Impact of Curcuma longa L. on Semen and Blood Parameters in Awassi Lambs

Abstract

The current study was conducted in a private field in Bibukht village, Mosul government, in order to evaluate the impact of Curcuma longa powder (CL) supplementation to the male Awassi ration on semen quality and some blood parameters. Twenty-four male Awassi lambs, with average body weight 47±1.23kg and 10-11 months old, were randomly assigned to two equal groups (12 lamb/group). The first group (control) was reared on a standard ration, whereas the second group was reared on a standard ration supplemented with CL (200mg/kg ration). The treatments lasted for 90 days. Semen and blood parameters were taken at 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Statistical analysis for the data revealed that CL supplementation caused a significant increase in ejaculate volume, concentration/ejaculate, concentration/mL, live sperm%, and individual motility compared with control, especially at the end of treatment (90 days), and a significant decrease in sperm abnormality% compared with control at P<0.05. On the other hand, CL treatment increased testosterone values and reduces estrogen values significantly as compared with control. In terms of blood parameters, CL treatment significantly improved most of the blood picture indices when compared to control, as well as serum total protein and globulin values when compared to control. In conclusion, CL addition to male Awassi lambs ration improves testosterone values and sexual activity as shown by the improvement of serum quality.