficients showed strong correlation with the new inbreeding coefficients. On the contrary, the correlation between ancestral and new inbreeding coefficients was low. Taking the complete generation equivalent into account did not give unambiguous results. It could be concluded that the different inbreeding coefficients are based on different concepts, and they are clearly different population parameters.

Oxidative stress markers in brain and gonads of rabbit bucks fed herbal supplements

BackgroundCurrently, there is an increase in the usage of phytogenic feed additives to help improve animal welfare and productivity, while less emphasis is now placed on metabolic and oxidative stability of neuronal and testicular tissues. This study aims at investigating the effects of Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album as feed additives on some metabolic indicators and oxidative status of rabbit testis and brain. Isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated with 5% supplementation of each of the phytogenic additive to 3 treatment groups and basal diet group.ResultsIt was revealed that moringa, mistletoe, and phyllanthus can modulate oxidative status in both the brain and gonads of rabbit bucks through their unique phytochemical compositions, thereby affecting reproductive and cognitive functions. Moringa, rich in crude protein, saponins, glycosides, and steroids, enhances protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels but increases lipid peroxidation in the testis. Mistletoe, with high crude fiber, ash, and antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins, boosts total antioxidant activity in several brain regions and reduces lipid peroxidation, indicating its potential for reducing oxidative stress. Phyllanthus, having the least fiber and ash but effective antioxidant properties, notably affects the oxidative balance in both the testis and brain, with varied impacts on different tissues. The result obtained showed that total antioxidant activity of the left testis was enhanced (p < 0.05) by inclusion of the phytogenic additives, while total antioxidant activity of the right testis in bucks fed on phytogenic additives were similar (p > 0.05) to bucks on basal diet. Bucks fed on moringa and phyllanthus additives had higher (p < 0.05) testicular lipid peroxidation, lowered testicular protein and/or lactate dehydrogenase. Result also shows that lipid peroxidation of hypothalamus, cerebrum, olfactory lobe and cerebellum were lowest in bucks fed on mistletoe, phyllanthus, phyllanthus and phyllanthus, respectively. High catalase activity of optic lobe, olfactory lobe and cerebellum were observed in bucks fed on mistletoe, moringa and mistletoe, respectively, while glutathione peroxidase activity in hypothalamus, cerebrum, olfactory lobe and pineal was enhanced (p < 0.05) in bucks fed on moringa and mistletoe compared to bucks on other treatment.ConclusionM. oleifera, P. amarus and V. album leaves as phytogenic feed additives in rabbit diets have negative effect on the metabolic activity of the testis, enhancing antioxidant activity in the brain.

Measurement of hepatic glucose (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) uptake with positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging in fumonisin B intoxicated rabbit bucks

Rabbit bucks (bodyweight 5 kg) underwent dietary intoxication with fumonisin B series mycotoxins (FB1 + FB2 + FB3, 15 mg/kg diet) for 14 days to test the applicability of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET MR) hybrid imaging in characterizing experimentally induced mild hepatotoxicosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) radiotracer-aided imaging was performed before and after FBs administration on identical animals, and at both time points, blood was sampled for haematology and clinical chemistry. Kinetic PET image analysis revealed time-activity curves with uptake maxima below 1 min in the liver, renal cortex, portal vein, lung and coarctatio aortae. In the frame of static PET image analysis, based on the standardized uptake value (SUV), the so-called metabolic liver volume (MLV, liver volume defined by over 0.9 × average liver SUV) and the total liver glycolysis (TLG, MLV multiplied by the SUVmean) were calculated. Mycotoxicosis increased total liver glycolysis (p < 0.04) after 14 days and liver tissue TLG inhomogeneity was minimal. Pearson correlation between TLG and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was positive (0.515), while negative with LDH and AST (− 0.721 and − 0.491, respectively). Results indicate a slight hepatic mycotoxin effect and significantly increased glucose uptake intensity, which has been sensitively detected with molecular imaging (18F-FDG PET MRI) in the rabbit model.

