Open AccessReproductive Characteristics of Male Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) Fed on Spirulina ( Spirulina platensis ) Hydro - Ethanolic Extract
Author(s) -
Ferdinand Ngoula
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
open access journal of veterinary science and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2474-9222
DOI - 10.23880/oajvsr-16000180
Subject(s) - spirulina (dietary supplement) , sperm , epididymis , biology , distilled water , zoology , testosterone (patch) , vitamin e , andrology , endocrinology , chemistry , botany , medicine , biochemistry , antioxidant , ecology , raw material , chromatography
Spirulina , a filamentous cyanobacteri um, possesses diverse biological activities and nutritional significance due to high concentration of natural nutrients . This work aimed to evaluate the effects of hydro - ethanolic extract (HEE) of Spirulina platensis on organ weights, sperm characteristics , reproductive hormones and fertility index in male rabbits. 30 male rabbits were randomly distributed into 5 groups (6 rabbits/group). For 120 days, group 1 animals (control) were orally given distilled water, those of group 2 were treated with 100 mg/kg bw of vitamin E, while groups 3, 4 and 5 received respectively 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw of spirulina extract. The results showed that the relative weights of the vas deferens and sexual glands increased significantly (p 0.05) difference was noticed in the weights of testes and epididymis, sperm mobility and membrane integrity. Sperm count was significantly (p 0.05) difference among treatments. The serum content in testosterone increased significantly (p 0.05) difference among treatments. The kid weight at birth and the litter size at weaning increased significantly (p<0.05) in sp irulina extract - treated and vitamin E groups with the reference to the control group. The viability rates at weaning were significantly (p<0.05) higher in spirulina extract - treated groups referring to the vitamin E and distilled water groups. In conclusion , the administration of hydro - ethanolic extract of spirulina enhanced the sexual organ weights, sperm characteristics, reproductive hormone levels and performances in male rabbit.