Dongmo Nguedia Arius Baulland

Mohamadou Adamou, Dongmo Nguedia Arius Baulland, Ngo Bahebeck Pierrette, Tchoffo Herve, Chongsi Margaret Mary Momo, Noudjio Kezeter Claude, Nnanga Germaine Estelle Mvondo, Ngwemetah Nathalie, Adamu Yusufa Njeiri and Ngoula Ferdinand. Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology 2024;39:179-93. https://doi.org/10.12750/JARB.39.3.179

Introduction: Soursop leaves are rich in various molecules, including total phenols, terpenes, and steroids, which possess a range of pharmacological properties that can be utilized in animal production to enhance both growth and reproduction of animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating soursop (Annona muricata; A. muricata) leaves powder into feed on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail. Materials and methods: A total of 80 Japanese quails (64 females and 16 males) aged two weeks were randomly divided into four experimental groups, labeled T0, T1, T2, and T3, and received feed additives with 0 mg/kg body weight (bw), 250 mg/kg bw, 500 mg/kg bw, and 750 mg/kg bw of powdered soursop leaves, respectively. Additionally, water was provided ad libitum, and the quails' weights were measured every 7 days for a period of 75 days. At the end of the period, 12 female quails from each group were sacrificed after 24 hours fasting period. Blood was collected for hematological (Leukocyte, Erythrocyte, and Platelet indices) and serum biochemical (total serum cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and globulin, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Urea, and Creatinine) analysis. The males were also sacrificed to evaluate the spermatozoa characteristics (mobility, concentration, and viability). Results: No statistical significant changes in growth characteristics or hematological parameters were observed. However, biochemical parameters increased significantly with the inclusion of Soursop (A. muricate) in quail feed, including increased total cholesterol, total protein, and globulin levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. This effect was most significant at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Serum levels of urea, Alanine aminotransferase, and Aspartate aminotransferase were not significantly affected by A. muricata whatever the concentration considered. A significant increase in fast progressive spermatozoa, along with a decrease in immotile spermatozoa, was observed with A. muricate at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw compared to the control. Sperm viability also increased significantly, particularly in live at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Significant increase was observed in fertility parameters, including increased fertility rate, hatchability rate of fertile eggs, total hatchability rate, and chick weight, along with decreased embryonic mortality at 500 mg/kg bw treatment compared to the control. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings indicated that incorporating A. muricata leaf powder at 500 mg/kg bw into quail feed positively influences reproductive cells and boosts fertility growth promoters.

Introduction: The ban on the use of antibiotics as feed additives in livestock farming has led to the development of alternative products. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combining phytobiotic (Dichrostachys glomerata) with a probiotic (Thepax®) on the growth performance of Japanese quails. Results: The findings indicated that quails fed on 0.6 ml probiotic / L of drinking water had the highest weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio. Combining phytobiotic with probiotics at 0.4 ml and 0.5 ml improved the apparent digestibility of crude protein and organic matter. Although the treatment did not significantly affect the carcass yields, the relative weight of the liver and pancreas were lowest with 0.4 ml probiotic. Haemato-biochemical parameters increased with higher levels of probiotics combined with 4 g of phytobiotics in the feed, leading to an increase in serum content in ALT and creatinine. Combining 4 g of the phytobiotic with 0.6 ml of probiotic resulted in a decrease in pathogens (Salmonella and E. coli) count in the gastrointestinal tract of quails. Conclusion: The combination of Dichrostachys glomerata (4g /kg feed) to a probiotic (0.6ml /L drinking water) improved feed conversion ratio and live weight gain while reducing the pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of Japanese quails.

This study investigated the effect of spirulina ethanolic extract (SEE) on the quality of ram semen during low-temperature liquid storage and the relationship between sperm features. Ejaculates were collected from five Djallonké rams, pooled, extended with Tris-egg yolk (TEY) enriched with 0 (control), 20 (SEE20), 40 (SEE40), and 80 µg/mL (SEE80) of SEE to reach the concentration of 200×106 spz/mL, and stored at 4 °C for 72 h. Extended semen samples were assessed for total motility, progressive motility, sperm motion characteristics, viability, membrane integrity, and morphology at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h of storage. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase, (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels were measured at 72 h of storage. The enrichment of TEY with SEE at 40 and 80 µg/mL, improved sperm total motility at 48 and 72 h of storage (P