Ameliorative effects of oral ginger and/or thyme aqueous extracts on productive and reproductive performance of V‐line male rabbits

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of ginger and/or thyme aqueous extracts administration on the growth rate, caecum activity, reproductive performance and semen quality of rabbits. A total of 24 V‐line male rabbits at the age of 12 weeks were divided randomly into four equal groups (6/each) until 24 weeks of age. Treatments were as follows: drinking fresh water and served as control (G1); drinking water supplemented with 100 mg/kg b. wt. of ginger aqueous extract (G2); drinking water supplemented with 50 mg/kg b. wt. of thyme aqueous extract (G3); drinking water supplemented with 100 mg/kg b. wt. of ginger aqueous extract plus 50 mg/kg b. wt. of thyme aqueous extract (G4). Administration of aqueous thyme extract with 50 mg/kg b. wt. improved (p < 0.001) feed intake and growth performance compared to control. The highest average daily gain (p < 0.001) was found for G3 rabbits followed by G4, G2 and G1 respectively. While the most efficient feed conversion ratio was found in G4. Group 3 and group 4 had significant (p < 0.05) positive effect on caecum pH, ammonia and TVFAs concentration. Data indicated that treated groups had hastened the age with heavier body weight, larger testicular size and higher testosterone level. Also, most semen characteristics (volume, progressive motility, sperm concentration and normal spermatozoa) were higher in treated groups compared with the control group. Furthermore, gathering of the spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, expanded epithelial cells stature of the epididymis with stuffed lumens with sperms in treated groups. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of ginger and/or thyme can be used as a growth promoter for improving reproductive performance of V‐line male rabbits.

Effects of dietary phytogenic supplementation on performance, semen quality and serum biochemical of rabbits

“…Similar results were reported supplementation of TEO with olive oil improved growth performance of male Californian rabbits under high temperature environments [ 2]. Likewise, oral administration of aqueous thyme extract with 50 mg/kg BW improved (P < 0.001) BWG, feed intake and FCR of rabbits compared to control [ 24].…”

“…Semen quality of rabbit was signi cantly increased by supplementation of thyme aqueous extracts [ 26]. Also, rabbit fed on extracts of thyme signi cantly increased (P < 0.05) semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration and sperm livability compared with the control [ 24].…”

Productive and Physiological Response of Male Rabbits to Dietary Supplementation with Thyme Essential Oil

“…These obtained results can be confirmed by liver and kidney function. In the current study, supplementation of TEO to male rabbits significantly reduced serum urea, creatinine, and ALT and AST activities and increased serum testosterone levels compared to PC and NC groups, but the values were within the normal physiological range [ 14 , 16 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. These results agree with those of El-Ratel et al [ 14 ], where it is reported that the activity of AST and ALT of rabbits was remarkably enhanced by oral administration of phytogenic additives (5 or 10 mg allicin/BW) compared to the control.…”

“…Supplementation of TEO with olive oil enhanced the growth performance of male Californian rabbits under high-temperature environments [ 1 ]. Similarly, oral administration of aqueous thyme extract with 50 mg/kg BW improved ( P < 0.001) BWG, FI, and FCR of rabbits compared to the control [ 29 ].…”

“…Supplementation of thyme aqueous extracts significantly increased the semen quality of rabbits [ 31 ]. In addition, semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, and sperm livability significantly increased ( P < 0.05) in rabbits received aqueous thyme extract with 50 mg/kg compared to the control [ 29 ].…”