Daily Sperm Production, Gonadal and Extra-Gonadal Sperm Reserves of Rabbits Fed Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplemented Diets

In a 12-week feeding trial, an investigation was conducted with 32 weaned crossbred rabbits with average weight of 691±61.00g to assess the testicular and epididymal sperm reserves and sperm production of rabbits fed dietary prebiotics (Biotronic®) and probiotics (BIOVET®-YC) at the recommended rates of 4kg/tonne and 500g/tonne respectively. The control diet 1 had neither probiotic nor prebiotic while prebiotic, probiotic and symbiotic (prebiotic + probiotic) were added, at the recommended rates, to diets 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The 32 rabbits were randomly and equally allotted to the diets and housed individually. At the end of the feeding trial, 5 animals per treatment were sacrificed and their reproductive tracts dissected. The testes and epididymides were carefully sampled, weighed and processed. Results showed that the right, left and paired testes weights of the animals were not significantly different among the dietary treatments. However, the testicular sperm reserves were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatments. Sperm reserves in both left and right testicles of animals fed diets 2 and 3 were similar to the control animals but they were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those fed diet 4 containing the combination of prebiotic and probiotic. The epididymal sperm reserves were significantly (P<0.05) higher in rabbits fed prebiotic and symbiotic diets than those fed diet 3 and the control. The daily sperm production and sperm production efficiency were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the treatments with the rabbits on diet 4 recording significantly (P<0.05) highest values (21.29 x106 spermatozoa/ml and 10.80 x106 spermatozoa/ml respectively).This study suggests that prebiotics (Biotronic®) and the combination of pre- and pro- biotics (Biovet®-YC) possess a potential to improve reproductive efficiency ofrabbit bucks.Keywords: Prebiotics, probiotics, rabbits, sperm reserves, sperm production

Comparative effect of saline solutions as diluents on in vitro semen storage, egg fertility and hatchability in Turkey hens

The high viscosity and concentration of turkey semen necessitates its dilution prior to artificial insemination. The comparative effects of Modified Ringer’s Solution (MRS), Normal Saline (NS) and Dextrose Saline (DS) as diluents on semen quality and fertility in turkeys were investigated. Semen pooled from 20 toms was divided into four: Undiluted Semen (US), others were diluted at 1:1 with MRS, NS or DS and stored at ambient temperature (27.75±0.25 ). Progressive Spermatozoa Motility (PSM) was measured hourly till it was below 50%. Sixty turkey hens were inseminated with the treatments for two successive days, and fertility assessed over ten weeks. At first hour of storage, PSM was greater than 90% in all treatments while it was significantly (P˂0.05) higher in MRS (58.3±2.9%) and DS (56.7±1.7) than US (43.2±2.9%) and NS (41.7±1.7%) at the fourth hour. Fertility at the first six weeks post insemination was similar among the treatments. Values at the first 3 weeks were 81% to 97%. At week 8, it was significantly (P˂0.05) higher in NS (20.83%) than others (0%). Modified Ringer’s solution, normal saline and dextrose saline are suitable as semen diluents for insemination in turkeys. However, modified Ringer’s solution and dextrose saline stored semen better in vitro. Keywords: Dextrose saline; Normal saline; Ringer’s solution; Saline solutions; Turkey fertility; Turkey seme

Antioxidant Activity in the Blood and Testes of the Mottled Brown Male Japanese Quails at Different Age Groups