Seminal Morphology and Organ Morphometrics of Rabbit Bucks Fed Piliostigma thonningii Essential Oil Supplemented Diet

This study aimed to investigate whether the inclusive supplementation of Piliostigma thonningii essential oil in rabbit diet was beneficial to their seminal morphometrics. Forty-five clinically healthy weaned male Dutch rabbits of about five weeks of age were used for the experiment. The rabbits were divided into three treatment groups, with fifteen rabbits per group and balanced for their body weight such that rabbits in each group had similar average initial BW of 0.27 kg. The experimental rabbits were administered P. thonningii essential oil at 0, 2 and 4 ml/kg for treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively for 12 weeks. The results showed that left testis weight increased with increasing levels of P. thonningii essential oil supplementation. The normal cells, right testis weight and right and left testis volume were higher in T2 and T3 treatments than in T1. Right and left testis lengths were higher in T3 treatment than T1, with T2 being intermediate between T1 and T3. Mid-piece droplet, coiled tail, detached head, free tail, bent tail, right and left epididymis volume, head weight and length, body weight and length, weight and tail length and weight were not affected by treatments. It is concluded that P. thonningii essential oil supplementation improved some organ morphometrics without necessarily affecting sperm morphology in the experimental rabbit bucks.

Effects of graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume, live body weight and gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit buck

Probiotics are live microorganisms, and when administered in sufficient amounts they grant health benefits to the host. This study was designed to determine the effects of a graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume (PCV) live body weight and semen characteristics of the rabbit buck. Twelve healthy adult rabbit bucks were purchased and kept in the Laboratory Animal Research Unit of the Large Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri. The animals were randomly grouped into four A, B, C and D. Groups A, B and C rabbits were supplemented in their feeds with probiotics at the dose of 300 g, 200 g, and 100 g respectively. Group D, served as control and fed only a basal diet without probiotics throughout the research period. Drinking water was provided ad libitum throughout the study period. Thereafter, blood samples were collected aseptically via the ear vein once every week for six weeks and the live body weight of each rabbit in all the groups was measured with weighing balance once every week for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the rabbit bucks were aseptically prepared for orchidectomy and their testes were used for evaluation of gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. The results reveal that the (PCV) and the live body weight were significant (P ˂ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). However, the Gonadal morphometric gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves were not significant (p ˃ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). In conclusion, Probiotics have the potential and influence on the (PCV) and live body weight of the rabbits in a dose-dependent manner, with no significant effects on the semen characteristics of the rabbits bucks.

Effects of graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume, live body weight and gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves of rabbit buck

Probiotics are live microorganisms, and when administered in sufficient amounts they grant health benefits to the host. This study was designed to determine the effects of a graded dose of probiotics on packed cell volume (PCV) live body weight and semen characteristics of the rabbit buck. Twelve healthy adult rabbit bucks were purchased and kept in the Laboratory Animal Research Unit of the Large Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri. The animals were randomly grouped into four A, B, C and D. Groups A, B and C rabbits were supplemented in their feeds with probiotics at the dose of 300 g, 200 g, and 100 g respectively. Group D, served as control and fed only a basal diet without probiotics throughout the research period. Drinking water was provided ad libitum throughout the study period. Thereafter, blood samples were collected aseptically via the ear vein once every week for six weeks and the live body weight of each rabbit in all the groups was measured with weighing balance once every week for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, the rabbit bucks were aseptically prepared for orchidectomy and their testes were used for evaluation of gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. The results reveal that the (PCV) and the live body weight were significant (P ˂ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). However, the Gonadal morphometric gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves were not significant (p ˃ 0.05) among the treated groups when compared to the control (group D). In conclusion, Probiotics have the potential and influence on the (PCV) and live body weight of the rabbits in a dose-dependent manner, with no significant effects on the semen characteristics of the rabbits bucks.

