Melatonin and garlic cytoprotective-ameliorative effects on dibutyl phthalate intoxication on sperm DNA and testicular biomakers of rabbits

The study investigated the cytoprotective and ameliorative effects of melatonin and Allium sativum (garlic) on dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-induced oxidative stress, its impact on sperm DNA integrity and testicular oxidative stress biomarkers. Forty two rabbit bucks were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 bucks each labeled as A, B, C, D, E, F and G: The treatment were as follows: A (served as negative control, received olive oil for 16 weeks); B (served as positive control, exposed to DBP for 16 weeks, no treatment); C (given melatonin for 8 weeks, thereafter DBP for 8 weeks); D (administered garlic for 8 weeks, thereafter DBP for 8 weeks); E (exposed to DBP for 8 weeks, thereafter melatonin for 8 week); F (exposed to DBP for 8 weeks, thereafter garlic for 8 weeks); and G (exposed to DBP for 8 weeks, thereafter melatonin + garlic for 8 weeks). Ejaculated semen was collected on the last day (112th) using artificialv vagina for rabbit and pooled for each group was used for sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDFI) determination, rabbits were sacrificed and the testes harvested for determination of superoxide dismutase activity, reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde concentration. Results showed a significant increase (P = 0.0018) in the mean SDFI in group B (78.20 ± 4.72), compared to other groups. A significant increase (P ≤ 0.0001) in superoxide dismutase activity, increase reduced glutathione concentration and decrease malondialdehyde concentrations in the treatment groups compared to the DBP exposed group without treatment (group B) were observed. Melatonin and garlic demonstrated cytoprotective and ameliorative effects against DBP-induced oxidative stress in rabbit bucks. Keywords: Dibutyl phthalate, Garlic, Melatonin, Sperm DNA, Testicular biomarker

Effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish,Clarias gariepinus extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage

Cellgevity® is a supplement reported to comprise mostly D-Ribose and L-Cysteine enriched glutathione, known to be an effective antioxidant that improves spermatozoa quality. However, its effect on milt characteristics has not been reported. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage. Pooled milt sample from three fishes was divided into three groups (T1, T2 and T3). The milt was extended in sodium citrate, and each group in triplicate was supplemented with Cellgevity® at 0 mg (T1), 125 mg (T2) and 250 mg (T3). The spermatozoa motility, concentration, viability and morphology were evaluated on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of chilled storage. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. Mean ± SD spermatozoa motility was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T2 and T3 than T1 before and during the first 3-days storage period. Mean ± (SD) spermatozoa concentration was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in T2 and T3 than T1 before and throughout the 5-days storage period. Mean ± SD live spermatozoa were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in T3 than T1 at day 2 of the storage. Mean ± SD total abnormal spermatozoa did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the groups before and throughout the 5-days storage period. It was concluded that although supplementation of Cellgevity® at 125 mg and 250 mg in milt of catfish, extended in sodium citrate in chilled storage maintained the sperm cells alive and motile up to four days of the storage. However, it did not improve the milt quality. Hence, it should not be supplemented in sodium citrate extended milt of catfish, Clarias gariepinus in chilled storage

Melatonin and Allium Sativum (Garlic) Protect Dibutyl Phthalate Influence on Spermiogram of Rabbit Bucks

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of melatonin and Allium sativum (garlic) on  dibutyl phthalate (DBP) influence on  spermiogram of rabbit bucks. Forty two (42) rabbit bucks were used for this study, bucks were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 bucks each. Group A was administered olive oil for 16 weeks, group B (olive oil + DBP for 16 weeks), group C (melatonin for 8 weeks, then olive oil + DBP for another 8 weeks), group D (garlic for 8 weeks, then olive oil + DBP for another 8 weeks), group E (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then melatonin for another 8 week), group F (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then garlic for another 8 weeks) and group G (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then melatonin and garlic for another 8 weeks). The observation period lasted for 120 days, during which semen samples were collected weekly between the hours of 8.00 am to 10.00 am using artificial vagina (AV).There were significant differences (P<0.05) in mean reaction time, semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage live spermatozoa and percentage abnormal morphology between DBP exposed groups and treatment groups. Conclusion, DBP has adverse effects on spermiogram but administration of melatonin and garlic has promising protective effects than therapeutic effect on rabbit bucks. Key words: Melatonin; Allium sativum; Dibutyl phthalate; Spermiogram; Rabbit Buck

Evaluation of changes in spermiogram of Shika Brown® Breeder cocks fed dietary levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seedmeal

This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of Baobab seed-meal (BSM) on spermiogram of Shika Brown® breeder cocks. Thirty  apparently healthy cocks aged 30 weeks with average body weight of 1.78 ± 0.03 kg were used for this study. They were acclimatized and randomly divided into three groups of 10 each. Group A (control), fed 0% BSM growers diet, groups B, (5%) and group C, (10%) BSM diets. Semen samples were collected from each cock twice weekly for 28 days and spermiogram evaluated. Results indicated significant (P< 0.05) difference for mean volume, percentage live spermatozoa, sperm gross motilities and concentration between the treatment groups (B and C) and the control group (A). Mean abnormal sperm of cocks in groups B and C were significantly (P<0.05) lower compared to group A. It was concluded that BSM is likely to improve semen characteristics in breeder cocks. Therefore, it is recommended that BSM at 5% and 10% is safe and should be incorporated into breeder cocks diet by farmers for enhanced semen characteristics.  Keywords: Baobab, Shika Brown®, spermiogram, semen, breede