Water hyacinth: A promising functional feed ingredient to optimize reproductive performance in Garut rams

Reproductive efficiency in Garut rams is crucial for sustainable sheep farming in West Java, but suboptimal performance has limited its application. This study explores the use of WH as a functional feed additive to enhance semen quality and hormonal regulation, offering an innovative approach to optimize reproduction and address environmental concerns.

This study examined the impact of a WH (Eichhornia crassipes)-based diet on fertility in Garut rams, focusing on semen quality, sperm kinematics, hormonal responses, and reproductive capacity.

This study involved ten Garut rams fed a formulated diet for 90 days, with semen parameters (motility, viability, abnormalities, acrosome integrity, and kinematics) assessed every 15 days using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Hormonal levels [testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)] were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and conception rates were evaluated after artificial insemination.

Statistical analysis showed significant improvements in semen quality, motility, progressive motility, and acrosome integrity from day 60 to 90. Sperm viability also showed a progressive increase, with significant differences observed from day 0 to 30, continuing to rise through day 90. Sperm abnormalities gradually increased, but acrosome integrity demonstrated the most significant enhancement, reaching its peak at day 90. Sperm kinematic parameters, such as curve linear velocity, average path velocity, and straight line velocity, were significantly higher on day 90 than on day 0. Hormonal analysis revealed a marked increase in testosterone levels from day 30, while FSH and LH levels remained stable throughout the study. Conception rates increased progressively, with the highest values recorded at days 60 and 90.

A WH-based diet can enhance the reproductive performance of Garut rams, offering a sustainable feeding strategy that boosts breeding efficiency while helping to manage this invasive plant. Future studies covering longer time frames, larger and more diverse flocks, and on-farm conditions will be essential to confirm these benefits and optimize ration formulations.