Effects of dietary Epimedium grandiflorum powder supplementation on semen quality, seminal plasma characteristics, and sperm functional integrity in Vietnamese black rabbits
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Epimedium grandiflorum is a medicinal plant containing bioactive compounds that may support male reproductive function; however, its effects on rabbit semen quality under tropical production conditions remain insufficiently investigated. This study evaluated the effects of dietary E. grandiflorum powder supplementation on semen quality, seminal plasma characteristics, and functional sperm parameters in black male rabbits raised in the Mekong Delta. Thirty-six sexually mature rabbits aged 10-11 months and weighing 3.2-3.4 kg were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments for 60 days, with 12 rabbits per treatment: control, basal diet without supplementation; E1, basal diet supplemented with 0.5% E. grandiflorum powder; and E2, basal diet supplemented with 1.0% E. grandiflorum powder. Ejaculates were collected at five-day intervals and evaluated for ejaculate traits, CASA-derived motility parameters, sperm concentration, morphology, seminal plasma physicochemical characteristics, viability, and HOST-positive rate. Dietary E. grandiflorum supplementation improved semen quality in a dose-related manner. Supplemented rabbits showed higher ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, CASA-derived motility parameters, mass activity, sperm resistance, viability, and HOST-positive rates, together with reduced abnormal sperm morphology. Favorable changes were also observed in seminal plasma characteristics, including increased osmotic pressure and buffering capacity, as well as reduced viscosity, while pH and density remained relatively stable. Dietary supplementation with E. grandiflorum powder, particularly at 1.0%, improved semen quality, seminal plasma stability, and sperm functional integrity in Vietnamese Black male rabbits. These findings suggest that E. grandiflorum could be a promising plant-derived feed additive for supporting male reproductive traits under tropical rabbit production conditions.
Source: Veterinarski glasnik
Institution: Tay Do University
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7221583750