Improving Libido and Sperm Quality of Bali Bulls by Supplementation of Moringa oleifera Leaves
Abstract: Moringa oleifera
(Moringa) leaves contain high levels of nutrition that can be utilized as a
feed supplement to increase libido and semen quality. This study was aimed to
evaluate the effect of Moringa leaves supplementation on libido and sperm
quality of Bali bulls. This study used two-sample t-test on four Bali bulls
were kept under individual pens for two periods of eight weeks. During the first
period (control), the experimental Bali bulls were fed concentrates (1% of body
weight) and rice straw ad libitum. During the second period, the experimental
Bali bulls were fed similar to the first period with an additional of Moringa
leaves 15% of the weight of the concentrate (treatments). Libido and sperm
quality were measured twice a week. Plasma samples were taken three times a day
(06:00, 14:00, and 22:00h) on the last day of each period. Plasma testosterone
concentrations were analyzed by using ELISA techniques. Variables measured were
compared using paired student's t-test. Supplementation of Moringa leaves
increased testosterone levels (P<0.05) (4.57 vs 4.79, 0.45 vs 4.78, and 2.35
vs 5.63 ng/mL, respectively during 06.00; 14.00; and 22.00h), increased libido
(P<0.05) (7.20±1.49 vs 3.49±0.40 min), and increased both the total motility
(P<0.05) (63.99±3.37% vs 84.96±3.09%) and the progressive motility
(P<0.05) (52.77±1.76% vs 67.03±3.74%) of sperm. Supplementation of Moringa
leaves also increased (P<0.05) the velocity and the amplitude and decreased
(P<0.05) the linearity of sperm. It can be concluded that the
supplementation of Moringa leaves could increase plasma testosterone
concentrations, libido, and sperm motility of Bali bulls.
Keywords: libido; semen
quality; Bali bulls; Moringa oleifera; rice straw
Author: N. A. Syarifuddin, A.
L. Toleng, D. P. Rahardja, Ismartoyo, M. Yusuf
Journal Code: jppeternakangg170061