Effect of phytobiotic (turmeric) supplementation on semen and blood characteristics of rabbits

The study aimed to examine the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder supplemented diets on semen and blood characteristics of rabbits. A total of 27, 9-month-old New Zealand white male rabbits were assigned randomly into 3 groups with 3 replicates of 3 rabbits. Each group was assigned to one of the experimental diet containing turmeric powder at 0 (control), 2 and 4 g/kg feed for 84 days in a completely randomized design. Blood and semen samples for analysis were obtained from each replicate and data obtained analysed statistically. Results revealed that there are significant (p < 0.05) variation in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and daily weight gain (DWG) among the groups. Turmeric powder (TP) supplementation at 2 and 4 g/kg feed increased (p < 0.05) the number of abnormal sperm on both treatments when compared with the control. The concentrations of seminal potassium, sodium, chloride, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased (p < 0.05) by TP supplementation at 4 g/kg feed group. Seminal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was reduced (p < 0.05) by TP at 2 g/kg feed while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was reduced (p < 0.05) by TP in both treatment groups compared to control. Serum sodium value was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 4 g/kg feed while AST level was reduced (p < 0.05) by TP supplementation at 2 g/kg feed compared to control. There was significant (p < 0.01) regression effect on serum chloride value of rabbits fed diets supplemented with turmeric powder. The results indicated that turmeric powder had mild contraceptive effect in male rabbits without deleterious effect on blood characteristics.