Ameliorative effects of Bi-carbonate buffer, Vitamin C and Baobab fruit pulp meal on Progesterone and Testosterone Secretion in Heat stressed Rabbits

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the progesterone and testosterone secretion of heat stressed rabbits ameliorated with bi-carbonate buffer, vitamin C and baobab fruit pulp meal. A total of 50 adult rabbits were used comprising 25 males and 25 females. The rabbits were randomly allotted into five experimental treatment groups, with ten (10) rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in the first group (T₁) were the control, animals in the treatment 2 and treatment 3 (T₂) and (T₃) were fed with diets as in the control and given potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) buffer respectively. Rabbits in treatment four (T₄) were fed diet containing synthetic vitamin C and the fifth group (T₅) was fed diet-containing BFPM (Baobab Fruit Pulp Meal). Rabbits were given access to feed and water ad libitum. All recommended managerial practices were dully observed. Microclimate parameters of ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) of the rabbitary were taken daily from February through June. The values were used to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI). Blood samples (5 ml) were collected from the ear vein at 10.00 h from four animals chosen randomly from each group of rabbits respectively before, and at the end of the experiment and progesterone and testosterone secretions were evaluated. THI values showed that environmental conditions were stressful to the animals. Vitamin C and BFPM significantly (P<0.05) increased progesterone and testosterone secretions compared to the buffers supplements. It was concluded that BFPM and vitamin C should be used in rabbit diets during hot season.

Key Words: Reproduction, Hormones, Heat stress, Supplements.