Effect of aqueous tamarind pulp extract on semen quality and testicular morphometry of Noiler Cocks in a hot dry environment

Abstract

The effect of aqueous tamarind pulp extract on semen quality and testicular morphometry of Noiler cocks in a hot dry environment was studied. Tamarind fruit was soaked at concentrations of 20, 30 and 40 g per litre of water for 24 hours and then sieved to obtain the tamarind pulp extract (TPE). Twelve Noiler cocks, 28 weeks of age and of similar initial body weight were divided into four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. Drinking water containing 0, 20, 30, and 40 g TPE/L was offered ad-libitum and designated as T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ respectively. A total of 144 semen samples were collected by abdominal massage technique and semen volume, colour, pH, motility and concentration were determined. Data on testicular morphometry and gonadal sperm reserve were also collected on all the cocks. Result showed that the semen volume was 0.22, 0.28, 0.42 and 0.40ml for control, 20, 30 and 40g/L TPE respectively. Cocks given 30 g/L TPE had the highest (P<0.05) mass activity (4.39) and motility (87.11%). Percentage of abnormal sperm cells was lowered by TPE. Means for testicular parameters were all similar across the dietary treatments. Paired testicular sperm reserves were 5.07, 5.08, 4.88 and 4.63 (×109) for 0, 20, 30 and 40g/L TPE respectively. The study concluded that aqueous tamarind pulp extract does not influence the gross testicular morphometry of cocks but exerts its effect on semen volume and sperm motility. Noiler cocks reared under a hot dry environment and given 30 g/L TPE will have improved semen quality.