No abstract

Eight Swedish Finewool Landrace ewes, ovariectomized 5 months earlier and kept on nonestrogenic hay, were each fed 3.5 kg red clover silage, corresponding to 6.1 g phytoestrogens (of which 3.5 g was formononetin) per day, for 14 days in November (short days). In January (short days), two groups (3 each) of these ewes received one or two 17 beta-estradiol sc implants. In May (long days), one of two new groups (4 each) of these ewes was reexposed to phytoestrogens for another 14 days while the other served as a control. Physical examination of ewes for changes in reproductive organs was carried out two or three times per week during each feeding/treatment, and continued until observed changes disappeared. Clinically significant changes occurred in the reproductive organs of ewes fed red clover. Vulva color changed from pale to pink and red, and there were enlargements of the vulva, uterus, and udder. In addition, teat length and circumference increased, and secretion of milky fluid began. These changes were similar, but more pronounced during treatment with 17 beta-estradiol, particularly teat circumference. The changes in vulva were more dramatic in May than in November and resembled those observed in ewes treated with estradiol. Our data show that a daily intake of 3.5 g formononetin for 14 days caused the increase of teat size and changes in the color of the vulva and in uterus weight in ovariectomized ewes.

No abstract

The Nigerian local turkey has the potential to augment the supply of poultry protein in the country and across the region. However, the fecundity of the breed is low due to neglect and lack of improvement. This work is therefore aimed at shedding some light in some reproductive indices of the local turkey under optimum nutrition. A group of fifteen toms and nine hens were used in this study. The males were grouped into three groups of five and placed on varying levels of protein, 12% CP, 16% CP and 20% CP for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Semen samples were collected and analysed twice weekly for thirteen weeks. Ejaculate volume, semen concentration, semen PH, gross and individual motilities, live and dead sperm and sperm morphology were investigated and recorded. Data were summarized as mean ± SEM (Standard Error of the Mean). The toms in groups 3 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher ejaculate volume 0.29 ± 0.03 mls and semen concentration7.766 ± 0.612 x10 9 than groups 1 and 2. The fertilizing ability, which was assessed through in vivo and in vitro sperm penetration assays revealed significantly higher number of sperm penetration holes (P < 0.05) in Groups 2 and 3, 160.97 ± 8. 084 and 172.83 ± 7.647 (in vivo); 187.96 ± 8.121 and 189.16 ± 6.446 (in vitro) respectively. The local turkey toms could parallel their exotic counterpart under optimum environment, without the need for genetic hybridization and that 20% CP had more positive influence on the semen quality and fertilizing ability of indigenous Nigerian turkey toms followed by 16% CP with 12% CP exerting the least positive influence.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera (L) aqueous seed extract on aphrodisiac, gonadal and epididymal sperm reserves of Wistar rats. Twenty-five male and fifteen female Wistar rats aged two months weighing 150 – 200 g were purchased and housed in cages at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The Wistar rats were provided with a 12 hours light and dark cycle, fed with pellets of broiler starter and drinking water were provided ad libitum. The rats were acclimatized for 14 days and they were randomly divided into 5 groups A, B, C, D and E. Group B, C and D as treatment groups, whereas, group A and E were negative and positive controls, respectively, with 5 rats in each group and each was kept singly in separate cage. Groups A and E received 1 ml of distilled water and 5 mg of sildenafil citrate orally respectively. Groups B, C and D received suspension of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract orally at the dose rate 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg respectively, between 9:00 - 10:00 am daily for 21 days. Female rats were paired with males at a ratio of 1:1, and mating behaviour recorded. Group C and E male rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mounting frequency (MF), respectively. Intromission frequency (IF) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in group C and E, respectively. Gonadal and epididymal sperm reserves were significantlydifferent (p < 0.05)between the M. oleifera treated and control groups.