Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.3.5095
Preliminary evaluation of Spirulina platensis supplementation on reproductive traits composition in fluoride-affected rams from endemic regions
Anass BEN MOULA
; Plant, Microbial, Marine, and Precision Agriculture Biotechnology research team; Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, Morocco
Abdellatif RAHIM
; Hassan First University of Settat, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Resources and Environment, P.O. Box 577, 26000 Settat, Morocco
Mounia SIBAOUEIH
; Animal Production Unit, Regional Center Agricultural Research of Settat, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, P.O. Box 415 Rabat Principal, 10090 Rabat, Morocco
Abdel Khalid ESSAMADI
; Hassan First University of Settat, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Resources and Environment, P.O. Box 577, 26000 Settat, Morocco
Bouchra EL AMIRI
; African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Laayoune, Morocco
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study examined the effects of nutritional supplementation with Spirulina platensis on scrotal circumference, semen characteristics, seminal plasma composition, and post-storage quality in rams reared in fluorosis-endemic regions, with an emphasis on fluoride-induced trace-element toxicity. Eighteen 5-month-old lambs of the Sardi breed were allocated to 3 groups: Group I (rams reared in a fluorosis-endemic area, Group II (rams reared in a fluorosis-free area), Group III (rams supplemented with 250 mg/kg BW/day of Spirulina platensis), and Group IV (rams supplemented with 500 mg/kg BW/day of Spirulina platensis). The trial was terminated at 18 months of age, corresponding to the dental development stage of full incisor eruption. The parameters measured during the last four months included the scrotal circumference, bi-weekly fresh and stored ejaculates' quality, and the chemical composition of the seminal plasma. Scrotal circumference was affected by fluorosis (P<0.05); nonetheless, there was no effect of Spirulina supplementation (P>0.05). However, significant (P<0.05) improvement was found in Group III and Group IV rams with regard to the quality of fresh semen (motility, viability, morphology) and the antioxidant level in comparison with Group I. The characteristics of liquid stored semen at 24 h showed continued benefits, with enhanced progressive motility, viability, and lowered sperm abnormalities (P<0.05) of samples from rams receiving Spirulina platensis supplements.
Keywords
fluorosis; stored semen; ram semen; seminal plasma; Spirulina platensis
Hrčak ID:
351477
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2026.
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