Influence of Chronic Consumption of Fresh and Thermoxidzed Palm Oil Diets on Sperm Count and Sperm Motility in Wister Rats

Abstract

The influence of chronic consumption of fresh and thermoxidized plam oil diets on sperm count and motility was studied in rats. Thirty young Wister rats initially weighing between 50-65g were randomly divided into 3 group, (A,B and C) of ten rats each. Group A rats were fed thermoxidized palm oil diet, obtained by mixing 15g of thermoxidized palm oil with 85g of rat feed (15% ^w/w). Group B rats were fed fresh palm oil diet, obtained by mixing 15g of fresh palm oil with 85g of rat feed (15% ^w/w). Group C rats served as control and were allowed fed normal rat fed. The animals were allowed the test diets and water ad libitum for 20 weeks. Results obtained showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the sperm count of group A rats (8.3 x 10⁶ ± 1.6 x 10⁶ per ml) and that of group B (65.8 x 10⁶ per ml) and C (71.6 x 10⁶ ± 1.3 x 10⁶ per ml) rats. There was also a significant difference between the sperm motility of group A rats (4.2 ± 1.4%) and that of groups B (72.4 ± 1.3%) and C (76.3 ± 0.9%) rats. Our results suggest that chronic consumption of thermoxidized palm oil diets may cause reduction in sperm count, sperm motility; and, infertility in rats.

Key Words: Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility; Palm Oil Diet, Wister Rat; Fertility.

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2004: 49-52