Dietary Boron Supplementation and its Impact on Semen Characteristics and Physiological Status of Adult Male Rabbits

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the effect of Boron supplementation on male rabbit's reproductive performance. A total of 20 V. Line (V.L) adult rabbit bucks were divided into four equal experimental groups (5 bucks for each). Groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed rations supplemented with 17.5, 35 and 70 mg boron/kg feed in the form of boric acid (100, 200 and 400 mg boric acid, respectively) over 8 weeks. The first group was served as a control group. Results obtained by the Boron groups revealed that adding Boron to rabbit bucks rations at any tested doses resulted in a non-significant increase in the ejaculate volume of male rabbit by approximately 25% above the control group. Adding Boron at any dose exhibited a significant increase (p#0.01) in sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility, live sperm and normal sperm compared to the control group and the high Boron dose had the highest effect on previous measurements compared to the low and medium Boron doses. Opposite trend was shown in the reaction time (libido) and seminal plasma fructose concentration which showed a significant decrease in these parameters in the Boron treated groups compared to the control. Plasma total protein, glucose, total lipids and triglycerides concentration were boosted in the Boron groups compared to the control (p#0.01) for glucose and triglycerides measurements. On the contrary, treated male rabbits with Boron at any tested doses resulted in a significant reduction in plasma cholesterol concentration. Blood and seminal plasma AST and ALT enzymes activities showed a tendency to decrease by Boron treatments compared to the control group. Treating bucks by different Boron doses resulted in a significant increase (p#0.01) in Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) to reach 110, 128 and 163% of blood plasma and 114, 121 and 122% of seminal plasma compared to the control value. On the other side, adding Boron to bucks rations did not affect the activity of seminal plasma alkaline phosphatase enzyme. Blood testosterone hormone had a tendency to increase in the Boron groups compared to the control group but this increase was not significant. It could be concluded that feeding rabbit bucks on rations containing the studied Boron doses results in a significant improvement in semen quality characteristics and had a positive effect on their physiological status.

The Influence of Dietary Boron Supplementation on Performance and Some Physiological Parameters in Bandarah Chickens 2- Laying Period

“…On the other hand, the percentage of abnormal sperm was significantly decreased with increasing boron level to reach, and % less than the control group. These results are in agreement with Elkomy et al (2015) who concluded that adding boric acid to bucks' ration (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) improved semen quality characteristics.…”

“…The same finding was found by El-Saadany et al (2016) when they fed male chicks on 100, 200 and 300 mg boron/kg feed. Likewise, our findings were confirmed upon examination of boron on rabbits (Elkomy et al, 2015). As a result, supplemental boron had a beneficial effect on hens' health.…”

“…The present results concerning the decreasing of the serum transaminases activities are in agreement with the results obtained by Eren and Uyanik (2007) when they adding boron in layer diets. Likewise, our findings were confirmed upon examination of boron on broiler chicks (Eren et al, 2012) and rabbits (Elkomy et al, 2015). Results concerning the effect of supplemental boron on thyroid hormone secretion (T3) concentration in laying hens are presented in Table 5.…”

“…Moreover, Naghii and Samman (1993) noted that the mechanism of boron action may be mediated by increasing the concentration of steroid hormones such as testosterone and beta-estradiol. Whereas, inclusion of boron to bucks' rations resulted in a significant increase in sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility and normal sperm (Elkomy et al, 2015). Recent studies on the biological significance of boron to various metabolic, nutritional, hormonal, and physiological processes indicated that boron is essential for humans and animals (Nielsen, 1997;Basoglu et al, 2000Basoglu et al, , 2002Kabu and Civelek, 2012;and Hunt, 2012).…”

Behavioral Activities, Physiological Body Reactions, Hematological Parameters and Hormonal Profiles for Bucks of New Zealand White and Baladi Red Rabbits Exposed to Short Term of High Temperature

“…The RT was measured by using clinical thermometer, which inserted for 1 min into the rectum for about 2 cm from anus orifice after liniment by pure Vaseline (Khalil et al, 2014). The TSL was measured in terms of reaction time in seconds and was estimated between introducing the teaser doe to the buck's cage up to the point, when the buck started to mount the doe (Elkomy et al, 2015).…”