PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE AND SEMEN QUALITY OF RABBIT BUCKS FED GRADED LEVELS OF Moringa (Moringa oleifera ) LEAF MEAL

Abstract

This study investigated the physiological responses and semen quality of rabbit bucks fed graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). Thirty (30) sexually mature rabbit bucks aged 5–7 months were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00% MOLM in a Completely Randomized Design with three replicates per treatment. Data were collected on rectal temperature, respiratory and pulse rates, and semen characteristics.Results revealed that rectal temperature (39.14–40.03°C) was not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments, indicating absence of heat stress. However, respiratory rate (75.91–77.50 breaths/min) and pulse rate (209.80–251.03 beats/min) increased significantly (P<0.05) with rising MOLM inclusion, suggesting enhanced metabolic activity. Semen quality indices improved notably with MOLM supplementation. Normal sperm morphology increased from 44.00% in the control to 53.00% at 2.00% inclusion, while abnormal sperm declined from 56.00% to 47.00%. Actively motile sperm rose from 39.00% to 49.00%, and live sperm cells increased from 66.00% to 80.00% at 0.50% inclusion. The highest semen concentration (25.30 × 10⁹/ml) occurred at 1.00% MOLM, whereas semen volume (0.15–0.25 ml) and colour were unaffected (P>0.05).These improvements are attributed to the antioxidant and bioactive compounds in Moringaoleifera, which enhance sperm viability and testicular function. In conclusion, inclusion of Moringaoleifera leaf meal up to 2.00% supports normal physiological function and significantly enhances semen quality in rabbit bucks, with optimal reproductive benefits at 0.50–1.00% inclusion levels.