Semen quality, testosterone, seminal plasma biochemical and antioxidant profiles of rabbit bucks fed diets supplemented with different concentrations of soybean lecithin

Soybean polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) is beneficial in liver and extrahepatic tissue injury: An update in experimental research

Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) is a purified polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine extract of soybeans. This article updates PPC's beneficial effects on various forms of liver cell injury and other tissues in experimental research. PPC downregulates hepatocyte CYP2E1 expression and associated hepatotoxicity, as well as attenuates oxidative stress, apoptosis, lipoprotein oxidation and steatosis in alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver injury. PPC inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production, while stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in ethanol or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Kupffer cells/macrophages. It promotes M2-type macrophage polarization and metabolic reprogramming of glucose and lipid metabolism. PPC mitigates steatosis in NAFLD through inhibiting polarization of pro-inflammatory M1-type Kupffer cells, alleviating metabolic inflammation, remodeling hepatic lipid metabolism, correcting imbalances between lipogenesis and lipolysis and enhancing lipoprotein secretion from hepatocytes. PPC is antifibrotic by preventing progression of alcoholic hepatic fibrosis in baboons and also prevents CCl4-induced fibrosis in rats. PPC supplementation replenishes the phosphatidylcholine content of damaged cell membranes, resulting in increased membrane fluidity and functioning. Phosphatidylcholine repletion prevents increased membrane curvature of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi and decreases sterol regulatory element binding protein-1-mediated lipogenesis, reducing steatosis. PPC remodels gut microbiota and affects hepatic lipid metabolism via the gut-hepatic-axis and also alleviates brain inflammatory responses and cognitive impairment via the gut-brain-axis. Additionally, PPC protects extrahepatic tissues from injury caused by various toxic compounds by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and membrane damage. It also stimulates liver regeneration, enhances sensitivity of cancer cells to radiotherapy/chemotherapy, and inhibits experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. PPC's beneficial effects justify it as a supportive treatment of liver disease.

Effects of different extenders on epigenetic patterns and functional parameters of bull sperm during cryopreservation process

The cryopreservation process induces alterations in cellular parameters and epigenetic patterns in bull sperm, which can be prevented by adding cryoprotectants in the freezing extenders. The purpose of this study was to compare the protective effects of two extenders based on soybean lecithin (SLE) and egg yolk (EYE) on epigenetic patterns and quality parameters of sperm such as motility parameters, mitochondrial membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation, viability, and apoptotic-like changes of bull sperm after cryopreservation. Results demonstrated that cryopreservation significantly (p < .05) reduced the level of DNA global methylation, H3K9 histone acetylation, and H3K4 histone methylation in both frozen groups compared to the fresh sperm. Also, the level of H3K9 acetylation was lower in the frozen SLE group (21.2 ± 1.86) compared to EYE group (15.2 ± 1.86). In addition, the SLE frozen group had a higher percentage of viability, progressive motility, and linearity (LIN) in SLE frozen group compared to EYE frozen group. However, no difference was observed in mitochondrial membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation between SLE and EYE frozen groups. While soybean-lecithin-based extender showed some initial positive impacts of epigenetics and semen parameters, further investigations can provide useful information for better freezing.

Feasible feeding strategies for sustainable management of serve heat stress conditions: Effect of Milk Thistle extract on growth performance and health status of newly weaned rabbits

