Rabbit Bucks Research Articles

Effect of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hormones of rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions

This study investigated the role of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hormones of rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions. Fresh Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaves were obtained and processed into a leaf meal using standard procedure and served as a phytogenic supplements. Eighty rabbit bucks of 6 weeks old (514.84 ± 14.10 g) were randomly assigned to the four dietary groups consisting of Diet 1 without the leaf meal (control diet) and Diets 2 (D2); 3 (D3) and 4 (D4) contained 10% Moringa, 10% Phyllanthus and 10% Mistletoe, respectively, in an 84-day feed trial at the peak of thermal discomfort. Semen kinetics and seminal oxidative status, reproductive and metabolic hormones were assessed using standard procedure. Results reveal that sperm concentration and motility traits of bucks on D2, D3 and D4 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks on D1. Spermatozoa speed traits of bucks on D4 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks on other treatments. Seminal lipid peroxidation of bucks in D2-D4 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than bucks on D1. Corticosterone of bucks on D1 was significantly higher than bucks on other treatments (D2-D4). Lutenizing hormone of bucks on D2 and testosterone of bucks on D3 was higher (p < 0.05) than in other groups, while follicle stimulating hormone of bucks on D2 and D3 were higher (p < 0.05) than bucks on D1 and D4. In conclusion, the three phytogenic supplements improved sex hormones, enhanced spermatozoa kinetics, viability and seminal oxidative stability of bucks during heat stress condition.

Sexual behaviour response, testicular development and semen quality of New Zealand white rabbit bucks as influenced by dietary chitosan.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on sexual behaviour responses, testicular development, and semen quality traits of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit bucks. Twenty-four 5-week-old rabbit bucks were used in this experiment. Animals were grouped into four equal experimental groups: the control group was fed only on a basal diet, whereas the other groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with three levels of chitosan at 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6g/kg, respectively. Also, bucks that received chitosan at 0.2 and 0.4g/kg had a significantly earlier time of sexual libido (p ≤ .05) and had significantly higher ejaculate volume and sperm concentration than other groups (p ≤ .001). Furthermore, basic and sexual behaviours were significantly improved in bucks fed chitosan at 0.2 and 0.4g/kg compared with other groups. Therefore, it could be concluded that using chitosan at 0.2 and 0.4g/kg enhanced sexual behaviour, improved semen quality, and reproductive efficiency in the NZW rabbit bucks.

Thermoregulatory response and oxidative stress indices of rabbit bucks administered ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate in a humid tropical environment

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the effect of ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate on thermoregulatory response and oxidative stress markers of rabbit bucks during highest temperature-humidity index in a humid tropical environment as a mitigation strategy against impact of high ambient temperature on the animals. Twenty-eight exotic rabbit bucks of 9 months old weighing 2.54 ± 0.23 kg were randomly allotted to four treatments consisting of T1 (Control-2 ml of sterile water), T2 (2 ml of 300 ppm ascorbic acid), T3 (2 ml of 0.30% sodium bicarbonate) and T4 (2 ml mixture of 150 ppm ascorbic acid + 0.15% sodium bicarbonate, administered orally at 48 h interval for 12 weeks. After a month of administration, rectal temperature, ear temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate were monitored twice daily (8:00 am and 4:00 pm). Semen samples were collected from all bucks weekly for seminal lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant activity assay. Blood samples were collected from all bucks and serum obtained using standard procedure to assay for lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant activity. Results The result revealed that the rabbits were exposed to very severe heat stress for greater part of the day. At week 5, bucks on T2, T3 and T4 had increased respiratory rate at 8 am than those on T1, similar trend was observed at week 4 and 6. At 4 pm, the pulse rate was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) different among the treatments at weeks 11, bucks on T2, T3 and T4 had significantly lowered (p &lt; 0.05) pulse rate than those on T1. The administration of ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and its combination did not significantly (p &gt; 0.05) influence the ear and rectal temperature of the bucks. At week 11, seminal total antioxidant activity of bucks on T1, T2 and T3 was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower than bucks on control T4. Lipid peroxidation level was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower in bucks on T2, T3 and T4 than those bucks on the control. Conclusion The administration of ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and its combination had enhanced seminal total antioxidant and reduced lipid peroxidation in heat-stressed bucks.

Effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on the reproductive indices of male rabbits

Abstract The study evaluated the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on semen indices, serum testosterone and sperm reserve of male rabbits. Forty rabbit bucks were randomly assigned into four groups and fed the experimental diets containing Vernonia amygdalina (VLM) at 0, 5, 10 and 15 % levels for 84days. Reproductive indices were evaluated using standard procedures. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at p&lt;0.05. All semen in rabbits fed 0, 5 and 10 % VLM had milky colour while 14.8% light green and 85.2% milky semen colour was observed in bucks fed 15%VLM. Libido score reduced in rabbits fed VLM diets. Bucks fed 15%VLM had significantly higher semen volume (0.47ml). VLM had no significant effect on spermatozoa mass motility, progressive motility and sperm concentration. Live sperm cells significantly increased in bucks fed 5 and 10% VLM diets. VLM had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on spermatozoa morphology. Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal had no significant (p&lt;0.05) impact on testosterone, testicular and epididymal indices. In conclusion, up to 10%VLM can be adopted as feed ingredient for male rabbit breeder stock without deleterious effect on reproductive indices.

Relationships amongst carcass traits in some breeds of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) bucks

Thirty-two (32) rabbit bucks of 15-16 weeks (105-112 days) of age comprising of 10 bucks of New Zealand white (NZ), 11 bucks of Chinchilla (CH), and 11 bucks of Dutch (DH) breed with an average weight of 1266 g were used and the experiment lasted for 56 days with each rabbit in a pen. The study to determine relationships amongst carcass traits in some breeds of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) bucks. All the parameters were weighed in grams with a digital weighing scale while the dressing percentage was calculated. The carcass traits taken were heart, liver, kidney, caecum, lungs, stomach, intestine, live weight, slaughtered weight, dressing weight, fore limb, thoracic cage, loin, skin, head, shank, hind limb, testis, body weight, dressing per cent. The degree of relationships amongst the carcass traits was determined using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient Procedure of SAS. There were several relationships with correlation coefficients ranging from high to low and positively and negatively correlated. The results obtained for relative organs gave positive and significantly (p&lt;0.05) high correlation coefficients between heart and liver (r=0.663) and between intestine and stomach (r=0.570). There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference amongst other relative organs but with positive correlation coefficients except between liver and lungs, kidney and caecum, caecum and lungs, caecum and intestine, lungs and stomach, lungs and intestine. For the other carcass traits (live weight, slaughtered weight, dressing weight, fore limb, thoracic cage, loin, skin, head, shank, hind limb, testis, body weight, and dressing per cent), the highest and positive correlation coefficient was obtained between live weight and slaughtered weight (r=0.992), and the least was between shank and testis (r=0.025). It also revealed that live weight had a highly significant (p&lt;0.01) effect on slaughtered weight, dressing weight, fore limb thoracic cage, loin, skin, and hind limb. Therefore, selection for improvement should be carried out on carcass traits with high and positive correlation. More research should be conducted on relationships between carcass traits of domestic rabbit bucks of different breeds and ages.

Effect of frequency of ejaculation and graded dietary levels of Roselle (Hibiscussabdariffa) calyx meal supplementation on sperm profile of mongrel rabbit bucks

Effect of frequency of ejaculation and graded dietary levels of Roselle (Hibiscussabdariffa) calyx meal supplementation on sperm profile of mongrel rabbit bucks

Growth performance and haematological indices of mongrel rabbit bucks fed diets supplemented with Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx meal

