Effects of Some Toxic Plant Seeds on Semen and Sperm Quality of Adult Cockerels

Abstract

The toxicological effects of raw jack beans (RJB), bambara groundnuts (RBG) and benne seeds (RBS) on semen  and sperm quality of adult cockerels were analyzed  in a twelve week feeding trial. Full fat soya was replaced with the  RJB, RBG and RBS   at  25% and 50%  levels. Anti-nutritional factors in the raw pant seeds were determined.  Haemagglutinin, canavanine  and  trypsin inhibitor contents  were higher in the  RJB, while   tannin, oxalate and phytate were  higher in  the RBS . Feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) reduced  across the groups. Higher significant reductions (P<0.05) were obtained in the semen volume of the birds fed the  RJB, RBG and RBS   at 50% level respectively. Marked (P <0.05) reductions were obtained in the sperm concentration  and live sperm cells  of birds fed 25% and 50 %  RJB,  and 50% RBS  respectively.  Dead sperm cells and abnormal sperm cells were significantly (P<0.05) increased across the groups,  but more pronounced in birds fed with 50% RJB  and 50% RBG   respectively. Semen protein was significantly (P<0.05) reduced across the groups. Overall, the most striking  effects on the semen  quality  and sperm reserves  were obtained in birds fed 50% RJB and 50% RBG respectively. It  is therefore concluded in this study that adequate processing be given to the plant seeds upon usage as feed ingredients in poultry feeding.

Keywords : Cockerels, Semen quality, Toxicology