This study was carried out to investigate the changes in semen characteristics, hormonal profile and testicular morphometry of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks treated with danazol. For this purpose, eighteen matured WAD bucks average of about two years were randomly divided into groups A, B and C comprising of six bucks per group. Group A was the control while B and C bucks were given danazol at a dose rate of 20mg/kg body weight orally daily for four weeks. The group B bucks’ testes were harvested thereafter for gross and histo-morphometric studies while those of group C were left intact but danazol treatment was withdrawn for four more weeks. The bucks’ semen samples (collected by electro-ejaculation) and hormonal samples (taken via the jugular vein) were analyzed. The semen characteristics studied included color, volume, mass activity, motility, percentage normal live-dead ratio, morphology and concentration; while the hormones studied included testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Results show that there were significant decreases in semen characteristics of group B and C bucks compared with those of group A in the first four weeks. The semen characteristics of the group C bucks were reversed to normal range (similar to those of group A bucks) two weeks after danazol treatment was withdrawn. Similar results were observed with the hormonal studies. In conclusion, danazol caused a reversed reduction in sperm cells characteristics suggesting its possible use as a contraceptive in WAD goat bucks.

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The nutritional attributes of sesame, Sesamum indicum, vary substantially and are primarily influenced by the plant’s genetic makeup. This investigation accessed the biochemical composition of sesame mutants from two generations. Seeds of eleven M3 lines were planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to raise M4 lines, which were advanced to M5 generation. The seeds were harvested at maturity, and their biochemical compositions were quantitatively determined following standard procedures. Results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the biochemical composition of the mutants across the two generations. Exactly 27.27% of the mutants showed a substantial increase in oil composition over their parental varieties at the M4 generation. In comparison, 36.36% of the mutants had higher oil contents than their parental varieties at the M5 generation. The M5 mutants showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher oil content than the M4 mutants. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the protein content of M4 and M5 mutants, with M4 mutants having higher protein content. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in fibre, carbohydrate, energy, and moisture contents of M4 and M5 mutants, with M5 mutants having significantly higher (p < 0.05) carbohydrate and energy contents, while no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in ash content of M4 and M5 mutants. Results also reveal significant differences (p < 0.05) in anti-nutrients of M4 and M5 mutants with notable reductions in some anti-nutritional properties of some mutant lines. High and stable nutritional attributes are desirable traits in sesame breeding. The identified mutants with desirable traits are potential candidates that could be selected and developed as the first mutant varieties of sesame in Nigeria.