EFFECTS OF ORAL INTAKE OF Mucuna pruriens SEED POWDER ON THE HEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BUCKS

Abstract

The use of Mucuna pruriens seed extract for the treatment of male reproductive dysfunction has been well researched in animals and humans but the various methods of extractions and solvents used as well as the route of administration often influence the effectiveness of the plants seed. The experiment involve the use of fifteen West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks in a completely randomized design to study the effect of oral administration of Mucuna pruriens powder on the reproductive performance of WAD bucks. The bucks weighing between 9kg-10kg were randomly assigned to f ive treatments. The experiment lasted for 7weeks, during which body weight was taken weekly along with rectal temperature. Blood was collected fortnightly for haematological and biochemical analysis while semen was collected by electro-ejaculation at the end of the experiment for semen analysis. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in all the haematological and biochemical parameters except with White blood cell, Red blood cell, Alkaline Phosphate and Cholesterol which were significantly higher with increase in Mucuna pruriens powder. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in all the sperm characteristics such as the sperm motility (%), sperm count 6 (x10 /ml), live to dead ratio, normal sperm morphology and semen volume (ml). Rectal temperature was normal in all the groups and weight gain was not significantly affected throughout the period. It was concluded that oral administration of 10g of Mucuna pruriens powder was the best in terms of improvement of semen characteristics of West African Dwarf buck.