Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding palm kernel on semen quality, thyroidal and reproductive hormones and some blood parameters of rams. Eighteen Arabi rams with an average BW of 39 +/- 5 kg and 10 months age, were fed with one of the following rations: a control ration (CON) with no date kernel or the same ration containing 5 (PK-5) or 10 (PK-10) per cent date palm kernel for a 60d period. At the end of the experiment, semen samples were collected and evaluated sperm quality and quantity. Additionally, thyroid and reproductive hormones and some blood parameters were determined. The highest (P<0.05) value for the semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and viability rate of the sperms were for PK-10 group. The CON treatment had the lowest (P<0.05) morphological abnormalities of sperms when compared with PK-5 and PK-10 groups. The levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the three experimental groups. The plasma levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, total- and HDL-cholesterol were higher (P<0.05) in PK-5 and PK-10 groups. Additionally, the plasma levels of triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol- and BUN were lower (P<0.05) in PK-5 and PK-10 groups. The plasma levels of aspartate- and alanine-aminotransferases, alkaline phosphataseand glucose did not differ (P>0.05) amongthe experimental groups. In conclusion, palm kernel can be used as an alternative feed additive for sheep. Further, using 10 per cent palm kernel in sheep diet improved semen quality of rams.y