Ivermectin-induced Reproductive Toxicity in Rabbit Bucks and the Protective Role of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and Vitamin C

Abstract

This study investigated the adverse effects of ivermectin (IVM) on semen quality and hormonal levels in rabbit bucks and evaluated the protective role of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MO) and vitamin C (VC). Twenty-five rabbit bucks were divided into five groups: control (normal saline), IVM-only (0.4 mg/kg weekly), IVM+MO (0.4 mg/kg IVM + 200 mg/kg MO), IVM+VC (0.4 mg/kg IVM + 200 mg/kg), and IVM+MO+VC (0.4 mg/kg IVM + 200 mg/kg MO + 200 mg/kg VC). Semen parameters (volume, sperm count, motility, morphology, livability) and serum hormones (testosterone, FSH, LH) were assessed after 8 weeks. Results revealed significant (P=.05) declines in semen quality and hormonal levels in the IVM group compared to controls, with improvements observed in supplemented groups. The IVM+MO+VC group showed the most notable recovery, nearing control values for sperm count (105.3 vs. 132.0 x10⁶/mL), motility (69.33% vs. 83.33%), and testosterone (4.33 vs. 5.07 ng/mL). The study concludes that IVM induces reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress and endocrine disruption, which MO and VC mitigate through antioxidant actions. Combined supplementation proved most effective, suggesting its potential as a protective strategy in breeding males. Recommendations include cautious IVM use in reproductive animals and adjunct antioxidant supplementation to preserve fertility