Many alternative feed resources have been identified and fed to rabbits without recourse to their physiological implications on the animals. Bioactive compounds present in Roselle and its content of vitamin C are believed to Improve the performance of rabbits. To provide support to body defense mechanism, diets must contain sufficient amount of nutrients and antioxidants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary levels of Roselle calyx meal supplementation on growth performance and haematological indices of mongrel rabbit bucks. Twenty healthy mongrel rabbit bucks were purchased and used for this study. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain dietary levels of Roselle calyx meal at 0.00% (control), 2.00%, 4.00% and 6.00% and coded as T , T , T and T respectively. The 1 2 3 4 four treatment groups were assigned to the four experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times with two rabbits per replicate. Each replicate received an assigned diet for eight weeks. The growth parameters evaluated were initial weight, final weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, total feed intake, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected from each replicate for haematological analysis. Haematological parameters determined in the course of the study include; packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Neutrophils and lymphocytes. From the results, all the growth parameters evaluated except initial weight were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by Roselle calyx meal. Total weight gain was higher (231.33g) in T (2.0% RCM) compared to other treatment groups. PCV (33.33%) 2 and MCV (66.30fl) were higher in T (6.0% RCM). T (2.0% RCM) had higher WBC (5.80 x 4 2 9 10 /L while lower WBC was observed in T (4.0% RCM). All the haematological indices 3 evaluated varied (p&lt;0.01) significantly among treatment groups. From the findings of this study, Roselle calyx meal supplementation at 2.0% in the diets of mongrel rabbit bucks is nontoxic, improves growth performance and ensures healthy status of mongrel rabbits.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; De nombreuses ressources alimentaires alternatives ont été identifiées et nourries aux lapins sans recourir à leurs implications physiologiques sur les animaux. Des composés bioactifs présents dans Roselle et sa teneur en vitamine C sont censés améliorer la performance des lapins. Pour soutenir le mécanisme de défense corporelle, les régimes doivent contenir une quantité suffisante de nutriments et d'antioxydants. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les effets des niveaux alimentaires de la supplémentation de repas RoselleCalyx sur laperformance de la croissance et les indices hématologiques de daim de lapin de Mongrel. Vingt daim de lapin de Mongrel en bonne santé ont été achetés et utilisés pour cette étude. Quatre régimes expérimentaux ont été formulés pour contenir des niveaux diététiques de farine de CalyxRoselle à 0,00% (contrôle), de 2,00%, 4,00% et 6,00% et codés comme T , T , 1 2 T et T respectivement. Les quatre groupes de traitement ont été attribués aux quatre régimes 3 4 expérimentaux dans une conception complètement randomisée. Chaque traitement a été reproduit trois fois avec deux lapins par réplication. Chaque réplique a reçu une alimentation assignée pendant huit semaines. Les paramètres de croissance évalués étaient un poids initial, un poids final, un gain de poids total, un gain de poids quotidien, une prise d'alimentation totale, un rapport de conversion quotidien d'alimentation et d'alimentation. À la fin de la période expérimentale, des échantillons de sang ont été collectés à partir de chaque réplication de l'analyse hématologique. Les paramètres hématologiques déterminés au cours de l'étude comprennent; volume de cellules emballé (VCE), globules rouges (GR), globules blancs (GB), hémoglobine (HB), hémoglobine corpusculaire moyenne (HCM), concentration moyenne de hésizoglobine corpusculaire (CMHC), volume corpusculaire moyen (VCM), neutrophiles et Les lymphocytes. Dont les résultats, tous les paramètres de croissance évalués à l'exception du poids initial ont été significativement (p &lt;0,05) Influencés par RoselleCalyx Repas. Le gain de poids total était supérieur (231.33g) dans T2 (2,0% de la MRC) par rapport à d'autres groupes de traitement. Le VCE (33,33%) et VCM (66.30FL) étaient plus élevés dans T (MRC de 6,0%). T (2,0% de la MRC) avait une GB plus 4 2 élevée (5,80 x 109 / L tandis que la GB inférieure a été observée dans T (RCM de 4,0%). Tous 3 les indices hématologiques évalués ont été significatifs de manière significative (p &lt;0,01) parmi les groupes de traitement. Des conclusions de cette étude La supplémentation de repas de RoselleCalyx à 2,0% dans les régimes alimentaires de daim de lapin de Mongrel est non toxique, améliore la performance de la croissance et assure un statut sain des lapins de Mongrel.

