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

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.