The trail aimed to explore the effect of dietary supplementation of Milk Thistle (MT) extract on growth performance and health status of growing rabbits exposed to serve heat stress condition, considering the economic efficiency of supplementation. A total of 96 weaned male rabbits were divided into 4 groups (24 rabbits/group). The first group received the basal diet without any supplementation and served as a control (MT0), while 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups supplemented with MT at levels of 5 (MT5), 10 (MT10) and 15 (MT15) g/kg diet, respectively, for 10 consecutive weeks. Both of growth performance and feed utilisation were significantly enhanced by the dietary treatment, the optimum dose of MT was 12 g/kg diet for average daily gain, specific growth rate and performance index. However, it was 13 g/kg diet for feed conversation ratio. The polynomial regression analysis showed that the lowest values of rectal temperature and respiration rate were observed at doses of 11 and 13 g/kg diet respectively. The dressing percentage and the relative weights of liver and total edible giblets were significantly improved by the treatment (p = 0.0416, 0.0112 and 0.0032, respectively), maximising in the MT10 group. The MT10 and MT15 groups showed higher erythrocytes and leucocytes counts and lower levels of urea, creatinine and total cholesterol compared to the control (p < 0.05). Liver functions significantly enhanced in aforementioned two treated groups, the liver ultrastructure represented normal cytoplasmic organelles, and nucleus and mitochondria in MT10 group, while the MT15 group showed hepatocytes with dilated nucleus with most cytoplasmic organelles appeared well organised and normal except few small cytoplasms vacuolated. The levels glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity as well as immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin G significant improved in the MT-Treated groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Economically, MT supplemented diets improved the net revenue of fattened rabbits during the summer season. In conclusion, the supplementation of MT extract at levels of 10 or 15 g/kg diet enhanced growth performance, feed utilisation, dressing percentage, hemato-biochemical attributes, immunity and redox balance of heat stressed growing rabbits during the hot season.

Effect on physiological parameters and semen quality upon oral administration of fresh onion juice to V-line rabbit buck during severe heat stress

Severe heat stress is recognized as a factor that severely influences the semen quality and antioxidant status of rabbits. In this context, fresh onion juice (FOJ) may be a safe and useful option to improve reproductive performance. This research was designed to evaluate the anti-stress effects of FOJ on physiological and semen parameters in heat-stressed bucks. Thirty-six V-line rabbit bucks were randomly distributed into three groups. The bucks received FOJ orally at different doses [0 (water), 1.5, and 3 ml/kg live body weight] every 2 days over a period of 2 months, with 3 weeks as an adaptation period. FOJ treatments significantly improved semen characteristics, such as libido, mass and individual sperm motility, semen concentration, sperm viability, and acrosome reaction with increased initial seminal fructose, via the oral administration of 1.5 and 3 mL FOJ/kg body weight, compared with the findings in control bucks. Seminal plasma antioxidant status was significantly enhanced by FOJ treatments. It was concluded that the oral administration of FOJ under severe heat stress can improve bucks' semen characteristics and sex hormone concentrations except for testosterone, and it is considered a good strategy for improving the heat resistance of rabbit bucks, possibly due to its antioxidant activity.

Enhancing semen quality, antioxidant status and sex hormones of V-line rabbit bucks fed on supplemented diets with dried moringa leaves

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of dried moringa leaves (DML) on semen quality, immunoglobulin measurements, blood metabolic analysis, antioxidant status and sex hormones of V-line rabbit bucks. Twenty-four mature rabbit bucks of 7-8 months-old of proven fertility with an average weight (2.8 ± 0.4 kg) were classified into four treatments (basal diet with 0, 750, 1500 and 3000 mg DML/kg diet) and 6 bucks per treatment were used. Seminal plasma cholesterol (p = 0.013) and triglycerides (p = 0.0001) of all moringa supplemented rabbits were higher than the control. Moringa leaves enhanced (p < 0.05) serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide oxidase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase in seminal plasma of moringa rabbits were higher (p < 0.05) than the control. Serum total lipid (p = 0.002), cholesterol (p = 0.008), triglycerides (p = 0.019) and blood urea (p < 0.05) were lower in DML rabbits. Moringa leaves improved total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.0001), glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.0001) and superoxide oxidase (p = 0.037) in rabbits versus control. Rabbits consuming DML had higher (p < 0.05) immunoglobulin IgG and IgM than control. Results suggest that DML improved rabbits' antioxidant, and immunological status, semen quality, and sex hormones, but DML (750 mg/kg diet) is recommended because it was more effective than the other two high doses.