Evaluation of the Healing Properties of the Crude Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaves on Excision Wound in Rabbit Bucks

Evaluation of the Healing Properties of the Crude Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaves on Excision Wound in Rabbit Bucks

Effect of breed and graded levels of sun-dried pineapple (Ananas cosmosus) peel on carcass characteristics of growing rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) bucks

The study was conducted to determine the effect of breed and graded level of sun-dried pineapple peel (PP) on carcass characteristics of growing rabbit bucks. Thirty-two (32) growing rabbits (New Zealand White, Chinchilla and Dutch) aged between 6-7 weeks with an initial average weight of 762.25±52.66 g were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (0 %, 5 %, 10 % and 15 %) in a completely randomized design in 3 x 4 involving three breeds and four dietary treatments with eight rabbits in each of the dietary treatments. The experimental diets and clean drinking water were supplied ad libitum during the experiment which lasted 56 days. At the end of the feeding trial, three rabbits from each of the treatments were used for the carcass characteristics. The rabbits were cut into part such as the head, loin, thoracic cage, skin, fore limb, shank, hind limb, testis and the relative organs (heart, liver, kidney, caecum, lungs, stomach, intestine, abdominal fat) and were weighed. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis software (SAS) version 9.0. All the relative organs and retail cuts evaluated had no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference except for the thoracic cage and shank which had significant (P&lt;0.05) differences among the breeds where CH had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher values. The results of the graded levels shows no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference in all the parameters except for caecum, intestine and hind limb with the highest at 10 %, 0 % and 5 %, respectively. In conclusion, CH breed is recommended for higher thoracic cage and shank weights and the 10 % inclusion of pineapple peel had higher caecum. However, there were no differences and no deleterious effect across all the treatments on all major carcass traits of growing rabbit bucks.

Influence of alpha linolenic acid on the motility, viability, antioxidant activity and fertility of frozen-thawed New Zealand white rabbit buck semen

Freezing and thawing processes result in production and accumulation of high concentrations of reactive oxygen species that are detrimental to spermatozoal motility and fertility. Therefore, supplementation of exogenous source of antioxidants to freezing diluent is crucial. The aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time whether supplementation of semen diluent with alpha linolenic acid (ALA) can improve motility, viability, membrane integrity, antioxidant status and fertility of post-thaw rabbit spermatozoa. Semen was collected and pooled from fifteen New Zealand white rabbit bucks. Semen samples were diluted with a tris-citrate-glucose (TCG) extender supplemented with ALA (0, 50, 75 and 100 μmol). Then, extended rabbit semen was cooled at 5°C and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, spermatozoal quality parameters (individual motility %, viability %, osmotic resistance %, and acrosome integrity %), antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, and GSH activities), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and fertility (conception and kindling rates) were evaluated. Results revealed that supplementation of rabbit semen extender with 50 μmol ALA significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased spermatozoal characteristics including motility (56.54%), viability (60.01%), acrosome status (72.66%) and membrane integrity (59.13%). The activity of semen antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH) showed a significant improvement with a marked decrease in lipid peroxidation. Moreover, the conception (73.30%) and kindling (70.00%) rates were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in does inseminated with thawed semen treated with 50 μmol ALA in comparison with other concentrations (0, 75 and 100 μmol). In summary, supplementation of rabbit semen extender with 50 μmol ALA improved motility, viability, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, antioxidant enzymes activity and fertility of post-thaw rabbit spermatozoa. Our findings suggested that higher concentrations of ALA are detrimental to post-thaw characteristics of New Zealand white rabbit buck spermatozoa. To achieve better results, the semen freezing extender should be supplemented with ALA at lower concentrations, especially 50 μmol.

The benefits of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract administration for male rabbits affected by environmental heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) is the most substantial environmental issue in rabbit health status impairment, which can lower productivity. Maca is a common medicinal plant with important biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and neuroprotective effects. The present research explored the alleged protective role of Maca extract in alleviating the adverse impact of HS on rabbits. Growing V-line 6-week-old buck rabbits (N = 48) were orally administered Maca extract at levels of 0 (MAC0), 200 (MAC2), 400 (MAC4), or 600 (MAC6) mg/head twice per week. Compared to the control groups, rabbits provided Maca had better growth performance, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Liver and tests weights were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Maca treated groups compared to the control. hemoglobin, white blood cell, red blood corpuscles, platelet count, hematocrit, and lymphocytes were significantly increased in the MAC4 group compared with the control group. MAC4 treatment significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde levels compared with other groups. Moreover, the concentrations of total bilirubin, creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05) in the MAC4 group than in the controls. Oral administration of Maca improved cortisol and testosterone values, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase. The MAC4 group exhibited significant improvement (p < 0.05) in sperm motility, survival, membrane functionality, concentration, and libido, with a significant decrease in abnormal sperm compared with the control group. Also, aforementioned group showed sperm cells with a normal structure and intact plasma membranes, acrosomes, and well-organised axonemal components. Histopathological screening of liver sections showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in rabbits exposed to HS, which were alleviated with Maca oral administration. In conclusion, oral administration of Maca extract at 400 or 600 mg/head-weekly enhanced growth performance, hemato-biochemical attributes, antioxidant status, and semen quality in rabbits during the hot season.

