This study was aimed at instigating the effect of DTP on the reproductive organs, libido, blood and semen characters of mature male rabbits. A total of 12 New Zealand White male rabbits, 8 months old, were assigned into four feeding groups (n=3) with 0 (control), 10, 15 and 20
% DTP for 12 weeks. Weights of the body and organs were estimated, libido, semen and blood physic-chemical properties were determined and histological findings of the testes were demonstrated. Results indicated the presence of significantly lower relative kidney and testicular weights as well as significantly higher relative seminal vesicular weight for rabbits fed on 15% DTP than those on other feeding groups. Bucks supplemented with 10% DTP showed a significant improvement in libido, semen volume, sperm cell concentration, sperm motility and liveability as well as the tendency to lower the rate of primary abnormalities. The seminal total proteins, albumin, calcium and total lipids appeared remarkably higher for rabbits on 20% DTP than other feeding groups. Blood physical and chemical properties appeared more prominent for bucks on 10% DTP when compared to those for other feeding groups. Seminiferous tubules revealed degenerative changes and lower accumulated sperm cells in the efferent ductules in 15% and 20% DTP treated groups. It can be concluded that the use of DTP at 10% concentration in feeding mature male rabbits seems to have profitable effect on the reproductive organs, libido, semen quantity and quality as well as blood physico-chemical properties of the white New Zealand breed |