Growth and Linear Body Developments of New Zealand White rabbit bucks fed diets supplemented with Azanza garckeana (Goron Tula) fruit meal

Ethno- and traditional medicine have inferred that Azanza garckeana plant products possessed varying phytochemicals and pharmacological properties capable of stimulating muscular growth and cellular development. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the direct and residual effects of Azanza garckeana fruit on the growth, linear body developments and carcass composition of New Zealand White rabbit bucks. Sixty New Zealand White rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments of 15 bucks, replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were formulated and supplemented with Azanza garckeana fruit meal at 0, 100, 200 and 300g/kg respectively, representing T , T , 1 2 T and T . The study was conducted in two experimental phases, the direct and the residual 3 4 phase. At the end of each experimental phase, data were collected on the growth, linear body parameters and on the carcass compositions. Results showed that the different supplementation levels of Azanza garckeana fruit up to 300g/kg on the direct phase improved the final weights (T 2276.67g to T 2446.67g), weight gain (T 1295.22g to T 1449.89g) and 1 4 1 4 the weights of the skin (T 237.00g to T 259.00g). It also increased the weight of the forelimb 1 4 (T1 199.33g to T4 258.33g), hindlimb (T1 255.33g to T4 292.67g), backcuts (T1 189.03g to T4 564.57g), the ear lengths (11.49cm in T to 13.52cm in T ), heart girts (26.04cm in T to 1 4 1 28.00cm in T ) and the body length (36.33cm in T to 38.66cm in T ). On the residual phase, the 4 1 4 different supplementation levels of Azanza garckeana fruit reduced the weight gain (T1 215.33g to T 54.65g), dressed weights (from 2110.42g in T to 1936.83g in T ) and dressed 4 1 4 percentages (84.69% in T to 77.44% in T ); but had no significant (P&gt;0.05) effects on the 1 4 carcass parts and on the linear body development of the rabbit bucks. It is therefore, concluded that the different supplementation levels of Azanza garckeana fruit impacted favourably on the growth of the rabbit bucks, carcass development and on the linear body growth; but had no residual effects on the carcass parts and linear body growth of the rabbit bucks.

PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RABBIT BUCKS FED SUPPLEMENTAL LEVELS OF Saccharomyces cerevisiae

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of rabbit bucks. Eighteen bucks were used for the study. They were assigned to three treatment groups with 6 bucks per treatment, replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design for twenty-eight (28) days. The bucks were allowed one week of acclimatization before the commencement of the study, during which they were fed commercial growers diets and forages. The bucks were fed a formulated ration supplemented with S. cerevisiae at 0.0, 0.3 and 0.6g respectively and were coded T1, T2 and T3 respectively. T1served as control. Growth parameters, haematological indices and serum chemistry were measured in the course of the study. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 21, and means were separated using Duncan of same software. The results revealed that S. cerevisae did not have effect (p&gt;0.05) on the growth parameters in the rabbit bucks. This study revealed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae did not have significant effect (p&gt;0.05) in the PCV of bucks in the study as T1, T2 and T3 all had similar (p&gt;0.05) PCV values of 39.00, 39.00 and 41.00% respectively. S. cerevisiae influenced (P&lt;0.05) serum enzymes but did not have significant effect (p&gt;0.05) on total protein, blood urea, ALT creatinine and glucose. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of S. cerevisiae at 0.60% did not have significant effect on growth parameters and most haematological and serum biochemical indices.

Direct and residual effects of Azanza garckeana (Goron tula) fruit on the Growth and Internal organ histology of New Zealand White rabbit bucks

Studies have shown Azanza garckeana fruit to contain appreciable amounts of alkaloids, phytosteroids and several other phytochemicals with varying pharmacological potentials capable of stimulating growths and cellular development. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the direct and residual impact of Azanza garckeana fruit on the internal organs. Sixty (60) New Zealand white rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments of 15 bucks, replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were formulated and supplemented with Azanza garckeana fruit meal at 0, 100, 200 and 300g/kg respectively. The study was conducted in two experimental phases. At the end of each phase, data were collected on the internal organs dynamics. The tissues of the liver and kidney were collected and processed for histopathology. Results showed that Azanza garckeana fruit did not have any deleterious direct or residual impacts on the internal organ dynamics of the bucks. The histopathology indicated that the supplementations of Azanza garckeana fruit meal up to 300g/kg in direct phase did not have any detrimental effect on the histology of the kidney; while the supplementations at 200 and 300g/kg impacted negatively on the histo-architecture of the liver, showing a widespread vascular degenerations of the hepatocytes. The supplementations up to 300g/kg did not have any residual impact on the histology of the liver and kidney. It is, therefore, concluded that Azanza garckeana fruit meal at 200 and 300g/kg in direct phase had detrimental effects on the histo-architecture of the liver of the rabbits.