Effect of Dietary Ginger Rhizome Powder Addition on Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Bucks

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the addition of ginger rhizome powder (GRP) to the rabbit bucks ration on semen quality and semen plasma traits. A total of 28 male New Zealand rabbits (7- month- old), divided into four groups; the first treatment served as a control (Con; 0% ginger); the second, third, and fourth treatments were supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% ginger powder in the diet, respectively. The results revealed no change in ejaculate volume, a significant increase in the mass sperm motility, sperm concentration, total sperm output, total motile sperm, live sperm, and Total functional sperm fraction. Dietary ginger reduced the reaction time, semen pH, and the percentage of abnormal sperm. Bucks that received 1.0% or 1.5% dietary ginger had a higher seminal plasma total proteins, albumin, globulin concentrations, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities. Conversely, seminal plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities were significantly decreased compared to the control group. Practically, it can be concluded that ginger is a suitable supplement for improving semen quality and semen plasma in adult male rabbits.

Seasonal changes in semen characteristics of pure and crossbred rabbit bucks fed graded levels of vitamin C under heat stress conditions

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of season and graded vitamin C levels on semen quality of rabbit bucks in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. A total of 55 rabbit bucks consisting of 40 pure New Zealand White (NZW) and 15 New Zealand x California (NZW×CAL) crossbreds were used for the study. The duration of the study spanned the hot dry (March-May) and cool wet (June-August) seasons. The traits investigated were semen motility, concentration, volume, pH, colour, live and dead sperm. Results obtained showed that vitamin C had significant (p&lt;0.01) effect on semen characteristics. There was a progressive increase in semen motility, concentration and live sperm and decrease in dead sperm as vitamin C level increased. Semen volume deviated from this pattern while colour was consistent all through. The result on monthly variation indicated that volume increased during the months of March to May ranging between 1.32-1.43 ml while during the months of June to August, it oscillated between 0.41 - 0.95 ml. Sperm concentration significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased from the hot dry months (75.72-129.48x106) to the cool wet months (98.17-102.78x106) while colour remained consistent with an increase in live sperm cells. There was significant (p&lt;0.001) interaction between vitamin C level and season on sperm motility, concentration and live sperm being better in the hot dry (70.9%, 114.5x106, 85.31%) and cool wet (76.3%, 121.6x106, 90.14%) seasons on 400 mg/kg feed vitamin C. Sperm volume was higher on 100 mg/kg feed vitamin C in the hot dry (1.60 ml) and cool wet (0.98 ml) seasons and 400 mg/kg feed in the hot dry (1.57 ml) and cool wet (0.77 ml) than other levels. Based on the results, it is concluded that vitamin C improved the semen characteristics of rabbit bucks at 400 mg/kg feed during the hot dry season which translates to improved semen quality.

Azanza garckeana ameliorates Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities in rabbit bucks

This study evaluated the ameliorative properties of Azanza garckeana in Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities on weight, spermiogram, serum hormonal profile, sperm DNA integrity, histopathology of testes and brain tissues of rabbit bucks. Twenty-eight rabbit bucks, with live weight of 1.20–2.00 kg and aged 10–18 months. They were randomly divided into four groups of seven bucks each, group A was administered distilled water (1.5 mL) daily for 12 weeks, group B was administered Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week for a period of 12 weeks, group C was administered Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for 12 weeks and group D was pre-dosed with Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week over 6 weeks period followed by Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for another 6 weeks. Mean testicular weights differed significantly (p < 0.05) between group B (4.4 ± 0.23) when compared with groups A (8.0 ± 0.06), C (8.7 ± 0.19) and D (7.1 ± 0.18). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean reaction time, spermiogram, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and sperm DNA fragmentation index between Bisphenol A-exposed groups and treatment groups. On histopathology, there was testicular vacuolization, interstitial hemorrhage, reduction in spermatogenic cells following Bisphenol A exposure. There were layers of dense basophilic cells in the pineal and pituitary parenchymas. In conclusion, Bisphenol A has negative effects on reproduction but administration of Azanza garckeana may possess some therapeutic properties that can ameliorate such adverse effects.

