Effect of Scent Leaf (Ocimumgratissimum) on Semen and Semen Plasma Characteristics of Rabbit Bucks

Abstract

Twenty four (24) pubertal Buck New Zealand breed of rabbit were used to evaluate the effect of scent leaf meal (SLM) on semen and semen plasma characteristics. The trial which lasted for twelve (12) weeks had four (4) treatment groups replicated three (3) times in a completely randomized design (CRD). Dietary levels of 0.00, 20.00, 40.00 and 60.00 percent of SLM were used to formulate the rabbit diets. At the end of the trial, parameters on semen and semen plasma characteristics were determined. The parameters examined in semen characteristics were significantly (p<0.05) different however semen colour varied from cream white to cream milk. All the parameters of seminal plasma showed significant (p<0.05) difference while SLM effect on serum enzyme activity had similar values in all the parameters but varied slightly (p<0.05) in Alkaline phosphatase and Alanine transaminase. Semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and live sperm cell maintained highest values in dietary level of 60.00 percent. Similarly albumin which plays the role of transportation in the body of animals had highest value on 60.00 percent diet. The results of this study indicated that 60.00 percent dietary level of scent leaf meal could be used to enhance semen and semen plasma indices in rabbit s.