Semen, Gonadal and Epididymal Characteristics of Pubertal Boars Fed African Porridge Plant (Tetrapleura tetraptera) Pod Meal

J. Ezea; J. C. Ezike; M. A. Oguike; U.  Herbert; E. N. Nwachukwu

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.4752

Authors

J. Ezea Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
J. C. Ezike Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
M. A. Oguike Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
U. Herbert Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
E. N. Nwachukwu Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.4752

Keywords:

Semen, testicular, pubertal, epididymides, Tetrapleura tetraptera

Abstract

Semen quality as well aslength and circumference of the scrotum; length, weight, volume and circumference of the testes; and length and weight of the epididymides of eighteen Large White-Duroc cross-bred pubertal boars fed 0.00%, 1.00% and 1.50% dietary Tetrapleura tetraptera pod meal (TPM), respectively, were studied. The boars were randomly divided into three equal experimental groups. Each treatment was replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Semen volume, sperm concentration, number of sperm per ejaculate, total viable sperm as well as all scrotal and testicular measurements, except right testicular length and left testicular circumference, were significantly influenced by 1.50% dietary TPM. Dietary TPM improved semen volume, sperm concentration, number of sperm per ejaculate, total viable sperm, and increased the testicular dimensions of pubertal boars at 1.50% inclusion.