Enhancing semen quality, antioxidant status and sex hormones of V-line rabbit bucks fed on supplemented diets with dried moringa leaves

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of dried moringa leaves (DML) on semen quality, immunoglobulin measurements, blood metabolic analysis, antioxidant status and sex hormones of V-line rabbit bucks. Twenty-four mature rabbit bucks of 7-8 months-old of proven fertility with an average weight (2.8 ± 0.4 kg) were classified into four treatments (basal diet with 0, 750, 1500 and 3000 mg DML/kg diet) and 6 bucks per treatment were used. Seminal plasma cholesterol (p = 0.013) and triglycerides (p = 0.0001) of all moringa supplemented rabbits were higher than the control. Moringa leaves enhanced (p < 0.05) serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide oxidase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase in seminal plasma of moringa rabbits were higher (p < 0.05) than the control. Serum total lipid (p = 0.002), cholesterol (p = 0.008), triglycerides (p = 0.019) and blood urea (p < 0.05) were lower in DML rabbits. Moringa leaves improved total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.0001), glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.0001) and superoxide oxidase (p = 0.037) in rabbits versus control. Rabbits consuming DML had higher (p < 0.05) immunoglobulin IgG and IgM than control. Results suggest that DML improved rabbits’ antioxidant, and immunological status, semen quality, and sex hormones, but DML (750 mg/kg diet) is recommended because it was more effective than the other two high doses.

EFFECT OF VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENTATION ON SPERM MORPHOLOGY AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF RABBIT BUCKS

Twenty mixed breed rabbit bucks aged between 6–8 weeks with an average weight of 861g were randomly assigned to four (4) dietary treatments with five (5) bucks per treatment in a Completely Randomized Design to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of Vitamin E on sperm morphology and semen characteristics of rabbit bucks. The rabbits received graded levels of vitamin E/kg feed (0mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Feed and water were given to the rabbit bucks ad libitum during the experiment. The semen collected was taken to laboratory for sperm morphology and semen characteristics and the data collected were analysed using general linear model procedure of statistical analysis system (SAS). The results revealed that the mean number of normal cells, detached head and mid piece defect were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different across the treatments. However, the percent abnormal defects percent of free tail and coiled tail were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower for rabbits fed 20 and 60 mg/kg and the least bent tail was obtained in 60 mg/kg diet. The results for semen characteristics had significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in all the parameters except for semen volume and pH. The results showed that those fed 60 mg/kg of vitamin E diet gave significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher sperm motility, sperm concentration, live ratio and low dead ratio (87.50 %, 232x106, 87.50 % and 12.00 %) respectively. Therefore, supplementation of vitamin E at 60mg/kg in the diet of rabbit bucks is recommended

Fractional extracts of Azadirachta indica leaf affect spermiogram, testosterone profile, and testis histology of rabbit bucks

The effect of fractions from a crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves on spermatogenesis, testicular histology and testosterone concentration of New Zealand White rabbits were evaluated in this study. Twenty-five matured male New Zealand White rabbits were used for this study and were randomly assigned to five groups (A, B, C, D, and E). Group A served as the control and was administered distilled water (0.5ml); while groups B, C, D and E served as the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol treated groups, respectively at the same dosage of 300 mg/kg. Semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina weekly for twelve weeks and were evaluated for volume, colour, motility, concentration, percentage live-dead ratio and morphological abnormalities. A blood sample (2ml) was also collected from each buck through venipuncture of the ear vein three times at regular intervals for the determination of testosterone concentration. Two bucks from each group were humanely sacrificed at the end of the experiment for testicular histology. Significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) sperm motility, higher dead sperm cells, sperm abnormalities, degenerative changes, depletion and vacuolation of spermatogenic cell layers were observed in treatment group C at the end of the experiment. The present study has shown that the chloroform fraction of methanolic crude Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves extract is detrimental to sperm cells and testicular histology.

