Oral administration with silkworm pupae and fingerroot extracts affects semen quality, fertility rate, testicular...

The populations of native roosters exhibit a reduced capacity for reproduction because of thermal stress, which adversely influences the quality of semen and the production of sperm. Nutritional strategies using natural bioactive compounds may boost male reproductive function, with silkworm pupae as a high-quality protein source and fingerroot containing antioxidant phytochemicals This study evaluated the effects of oral silkworm pupae and fingerroot extract on semen quality, fertility, testicular histology, and serum testosterone. Roosters were randomly assigned into three groups: control, silkworm pupae-supplemented (500 mg/day), and fingerroot-supplemented (500 mg/day). Proximate analysis revealed silkworm pupae is rich in protein (53.7%) and lipids (32.1%), while fingerroot exhibited high antioxidant activity through phenolics and flavonoids. Results demonstrated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in progressive sperm motility (68.54 ± 1.33%) and testosterone levels (6.86 ± 1.38 ng/mL) in the silkworm pupae group compared to controls. Fingerroot supplementation significantly increased sperm concentration (3.89 × 10⁹ sperm/mL; P < 0.05). Furthermore, silkworm pupae improved seminiferous tubule width, germinal epithelial growth, and spermatogenic activity, with significantly higher testosterone levels compared to the control group (2.21 ± 0.51 ng/mL; P < 0.05). In conclusion, silkworm pupae and fingerroot extract effectively improved semen quality and testosterone levels in Thai native roosters. These findings highlight their potential as promising natural dietary supplements to enhance reproductive performance in sustainable indigenous poultry farming.