This study was carried out to assess the antioxidant activity in the blood and testes of mottled brown male Japanese quails at different physiological age groups. Fifty four mottled-brown male quail birds with average weight of 128.33±28.21g were randomly allotted to three age groups: pubertal (7 to 10 weeks old), mature (15 to 20 weeks old) and adult (above 24 weeks old). Eighteen birds were allocated per age group; each treatment had 3 replicates with 6 birds each. Blood sample was collected from all the birds and the birds were sacrificed, dissected, testes exiced and processed into testicular homogenate. Both serum and homogenate fluids were centrifuged separately to harvest the supernatants and analysed for the antioxidant indices. Statistical comparisons were made between the serum and testicular antioxidant indices. Result showed that the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity in the serum and testis were not significantly (p0.05) different among the age groups except for the glutathione peroxidase activity which was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the mature male quail compared to the adult and pubertal age groups. The result from this study suggests that the age difference in mature mottled brown male quails had improved glutathione peroxidase than other age groups, indicating an enhanced reproductive efficiency than pubertal and adult age groups in Japanese quails.Key words: Reproductive potentials, Mottled brown male quail, Age groups, Antioxidant indices

Metabolic and oxidative stress markers of rabbit bucks at peak of heat stress in Southwest Nigeria

In this cross-sectional study, serum biochemical and oxidative stress indicators in rabbit bucks of different age groups were assessed at peak of heat stress in the tropical condition of South west Nigeria. This investigation was carried out between February and March, when highest temperature-humidity index (THI) is observed in the study location. Thirty-four (34) pubertal rabbit bucks between 4 and 5 months old, thirty-six (36) mature rabbit bucks between 7 and 9 months old and thirty-five (35) adult rabbit bucks above 1 year old were used in this study. Animals were housed individually and allotted randomly into experimental units using the Completely Randomised Design (CRD). After 9 weeks of exposure of the animals to the prevailing heat stress condition in the study area; blood was sampled from all the rabbit bucks through the ear vein into sample bottles for serum biochemical and oxidative status assay using standard procedures. The result revealed that serum glucose, magnesium and sodium in adult rabbit bucks was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of pubertal and mature bucks. Serum lipid peroxidation of adult rabbit bucks was significantly (P<0.05) higher than mature bucks, while serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities of bucks were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the differences in age. Total antioxidant capacity of adult and mature rabbit bucks was significantly (P<0.05) higher than pubertal bucks. The study concluded that at peak of heat stress, adult rabbit bucks are more sensitive to oxidative stress than mature and pubertal bucks. Efforts to combat heat stress in rabbits with antioxidant supplements should cut across three physiological age groups

Performance evaluation and nutrient digestibility of rabbits fed dietary prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics

A total of 32 weaned rabbits (56 days old; 586 ± 60.31g body weight) were selected to investigate the effect of dietary growth promoters on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of rabbits. The rabbits were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (n = 8) including a basal diet (control), diet 2 (prebiotics: Biotronic®, 4kg/ton), diet 3 (probiotics: Biovet®-YC 500g/ton) and diet 4 (Symbiotic: Biotronic®, 4kg/ton and Biovet®-YC, 500g/ton) in a 12-week feeding trial. Body weight (BW), daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of individual rabbits were monitored throughout the experimental period. Feed and faecal samples were collected and analyzed for nutrient digestibility at the last week of the experiment. Five rabbits per treatment were euthanized for carcass characteristics at the end of the feeding trial. The supplementation of prebiotics and symbiotics to rabbit diets significantly (P<0.05) increased the FBW, DWG and FCR compared to probiotic diet and the control. However, the daily feed intake was not significantly affected among the dietary treatments. The nutrient digestibility of the rabbits was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, ether extract, and nitrogen free extracts among the dietary treatments. The addition of growth promoting additives had no significant effect on the carcass characteristics measured except the right arms of the experimental rabbits. The results suggest that the prebiotic and symbiotic supplementation can be alternated as natural growth promoter in antibiotic free rabbit diets. This will enhance growth performance by increasing nutrient digestibility of rabbits.Key words: Prebiotics, Probiotics, Symbiotics, Rabbits, Performance, Digestibility

FERTILITY RESPONSE OF INDIGENOUS TURKEY HENS TO SEMEN DOSAGE AND OVIDUCTAL SPERMATOZOA STORAGE / RESPUESTA FÉRTIL DE PAVAS CRIOLLAS TURCAS A DOSIS SEMINALES Y AL RESERVORIO OVIDUCTAL DE ESPERMATOZOIDES

