ABSTRACT

The effect of ejaculation frequency on semen characteristics and composition of seminal plasma of Dutch-belted (DB) and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits was studied. 36 matured rabbits-18 of each breed were used. The semen characteristics and seminal plasma components of the DB and NZW breeds of rabbits were investigated following two frequencies of ejaculation also determined were the relationship between the semen characteristics and seminal plasma components and the effect of ejaculation frequency on libido. The study involved two treatments. Each treatment was subdivided into two groups of 9 rabbits each. These two groups were further subdivided into 3 replicates of 3 rabbits each. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in sperm concentration NZW (132.39) and DB (103.77), total sperm NZW (90.03 and DB (51.89); total viable sperm cell NZW (116.68) and DB (84.57); and total abnormality NZW (1.38) and DB (2.22). Significant differences (p<0.05) were also observed between collection rhythms (EF1 and EF2).Progressive motility EF1(83.39) and EF2(71.69);live sperm proportion EF1 (89.04) and EF(80.59); sperm concentration EF1(127.93) and EF2(108.24); total sperm EF1(76.76) and EF2(62.78); and total viable sperm cell EF1(113.91) and EF2(87.23). Interaction between breed and ejaculation frequencies of the semen characteristics indicated significant differences (p<0.05).Breed effect on seminal plasma composition indicated significant difference (p<0.05) in fructose, Glutamic acid and zinc. The effect of ejaculation frequency on seminal plasma components indicated significant difference (p<0.05) in Glutamic acid and zinc in EF1 and EF2. The interaction of breed and ejaculation frequency on the seminal plasma components studied indicated significant differences (p<0.05). A positive relationship was found between breeds at single ejaculation (EF1) between zinc and reaction time (r=0.623); progressive motility gave a positive relationship with Glutamic acid(r=0.632);Within the NZW breed at single ejaculation, a significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between Glutamic acid and reaction time giving a high negative correlation(r=-0.826);total sperm gave a  positive relationship with sodium (r=0.811); total variable sperm gave a positive relationship with sodium (r=0.737); normal sperm gave positive relationship with sodium (r=0.795). These results suggest that the New Zealand White breed of rabbit is superior in semen quality characteristics as well as libido to the Dutch-belted breed as observed in the two frequencies of ejaculation studied.