Effect of Postbiotic Based on Lactic Acid Bacteria on Semen Quality and Health of Male Rabbits

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria-based postbiotic supplementation on semen characteristics and hematological and biochemical profiles in rabbits. A total of 28 males were randomly allocated into two groups. Males received a Control diet and Enriched diet supplemented with postbiotic for 15 weeks (4 weeks of adaptation period and 11 weeks of experimental period). Body weight, feed intake and semen characteristics were recorded weekly. Hematological profile was recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment and biochemical profile at 0, 5, 10 and 15 weeks. Bayesian methodology was used for the statistical analysis. Feed intake was higher in Control diet (125.2 g) than in the Enriched diet (118.6 g, p = 1.00). The percentages of abnormal spermatozoa were higher in Control diet than in Enriched diet (30% and 22%; p = 0.93) and the acrosome integrity percentage was lower (97% and 96%; p = 0.87). The hematological profile was within the range for healthy rabbits. The plasmatic level of alanine aminotransferase was higher in Control diet than Enriched diet at 5 and 10 weeks (p = 0.93 and p = 0.94, respectively) and alkaline phosphatase was similar in Control diet throughout the experiment, but decreased in Enriched diet (p = 0.97). No difference was found in kidney parameters (uric nitrogen and creatinine). Enriched diet showed higher total protein and globulin than Control diet (p = 0.99). Phosphorus was lower (p = 0.92) in Control diet than in Enriched diet. In conclusion, the addition of the postbiotic based on lactic acid bacteria seems to improve the quality of the semen and the liver profile in rabbits.

Effect of Postbiotics Derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 (DSM 14870) on Sperm Quality: A Prospective In Vitro Study

“…Several studies have demonstrated the positive regulatory impact of oral probiotic consumption on sperm quality via the modulation of the reproductive hormone levels or anti-inflammatory response in male animal models [ 64 , 65 ] and humans [ 66 , 67 ]. Concerning postbiotics, a study by Díaz et al [ 68 ] examined the impact of oral postbiotics on sperm motility. This study, conducted on rabbits, revealed that 11 weeks of oral supplementation with postbiotics based on lactic acid bacteria led to fewer abnormal spermatozoa and increased acrosome integrity.…”

Current Applications and Future Trends of Dehydrated Lactic Acid Bacteria for Incorporation in Animal Feed Products

“…Furthermore, Humam et al [54] reported that the supplementation of postbiotics to broilers raised under stress conditions led to higher counts of beneficial microorganisms in the caecum and a significantly lower population of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, compared to the control groups. In the field of assisted reproduction in intensive livestock farming, a recent study evaluating the seminal quality of rabbits has shown that a significant improvement in semen characteristics and liver profile resulted from the administration of a postbiotic derived from lactic acid bacteria [163].…”

Supplying Bee Pollen and Propolis to Growing Rabbits: Effects on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Meat Quality

“…When evaluating a new feed additive for domestic animals, it is essential to analyze the effects of the consumption of the additive on animal health [31]. According to Diaz Cano et al [61], knowledge of reference values for blood metabolites in rabbits provides valuable information on the health status of the animals. In particular, hematological parameters provide information on rabbits' visceral organ infections, inflammation, and necrosis [62].…”

“…If analyzed at appropriate reference intervals, serum uric acid and creatinine concentrations can be used as biomarkers of renal function status in rabbits [61]. For example, serum creatinine levels increase above the reference interval when animals have chronic and acute renal failure [69].…”