China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine ›› 2024, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (3): 1122-1131.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2024.03.024

• Genetics and Breeding • Previous Articles    

Effect of Compound Chinese Medicine Extract on Reproductive Physiology of Male Rabbits

WANG Shiyong1, SU Dongxue2, ZHANG Jing1, CHEN Lihong1, ZHAN Jun1, CHEN Yao1, WEN Shenghong1, YANG Yuechun1   

  1. 1. Center for Innovation and Application of Chinese Veterinary Drug Industrialization, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China;
    2. College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji 136200, China
  • Received:2023-09-11 Published:2024-02-27

Abstract: 【Objective】 This study was aimed to discuss the effects of different doses of compound Chinese medicine extract on semen quality,reproductive hormone,testis morphology and sperm acrosome integrity in male rabbits,and provide a theoretical basis for improving reproductive performance of male rabbits and developing traditional Chinese medicine feed additives with this kind of function.【Method】 Twenty-four New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 6 rabbits in each group.The male rabbits in control,Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups were given 0,150,300 and 600 mg/kg compound Chinese medicine extract,respectively.The experimental period was 12 weeks,and the feeding period was 8 weeks.Blood samples were collected at the 4th,8th and 12th week,and the semen samples were collected at the 8th,10th and 12th week for the determination of serum sex hormone and semen quality.【Result】 Compared with control group,the sperm density,sperm viability and the number of grade A sperm of rabbits in experimental group at 8-12 weeks were significantly increased (P<0.05),and the rate of acrosome integrity of rabbits in Ⅲ group was significantly increased (P<0.05).The sperm deformity rate of rabbits in Ⅲ group was significantly lower than that in control group at 10-12 weeks (P<0.05).The surface capsule of the testicular tissue of rabbits in experimental group was composed of thick irregular dense connective tissue and a large number of basement membranes of seminiferous tubules were clearly visible,the epithelium of seminiferous tubule was composed of spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells.There were a lot of spermatogonia and differentiated spermatocytes in the epithelium of seminiferous tubule.There are abundant sperm in lumen and no obvious abnormalities in stroma.At 4-12 weeks,The contents of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) of serum in Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05).【Conclusion】 Compound Chinese medicine extract could improve the quality of male rabbit semen,increase the rate of sperm acrosome integrity,reduce the sperm deformity rate,improve the morphology of testis,promote the development of reproductive organs,and increase the contents of FSH,LH and T in serum.The 600 mg/kg compound Chinese medicine extract had a significant effect on reproductive physiology of male rabbits,and had a good application prospect in practical production.

Key words: compound Chinese medicine extract; male rabbits; testicular; semen quality; reproductive hormones

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