Haematological parameters and serum testosterone of West African dwarf rams treated with aqueous extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya)

Abstract

The effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) plant extract on the haematological and serum testosterone of West African dwarf (WAD) breeding rams was carried out. The plant has been used traditionally for both medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. Eight West African dwarf rams were used in this study. The experiment spanned through 14 weeks. The weight of the animals was between 20 to 25 kg and the age between 18 to 24 months at the completion of the experiment. These animals were divided into groups A and B, there were 4 animals in each group. The animals were fed on concentrates and Chaya leaf extract was administered for 4 weeks. This study concludes that the use of 20 or 30% aqueous extract of C. aconitifolius for a period of four weeks led to a significant reduction in testosterone concentration. Therefore, the prolonged feeding of C. aconitifolius may precipitate decreased sexual function, a reduction in libido and erectile dysfunction because of low testosterone concentration and also a decrease value on haemoglobin which can precipitate anaemia and finally infertility in the male animals.   Key words: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, heamatological parameters, serum testosterone, ram.