Effects of supplementation with mature coconut water on oxidative stress, semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, and sexual behavior in Boer bucks
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Abstract
Mature coconut water (MCW) has been demonstrated to contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. In vivo research showed that MCW supplementation increased semen quality in rats, suggesting that it may boost reproductive performance. This study investigated the impact of MCW on the reproduction of Boer bucks. Two groups of 12 sexually mature bucks were given either plain water (control) or MCW at 5 mL/kg of body weight daily for 60 days. Sexual behaviors were studied using the focal observation technique, whereas semen was collected for quality assessment. Oxidative stress markers, namely, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), along with reproductive hormones, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone, were quantified in blood serum samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The oxidative stress analysis showed elevated GSH and reduced MDA levels, accompanied by enhanced sperm quality, including superior motility, concentration, viability, and fewer morphological abnormalities (p < 0.05), in the group receiving MCW. Moreover, there was a rise in LH, FSH, and testosterone levels with improved sexual behaviors (p < 0.05), including a reduced latency to the first mount, increased mount attempts, higher libido, and prolonged kicking and sniffing durations. In conclusion, MCW may improve reproductive health and fertility in Boer bucks.
Keywords
antioxidant, endocrinology, goat, sperm
Divisions
foundation
Funders
Ministry of Education, Malaysia (FRGS/1/2020/STG03/UM/03/1); (FP110-2020),Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme,Glami Lemi Biotechnology Research Center, Universiti Malaya
Publication Title
Animal Science Journal
Volume
95
Issue
1
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher Location
111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA