Effects of Vitamin C and E Supplementation on Sperm Production Rate and Serum Immunoglobulin’s of Nigerian Local Cocks during the Hot Dry Season

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of Vitamin C and E on sperm production rate and the level of serum immunoglobulins. A total of 80 mature local cocks were used for the study, the birds were divided into four groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received Vitamin C (250MG/Kg Feed), group 3 received were given Vitamin E(250Mg/ Kg feed), while birds in group 4 received a combination of Vitamin C and E. The experiment lasted for a period of 50 days. Findings of the research indicate a significant increase (P<0.05) in daily sperm production following supplementation with a combination of Vitamin C and E. Mean values of gonadal sperm reserve and sperm production per gram testes were not affected by treatments(P>0.05). Similarly, treatments had no significant effect on serum levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G. A combination of Vitamin C and E resulted in significantly higher level of immunoglobulin M. The CD4 count value was significantly higher in Vitamin C group compared to control but similar to other groups. It can be concluded that combination of Vitamin C and E resulted in higher daily daily sperm production and improved immune status in Nigerian local cocks.

Keywords: Chickens. Immunoglobulins, Sperm Researve, Vitamins.