Fertility response of indigenous turkey to oviductal spermatozoa storage using duration of fertile period, and the effect of undiluted semen dosage on fertility and embryo mortality was assessed. Sixty white-feathered local turkey hens were grouped into five treatments of twelve hens each. Semen was harvested from seventeen toms, pooled and inseminated into hens in groups one to four each with 0.02 mL (SD0.02), 0.04 mL (SD0.04), 0.06 mL (SD0.06) and 0.08 mL (SD0.08) of undiluted semen, containing approximately 80x106, 160x106, 240x106 and 320x106 motile sperm cells, respectively. Hens in group five (NM) were mated with three other toms at a mating ratio of one tom to four hens. Insemination and mating were done once daily for two successive days only, after which eggs were collected and incubated weekly for 10 weeks. Fertility and embryonic mortality were monitored weekly. Average fertility at the first three weeks of oviductal sperm age in SD0.02 (94.2%), SD0.04 (95.1%), SD0.06 (98.0%) and SD0.08 (93.8%) were significantly higher than NM (70.4%, p˂0.05). Total embryo mortality was significantly (p˂0.05) higher in SD0.08 (26.2%) than SD0.02 (11.9%), SD0.04 (11.6%) and NM (6.2%) but similar to SD0.06 (17.9%). The efficient duration of fertile period of the turkey hens was three weeks while their maximum duration of fertile period was eight weeks. Semen insemination dosage of 0.02mL containing approximately 80x106 motile spermatozoa was an economic dose for insemination while 320x106 (group SD0.08) reduced embryo survival. RESUMENSe midió la respuesta de pavas criollas al reservorio oviductal de espermatozoides, evaluando el efecto de la duración del periodo fértil y de la dosis de semen no diluido sobre la fertilidad y la mortalidad embrionaria. Sesenta pavas criollas de raza blanca fueron agrupadas en cinco tratamientos de doce pavas cada uno. El semen se obtuvo de siete pavos, este se mezcló y fue inseminado sin diluir, en pavas en grupos de una a cuatro para cada una de las siguientes dosis 0.02 mL (SD0.02), 0.04 mL (SD0.04), 0.06 mL (SD0.06) and 0.08 mL (SD0.08), conteniendo 80x106, 160x106, 240x106 and 320x106espermatozoides motiles, respectivamente. Las pavas en el grupo cinco (monta natural) fueron apareadas con tres pavos a razón de cuatro pavas por pavo. Tanto las inseminaciones como las montas se realizaron una vez al día y solo por dos días consecutivos, luego de este periodo los huevos fueron recolectado e incubados semanalmente por diez semanas. La fertilidad y la mortalidad embrionaria se monitorearon semanalmente. La fertilidad promedio durante las tres primeras semanas de edad del reservorio espermático oviductal  en los grupos SD0.02 (94.2%), SD0.04 (95.1%), SD0.06 (98.0%) and SD0.08 (93.8%) fue significativamente más altas que en el grupo de NM (70.4%, p˂0.05). La mortalidad embrionaria total fue significativamente mayor en el grupo SD0.08 (26.2%, p˂0.05) que en los grupos SD0.02 (11.9%), SD0.04 (11.6%) y NM (6.2%), pero similar a la del grupo SD0.06 (17.9%). La duración eficiente del periodo fértil en pavas fue de tres semanas mientras que la duración máxima fue de ocho semanas. La dosis de inseminación de 0.02mL conteniendo aproximadamente 80x106 espermatozoides motiles fue una dosis económica para la inseminación, mientras que la dosis conteniendo 320x106espermatozoides motiles (grupo SD0.08) redujo la sobrevivencia embrionaria

Physiological response of rabbits to organic selenium: Serum metabolites, liver and kidney function tests and hematological indices

