Effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on the reproductive indices of male rabbits

Abstract The study evaluated the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on semen indices, serum testosterone and sperm reserve of male rabbits. Forty rabbit bucks were randomly assigned into four groups and fed the experimental diets containing Vernonia amygdalina (VLM) at 0, 5, 10 and 15 % levels for 84days. Reproductive indices were evaluated using standard procedures. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at p<0.05. All semen in rabbits fed 0, 5 and 10 % VLM had milky colour while 14.8% light green and 85.2% milky semen colour was observed in bucks fed 15%VLM. Libido score reduced in rabbits fed VLM diets. Bucks fed 15%VLM had significantly higher semen volume (0.47ml). VLM had no significant effect on spermatozoa mass motility, progressive motility and sperm concentration. Live sperm cells significantly increased in bucks fed 5 and 10% VLM diets. VLM had significant (p<0.05) effect on spermatozoa morphology. Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal had no significant (p<0.05) impact on testosterone, testicular and epididymal indices. In conclusion, up to 10%VLM can be adopted as feed ingredient for male rabbit breeder stock without deleterious effect on reproductive indices.