MJAS

Manuscript Details

Baobab fruit pulp meal as an antioxidant: effect on physiological performance and semen quality of heat stressed rabbits in the tropics

¹Anoh, K. U., ² Iyeghe-Erakpotobor G. T. and ²Barje, P. P.,

¹Department of animal science, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
²National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Shika

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2020 23(2): 1-10

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The aim of the study was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Baobab fruit pulp meal (BFPM)
as an antioxidant on physiological performance and semen quality of rabbit bucks in an
experiment that lasted for 90 days. A total of twenty-five (25) adult rabbit bucks of 12 months old
were used. The rabbits were randomly allotted into five experimental treatment groups, with five
(5) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were fed diets
containing graded levels [0.0% (Control), 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5% and 5.5%] of BFPM. Temperature
humidity index (THI) was calculated, rectal temperature, heart rate was recorded; feed intake and
weight gain were determined and semen quality was evaluated. The results of the values of the
THI of March to May showed that environmental conditions were stressful in these months to the
animals. BFPM significantly (P<0.05) decrease rectal temperature and heart rate, increased feed
intake and weight gain, and improved semen quality of the rabbit bucks. It was concluded that
Baobab Fruit Pulp Meal had a positive influence in ameliorating heat stress and improving
physiological conditions and semen quality of rabbits under a hot tropical environment.