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF RABBIT BUCKS TO QUANTITATIVE FEED RESTRICTION AND FEEDING TIME

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of feed restriction, feeding time and their interaction on haematological and serum profile in rabbit bucks. Eighteen (18) rabbit bucks were used for the study. The rabbit bucks were fed 75.00, 67.50 and 60.00g commercial growers’ pellets to represent 100, 90 and 80% daily ration respectively. The eighteen rabbit bucks were divided into two groups of nine (9) bucks each. The first group was fed in the morning while the second group was fed their daily ration in the evening. Bucks fed 100% daily ration served as control. The study adopted a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement in completely randomized design (CRD). At the end of the 4th week of the experiment, blood samples were collected from each replicate for determination of hematological and serum biochemical indices. Data obtained were subjected to General linear model (GLM) procedure in a completely randomized design, using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The result showed that feed restriction affected (p&lt;0.05) PCV, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets of rabbit bucks in the study. Feeding time significantly influenced (p&lt;0.05) PCV, neutrophils and lymphocytes. Restricted feeding significantly affected (p&lt;0.05) total protein, creatinine and serum enzymes. There was significant interaction between feed restriction and time of feeding on AST and ALT of the bucks fed 90% daily ration. In conclusion, Feeding rabbit bucks 90% of their daily ration in the evening improves most haematological and serum biochemical parameters without compromising the health of the animals.

The Application of Communal Mating and Introduction of Rex Rabbit Bucks to Community Rabbit Breeder in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta

The rabbit farming business has great potential to meet the need for animal protein, and currently, many rabbit farming businesses are being cultivated. Farmers face nonoptimal reproductive performance with the currently implemented mating management, so improvement efforts are needed. The community service aimed to implement good breeding practices through communal mating and introducing bucks Rex rabbits to rabbit breeders in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta. The community service activities were conducted from June to September 2023 at one of the rabbit breeders in Kulonprogo Regency, Yogyakarta. The activities include: 1. initial preparation and coordination, 2. preparation of extension materials, guidebooks (assistance media), 3. Direct training through extension. 4. Implement communal mating, introduce Bucks Rex directly at partner locations, and distribute guidebooks. 5. Monitoring and evaluation of activity results. The enthusiasm of breeders in community service was proven by the presence of 30 breeders in extension and discussion activities with the theme "Kopi Darat Peternak Kelinci Komersial." The results of the application of the communal mating method show farmer satisfaction, with 4 out of 5 rabbits becoming pregnant from the application of this method. Increasing the reproductive performance of the breeder's doe can increase rabbit production, thereby contributing to the breeder's income. Implementing good breeding practices through communal mating and the introduction of bucks Rex rabbits can be a solution for breeders regarding the low productivity of the rabbits.

Effect of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on growth performance, organ weight and carcass characteristics of rabbit bucks

