Semen characteristics and sperm morphology of rabbit bucks fed diets containing varying levels of brewers’ dried grain

Abstract

A study involving 20 adult rabbits was carried out to evaluate the response of feeding brewer’s dried grain (BDG) on the semen characteristics. The rabbits were randomly allotted into four treatment groups with five (5) rabbits per treatment and one (1) rabbit as replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatments 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 3 (T3), and 4 (T4), were fed diets with 0 %, 20 %, 30 % and 40 level of inclusion of BDG, respectively. Feed and water were served ad libitum. All recommended managerial practices were observed. There were no significant (P>0.05) changes in semen characteristics (Volume, concentration, motility, pH etc) across treatments, semen volume was slightly higher in bucks fed BDG diets than those fed the 0% BDG diet. There were slight declines in sperm concentration and motility with increase in the level of dietary BDG. Per cent live sperm was slightly higher in bucks fed 0% BDG diets than in those fed BDG diets. The semen of bucks fed 40% BDG diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher per-cent live sperm cells than those fed the other diets. However, % live cells were not significantly (P>0.05) different in semen of bucks fed 0 and 30% BDG diet, both of which were significantly (P>0.05) higher than in those fed the 10% BDG diet. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the occurrence both coil and bent tails across treatments, however, they were slightly lower in bucks fed 40% BDG diets compare to those on the other diets. It can be concluded from the findings of the study that, inclusion of BDG in the diets of adult rabbit bucks could
be for improved semen volume, concentration and sperm motility.