Pro-Atherogenic and Pro-Oxidant Diets Influence Semen and Blood Traits of Rabbit Bucks

Many dietary factors can affect sperm traits. We compared the effect of diets rich in pro-oxidant (flaxseed oil) and pro-atherogenic (coconut oil) substances without added antioxidants on semen traits, using the rabbit as an animal model. Thirty rabbit bucks (8 months old) were fed three diets for 150 days: CNT (control) a standard diet; HA (high-atherogenic) standard diet + 3% coconut oil, and HO (high-oxidizing) standard diet + 3% flaxseed oil. Semen samples were collected weekly for the evaluation of qualitative traits (kinetics, viability) and the oxidative damage (MDA and cytokines). Blood was collected at the start (T0) and end (T8) of the experimental period for the assessment of the oxidative damage (MDA and isoprostanoids), lipid profile, and testosterone. A worsening of sperm kinetics and viability was recorded in the HA group. Lipid oxidation in seminal plasma, as well as isoprostanoids in blood (F3-IsoPs and F4-NeuroPs), increased in both the HO and HA groups. A high level of TNF-α, a marker of inflammatory status, was recorded in the seminal plasma of the HA group. The resulting outcomes were mainly attributable to the different fatty acid profiles (SFA vs. PUFA) of the diets, which modulated an inflammatory/oxidative response.

Comparative evaluation of solvent extracts of Azanza garckeana fruit pulp on hormonal profiles, spermiogram and antioxidant activities in rabbit bucks

The study investigated the comparative influence of different extraction solvents on spermiogram, hormonal profiles and antioxidant activities in rabbit bucks. Adult New Zealand White rabbit bucks (n=18), with average live weight of 1.2±0.03 kg and aged 10-18 mo were fed ad libitum on a commercial diet. They were administered five different Azanza garckeana (AG) fruit pulp extracts at 500 mg/kg via oral gavage, comprising control group (Con), crude (AG Cr), methanol (AG M), n-hexane (AG H), ethyl acetate (AG E)and aqueous (AG AQ) for four weeks. The extracts improved the spermiogram in rabbit bucks administered methanol (AG M) and the reaction time was significantly (P<0.05) lower in AG E group when compared to other groups. The ejaculate volume, sperm motility, pH and sperm concentration were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the AG M group when compared to the other groups. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in concentrations of blood testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone in methanol extract group (AG M). While the glutathione and malondialdehyde concentrations were (P<0.05) lower, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the groups administered methanol extract (AG M). It was concluded that AG M extracts of AG pulp elicited the best response in spermiogram, hormonal concentrations and antioxidant activities in New Zealand White rabbit bucks. Its use as the extraction solvent is recommended.

Responses of sperm mitochondria functionality in animals to thermal stress: The mitigating effects of dietary natural antioxidants

The reproductive consequences of global warming representing heat stress (HS) have been widely received more attention in the last decades. HS induced significant influence on the male reproductive cell, especially sperm functionally. Reduction in the sperm function induced by HS leads to failure of fertility potential. The main effects of HS on sperm are reducing sperm motility, increased abnormalities and changes in the fluidity of the membrane as well as cell morphology. Moreover, the destruction of mitochondrial function could be the result of adverse influences of HS. The protein contents and enzymes of mitochondria were lowered after the exposure of sperm to HS. Some natural antioxidants were used for improving sperm mitochondrial function under HS conditions. In this review, it was highlighted the potential influences of HS on sperm function through reduction in ATP Synthesis yield, mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial protein contents and mitochondrial enzymes, which involves the interference of mitochondrial remodelling in sperm of animals.

Enhancement of sperm quality and fertility-related parameters in Hubbard grandparent rooster fed diets supplemented with soybean lecithin and vitamin E

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of different levels of soybean lecithin and vitamin E on semen quality parameters and some reproductive hormones in Hubbard grandparent roosters. The experiment was conducted in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 levels of soybean lecithin (0, 1, and 2%) and 2 levels of vitamin E (0 and 300 mg/kg). Semen samples were collected on d 0, 20, 40 and 60 of the experiment and analyzed. Adding 1% soybean lecithin and vitamin E into the diet increased semen volume and sperm concentration, membrane integrity and viability (P < 0.05). Supplementing diets with 1 or 2% lecithin in addition to vitamin E significantly improved total motility and progressive motility (P < 0.05). Vitamin E significantly increased the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) of sperm (P < 0.05). Although there was no effect on LH and FSH when diets were supplemented with vitamin E and 1 or 2% lecithin, testosterone concentration was increased (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly lower in all 3 treatments containing vitamin E (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementation of rooster diets with vitamin E and 1% lecithin can improve fertility related parameters in Hubbard grandparent roosters.

