Effect of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hormones of rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions

• Published in: Journal of thermal biology Vol. 112; p. 103438
• Main Authors: Jimoh, Olatunji Abubakar, Daramola, Olajumoke Temidayo, Okin-Aminu, Hafsat Ololade, Ojo, Olayinka Abosede, Oyeyemi, Wahab Adekunle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2023
• Subjects: Animals; Antioxidant; Dietary Supplements; Heat-Shock Response; Herbal supplements; Male; Rabbits; Seeds; Semen Analysis; Spermatozoa - physiology; Spermatozoa kinetics; Steroids; Testosterone; Spermatozoa kinetics; Rabbits; Antioxidant; Herbal supplements; Steroids
• ISSN: 0306-4565; 1879-0992
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103438

This study investigated the role of phytogenic supplements on the reproductive physiology and metabolic hormones of rabbits exposed to heat stress conditions. Fresh Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus and Viscum album leaves were obtained and processed into a leaf meal using standard procedure and served as a phytogenic supplements. Eighty rabbit bucks of 6 weeks old (514.84 ± 14.10 g) were randomly assigned to the four dietary groups consisting of Diet 1 without the leaf meal (control diet) and Diets 2 (D2); 3 (D3) and 4 (D4) contained 10% Moringa, 10% Phyllanthus and 10% Mistletoe, respectively, in an 84-day feed trial at the peak of thermal discomfort. Semen kinetics and seminal oxidative status, reproductive and metabolic hormones were assessed using standard procedure. Results reveal that sperm concentration and motility traits of bucks on D2, D3 and D4 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks on D1. Spermatozoa speed traits of bucks on D4 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than bucks on other treatments. Seminal lipid peroxidation of bucks in D2-D4 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than bucks on D1. Corticosterone of bucks on D1 was significantly higher than bucks on other treatments (D2-D4). Lutenizing hormone of bucks on D2 and testosterone of bucks on D3 was higher (p < 0.05) than in other groups, while follicle stimulating hormone of bucks on D2 and D3 were higher (p < 0.05) than bucks on D1 and D4. In conclusion, the three phytogenic supplements improved sex hormones, enhanced spermatozoa kinetics, viability and seminal oxidative stability of bucks during heat stress condition.
•Bucks under heat stress had lower libido, semen output, T3, LH, testosterone, seminal antioxidant activity.•Moringa oleifera supplements in bucks' diets enhanced libido, LH, FSH, sperm count, seminal GPx.•Phyllanthus amarus enhanced spermatozoa trajectory traits and count, T3, insulin, FSH, testosterone over other supplements.•Viscum album supplementation improved libido, spermatozoa speed and tranjectory traits of bucks during heat stress.•The three phytogenic supplements enhanced sperm motility traits and sperm viability in bucks during heat stress conditions.•They enhanced seminal total antioxidant activity, lower seminal lipid peroxidation in bucks during heat stress conditions.