Effect of Pomegranate Juice Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Oxidative Status, and Testosterone Level in New Zealand Male Rabbits | ||
| Assiut Journal of Agricultural Sciences | ||
| Volume 56, Issue 1, January 2025, Pages 226-240 PDF (487.11 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ajas.2025.331883.1418 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mohamed A. M. Sayed* ; Mahmoud A. Abdelnabi; Alshimaa S. Mohamed; Mostafa G. Abdelfattah | ||
| Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study evaluated the effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) supplementation on reproductive performance, oxidative stress markers, and testosterone levels in male New Zealand rabbits. Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: A control group receiving plain tap water and a treatment group supplemented with 20 mL of PJ daily for a period of 2 months (3rd of January to 28th of February 2021). Key reproductive parameters, including mount latency, semen quality, sperm motility and viability, and circulating testosterone levels were assessed. Additionally, serum anti-oxidative markers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) activity were measured. The results demonstrated that PJ supplementation significantly (P<0.05) reduced mount latency and increased testosterone levels, ejaculate volume and total sperm motility compared to the control group. While sperm concentration per milliliter decreased (P<0.05) and the total sperm count remained unaffected. Serum analysis revealed that rabbits receiving PJ exhibited higher TAC and reduced MDA concentrations (P<0.05), indicating improved oxidative status. No significant changes were observed in catalase (CAT) activity. These findings suggest that PJ can enhance reproductive performance and mitigate oxidative stress, potentially by supporting antioxidant defenses and testosterone production. PJ’s antioxidant-rich profile, including polyphenols and punicalagins, may contribute to its beneficial effects on male fertility, supporting its use in breeding programs. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Polyphenols; Redox status; Sexual performance; Sperm kinematics; Sperm quality | ||
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