Baobab fruit pulp meal as an antioxidant: effect on physiological performance and semen quality of heat stressed rabbits in the tropics


Citation

Anoh K. U., . and Iyeghe-Erakpotobor G. T., . and Barje P. P., . Baobab fruit pulp meal as an antioxidant: effect on physiological performance and semen quality of heat stressed rabbits in the tropics. pp. 1-10. ISSN 2550-2123

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM) as an antioxidant on physiological performance and semen quality of rabbit bucks in an experiment that lasted for 90 days. A total of twenty-five (25) adult rabbit bucks of 12 months old were used. The rabbits were randomly allotted into five experimental treatment groups with five (5) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were fed diets containing graded levels 0.0 (Control) 0.025 0.035 4.5 and 5.5 of BFPM. Temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated rectal temperature heart rate was recorded; feed intake and weight gain were determined and semen quality was evaluated. The results of the values of the THI of March to May showed that environmental conditions were stressful in these months to the animals. BFPM significantly (P0.05) decrease rectal temperature and heart rate increased feed intake and weight gain and improved semen quality of the rabbit bucks. It was concluded that Baobab Fruit Pulp Meal had a positive influence in ameliorating heat stress and improving physiological conditions and semen quality of rabbits under a hot tropical environment.


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Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM) as an antioxidant on physiological performance and semen quality of rabbit bucks in an experiment that lasted for 90 days. A total of twenty-five (25) adult rabbit bucks of 12 months old were used. The rabbits were randomly allotted into five experimental treatment groups with five (5) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were fed diets containing graded levels 0.0 (Control) 0.025 0.035 4.5 and 5.5 of BFPM. Temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated rectal temperature heart rate was recorded; feed intake and weight gain were determined and semen quality was evaluated. The results of the values of the THI of March to May showed that environmental conditions were stressful in these months to the animals. BFPM significantly (P0.05) decrease rectal temperature and heart rate increased feed intake and weight gain and improved semen quality of the rabbit bucks. It was concluded that Baobab Fruit Pulp Meal had a positive influence in ameliorating heat stress and improving physiological conditions and semen quality of rabbits under a hot tropical environment.

Additional Metadata

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Item Type: Article
AGROVOC Term: Rabbits
AGROVOC Term: Animal feeding
AGROVOC Term: Fruit pulps
AGROVOC Term: Diet treatment
AGROVOC Term: Animal meals
AGROVOC Term: Heat stress
AGROVOC Term: Physiological response
AGROVOC Term: Body measurements
AGROVOC Term: Semen
AGROVOC Term: Animal performance
Depositing User: Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified: 24 Apr 2025 00:55
URI: http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/10052

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