Phthalates are environmental contaminants found in most of consumer products like clothing, pharmaceuticals, building materials and many foods. One of the most commonly used phthalates, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been implicated in hepato- and nephro toxicity. In this study, a total number of forty five 10-week old male growing crossbred rabbit buck with average body weight of 1.37 ± 0.24 kg were used to investigate the effect of DEHP on the growth performance, organ weight and carcass characteristics. The rabbits were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments. Control diet (T1) contained no DEHP while T2 , T3 , T4 and T5 contained DEHP at 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm/kg diet respectively. The rabbits were housed individually and fed their respective diets for 75 days. The results showed that initial and final live weight, feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were statistically similar (p &gt; 0.05) for all the dietary treatments. The DEHP inclusion in the diets of rabbit bucks elicited significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in both the absolute and relative weights of liver, while a significant decrease (p &lt; 0.05) in paired kidney weights as inclusion levels increased was observed. In addition, there were significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in absolute weights of spleen as the mean absolute weight values were higher in T , T , 2 3 T and T than T , while no significant differences were observed in the mean absolute 4 5 1 weights of lungs and hearts (p &lt; 0.05). Also, significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were recorded in the absolute weights of primal cuts like ribs, loin, shoulder, feet, legs, tail, head and abdominal fat, while their relative mean weights were not statistically different (p &gt; 0.05). This study showed that DEHP did not significantly affect all the growth parameters and relative weights of all the primal cuts of the rabbits, while internal organs like liver, kidney and spleen were negatively impacted by the dietary DEHP. Les phtalates sont des contaminants environnementaux présents dans la plupart des produits de consommation comme les vêtements, les produits pharmaceutiques, lesmatériaux de construction et de nombreux aliments. L'un des phtalates les plus couramment utilisés, le phtalate de di-(2-éthylhexyle) (DEHP), a été impliqué dans la toxicité hépato- et néphro. Dans cette étude, un nombre total de quarante-cinq lapins croisés mâles âgés de 10 semaines et d'un poids corporel moyen de 1,37 ± 0,24 kg ont été utilisés pour étudier l'effet du DEHPsur les performances de croissance, le poids des organes et les caractéristiques de la carcasse. Les lapins ont été répartis au hasard entre 5 traitements alimentaires. Le régime témoin (T1 ) ne contenait pas de DEHP tandis que T2 , T3 , T4 et T5 contenaient du DEHP à 1 2 3 4 5 raison de 100, 200, 300 et 400 ppm/kg de régime respectivement. Les lapins ont été hébergés individuellement et nourris avec leur régime respectif pendant 75 jours. Les résultats ont montré que le poids vif initial et final, la consommation alimentaire, le gain de poids corporel et le taux de conversion alimentaire étaient statistiquement similaires (p &gt; 0,05) pour tous les traitements diététiques. L'inclusion du DEHP dans l'alimentation des lapins a provoqué des différences significatives (p &lt; 0,05) dans les poids absolus et relatifs du foie, tandis qu'une diminution significative (p &lt; 0,05) du poids des reins appariés à mesure que les niveaux d'inclusion augmentaient a été observée. De plus, il y avait des différences significatives (p &lt; 0,05) dans les poids absolus de la rate, les valeurs moyennes du poids absolu étant plus élevées à T2 , T3 , T4 et T5 que T1 , alors qu'aucune différence significative n'était observée dans les poids absolus moyens des poumons et cœurs (p &lt; 0,05). En outre, des différences significatives (p &lt; 0,05) ont été enregistrées dans les poids absolus des coupes primaires comme les côtes, la longe, l'épaule, les pieds, les pattes, la queue, la tête et la graisse abdominale, alors que leurs poids moyens relatifs n'étaient pas statistiquement différents (p &gt; 0,05). . Cette étude a montré que le DEHP n'affectait pas de manière significative tous les paramètres de croissance et les poids relatifs de toutes les coupes primaires des lapins, tandis que les organes internes comme le foie, les reins et la rate étaient négativement impactés par le DEHPalimentaire.

