Role of Eruca sativa L. seeds in boosting the reproductive performance of male Japanese quails (Coturnix c. japonica)

AbstractHerein we attempt to shed light on the potential improving effect ofEruca sativa seeds (ESS) on the reproductive aspects of male Japanese quails. To accomplish this objective, two groups of quails were supplemented with ESS powder at doses of 5 and 10  g/kg feed from 7 days to 140 days of age, in addition to the control group, which did not receive treatment. Forty males were reared singly in cages to evaluate sperm characters and 32 males were raised with 64 females to evaluate fertility and sperm penetrability. Sixty-six phytochemical compoun ds were found according to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of ESS. The most plentiful ones are 13-docosenoic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and linoleic acid methyl ester. Both 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg doses of ESS showed similar effectiveness in enhancing various reproductive parameters, including gonadal index, sperm characteristics, fertility, libido, and cloacal gland attributes. However, some aspects like sperm concentration and testosterone levels exhibited a dose-dependent response. There is no significant change in mortality rate of supplemented grou ps compared to the control one. ESS also caused a reduction in feed intake and an enhancement in feed conversion ratio without affecting final body weight and body weight gain. This suggests potential nutritional benefits beyond reproductive health. The low-dose-fed group showed a significant reduct ion in total cholesterol and malondia...
Source: Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - Category: Zoology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research