Genotype Variation In Semen, Libido and Testicular Traits of Adult Rabbits (Orystolagus cunniculus)
C. E. Isidahomen *
Department of Animal Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
D. O. Oguntade
Department of Animal Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Semen and Testicular traits were measured on 54 matured rabbits aged 10 - 12 months and weighed between 2.20 – 2.26 kg and data were used to determine the influence of genotypes on g semen, libido and testicular evaluation. The genotypes used are Chinchilla (CHIN), New Zealand White (NZW) and New Zealand Red (NZR). The experiment was randomized complete design with genotype as the factor of interest. Traits measured were Volume, motility, concentration, pH and colour. Feed and water were served ad libitum throughout the 16 weeks experimental period. At the end of the trial, 8 rabbits per genotype were slaughtered and their reproductive organs were carefully dissected out and separated into different components. The testicular morphometry and sperm characteristics were evaluated. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the genotypes for semen evaluation Volume values were 0.59,0.72 and 0.52,motility 85.08, 87.27 and 86.24 respectively for Libido value are , 4.25, 4.45 and 4.31 respectively and Testicular trait studied. New Zealand White (NZW) was significantly superior (P < 0.05) to other genotypes for most of the parameters studied, followed by New Zealand Red (NZR). The study is aimed at breeds effect on testicular morphometry and sperm characteristics. This result shows that breeds can be of effect on testicular morphometry and sperm quality of male rabbits.
Keywords: New Zealand white, New Zealand red, chinchilla, rabbit, sperm, testicular morphometry, genotype/breed