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the serum total protein, glucose, liver, kidney and haematological response to varied levels of exogenous L-Selenomethionine (L-SeMet). Twenty four male rabbit bucks, about 10 months old were randomly allotted to four treatments in a completely randomized design. Blood samples were collected at day 21 and day 42 from the bucks and processed for total protein, glucose, haematocrit, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocytes,and leukocyte differential count determination. Serum total protein was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rabbits administered 0.3 mgkg-1 and 0.4 mgkg-1 at day 21 than those fed 0.2 mgkg-1. However, Glucose, alanine aminotransferase, spartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were not significantly influenced by L-SeMet administration at both days 21 and 42. Blood urea was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in bucks administered 0.4 mgkg-1 L-SeMet comparedto the control. Creatinine and sodium levels in the bucks were also not significantly influenced by L-SeMet. This suggested that exogenous supplementation of L-SeMet did not have adverse effect on the physiological processes of the rabbit bucks. Increased serum total protein observed in the experimental animals could be attributed to L-SeMet administration to the rabbit bucks which probably enhanced dietary protein utilization and/or protein synthesis

CONCEPTION IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF DOES INSEMINATED WITH NORMAL SALINE DILUTED BUCK SEMEN

ABSTRACTThis study investigated fertility response of West African Dwarf (WAD) does artificially inseminated with semen diluted with normal saline and the dilution ratio for achieving an optimum conception. Semen was collected from seven proven adult WAD bucks via electro ejaculation method and pooled. The semen collected was divided into 5 portions and each diluted with normal saline at 1:0 (T1, control), 1:1(T2), 1:2 (T3), 1:3 (T4) and 1:4 (T5) corresponding to five treatments. The treatments were evaluated for motility, livability and concentration. Twenty eight does aged 12-24 months with an average weight of 12.15±1.51kg were allotted to the five treatment groups with unequal replicates in a completely randomised design. Oestrus in the does was synchronised using prostaglandin (PGF2α) (Lutalyse(R) Pharmacia and Upjohn CO. NY). Oestrus was detected at 72 to 96 hours and insemination was carried out at 78th and 90th hours with respective treatments at 0.4 mL of diluted semen through the cervix using insemination gun. Conception was monitored by inspection of those that returned to oestrus and with the use of ultrasound scanner at day 65. Collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results indicated that spermatozoa motility ranged from 81.67±2.87% (T1) to 90.00±5.00% (T4). T1 and T5 had lower motility than other treatments. Spermatozoa concentration ranged from 6.38±0.51x109/mL (T5) to 31.87±2.58x109/mL (T1).The number of motile sperm cells inseminated ranged from 5.33±0.59x109/mL (T5) to 26.05±2.75x109/mL (T1). Total live spermatozoa ranged from 5.94±0.58x109/mL(T5) to 29.48±1.51x109/mL (T1). Does inseminated with semen diluted at ratio 1:1 (T2) had the highest percentage conception, while T1, T4 and T5 had the least percentage conception. The present study showed that conception was enhanced when normal saline was used to dilute goat semen at ratio of 1:1, while dilution up to 1:4 also had a comparable percentage conception with the undiluted semen. RESUMENEn este estudio se investigó la respuesta a la fertilidad en cabras West African Dwarf  (WAD) que se inseminaron  artificialmente con semen diluido en solución salina normal y la relación de dilución para lograr un nivel de concepción óptimo. El semen se recolectó de siete machos WAD adultos probados, mediante electroeyaculación  y fue mezclado. El semen recolectado se dividió en 5 alícuotas y cada una se diluyó con solución salina normal a 1:0 (T1, control), 1:1 (T2), 1:2 (T3), 1:3 (T4) y 1:4 (T5). ) correspondiente a cinco tratamientos. Los tratamientos fueron evaluados por motilidad, vitalidad y concentración. Se usaron veintiocho cabras, con una edad entre 12 a 24 meses y un peso promedio de 12.15±1.51 kg, para los cinco grupos de tratamientos con réplicas desiguales en un diseño completamente al azar. El celo se sincronizó usando prostaglandina (PGF2α) (Lutalyse(R) Pharmacia y Upjohn CO. NY) y se detectó a las 72 a 96 horas y la inseminación se realizó entre 78 y 90 horas con 0,4 ml de semen diluido y a través del cuello uterino utilizando una pistola de inseminación. La concepción se monitorizó mediante la detección del celo y con el uso de ultrasonografía el día 65. Los datos recopilados se sometieron a estadísticas descriptivas y ANOVA. Los resultados indicaron que la motilidad de los espermatozoides osciló entre 81.67±2.87% (T1) y 90.00±5.00% (T4). T1 y T5 tuvieron menor motilidad que otros tratamientos. La concentración de espermatozoides osciló entre 6.38±0.51x109/mL (T5) y 31.87±2.58x109/mL (T1). El número de espermatozoides mótiles inseminados varió desde 5,33±0,59x109/ml (T5) hasta 26,05 2,75x109/mL (T1). El total de espermatozoides vivos osciló entre 5.94±0.58x109/mL (T5) y 29.48±1.51x109/mL (T1). Las hembras inseminados con semen diluido en una proporción de 1:1 (T2) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje de concepción, mientras que T1, T4 y T5 tuvieron el menor porcentaje de concepción. El presente estudio muestra que la concepción se mejora cuando se utiliza solución salina normal para diluir el semen en una proporción de 1:1, mientras que la dilución 1:4 tuvo una concepción porcentual comparable con el semen sin diluir