Evaluating productive performance, meat quality and oxidation products of Italian White breed rabbits under free-range and cage rearing system

Objective

Free-range systems have been increasingly available to the consumer due to increased demand for more sustainable meat-products. In the current study, the effect of free-range (FR) and cage system (CS) was explored on growth performance, meat quality and oxidation products in Italian White breed rabbits during the growing-fattening phase (5 to 13 weeks of age).

Methods

Forty rabbits were randomly allotted to two treatment groups according to the rearing system, and each treatment group was replicated five times with four subjects in each replicate (20 rabbits per treatment-group). All rabbits fed the same diet as pelleted, and under FR system, no additional feeds were available to animals.

Results

Rearing system had significant effect on rabbit growth performance, where CS group resulted in higher final body weight (p<0.045) and gain (p<0.029) and better feed efficiency (p<0.025) compared to FR rabbits. Most carcass traits were not affected by rearing system; however, a reduction of abdominal fat content (p<0.015) and meat lipids (p<0.034) was observed in FR rabbits. Rearing system had no effects on meat fatty acid profile, whereas meat from FR rabbits resulted less susceptible to lipid and protein oxidation compared to caged animals.

Conclusion

In overall, FR system could be suggested as a substitute for conventional caged system because of FR system preserved rabbit meat from oxidation.

Soursop juice enhanced seminal antioxidant defence and semen quality of rabbit bucks in extremely dry climatic condition of Southwestern Nigeria

Heat induced stress associated with dry climatic conditions in the tropics does have adverse effects reproduction in rabbits, and this in-turn impacts negatively on the income of rabbit farmers. However, natural products might prove to be a reliable, safe and cheap remedy for ameliorating reproductive such anomalies in rabbits. The potential of soursop for mitigating heat induced reproductive deficiency in rabbit bucks was investigated during the peak of dry climatic conditions in southwestern Nigeria. Sixty mixed breed (New Zealand white x Chinchilla) adult rabbit bucks were allotted to five treatments of four replicates (3 bucks per replicate) each in a completely randomized design. Soursop (Annona muricata) fruit was processed into juice using standard procedures and was designated as soursop juice. The juice was administered orally daily per kg body weight (BW), 0.55ml/kgBW distilled water (control), 0.55 ml/kgBW soursop juice, 1.11 ml/kgBW soursop juice, 1.67 ml/kgBW soursop juice and 2.22 ml/kgBW soursop juice to designated treatments 1 to 5, respectively for 56 days. Semen samples were collected with an improvised artificial vagina on the 28th and 56th day of the study, semen quality and seminal oxidative status were evaluated using standard procedures. Results showed that rabbit buck exposed to heat stress had lower semen quality, seminal antioxidants and increased seminal lipid peroxidation. However, the consumption of soursop juice lowered lipid peroxidation and enhanced (p < 0.05) antioxidant production in the seminal fluid of heat-stressed bucks than bucks on control group. Bucks' semen quality and antioxidant status peaks in heat-stressed bucks gavaged 2.22 ml/kgBW soursop juice and gives 100% recovery from the effects of heat induced stress. It can be concluded that 2.22 ml/kgBW soursop juice administered for 56 days did enhance spermatozoa quality and mitigated lipid peroxidation by improving antioxidant capacity of male rabbits in a dose dependent manner on extremely dry climatic conditions.

Improving the reproductive, immunity and health status of rabbit does using honey bee venom

The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term effect of using bee venom (BV) on the reproductive performance, immune, and health status of rabbit does and its effect on their litters. Sixty mature does, from Spanish V-line rabbit stock, were randomly assigned to four homogeneous groups with 15 does each. The 1^st , 2^nd and 3^rd groups were injected twice weekly under the neck skin with 0.1 ml solution contains 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg BV/rabbit respectively. The 4^th group served as a control group. From the results, litter size at birth, litter weight and survival rate at weaning age as well as milk yield were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in BV groups than in the control group. Serum estradiol 17-β (E2) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher (15%) in the rabbit does treated with BV compared to the control group. The treated does with BV at any study doses showed a gradual and significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease (12%) in serum progesterone levels (P4) compared to the control. They also showed a significant (p≤0.05) increase in conception (17%) and fertility rates (10%) compared to the control does. Treatment of rabbit does with BV caused a gradual and significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in both aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (16%) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (37%) liver enzyme activities. Additionally, results have shown that BV resulted in a gradual and significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antioxidative enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels with significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in BV groups compared to the control group. Results suggest that BV can be used in rabbit farming as an effective and safe alternative to artificial chemical drugs (sexual-stimulants) to improve certain reproductive traits, immune response and health.

Effect of Postbiotic Based on Lactic Acid Bacteria on Semen Quality and Health of Male Rabbits

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria-based postbiotic supplementation on semen characteristics and hematological and biochemical profiles in rabbits. A total of 28 males were randomly allocated into two groups. Males received a Control diet and Enriched diet supplemented with postbiotic for 15 weeks (4 weeks of adaptation period and 11 weeks of experimental period). Body weight, feed intake and semen characteristics were recorded weekly. Hematological profile was recorded at the beginning and end of the experiment and biochemical profile at 0, 5, 10 and 15 weeks. Bayesian methodology was used for the statistical analysis. Feed intake was higher in Control diet (125.2 g) than in the Enriched diet (118.6 g, p = 1.00). The percentages of abnormal spermatozoa were higher in Control diet than in Enriched diet (30% and 22%; p = 0.93) and the acrosome integrity percentage was lower (97% and 96%; p = 0.87). The hematological profile was within the range for healthy rabbits. The plasmatic level of alanine aminotransferase was higher in Control diet than Enriched diet at 5 and 10 weeks (p = 0.93 and p = 0.94, respectively) and alkaline phosphatase was similar in Control diet throughout the experiment, but decreased in Enriched diet (p = 0.97). No difference was found in kidney parameters (uric nitrogen and creatinine). Enriched diet showed higher total protein and globulin than Control diet (p = 0.99). Phosphorus was lower (p = 0.92) in Control diet than in Enriched diet. In conclusion, the addition of the postbiotic based on lactic acid bacteria seems to improve the quality of the semen and the liver profile in rabbits.

Effects of potato peel extract on semen quality, sex hormones and immunity of rabbit bucks under intensive breeding system

This study examined the utilisation of potato peels extract (PPE), derived from potato processing, as possible antioxidants for enhancing immunity and semen quality. Twenty-four V-Line rabbit bucks 10 months old were randomly assigned into three homogenous treatments (n = 8), PPE 25 and 50 groups orally administered two different concentrations (25 and 50 mg PPE/kg body weight) every two days for four months; a control orally administered water only. Semen characteristics, serum hormones, serum immunoglobulin M and antioxidative status of seminal plasma were determined. The results reveal that treatment with both levels of PPE significantly improved sperm concentration and decreased the percentage of dead spermatozoa compared with that of the control. Seminal plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances significantly (p < .01) decreased with elevated levels of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase by PPE treatments. Serum immunoglobulin M concentration was significantly (p < .01) higher for the PPE treatments compared to the control. Our results suggest that the use of PPE could prevent the accumulation of oxidation products and may have beneficial impact on the sperm concentration. The extract lowered the percentage of dead spermatozoa by reducing the intensity of oxidation processes. Low dose of the PPE was more effective than high dose.

Effect of bee venom on reproductive performance and immune response of male rabbits

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of injecting bucks with different doses of bee venom (BV) on reproductive performance and immune response during the summer season. Forty-eight male V-line rabbits were randomly distributed among four homogeneous groups (12 bucks each). Three groups were injected BV under the neck skin with 0.1 (G1), 0.2 (G2) and 0.3 (G3) mg/rabbit twice weekly over 20 wks of treatment period. The 4^th group (G0) was not injected BV and served as a control group. Buck groups that were treated with BV showed significantly (p≤0.05) shorter reaction time (increased libido) compared to the control, and this effect was BV dose-dependent manner. Viable sperm and concentration, total sperm output, live sperm, and fertility percentage were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in BV groups than in the control group. Additionally, testosterone concentration, and some other blood biochemical constituents (total protein, albumin, and glucose) were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in BV groups than those in the control group. The BV doses resulted in a significant (p≤0.05) increase of antioxidant indices (TAC, GST, and GSH) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in BV groupscompared to the control group. From these results, we concluded that BV had significant positive impacts on some semen quality traits, sexual behavior, blood biochemical parameters, blood antioxidant content, lipid peroxidation biomarkers, and immune response in V-line bucks.

Red pine (Pinus brutia Ten) bark tree extract preserves sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress and preventing chromatin damage

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using red pine bark tree extract (P; Pinus brutia Ten) as a TRIS extender in an attempt to prevent oxidative stress in bull spermatozoa after freezing. Semen specimens were obtained from Simmental bulls via an artificial vagina and pooled. They were separated into five specimens and diluted with Tris extender consisting of P (200, 100, 50 and 25 µg/ml) and P free (control; C) up to a final concentration of 16 × 10⁶ per straw. All specimens were equilibrated for a period of 4 hr at a temperature of 4°C, following which they were filled in 0.25-ml French straws and frozen. Addition of P resulted in favourable tail length in comparison with C (p < .05). The lowest malondialdehyde levels and the highest glutathione levels were detected in all P groups (p < .05). Supplementation with P did not show advanced results in terms of total, progressive sperm motility and total abnormality in comparison with C (p > .05). In conclusion, it has been shown that although P added to a Tris extender does not have a positive effect on sperm motility, it prevents chromatin damage by reducing oxidative stress, in addition to reducing head abnormalities when used at the amount of 50 μg/ml.

A Mixture of Exogenous Emulsifiers Increased the Acceptance of Broilers to Low Energy Diets: Growth Performance, Blood Chemistry, and Fatty Acids Traits

To investigate the influence of emulsifiers on broilers fed low-energy diets, the birds were distributed into three sets-the control was fed the basal diet, the second group was fed diets 50 kcal/kg less than control, and the third group was fed diets 50 kcal/kg less than control and supplemented with 500 g/ton of emulsifiers. The used mixture of exogenous emulsifiers contains phosphatidyl choline, lysophosphatidyl choline, and polyethylene glycol ricinoleate. Although the feed intake was not meaningfully affected by dietary low-energy level with emulsifier inclusion (P = 0.42), the weight gain and FCR were clearly enhanced (P = 0.005 and P = 0.044, respectively). Protein and lipids utilization were decreased by reducing energy level, but they were increased by emulsifier supplementation (P = 0.022 and P = 0.011, respectively). Liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) and muscle palmitic acid concentrations were decreased by reducing the energy level and emulsifier's supplementation (P = 0.014 and P = 0.042, respectively). However, muscle total lipids and α-tocopherol, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid were not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Interestingly, the plasma total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, total protein, and globulin were decreased in the low-energy group without emulsifier but they were increased by emulsifier supplementation (P = 0.008, P = 0.005, P = 0.037, and P = 0.005, respectively). It could be concluded that the mixture of emulsifier supplementation to low-energy diets enhanced fat utilization and resulted in positive effects on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, lipid peroxidation, and modified plasma lipid profiles in broilers. Getting such benefits in broilers is a necessity to reduce the feed cost and consequently the price of the product, which will lead to improved welfare of mankind.

Comparative Metabonomic Investigations of Schistosoma japonicum From SCID Mice and BALB/c Mice: Clues to Developmental Abnormality of Schistosome in the Immunodeficient Host

The growth and development of schistosome has been affected in the immunodeficient hosts. But it remains unresolved about the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and reproduction regulation of schistosomes. This study tested and compared the metabolic profiles of the male and female Schistosoma japonicum worms collected from SCID mice and BALB/c mice at 5 weeks post infection using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) platform, in which the worms from SCID mice were the investigated organisms and the worms from BALB/c mice were used as the controls. There were 1015 ion features in ESI+ mode and 342 ion features in ESI- mode were identified after filtration by false discovery rate. Distinct metabolic profiles were found to clearly differentiate both male and female worms in SCID mice from those in BALB/c mice using multivariate modeling methods including the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). There were more differential metabolites in female worms than in male worms between SCID mice and BALB/c mice. And common and uniquely perturbed metabolites and pathways were identified among male and female worms from SCID mice when compared with BALB/c mice. The enriched metabolite sets of the differential metabolites in male worms between SCID mice and BALB/c mice included bile acid biosynthesis, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, retinol metabolism, purine metabolism, etc. And the enriched metabolite sets of differential metabolites in female worms included retinol metabolism, alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, purine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glutamate metabolism, etc. Further detection and comparison in transcript abundance of genes of the perturbed retinol metabolism and its associated meiosis process in worms identified clues suggesting accumulated retinyl ester and perturbed meiotic process. These findings suggested an association between the schistosome with retarded growth and development in SCID mice and their perturbed metabolites and metabolic pathways, and provided a new insight into the growth and development regulation of S. japonicum worms from the metabolic level, which indicated great clues for discovery of drugs or vaccines against the parasites and disease with more researches.

