Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Toxicological Effects of Raw Jack Beans, Bambara Groundnuts and Benne Seeds on Semen and Sperm Quality of Cockerels
Akanji A.M, Ogungbesan A.M, Emiola I.A

Abstract
Full fat soya was replaced with raw jack beans, bambara groundnuts and benne seeds at 25% and 50% levels in diets of two hundred and ten cockerels (goldmine strain) in a twelve week feeding trial. Haemagglutinin, canavanine and trypsin inhibitor contents were higher in the raw jack bean seeds, while tannin, oxalate and phytate were higher in the raw benne seeds. 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 raw plant seeds 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 % raw jack beans, and 50% bambara groundnuts 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% raw jack beans and 50% raw bambara groundnuts 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% raw jack beans and 50% raw bambara groundnuts respectively.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v4n1a25