| Abstrakt: |
Egg yolk from different avian species has been successfully used for the chill preservation of mammalian sperm but comparative efficacy in chill preservation of rabbit semen has not been previously evaluated. Fifteen (15) rabbit does and two (2) bucks were used for this study. Proximate analysis of the egg yolk of Quail (QEY), Turkey (TEY) and Chicken (CEY) was carried out using standard techniques. Semen was collected from the bucks using artificial vagina (AV) and evaluated for spermiogram. Semen was extended and stored at refrigerated temperature (5°C). Post extension motility was recorded for 5 days at 5°C. Fifteen (15) rabbit does were randomly assigned to 3 groups and synchronized using Lutalyse® (Dinoprost tromethamine), monitored for the display of oestrus signs and were subsequently inseminated using timed A.I. Pregnancy was diagnosed 12 days after insemination and conception rate was determined. Data generated was collated and presented using descriptive statistics. Proximate analysis of the egg yolks revealed relatively high ash content for TEY (4.2%), compared with QEY (1.5%) and CEY (1.2%) respectively. The fat extract for TEY (13.8%) was high when compared with QEY (10.7%) and CEY (12.6%) respectively. The carbohydrate content for CEY (1.2%) was high when compared with TEY, while QEY (0.6%) was the lowest. QEY had high CP when compared with CEY and TEY; 16.0% and 12.3% respectively, with TEY being the lowest. The moisture content (MC) of QEY was also very high (69.6%) when compared with CEY and TEY, 68.9% and 68.5% respectively. At room temperature, the forward progressive motility ranged from 95-99% for CEY, QEY and TEY respectively. Extenders containing CEY and QEY performed well in keeping the sperm cells alive within the first 24 hours; the progressive motility ranged from 80-90% and 80-95% respectively. The TEY extender had progressive motility ranged between 40 and 95%. Comparatively, the progressive motility of the spermatozoa recorded 48 hours post dilution for the CEY, QEY and TEY extenders are 15-35%, 40%, 15-20% respectively. Synchronized does displayed oestrus after 12 hours and those inseminated with extenders CEY, QEY and TEY were diagnosed pregnant (100%). It can be concluded therefore, that QEY has a better protective ability to maintain motility of refrigerated extended spermatozoa of rabbit bucks. Further studies are suggested to confirm the fertility success rate obtained in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