Physiological parameters and productive performance of rabbit does and their offsprings with dietary supplementation of soy lecithin

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplementation with soy lecithin (SL) on the productive performance and blood constituents of rabbit females and their offsprings. A total of 40 rabbits does were distributed into four treatments: control group, no dietary SL inclusion; and three groups with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% SL inclusion in the diets. The inclusion of 1.5% SL increased the count of blood cells and hemoglobin concentrations; 0.5-1.0% SL reduced the total cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the activities of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, but increased the levels of total lipids, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Supplementation with 1.0-1.5% SL resulted in higher milk production and heavier litters. Soy lecithin supplementation at 1% improves the physiological parameters and increases the milk production of rabbit does, also improving the performances of their offsprings.

Semen quality, antioxidant status and reproductive performance of rabbits bucks fed milk thistle seeds and rosemary leaves

The study aimed to investigate the effects of milk thistle seeds (MTS) and rosemary leaves (RL) both at 5 and 10g/kg diet on reproductive performance, semen quality and blood metabolites of rabbit bucks. A total of 35 rabbit bucks were randomly distributed into five experimental groups (7 bucks/group). All the groups were fed the same basal diet. The 1st group (control) did not have MTS and RL in its basal diet. The 2nd and 3rd groups were supplemented with MTS at 5 and 10g/kg, respectively. The 4th and 5th groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with RL at 5 and 10g/kg, respectively. The sperm concentration (SC), total sperm output (TSO), live sperm (LS), total live sperm (TLS) and total motile sperm (TMS) were significantly greater in the bucks fed MTS at 10 and RL at 5g/kg diet than the control group. Bucks fed MTS at 10g/kg diet had higher fertility than the control. Also, RL 5g/kg group showed higher testosterone and fertility than the control, but the MTS 10g/kg group showed the highest value for both parameters. In conclusion, MTS and RL at 10 and 5g/kg, respectively, significantly improved the semen quality and the fertility and MTS also increased the economic efficiency of rabbit bucks.

Effects of different dietary n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on boar reproduction

BACKGROUND

N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widely used in reproduction, yet few studies have addressed the effects of dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on boar reproduction. The present study aimed to determine the effects of different dietary n-6/n-3 ratios on the reproductive performance of breeding boars. Thirty-two boars with body weights of 15.0 ± 1.4 kg were divided into four treatments (C, T1, T2, T3) and fed diets with different n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios (29.06:1, 20.07:1, 1:1, 1:17.96, respectively) for 174 days.

RESULTS

The highest testis index was observed for treatment T2. Sperm density and total sperm number per ejaculate in the T2 treatment were significantly higher than those in all other treatments, whereas the sperm deformity rate was the lowest. Interestingly, the fatty acid compositions and ratios of sperm were consistent with dietary treatments. Acid phosphatase and fructose concentration of seminal plasma, and the total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase of sperm in T2 were higher than those in other treatments. The concentration of testosterone and prostaglandin E2 increased in boars fed on diets supplemented with fatty acids as compared with boars subjected to the C group treatment, reaching a peak at n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios of 1:1. Furthermore, higher expression of Δ(6)-fatty acid desaturase and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α in spermatozoa of the T2 treatment were observed, indicating more vigorous metabolism and intensive hormonal regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the ideal n-6/n-3 ratio in the diet of breeding boars is 1:1, and proper balancing of n-6/n-3 fatty acids plays an important role in male reproduction.

