Effect of different ruminally undegradable protein sources on reproductive performance of Rams
Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of 50% concentrate feed mixture protein (CFM) by either Nigella sativa meal protein (NSM) or fish meal protein (FM) as plant and animal protein sources, respectively, an reproductive performance of rams. A total of 15 sexually mature Rahmani x Finn rams was divided into three groups, five animals in each. The 1st group was fed berseem hay ad libitum along with concentrate feed mixture (Control). In the 2nd and 3rd group, 50% of CFM protein was replaced by equal amount of protein from NSM or FM, respectively. Two successive semen ejaculates were collected twice weekly for two months as a preliminary period and also throughout a main collection period of three months. Semen physical characteristics were determined and total sperm output was calculated in the collected fresh semen. Sexual behavior of each ram was evaluated over 30 minutes once monthly through the entire length of the experimental period using an induced oestral ewe. Relative testicular volume was measured and monthly blood samples were taken for testosterone determination in blood plasma. Results show that ejaculate volume increased (P<0.05) by about 29 and 34% In FM and NSM, respectively. Sperm cell concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) only in FM group by about 3% and insignificantly about 2.3% in NSM group as compared to the control group. Percentages of sperm motility. live sperm and sperm abnormality.
improved (P<0.05) in the two groups as compared to the control one. Total sperm output. normal and live sperm output significantly (P<0.05) increased by about 33.5, 34.8 and 36.7% in rams fed FM diet and about 36.8, 38.4 and 39.0% in rams fed NSM diet, respectively, as compared to the control rams. No significant differences were found among treated groups in the number of mounts, number of ejaculates and in the reaction time. Rams fed FM and NSM needed longer (P<0.05) time to be exhausted than the controls by about 15 and 22.4%. respectively. Rams fed NSM had the highest (P<0.05) values of testosterone concentration (1.095 ng/ml) in blood plasma, followed by FM group (0.690 ng/ml). The lowest values. however, were recorded in the control (0.588 ng/ml).
In conclusion. the obtained results indicated beneficial effects of feeding rams on NSM and FM on their reproductive performances.
Keywords: Ram. reproductive performance, Nigella sativa meal, fish meal.
Publication year 2002
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى-شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى- الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
City المنصورة
serial title Journal of Agricultural Science Mansoura University
ISSN 1110-0346
Author(s) from ARC
External authors (outside ARC)
    مصطفى الحرايرى جامعة القاهرة
    عبد الخالق السيد جامعة المنصورة
Agris Categories Animal physiology - Reproduction
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Animal protein. Fish meal. Plant protein. Rams. Reproductive performance. Semen. Semen collection.
Proposed Agrovoc Nigella sativa meal;
Publication Type Journal
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