Introduction: Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose plant, which belongs to the family Moringaceae, and is recognised globally. Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract was used to determine its effects on the haematology and some reproductive hormone profiles in Yankasa rams.

Methods: Twenty-Five Yankasa rams weighing 18-20 kg, were purchased and kept at the experimental pen of the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for this study. The rams were screened and acclimatized for 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the research. Thereafter, the rams were randomly divided into five groups A, B, C, D and E with five rams each as treatment and control groups respectively. The rams were fed basal diet of Digitaria smuttssi. Water was provided ad libitum. Group A, B, C, D and E were given oral dose of M. oleifera aqueous seed extract and water daily at a dose rate of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 mg/kg and 10 ml/kg respectively. Blood samples were collected via jugular vein once every week to evaluate packed cell volume (PVC %), total red blood cells (TRBC× 10¹²/L) and Total white blood cells (TWBC × 10¹²/L). To obtain sera blood was collected 3 times at 30 minutes interval between 7:00 and 8:00 A.M, the sera were evaluated for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone concentrations in Yankasa rams.

Results: Haematology results revealed significant (p < 0.05) increase in PCV in group C (37.5 ± 0.7 %). There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in the testosterone and luteinizing hormone level at 7:00 A.M in group A (5.42 ± 0.1 ng/ml). Also, there was significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of FSH, LH and testosterone.

Significance: In conclusion, treatment of Yankasa rams with M. oleifera aqueous seed extract at the dose rate of 1000-3000 mg/kg increased testosterone, PCV, LH and FSH profiles. Therefore, M. oleifera aqueous seed extract may be recommended as a fertility enhancing agent in Yankasa rams.

Moringa oleifera seed, Haematology, Gonadotropins, Testosterone profiles, Yankasa rams.

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