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

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

Toxicological Influence of Dietary Fumonisin B, on Blood Profile of Adult Rabbits

An experiment was conducted to assess the toxicological effects of dietary fumonisin B1, a mycotoxin produced by F. verticillioides in the culture, on haematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits exposed to fumonisin-contaminated diets. Forty-eight 7 to 8 weeks old male crossbred rabbits were used. The animals were randomly assigned to four treatment diets formulated with F. verticillioides cultured maize that produced approximately 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mg/kg fumonisin B1 (FB1) constituting diets 2, 3 and 4 respectively, while diet 1 (control) contained no cultured maize in a 210 days feeding trial. Blood samples were collected from the animals through the ear vein, after the feeding trial, for haematology and serum biochemistry. Results revealed that rabbits fed 7.5 and 10.0 mg/kg FB1 showed significantly (P<0.05) reduced erythrogenesis and concentration of red blood cells, and consequent anaemia. Their leukocyte counts also indicate a condition of leukocytosis. Serum protein synthesis in same animals indicates both hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia conditions. Cholesterol level significantly increases among dietary treatments with increase in the FB1 level in the diets. Rabbits exposed to 7.5 and 10.0 mg/kg FB1 showed a hypercholesterolemia condition. Activities of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in the serum of treated animals, which is an indication of liver and kidney toxicity and cell damage. This study indicates that prolonged exposure to a concentration of at least 7.5 mg FB1/kg in rabbit diets will depress erythrogenesis and protein synthesis; altered serum biochemical variables and induced leukocytosis, liver and kidney toxicity as well as hypercholesterolemia in rabbits.Key words: Dietary fumonisin B1, toxicity, blood profile, rabbits

Haematological and serum biochemical response of growing rabbit bucks fed dietary fumonisin B1

An experiment was conducted with 48 crossbred rabbits (49 days old) averaging 757.5 ± 0.50 g to assess haematological and serum biochemical response of growing rabbits exposed to varied levels ofdietary fumonisin of 0.1, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 mg fumonisin B1/kg diet containing in diets 1 (control) 2, 3 and 4 respectively, for a period of 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the animals through theear vein, after the feeding trial, for haematological studies and serum biochemistry. Results showed that packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and erythrocytes of rabbits fed diets containing7.5 and 10.0 mg fumonisin B1/kg were significantly (P 0.05) different amongdietary treatments. However, lymphocytes of animals fed control diet were significantly (P 0.05) different among the diets. Serum total protein, albumin and albumin-globulin ratio significantly (P < 0.05) decreasedwith increase in the dietary fumonisin levels. Serum total protein of rabbits fed diets 3 (5.20 g/dl) and 4 (5.03 g/dl) were identical but both were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those fed diets 2 (5.60 g/dl)and the control (6.20 g/dl). Urea decreased while creatinine increased apparently with increase in the dietary fumonisin levels. Among the serum enzyme activities examined, AST and ALP were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in the serum of animals fed diets 3 and 4 than those fed diets 2 and the control. ALT, AST and ALP were significantly (P < 0.05) highest (94.33, 70.00 and 17.37 i.u/l respectively) in animals fed diet 4 containing 10 mg fumonisin B1/Kg. These results suggest thatfumonisin B1 above 5.0 mg kg-1 in the diet of growing rabbits significantly altered haematological parameters and induced anaemic condition in the animals. It also depressed serum total protein andenhanced abnormal increase in serum enzyme activities, which is an indication of organ toxicity by cellular destruction induced by the toxin most especially when fed at 7.5 and 10.0 mg fumonisin B1/Kgdiet

Effects of dietary fumonisin on organ characteristics and some serum biochemical parameters of bucks

