Author:
Okukpe, K.M, Alli O.I, Olayinka O.A, Okeniyi F.A, Ajao B.H, Chimezie V.O, Familoni O.M, Abdullahi M.A
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
ABSTRACT
Turmeric is a spice with the biologically active substance curcumin which have been reported to have several effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. This study evaluated the influence of different levels of Turmeric powder on growth hormones, reproductive hormones and semen quality of male West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty (30) male goats were randomly assigned to five treatments (A, B, C, D and E) in a completely randomized design. The duration of the experiment was eight weeks. They fed diets containing 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8g of turmeric powder per kilogram grower mash which was molded into pellets. Records of weight and blood samples were taken at the beginning and subsequently every two weeks for hormonal assay. Semen samples were obtained every two weeks by electroejaculation for determination of volume, color, concentration, motility and morphology.The General Linear Model procedure of (SAS, 2014) was used for data analysis. Significantly different (p<0.05) means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. Supplementation with Turmeric powder at 6g/kg feed and 8g/kg feed led to a significantly reduced cholesterol level, low density lipoprotein (LDL). It reduces oxidation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric reactive substance but significantly increased the high density lipoprotein (HDL). Turmeric had nosignificant effects (p>0.05) on the reproductive hormones across all treatments. It significantly (p<0.05) increased sperm concentration, motility and morphology with the highest concentration obtained at 8g of turmeric/kg feed, while sperm motility and morphology were high at 2g/kg feed. The semen obtained in all the treatments was whitish grey in colour. In conclusion, Turmeric powder has no improved effects on testosterone,follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone production at 8g of Turmeric/kg feed but improved sperm concentration, MDA and thiobarbituric reactive substance thereby improve reproductive performance. Although the best dietary level for overall performance was 4g turmeric powder per kilogram diet.
| Pages | 111-115 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Volume | 5 |
