SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF RABBIT BUCKS FED COTTONSEED CAKE DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH SUSSAGE FRUITS (KIGELIA AFRICANA)
Keywords:
Rabbits, Cottonseed cake, Kigelia africana fruits, sperm characteristics, supplementationAbstract
A study was conducted to investigate the impact of feeding sausage fruits (Kigelia africana) on semen characteristics of rabbit bucks fed cottonseed cake (CSC)-based diets. Sixty rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: T1 (0% CSC), T2 (100% CSC), T3 (CSC + 100g/100kg Kigelia africana powder), T4 (CSC + 100mg/bodyweight Kigelia africana extract), and T5 (CSC + powder and extract). After 14 weeks of feeding, semen evaluation was conducted. T2 bucks showed significantly lower sperm count and volume but higher abnormalities. Supplemented groups exhibited improvements in semen parameters. Conclusion: CSC negatively affected semen characteristics, mitigated by Kigelia africana supplementation. Rabbits intended for breeding should avoid CSC unless supplemented with Kigelia africana fruits..