EPIDIDYMAL SPERM RESERVE EXTRACTION AND LIBIDO RESPONSES OF MALE RABBIT FED GRADED LEVELS OF FERMENTED AFRICAN LOCUST BEAN (Parkia biglobosa)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Rabbit Unit of the College of Agriculture, Bauchi, in Bauchi local government of Bauchi state, for a period of 8 weeks, to investigate the effects of feeding male rabbit graded levels o5f fermented African Locust Bean Meal (ALBM) on epididymal sperm reserve and libido responses. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used to allot the experimental diets to the experimental animals. Five dietary treatment levels were formulated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. Each treatment was replicated four times, with two rabbits per unit which made a total number of 40 experimental bucks. The bucks weighed between 1.5-2.0 kg. The experimental diets were fed twice a day (morning and evening) and lasted for 8 weeks and clean drinking water was provided ad-libitum. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis of one sample t-test using a statistical package (SPSS) version 25, 2017. The means were separated using turkey range test. Hematological analysis such as PCV, HB and WBC were determined also including serum biochemistry analysis for only globulin and albumin to view the blood profile at a glance after experimental feeding. Result obtained for testicular weight shows no significant difference at (P> 0.05).T5 (100 %) shows the highest mean value of (1.88±0.13), while T1 (0.0 %) shows the lowest mean value of (1.25±0.32). The epididymal length, paired epididymis shows no significance difference at (P > 0.05), however the highest mean value is seen in T1 (6.75±0.85), while the lowest mean value was recorded in T3 (5.64±1.24). Semen volumes collected of all the experimental groups presented were not significant (P > 0.05). T1 (0.00 %) show the least volume of 0.05 ml. Libido response assessment test (LRT) was carried out to check for libido responses for each group using a matured teaser female (Doe). Time recording was achieved with aids of a stop watch. The libido responses (LR) were taken and recorded; some show response in less than (< 2 seconds) others greater (> 1 minute) and above (2 minutes) indicate or shows no libido response. All the experimental animals showed a spectrum of responses. T5 show a significant and higher libido response assessment test (LRT) whileT3 show a high number of no response. The economic analysis of the feed cost shows that as the proportion of ALBM increases, the feed cost decreases. The feed cost ranging from 40.00₦/kg, 60.50₦/kg. In conclusion, the Fermented African Locust Bean Meal can be included in the male rabbit diet for the overall improvement in sperm motility and libido response assessment test (LRT). Therefore, Fermented African Locust Bean Meal is recommended up to (100 %) level of replacement for better epididymal sperm reserve of male rabbits