ABSTRACT

The effect of biotin on semen and testicular characteristics of rabbit bucks was studied using twelve healthy mixed bred rabbit bucks aged 8-10 months weighing between 1.60-2.08kg. The bucks were divided into two groups comprising of six bucks each with one group as control and the other as the treatment group. Bucks in the control group (CTL) were fed grass/legume forages with concentrates while those in the treatment group (EXP) were fed grass/legume forages with concentrates supplemented with biotin at the rate of 1OOp.gfheadlday. The rabbits were fed for 56 days prior to semen collection. Semen was collected between 8.00am-9.00am local time twice a week for three weeks. Semen quality as well as testicular characteristics were evaluated. Results of the study showed that the colour of the semen appreciated in the treatment group. There was no significant difference in any of the parameters measured. However, semen characteristics showed better numerical values for the EXP group than the CTL group. The semen volume was 0.91±0.29m1 in the CTL group. and 1.15±0.44m1 in the EXP group. The spermatozoa concentration values obtained were (265±16.36) xl 6 and (399±27.18) x 106 for the CTL and EXP groups respectively. The testicular parameters of the E)(P group showed higher numerical values than the CTL group with the exceptions of the right testis weight, left and right vas deferens lengths, as well as left and right testis circumferences. These results show that biotin can be included as part of the ration of mature rabbit buck without any adverse effect on the reproductive performance of the male animal.