Effects of whole-plant millet on semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of male rabbits.

The experiment aimed to explore the effects of whole-plant millet on the semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of male rabbits. Thirty-six adult Ira bucks were randomly divided into six groups, with six replicates per group, and housed individually. The control group and groups I to V were fed diets with 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% whole-plant millet, respectively, as an equivalent replacement for alfalfa meal. The preliminary trial lasted for seven days, and the formal experiment lasted for 90 days. The results showed that as the experimental time extended, the sperm deformity rate in each group showed a downward trend. Compared with the 30th day, the sperm motility and sperm density of each group were significantly increased on the 60th and 90th days (P<0.05). At the 60th and 90th days, compared with groups IV and V, the sperm motility and sperm density in the control group and groups I to III were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with groups IV and V, the content of testosterone (TESTO) in groups II and III was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in groups IV and V was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in groups III to V was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that whole-plant millet has a positive regulatory effect on the semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of male rabbits. Considering the comprehensive production performance and economic benefits, it is best to use whole-plant millet straw as a substitute at a level of 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]