Preliminary observations on the seminal characteristics of rabbits raised in two locations in southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

A total of sixteen rabbits sourced from two locations in Southeastern Nigeria were used for this study.  Semen was collected from all the rabbits twice weekly for eight weeks using an artificial vagina while observation on the effect of time of collection on semen quality were also made. The results obtained indicated that time of collection had no significant effect ( p > 0.05) on all the seminal characteristics measured. However, source or the animals showed significant effect (P < 0.05) on semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculate and proportion of abnormal sperm. Average semen volume, spenn concentration and total sperm per ejaculate were: 0.69±0.007 mi, 104.0±1.44 x 106/ml and 71.40±0.90x106 respectively for the rabbits sourced from Port Harcourt. The corresponding values for rabbits sourced from Owerrl were: 0.66±0.008ml,  96.02±1.63x106/ml and 63.49±1.50x106 respectively. Abnormal sperm proportions were 11.05±0.22% and· 12.16±0.52% for the rabbits sourced from Port Harcourt and Owerri respectively. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences observed between locations in live ·sperm concentration and sperm motility. Live sperm concentration and sperm motility were 87.75±1.09% and 71.62±0.74% for the Port Harcourt group, while the values obtained ror the Owerri group were 88.06±0.54% and 71.19±0.89% respectively.

KEYWORDS: Rabbits, Seminal Characteristie&, Location.