REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIALS AND SPERMATOZOA KINETICS OF RABBIT BUCKS FED MORINGA OLEIFERA, PHYLLANTHUS AMARUS AND VISCUM ALBUM HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

Abstract

Three herbal supplements obtained from freshly air-dried Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaves were evaluated for their comparative effect on gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves and spermatozoa kinetics of bucks. Forty bucks were allotted to four diets made up of
standard grower rabbit ration without supplement and with 5% Moringa, Mistletoe and Phyllanthus supplementation for 84 days. Semen samples were collected from all bucks using artificial vagina, for semen quality and seminal oxidative stress markers. The organ weights, testicular and epididymal
spermatozoa reserves were assessed to determine sperm production potentials using standard procedures. The result obtained revealed that spermatozoa concentration, motility, tranjectory and speed traits were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the group fed mistletoe supplemented diet compared
to that recorded in the control groups. The gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves of bucks fed the herbal supplements were depleted compared to bucks on control. Bucks on mistletoe supplementation rival the superior daily sperm production and testicular sperm reserve per testis in bucks without
herbal supplements. In conclusion, the reproductive characteristics of bucks to the three herbal supplements differ. Viscum album supplements in bucks‘ diets encouraged daily sperm production, testicular sperm reserves, spermatozoa kinetics over other herbs supplements. Phyllanthus amarus
supplementation in bucks‘ diet enhanced extra-gonadal sperm reserves compared to bucks on other herbal supplements. Thus strategic herbal supplementation would be required to meet different reproductive desires in bucks.