Utilization of Moringa Oleifera as a New Rabbits Feed. 3- Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Moringa Oleifera Hay on Reproductive Performance of Buck Rabbits

: A total number of 18 New Zealand White buck rabbits with (2671± 185g average initial body weight and 24 weeks of age were used in this study to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of different levels of Moringa oleiferahay (leaves+ twigs) as a partial substitute for alfalfa hay on their reproductive and productive performance. The animals were randomly allotted to three experimental groups (6 bucks in each). The 1st group was served as a control and fed basal pelleted diet (Diet A) contained 18% alfalfa hay, represents about 14.7 % of the total crude protein of the diet. The 2nd and 3rd groups were fed the same basal diet, but 50 and 75% of alfalfa hay (B and C Diets, respectively) were replaced by moringa hay (leaves+ twigs) on the basis of its contents of protein. Buck rabbits fed Diet B and C had improving semen quality.Mean valuesof physical semen characteristicswere significantly higher (P < 0.01) for buck rabbits fed Diet B and C as compared to those fed Diet A (control). The correlation coefficients (r) between testosterone and each of ejaculate volume, wave motion, sperm motility, live spermatozoa, sperm concentration and total sperm output were significantly (P < 0.05 and 0.01) positive and ranged between 0.57 to 0.91. However, negative (P < 0.01) correlation coefficients were detected between testosterone concentration and abnormal spermatozoa (- 0.85). The coefficients of determination (r2) between testosterone and each of ejaculate volume, wave motion, sperm motility, live spermatozoa, sperm concentration, abnormal spermatozoa and total sperm output were significant (P < 0.05 and 0.01) and ranged between 0.33 to 0.83 . The results of the present study demonstrate that Moringa oleifera hay (leaves+ twigs) is good unconventional source of protein for feeding buck rabbits and could be added in the diet at levels up to 13.5% to replace about 75% of alfalfa hay without any adverse effects on their reproductive traits.