Assessment of Reproductive Function of Rabbit Bucks Administered Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Extract as Feed Additive

This research examined the effect of ethanolic extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum) on the reproductive capabilities of rabbit bucks when used as a feed additive. The study utilized twenty (20) composite-breed of rabbit bucks aged 18-20 weeks in a completely randomized design, divided into five groups (A - E) of four bucks each, with four replicates per group. Group A (control) received standard pelleted feed, while group B – E were supplemented with 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg black pepper extract respectively. Diets were provided for 90 days, within which semen quality (macro- and microscopic traits) and hormonal levels were assessed in the animals. Results from this study revealed that black pepper extract (BPE) at 100 – 200 mg/kg positively influenced both macroscopic and microscopic semen quality characteristics as well as hormonal profiles of rabbit bucks. However, Inclusion levels at 250mg/kg BPE adversely impacted semen quality characteristics and reduced circulating levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone) due to its toxicity. The optimal inclusion rate for best reproductive outcomes was determined to be 200mg/kg and therefore considered the recommended dosage.