Effects of Carica papaya peel meal-based diets on rabbit bucks' spermiogram and reaction time.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Carica papaya peel meal-based diet on spermiogram and reaction time in rabbit bucks. Ripe pawpaw fruits were harvested during the dry season. The peels were carefully removed from the pulp and sun-dried for a week. Afterward, they were ground and included in the test diets as pawpaw peel meal (PPM) at inclusion rates of 0%, 15%, and 30%. Rabbit bucks (n = 15) were randomly separated into three groups of five bucks and labeled as groups A, B, and C. Group A, the control group (0%), was fed the basal protein diet (BD), group B (PPM 15) was given a PPM-based diet (15%), while C (PPM 30) was given diet composed of PPM (30%). Semen samples were collected and evaluated fortnightly for 14weeks. The reaction time and mean ejaculate volume were lower (P < 0.05) in the treatment groups than in the control. Sperm motility and concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) across the groups from week 4 to the end of the experiment. Bucks fed PPM 15%, and PPM 30% had significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentages of dead sperm cells and total spermatozoa abnormalities. The control had (86%) normal spermatozoa morphology while those of PPM 15% and PPM 30% were (61%) and (52%), respectively. PPM 30% had the highest abnormal spermatozoa (47%) compared to PPM 15% (38%) and control (13%). The findings indicate that pawpaw peels up to 15% and 30% in the diet have a negative effect on spermiogram.

Effects of Dietary Thymoquinone Inclusion on Antioxidative, Oxidative, Pro-Inflammatory Responses, Semen Attributes and Testicular Changes in Heat-Stressed Rabbit Bucks

Abstract Heat stress (HS) is considered a severe concern for rabbit buck’s health, welfare and reproductive features. Thymoquinone (THQ) is a natural molecule with robust antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thereafter, three months of feeding research was applied to assess the role of THQ-enriched diets in improving the health, semen attributes and testicular changes of stressed rabbit bucks. Forty rabbit bucks were used in this research, and animals were fed diets containing 0 (THQ0; serve as a heat stress group), 100 (THQ100), 200 (THQ200), and 400 (THQ400) mg/kg of THQ for three months continually during the summer season. Outcomes displayed that THQ significantly enhanced FBW (final body weight), DBWG (daily body weight gain), and FI (feed intake) but did not affect FCR (feed conversion ratio). Compared with the THQ0 group, dietary THQ addition significantly decreased creatinine, TB (total bilirubin), TG (triglycerides), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) levels. Bucks receiving 200 mg of THQ had higher TAC (total antioxidant capacity) and GSH (glutathione) than other groups. At the same time, MDA was significantly shrunk in THQ-treated groups relative to the THQ group. The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were significantly diminished (P &lt;0.001), but nitric oxide and lysosome activity were significantly increased in bucks given diets containing THQ (200 and 400 mg/kg) as relative to the TH0 group. Libido score and reaction time were significantly improved by THQ dietary inclusion. Semen attributes, including volume, motility, concentration, and vitality, were significantly augmented in THQ100 and THQ200 groups. Histological screening of testicular tissues showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in the testicular tissues of bucks exposed to HS. This was enhanced with the supplementation of THQ at different levels. Collectively, THQ (200 or 400 mg/kg diet) can improve health, semen attributes and restore testicular damage in rabbit bucks via boosting antioxidant and reducing inflammatory cytokines.

Protective effects of vitamin C on hormonal level and testicular histopathology of rabbit bucks with metronidazole-induced toxicity

Objective: This study evaluates the protective effects of Vitamin C on hormonal level and testicular histopathology in rabbit bucks with metronidazole-induced toxicity. Methods: Twenty adult rabbit bucks which were weighed and divided into four groups with five in each group were used for the study. Group I is the control, group II was given metronidazole 400 mg/kg/day for 30 days, group III was co-administered 400 mg/kg/day of metronidazole and 200 mg/kg/day of Vitamin C for 30 days and group IV was given 200 mg/kg/day Vitamin C for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the rabbit bucks were weighed, and blood samples were collected from the marginal ear vein into a plain bottle and serum extracted through centrifugation for hormonal assay. FSH, LH and Testosterone assay were carried out using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits according to manufacturers’ instruction. One testis from each rabbit was removed for testicular histology. Results: The study found out that there was no significant difference in the body weights of the rabbit bucks before and after the experiment, metronidazole significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) affects hormonal concentration in the bucks and there was significant improvement following vitamin C administration. The study also found out that metronidazole caused testicular degeneration which was reversed by Vitamin C administration. Conclusion: Vitamin C has protective effect against metronidazole-induced toxicity and its use in therapeutic application in prolong use of metronidazole is recommended.

