Effect of Supplementing Moringa Forage Meal and Boron on Sperm Production and Quality in Breeding Jersey Bulls
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijar.2025.46.04.2Keywords:
Moringa oleifera, boron, sperm production, Jersey bullsAbstract
The testicular microenvironment influences semen production capacity and consequently the reproductive potential of the male. In the present study, Moringa oleifera (moringa) and boron were supplemented in Jersey bulls to assess total sperm output and quality. In a completely randomised design, 28 healthy Jersey bulls were selected and supplemented with moringa and boron (sodium borate) for sixty days. These animals were divided into four groups (n=7 each), group-1 (control), group-2 (70g moringa forage meal/day), group-3 (40ppm boron as sodium borate) and group-4 (40ppm boron plus 70g moringa forage meal/day). Before the start and at the end of the feeding experiment, semen samples were eval uated for sperm functional attributes and semen production capacity of the bulls. A significant (p<0.05) improvement in straightness (STR), membrane integrity, acrosome intactness and mucus penetration ability were observed in moringa fed group as compared to the onset of treatment. A significant (p<0.05) improvement in total sperm concentration and thus the total straw production was observed in moringa fed animals. Although boron improved sperm output and qual ity, no additional or synergistic effect with moringa was observed. The study provides evidence that moringa feeding improves total sperm concentration and the quality of the sperm functional attributes in Jersey bulls.References
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