Effect of nutritional and functional properties of moringa oleifera leaves (MOL)‎ on : i. semen quality and offspring performance of new zealand white (NZW)‎ bucks

Abstract EN

was higher (p<.05) in 4% mol compared to the control group (78.5 vs.

74.0%, respectively) but not to the 8% mol fed bucks.

no treatments effect was detected in semen abnormality rate.

furthermore, weekly semen collection time was significant (p<.05) without any consistent trend.

no interaction effect between treatments and frequent collection time was found.

the results of bucks’ offspring performance at 5 weeks- old revealed improved body weight, body weight gain and fcr (p<.05) in group fed 4% mol (1493g, 1264g and 2.9) compared to the control (1388g, 1074g and 3.6), respectively.

however, no differences were found in these parameters between t3 and either t1 or t2 groups.

the interaction between treatments, weeks and sex revealed significant (p<.05) increased male body weights more than the females due to mol supplementation starts from week 2 till termination of the experiment, indicating positive effect towards males.

in conclusion, mol could be incorporated at 4% without adverse effect for optimal reproductive efficiency and performance in male rabbits intended for breeding purpose and furthermore, for improving body weight of males offspring till marketing age.