Studying the Effects of Moringa oleifera Linn Seed Administration on Sperm Production Rate and Gonadal Sperm Reserve in Rabbits

In the current study the effects of oral administration of Moringa seed on sperm production rate and
gonadal sperm reserve in rabbits has been investigated. 7 Month old mixed breed male rabbits were
randomly assigned into two treatment groups who were administered Moringa oleifera seed powder in
drinking water (250 mg/L). After 4 weeks, the gonadal sperm reserve, daily sperm production, sperm
production per gram testes and testicular dimensions (weight, volume and density) was compared
between the two groups. Gonadal sperm reserve was estimated using a haemocytometer.
Spermatozoa number was determined using an improved Neubauer chamber. Daily sperm production
(DSP) was estimated by dividing the gonadal sperm reserve by a time divisor of 3.66 corresponding to
the time in days of the duration of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. Daily sperm production per gram
testes (DSPG) was determined by dividing the DSP by the weight of testicular parenchyma. The
results indicate significantly higher gonadal sperm reserve and daily sperm production for the control
group compared to the treatment,(4.37±.18 to 3.27±.32 and 1.20±.06 to 0.77±.09). Mean values of
daily sperm production per gram testes were however similar for all groups (0.53±.03 and 0.47±.20).
Testicular weight (2.20±.06 to 1.43±.12) and volume (2.20±.15 to 1.73±.07) were significantly higher
for the control group compared to treatment (P=0.05). Tissue density was similar for both groups
(1.01±.05 to 0.82±.07).