The effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on weekly weights, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves of Red Sokoto Bucks

Introduction: Testicular size is a good predictor of sperm production, service capacity and sexual development in most species. The correlation between body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves in farm animals is very essential in the determination of fertility rates and reproductive performance. The present work evaluated the effects of feeding graded levels of whole cottonseed on weekly weights, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves of Red Sokoto bucks. Twenty Red Sokoto bucks were used for the experiment.Method: After a 14-day pre-treatment period, bucks were assigned for 90 days to one of four isonitrogenous treatments: control (diet A); 0 mg/kg of total gossypol, (diet B); 15 % mg/kg of total gossypol, (diet C); 30 % mg/kg of total gossypol and (diet D); 45 % mg/ kg of total gossypol. Mean weekly body weights and scrotal circumference changes were significantly (p < 0.05) different among various treatment groups; bucks in group C (30% WCS) gained the highest body weight and scrotal circumference while bucks in group D (45 % WCS) had the least. Mean testicular and epididymal sperm reserves were significantly (p < 0.05) different among various treatment groups; bucks in group C (30% WCS) had the highest while bucks in group D (45 % WCS) had the least.Result: Weight gain, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves of Red Sokoto bucks were higher in animals supplemented with 30 % whole cottonseed.Significance: The relationship between body weights, scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymal sperm reserves can be a valuable parameter in the determination of fertility rates, reproductive performance and economic significance in Red Sokoto Bucks.