Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract on live body weight, gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves of Yankasa rams. Twenty five apparently healthy Yankasa rams aged 1-2 years and weighing 19.0 ± 2.1 Kg were used for the study. The rams were randomly selected into five groups: A, B, C, D and E with five rams in each group as treatment and control groups respectively. Groups A - D were given oral dose of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract at a dose rate of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 (mg/kg), respectively while group E was given 10 ml/kg water orally, daily for five months. Live body weight, gonadal and extragonadal reserves were determined according to standard techniques. The results showed a significant increase in live body weight in the months of April to June among rams treated with different doses of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract compared with the control group. The control group showed no significant differences in the body weight, gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves. In conclusion, the treatment of Yankasa rams with Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract increased live body weight, but had no significant effects on gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves in Yankasa rams. Therefore, it is recommended that M. oleifera aqueous seed extract can be used at doses of 2000mg/kg to 3000mg/kg in Yankasa rams for optimum gain in live body weight.
Publisher
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umdike (MOUAU)