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DL-Aspartic acid administration improves semen quality in rabbit bucks
1Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Animali, Università della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
Animal Reproduction Science
|September 1, 2009
Summary
Oral administration of DL-Aspartic acid (DL-Asp) improved sperm quality in rabbits. Supplementation increased sperm concentration and motility, with elevated D-Asp levels in seminal plasma suggesting a role in reproductive regulation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Amino Acid Metabolism
- Animal Science
Background:
- D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) is implicated in reproductive regulation in animals and humans.
- Understanding D-Asp's role is crucial for optimizing animal reproductive performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of DL-Asp oral administration on sperm production and quality in male rabbits.
- To analyze D-Asp concentrations in blood serum and seminal plasma following supplementation.
Main Methods:
- Sixty male rabbits were divided into DL-Asp supplemented and control groups.
- Supplementation involved a daily oral dose of 1.3g DL-Asp for two weeks.
- Semen analysis and D-Asp levels in blood and seminal plasma were monitored weekly.
Main Results:
- DL-Asp supplementation significantly increased sperm concentration and kinetic parameters (motility, velocity).
- Blood serum D-Asp levels increased over four-fold and remained elevated post-treatment.
- Seminal plasma D-Asp concentrations, already higher than serum, also increased significantly post-supplementation.
Conclusions:
- DL-Asp oral administration enhances sperm quality in male rabbits.
- Elevated D-Asp in seminal plasma suggests a key role in male reproductive activity regulation.