Effect of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hormones of rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
This study investigated the role of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hor mones 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 signifi cantly (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