Modulating Role of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Meal on Spermatogenic and Steroidogenic Functions of West African Dwarf Bucks Testis

Authors

  • K.M. Okukpe Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
  • O.I. Alli Department of Animal Production, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria.
  • O.A. Olayinka Landmark University, Omuaran, Kwara State, Nigeria
  • F.A. Okeniyi Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
  • B.H. Ajao Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
  • V.O. Chimezie Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
  • O.M. Familoni Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
  • M.A. Abdullahi Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31357/vjs.v27i02.7835

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina has a unique nutritional and phytochemical property with numerous physiological, biochemical and morphological benefits due to its anti-oxidative and anti-helminthic properties. This study evaluated the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on follicle stimulating (FSH), luteinizing hormones (LH) and testosterone regulation of seminal characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Twenty-four (24) WAD bucks were randomly assigned to four treatments (A, B, C and D) in a completely randomized design for a nutritional trial of eight weeks. Animals were given diets containing 0, 20, 30 and 40g VALM/kg feed. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently forth-nightly before the end of the experiment for hormonal assay. Semen volume, semen color, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology were determined from the semen samples obtained forth-nightly by electro-ejaculation. All data collected were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure of SAS, (2002). Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in most of the hormones studied except testosterone which was not significantly affected by VALM. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology increased significantly (P<0.05) and was highest at 40 g of VALM/kg feed. The color of the semen from all the treatments was whitish grey. It was therefore concluded that VALM improved the FSH and LH production at 40 g of VALM/kg feed with improved sperm quality in WAD bucks, thereby enhancing the reproductive performance of the goats.

Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, semen quality, hormone, goats

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Published

2024-12-30

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 02 (2024): Current Scientia

Section

Articles