The effects of dietary fumonisin on weight change; organ weights and serum biochemistry of male rabbits were investigated in a 5-week feeding trial. Thirty individually-caged crossbred male rabbits of about 25 weeks of age, and an average initial weight of 1.53kg, were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments comprising a control (containing 0.35mg fumonisin / kg) and two test diets (containing 12.30 and 24.60mg fumonisin / kg) constituting diets 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Each dietary treatment had 10 replicates of 1 buck each. Results showed that the dry matter intake (DMI) and the relative change in body weight were significantly ( p 0.05) lower than those fed diets 1 and 2, while the relative bodyweight change for animals on diet 3 being 25.90 and 27.12% of those on diets 1 and 2, respectively. The epididymal and perirenal fat (adipose capsule) weights as well as their relative values were also significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the dietary fumonisin levels, with the relative weights of the epididymides and the perirenal fat of the animals on diet 3 were 76.83 and 41.80% of those placed on diet 1, respectively, compared with 95.12 and 90.98% recorded by animals on diet 2 for the respective parameters. The serum sodium, potassium, chloride and cholesterol however, tend to increase with increased dietary fumonisin. The study demonstrated that bucks exposed to dietary fumonisin concentration of about 12.30mg/kg diet would suffer depressed weight gain and decreased epididymal and perirenal fat weights and increased cholesterol concentration while dietary fumonisin above 12.30mg/kg would result in reduced DMI. Keywords: Buck; fumonisin; serum biochemistry; epididymal; perirenal fat weightsMoor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 7 (1&2) 2006 pp. 28-3

Genitalia morphometry and testicular characteristics of male white Japanese quails at three different age groups

An experiment was designed to evaluate genitalia morphometry of the male white Japanese quails at three different age groups. Fifty-four male Japanese quails were allotted to 3 treatment groups (Pubertal, Mature and Adult) in a completely randomized design. Pubertal (7-10 weeks), mature (15-20 weeks) and the adults (≥ 24 weeks). The initial weight of the quails was taken. All the animals were sacrificed and organs were carefully excised. The total length of reproductive tract and sections of the tract of male quails was taken. Total weight of reproductive tracts, right and left testicular weight, right and left epididymis, right and left testicular diameter and circumference were determined. The weight of the male genitalia tract of white Japanese quails was similar across different age groups. The length of the genitalia tract was significantly higher in the pubertal group than the adult and mature groups. Testicular circumference and diameter of white Japanese quails at puberty was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than at adulthood. It was concluded that the male pubertal quail have well developed reproductive tracts and thus could have potential for high reproductive ability similar to later physiological ages. Farmers can do more breeding activity when the birds are at the pubertal age.Keywords: Reproductive tract, White quails, Testicular characteristics, Quail epididymi

Growth Indices and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility in Rabbits Fed Graded Levels of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Meal.

The chemical composition of moringa leaf meal, growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing rabbits fed graded levels of moringa leaf meal (MLM) were investigated. The MLM was incorporated in rabbit diet at 0, 5, 10 and 15% levels as replacement for soyabean meal (SBM) which constituted treatments 1(control), 2, 3 and 4, respectively. A total of 36 growing crossbred rabbits, 7-9 weeks old with an average body weight of 801±27.83g were randomly allotted to the treatments in an experiment that lasted for 9 weeks. Each treatment has nine animals in a completely randomised design. Results showed that the chemical composition of MLM contains 27.53% crude protein (CP), 9.93% ether extract (EE), 14.05% crude fibre (CF), 7.98% Ash and 40.51 nitrogen free extract (FE). The final body weight and daily weight gain were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) different among the dietary treatments. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and dry matter intake of experimental animals were also not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments, however there was apparent reduction in the value of these parameters as the level of the MLM increases in the diets. The trend observed in the nutrient digestibility indicated that with increase in the level of MLM inclusion in the diets, apparent nutrient digestibility increases significantly (P&lt;0.05) from animals fed control diet to those fed 15% MLM. The CP, CF, EE and Ash digestibility values were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in rabbits fed dietary treatments 2, 3, and 4 than those on the control diet. This suggests that Moringa leaf meal (MLM) could be used to replace SBM at 15% level of inclusion in rabbit diets as a non-conventional protein source.Keywords: Moringa leaf meal, growth, rabbits, digestibilit