Effects of Vitamin C on reproductive parameters of rabbit bucks with experimentally induced metronidazole toxicity

This study evaluated the effect of Vitamin C on the reproductive parameters of rabbit bucks experimentally exposed to metronidazole. Twenty (20) adult rabbit bucks were used for the study. The animals were grouped into four groups of five animals each as follows; Group I are the untreated control, group II were administered metronidazole 400mg/kg/day for 30 days, group III were administered 400mg/kg/day of metronidazole for 30days and Vitamin C 200mg/kg/day for 30days and group IV were administered Vitamin C 200mg/kg/day for 30days. The body weight of the animals was taken before and after the experiment. Semen samples were collected from each buck through the use of an improvised artificial vagina (AV) and analysed using standard procedure. The testes and epididymis from three of the rabbits in each group were used for sperm reserve analyses. The obtained data were analysed with Graphpad Prism version 5.0.3 and presented as Mean ± SEM using ANOVA. Values of P ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. The study found no significant (P &gt; 0.05) difference in the body weight of the bucks but found significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference in the testicular and epididymal weight, sperm motility, spermatozoz concentration, percentage sperm livability, percentage sperm abnormalities and gonadal and epididymal sperm reserve of rabbit bucks exposed to metronidazole which were reversed by vitamin C. Rabbit bucks showed reproductive damage at therapeutic metronidazole doses and the effects improved with vitamin C administration. Antioxidants (Vitamin C) may be clinically relevant in reproductive toxicity.

The biological role of clove oil in the diet of mature male rabbits on the physiological body functions, oxidative stress and physical semen properties

In an eight-week experiment conducted throughout the months of January and February, 2023, the goal of this study was to determine how changing the diet of mature male rabbits to include clove oil affected their body's physiological processes and the quality of their sperm. In this study, 24 mature rabbit bucks that were 8 months old and weighed an average of 2.650 g in the first production year were used. In a final randomized plan, the bucks were randomly assigned to two experimental groups, each with twelve rabbits. Bucks served as the control group in the first group and were fed a commercial pelleted food without any supplements. Each buck in the second group received one milliliter of clove along with the daily diet requirement from commercial pellets. Every two weeks, values for weight gain, feed consumption, testosterone levels, blood constituents, libido, and semen quality were assessed. The findings demonstrated that including clove oil in the diet of bucks rabbits resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.01) improvement in each of daily feed intake, daily weight gain, testosterone hormone, and γ-globulin and a significantly (P&lt;0.01) reduced glucose, cholesterol fraction levels in comparison to the control group. Additionally, adding clove oil increased (P&lt;0.01) the rabbit bucks' physical semen attributes values. It was determined that including clove oil in the diet of male rabbits improved physiological body processes, produced hypercholesterolemia, and raised the quality of the rabbits' sperm without having a negative impact on liver or kidney function.

Goji Berry in the Diet of the Rabbit Buck: Effects on Semen Quality, Oxidative Status and Histological Features of the Reproductive Tract.

Goji berry (GB) shows beneficial effects on human health, although its effects on the male rabbit have been little investigated. This study examines the impact of GB dietary supplementation on the semen traits, antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, and histological features of the reproductive tract of rabbit buck. Eighteen rabbits were distributed into two dietary groups: one receiving a commercial feed (Control), and the other a feed supplemented with 1% of GB (Goji). After a nutritional adaptation period of 60 days, the animals were subjected to semen collection every 15 days. The semen traits, libido, antioxidant, and inflammatory parameters were collected and analyzed. The rabbits were sacrificed after 60 days, and tissues of the genital tract were analyzed. Compared to the Control group, the Goji group showed higher spermatozoa concentration, motility, and vitality (p < 0.05), as well as fewer abnormal spermatozoa and a higher libido (p < 0.1). Histological features such as functional activity and hyperplasia were improved by GB and correlated with some semen traits (p < 0.05). Conversely, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were unaffected by the diet. These findings suggest that GB acts on the tissues of the reproductive tract positively influencing semen quality, although further studies are needed to understand the effect on oxidative stress.