Determination of enzyme activity in rabbit seminal plasma and its relationship with quality semen parameters

<p>The objective of this study was to determine rabbit seminal plasma enzyme activity. Furthermore, correlations between semen parameters and enzyme activity and male age were examined. The study was performed using 17 New Zealand White males from 5 to 9 mo old. Overall, 252 semen samples were collected from bucks from May to September. Semen characteristics were analysed and the seminal plasma was obtained by centrifugation. The activities of alanyl aminopeptidase (APN), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) in the seminal plasma fluid were measured. Significant differences between males were found in APN, GGT, LDH, ALKP and ALT activities (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences between enzyme activity and male age were found. We also observed significant positive correlations between male age and sperm concentration (r=0.26), progressive motility (r=0.17) and amplitude of lateral head displacement (r=0.21), and negative ones between male age and average path velocity (r=–0.56), velocity of the sperm head along its actual curvilinear path (r=–0.61), straight line velocity (r=–0.50), linearity index (r=–0.13), and cytoplasmic droplet (r=–0.33). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation between APN activity and the status of the acrosome (r=–0.20) and significant positive correlations between APN activity and the sperm abnormalities (r=0.21), GGT activity and sperm concentration (r=0.34) and the status of the acrosome (r=0.31), and ALKP activity and sperm concentration were observed (r=0.41). In our study, APN and GGT seem to be the most predictive enzymes for rabbit semen quality.</p>

Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli) root extract prevents impairment in characteristics and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic Wistar rats

Background

We hypothesized that C. borivilianum root, known to improve male reproductive performance, prevents impairment in characteristics, morphology and elevation of oxidative stress in sperm of diabetics. We therefore investigated the effect of aqueous root extract of C. borivilianum on these parameters in diabetic rat model.

Methods

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) or glibenclamide (600 μg/kg/day) were administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats for 28 consecutive days. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed and sperm were collected. Sperm count and percentages of forward motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) tail-coiled and abnormal sperm were evaluated. Sperm lipid peroxidation product (LPO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), activity levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT and glutathione peroxidase-GPx), epididymal sperm density, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. The expression of sperm caspase-3 was assessed. Meanwhile, in-vitro free radical scavenging activity of C. borivilianum root extract was determined and the root extract was analyzed for the presence of bioactive compounds by FTIR spectroscopy.

Results

C. borivilianum root aqueous extract prevents the decrease in sperm count, percentages of forward motility, viability, HOS and the increase in abnormal sperm percentage and caspase-3 level in diabetic rats. Sperm LPO, H₂O₂ and NO levels, FBG and HbA1c were lower while TAC, SOD, CAT, GPx and epididymal sperm density were higher in diabetic rats receiving C. borivilianum root extract treatment. C. borivilianum root exhibited strong in-vitro free radical scavenging activity which may be due to the phenolic compound.

Conclusions

C. borivilianum root extract prevents impairment in sperm characteristics and morphology via preventing elevation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and free radicals levels of the sperm in diabetes. These effects may be achieved through maintaining sperm antioxidant level which could be related to free radical scavenging activity of the root extract by phenolic compounds. These effects could also be due to ability of the extract to maintain near normal serum FBG and HBA1c levels in diabetes.

The detoxication of nitrate by two antioxidants or a probiotic, and the effects on blood and seminal plasma profiles and reproductive function of New Zealand White rabbit bucks

Forty-two New Zealand White male rabbits were housed individually in wire cages and randomly distributed among six experimental groups of seven rabbits each, during 16 to 61 weeks of age. There were three main nitrate groups: 0 (tap water), 350 and 700 ppm. Within the 700 ppm of nitrate, there were four subgroups, in which one group was used as control group and the other three groups were supplemented with either 200 ppm of ascorbic acid (vitamin (Vit) C), 200 ppm of Vit E with 0.2 ppm of selenium (Se) and 1000 ppm of probiotic. The nitrate was supplemented as a sodium nitrate. The aim is to test the ability of Vit C and Vit E, Se and probiotic on the deleterious effects (blood and seminal plasma biochemical constituents, semen quality and productive performance) of nitrate in drinking water. Rabbits given nitrate at 700 ppm had significantly lower plasma globulin, red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hgb), packed cell volume % (PCV%) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) than those given the other concentrations of nitrate. Vit C, Vit E with Se and probiotic resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) greater Hgb, RBCs, PCV% and TAC than those of bucks given water supplemented with only 700 ppm nitrate, but the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations in seminal plasma were lower. Testosterone in the blood plasma and the seminal plasma was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in rabbits given 700 ppm nitrate than in those given other concentrations of nitrate. Vit C, Vit E with Se and the probiotic significantly increased testosterone, fertility, number of offspring and total offspring weight of rabbits sired by bucks supplemented with 700 ppm of nitrate.