Growth performance and survival rate of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed different levels of aflatoxin – contaminated feeds

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of aflatoxin- contaminated feed (0% toxigenic maize, 25% toxigenic maize +75% good maize, 50% toxigenic maize+50%good maize, 75% toxigenic maize +25% good maize and 100% toxigenic maize) on growth, survival, haematology and histology of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. Ten Clarias gariepinus juveniles with average weight of 42.81±0.01g were subjected to five treatments, with two replicates for each. The fish were fed twice daily at 5% body weight of 40% crude protein for six weeks. Growth performance indices such as Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Survival Rate (SR) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) were determined. Haematological parameters such as Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) content and lymphocytes were evaluated. Data resulting from the experiment were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA at P = 0.05. Results showed that highest mean weight gain (107.00± 10g), specific growth rate (0.03±00g), survival rate (60.00%) and feed conversion ratio (0.68±0.05) were observed with control diet. MWG, SGR, SR and FCR were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in control diet compared with the other treatments. Also, packed cell volume, red blood cell (count) were higher in the control compared with other treatments, red blood cell counts were significantly different (p&lt; 0.05) in control than other treatments. Lymphocytes were better in control and treatment 1 (25% toxigenic maize + 75% good maize) while decreased value were observed in the other treatments which indicate reduction in immune response of the fish. The control diet and treatment 1 were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than other treatments but no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) were recorded between control and treatment 1 (25% toxigenic maize + 75% good maize). Histology analyses of the liver and intestine of aflatoxin – contaminated feeds revealed severe degeneration and diffuse necrosis and mucosal erosion respectively. This study concludes that presence of aflatoxin contaminated feed affect the survival and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus juvenilesKeywords: Growth, Aflatoxin- contaminated feeds, Clarias gariepinus, Haematology Surviva

Effects of feeding Fusarium Verticillioides culture material containing known levels of fumonisin B1on growth performance and egg quality traits of laying hens.

The implications of fumonisin B1, a secondary metabolite of Fusarium verticillioides(common contaminant of maize) on growth, pubertal development and egg quality traits of laying hens were studied in a 16-week experiment. Sixty Isa-Brown Pointof- lay( POL) birds with an average weight of 710.02g were divided into four groups with fifteen birds per group such that the weight per group range from 710.50-720.42g. Four nutritionally balanced test diets were prepared to contain 0.2, 5.2, 10.2 and 15.2 ppm of fumonisin B1 constituting diets 1(control), 2, 3 and 4 respectively by substituting ground corn cultured with F.verticillioides for ground autoclaved, noncultured corn in graded proportions. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomised design. Feed intake and body weight gain were determined daily. The age at which 50% of the POL birds on each experimental diets began to lay was considered their pubertal age. Ten eggs were randomly selected from each treatment every week for a period of five weeks for the assessment of egg quality traits .Results showed that the daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the laying hens were not adversely affected (P&gt;0.05) by the dietary fumonisin B1 concentrations. Statistically similar values(P&gt;0.05) were obtained for the pubertal age of the experimental birds across the treatments. The dietary mycotoxin also failed to exert any significant influence (P&gt;0.05) on the external and internal egg quality traits investigated except the yolk colour of laying hens on diet 4 which was statistically superior (P&lt;0.05) to those on diets 1,2 and 3, respectively. Although, egg cholesterol values tended to decrease while those of egg triglycerides apparently increased with increase in the levels of dietary fumonisin B1, the parameters were not significantly influenced(P&gt;0.05) by the dietary fumonisin concentrations. These results imply that laying birds can tolerate fumonisin B1 up to 15.2ppm in their diets without compromising the growth performance of the birds, nutritional and reproductive potentials of their eggs.Keywords: Egg quality, Fumonisin B1., Isa Brown point-of-lay, Pubertal development