EFFECTS OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF SICKLE SENNA (Senna obtusifolia) LEAF MEAL ON SEMEN QUALITY AND TESTICULAR MORPHOMETRY OF NOILER COCKS

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of Sickle senna (Senna obtusifolia) leaf meal on semen quality and testicular morphometry of Noiler cocks. The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching Farm, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Nigeria. A total of thirty-six (36) 28-week-old Noiler cocks were used in a completely Sickle senna leaf meal (SSLM) inclusion: T1 (0.0% SSLM, control), T2 (0.5% SSLM), T3 (1.0% SSLM), and T4 (1.5% SSLM). Each treatment had nine cocks replicated three times (three cocks per replicate). The experiment lasted for six weeks, during which birds were fed the experimental diets and water ad libitum. Fresh Sickle senna leaves were harvested, shade-dried, oven-dried at 40°C, and pulverized into a powder before dietary incorporation. Semen samples were collected and evaluated for quality characteristics (volume, pH, motility, concentration, morphology, and live sperm percentage), and the cocks were subsequently sacrificed for testicular morphometric measurements. The results indicated that Semen pH, sperm motility, and sperm concentration were significantly higher in the control (T1) and lower SSLM groups compared to the higher inclusion levels. Notably, the 1.0% and 1.5% SSLM groups showed a significant reduction in sperm concentration and an increase in abnormal sperm morphology. Testicular morphometry was also significantly affected, with the 1.5% SSLM group recording the lowest paired testicular weight, volume, and gonadosomatic index. It was concluded that while lower levels (0.5%) of Sickle senna leaf meal may be tolerated, inclusion beyond 1.0% in the diet of Noiler cocks negatively impacts semen quality and testicular development. Therefore, for optimal reproductive performance in Noiler breeding cocks, dietary SSLM inclusion should not exceed 0.5%.