African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12487

Full Length Research Paper

Semen quality characteristics and testosterone levels of rabbit bucks fed Costus afer leaf

P. K. Ajuogu
  • P. K. Ajuogu
  • Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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U. Herbert
  • U. Herbert
  • Department of Animal Science, Micheal Okpara Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
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P. C. Ibeh
  • P. C. Ibeh
  • Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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M. B. Nodu
  • M. B. Nodu
  • Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Niger Delta University, Amasoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
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U. H. Ukpabio
  • U. H. Ukpabio
  • Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, Abia State, Nigeria.
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C. G. Onyegbule
  • C. G. Onyegbule
  • School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
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A. O. Akintola
  • A. O. Akintola
  • Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 14 December 2016
  •  Accepted: 25 October 2017
  •  Published: 12 January 2018

Abstract

Previous studies have shown Costus afer to possess ethno-medical and ethno-veterinary properties, however, the link between C. afer and reproductive activities are not clear. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of C. afer leaf on semen quality characteristics and testosterone levels of adult buck rabbits. Eighteen adult crossbred New Zealand and Chinchilla breeds were divided into three treatments (A, B and C) (n=6) in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 12 weeks. The results showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in sperm motility, sperm count, and normal morphology due to treatment effect. Sperm abnormalities, dead cells, sluggishly motile, and pus cells were significantly (P<0.05) increased in treated group. The treatment had no significant impact (P>0.05) on parameters like appearance (normal), semen volume, and viscosity between the groups. Serum testosterone increased significantly (P < 0.05) in treated groups (C: 21.0 ng/mL; B: 11.6 ng/mL) than control (A: 11.0 ng/mL), respectively. These results indicate that C. afer has a negative fertility impact on buck rabbits.
 
Key words: Costus afer, semen, testosterone, rabbit, buck. 

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This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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