Trends, spatial distribution and predictors of the incidence and mortality of endometrial cancer in South Africa (1997–2015)

M.A. (Public Health)Abstract: Globally, Endometrial Cancer (EC) is the sixth most common female cancer. Traditionally, EC is more common in high-income countries on account of the predominance of risk factors such as obesity and low parity. However, the epidemiological and health transition in South Africa (SA) after the advent of multiracial democracy in 1994 may impact EC trends in the country. We therefore evaluated the trends in EC from 1997 – 2015. Temporal trend analyses of the incidence and mortality of EC was conducted using the South African National Cancer Registry and the Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) data. Average annual percent change (AAPC) of the age standardised incidence rate (ASIR) and age standardised mortality rate (ASMR) rates were calculated using the Join point regression modelling to evaluate the incidence and mortality trends. Spatial distribution of ASMR of EC at province level was mapped using ArcGIS software. An unmatched case control study of the risk factors of EC was conducted using the Stats SA cancer mortality data. Statistically significant level was set at 95% confidence level (P-value: < 0.05). There were 14,238 cases and 3,955 deaths of EC over the study period. Incidence and mortality rates increased at 3.5% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.7-5.4, P-value: <0.001) and 3.7% (95% CI: 2.7-4.7, P-value: <0.001) per annum respectively. All nine provinces had increased ASMR with KwaZulu-Natal experiencing the highest AAPC of 8.2% (95% CI: 5.4-11.1, P-value: <0.001). Among the population groups, Blacks experienced the highest increase in ASIR with AAPC of 4.1% (95% CI: 2.0-6.3; Pvalue: <0.001) while the increase in ASMR was highest among Whites16.3% (95% CI: 8.4-24.7; P-value: <0.001). There was higher odds of EC deaths among the postmenopausal age group (adjusted odds ratio {adjOR}: 3.98; 95% CI: 3.14-5.03; Pvalue: <0.001) and lower odds among divorcees (adjOR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59-0.89; Pvalue 0.002) and smokers (adjOR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.43-0.65; P-value: <0.001). In conclusion, there was an upward trend in incidence and mortality of EC in South Africa from 1997 – 2015. This reflects clearly in 8 of the 9 provinces with KZN experiencing the highest mortality. Public health interventions are necessary to reduce the impact of EC in South Africa