Effects of Allium sativum and Allium cepa on semen characteristics, sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks

The effect of dietary inclusion of garlic and onion on semen characteristics, gonadal, extragonadal sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks were evaluated. Twenty-four rabbit bucks of average age and weight 10 ± 2.0 months and 1.47 ± 0.01 kg respectively, were used for the study. They were randomly assigned into four groups of six bucks each. Group A served as control, while Groups B, C and D received dietary inclusion of 5% garlic, 5% onion, 2.5% garlic + 2.5% onion, respectively. The fresh bulbs of garlic and onions were peeled, air-dried, and the dried bulbs were weighed, added to the feed and grounded together to form experimental diets. Before dietary supplementation, semen samples were collected to serve as baseline values, followed by weekly collections for another 9 weeks using an artificial vagina. Haematological parameters were examined according to the standard procedure, while testosterone profile was conducted using the ELISA method. At the termination of the experiment, two bucks from each group were euthanised, and the testes were harvested to evaluate gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. No significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference was recorded in the live weight, sperm concentration, and sperm abnormality of the rabbit bucks. A significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference was observed in the ejaculate volume, gross motility, pH, reaction time, and percentage of live spermatozoa. The epididymal sperm reserves in group B, was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in the right than left. Testosterone profile showed significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference at 9 and 10 a.m. On haematology, there was a significant increase in PCV, RBC count, haemoglobin concentration and WBC count in groups B, C and D by week 9 compared to the control. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of garlic and onion effectively improved the spermiogram of rabbit bucks.

Physiological response of rabbits to organic selenium: Serum metabolites, liver and kidney function tests and hematological indices

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the serum total protein, glucose, liver, kidney and haematological response to varied levels of exogenous L-Selenomethionine (L-SeMet). Twenty four male rabbit bucks, about 10 months old were randomly allotted to four treatments in a completely randomized design. Blood samples were collected at day 21 and day 42 from the bucks and processed for total protein, glucose, haematocrit, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes,and leukocyte differential count determination. Serum total protein was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in rabbits administered 0.3 mgkg-1 and 0.4 mgkg-1 at day 21 than those fed 0.2 mgkg-1. However, Glucose, alanine aminotransferase, spartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were not significantly influenced by L-SeMet administration at both days 21 and 42. Blood urea was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower in bucks administered 0.4 mgkg-1 L-SeMet comparedto the control. Creatinine and sodium levels in the bucks were also not significantly influenced by L-SeMet. This suggested that exogenous supplementation of L-SeMet did not have adverse effect on the physiological processes of the rabbit bucks. Increased serum total protein observed in the experimental animals could be attributed to L-SeMet administration to the rabbit bucks which probably enhanced dietary protein utilization and/or protein synthesis.

Effect on physiological parameters and semen quality upon oral administration of fresh onion juice to V-line rabbit buck during severe heat stress

Severe heat stress is recognized as a factor that severely influences the semen quality and antioxidant status of rabbits. In this context, fresh onion juice (FOJ) may be a safe and useful option to improve reproductive performance. This research was designed to evaluate the anti-stress effects of FOJ on physiological and semen parameters in heat-stressed bucks. Thirty-six V-line rabbit bucks were randomly distributed into three groups. The bucks received FOJ orally at different doses [0 (water), 1.5, and 3 ml/kg live body weight] every 2 days over a period of 2 months, with 3 weeks as an adaptation period. FOJ treatments significantly improved semen characteristics, such as libido, mass and individual sperm motility, semen concentration, sperm viability, and acrosome reaction with increased initial seminal fructose, via the oral administration of 1.5 and 3 mL FOJ/kg body weight, compared with the findings in control bucks. Seminal plasma antioxidant status was significantly enhanced by FOJ treatments. It was concluded that the oral administration of FOJ under severe heat stress can improve bucks’ semen characteristics and sex hormone concentrations except for testosterone, and it is considered a good strategy for improving the heat resistance of rabbit bucks, possibly due to its antioxidant activity.