2024, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part B
Correlation between reproductive hormones and physical traits of the testicular, seminal structures, and scrotal in awassi lambs fed spirulina
Author(s): Aslam Saud Alwan Hamad and Shaymaa Ali Hassan
Abstract: This study was conducted in Tikrit, Iraq, to evaluate the effects of Spirulina on growth and reproductive traits in 24 local awassi lambs (3-4 months, 20.5±0.9 kg). The lambs were randomly assigned to six groups, each receiving high- or low-protein feed with or without Spirulina (8 or 12 g/kg) Treatments: T1: (high protein, no spirulina), T2: (High protein + 8 g spirulina/kg), T3: (high protein + 12 g spirulina/kg), T4: (Low protein, no spirulina), T5 (Low protein + 8 g spirulina/kg), and T6 (low protein + 12 g spirulina/kg). Blood samples were collected on days 45 and 90 to measure serum testosterone and ICSH levels using a Minividus device. Scrotal circumference, testicular volume, and histomorphological characteristics of the testicles were recorded biweekly. After slaughter, epididymal and testicular measurements were taken, including testicular weight, length, and thickness. Testosterone strongly correlates with testicular circumference (0.993) in control lambs, but shows negative correlations in Spirulina-supplemented groups, e.g., T5 with epididymal length (-0.826). ICSH strongly negatively correlates with epididymal length (-0.998) and testicular width (-0.971) in T6, highlighting Spirulina’s impact. In Treatment 3, ICSH negatively correlates with lumen diameter (-0.853) and positively with epithelial thickness (0.046). At day 90, testosterone negatively correlated with most testicular dimensions (e.g., width: -0.958), showing a strong overall negative impact. At day 90, ICSH had strong negative correlations with most testicular dimensions (e.g., thickness: -0.867), indicating a general negative impact. Testosterone positively correlates with testicular circumference in controls but negatively in Spirulina groups. ICSH negatively impacts testicular dimensions, especially in T6.
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How to cite this article:
Aslam Saud Alwan Hamad, Shaymaa Ali Hassan. Correlation between reproductive hormones and physical traits of the testicular, seminal structures, and scrotal in awassi lambs fed spirulina. South Asian J Agric Sci 2024;4(2):137-142.