Dynamic changes in the sperm quality of Azolla pinnata as a forage alternative to Garut ram

Reproductive efficiency in Garut rams is essential for livestock productivity. Nutritional interventions, such as Azolla pinnata, a protein-rich aquatic fern, have potential as a sustainable feed supplement and may improve sperm quality and fertility, although its specific effects remain poorly understood.

To evaluate the impact of A. pinnata supplementation on sperm quality, hormonal profiles, and reproductive performance in Garut rams.

Ten Garut rams (~20 months) with a body weight of 42.20 ± 2.03 kg were fed a diet containing 30% A. pinnata for 90 days. Semen was analyzed for motility, progressive motility, acrosome integrity, and kinematic variables. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels were measured. The fertility efficiency was evaluated using the S/C parameter, which is defined as the average number of inseminations required for an ewe to become pregnant. Correlation analyses explored the relationships between sperm traits and hormones.

Significant (p < 0.05) improvements in sperm motility and progressive motility were observed after day 60, reaching peak values at days 75 and 90. Acrosome integrity increased concurrently, whereas the kinematic distance parameters (distance curvilinear, distance average path, and distance straight line) remained unchanged. The concentrations of FSH, LH, and testosterone progressively increased, with testosterone showing a strong positive correlation (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) with sperm motility and viability. Fertility efficiency improved as S/C decreased from 2.2 ± 0.3 on day 15-1.2 ± 0.1 by day 90.

Supplementation with A. pinnata enhances sperm motility, acrosome integrity, hormonal balance, and reproductive efficiency in Garut rams. These findings support its potential as a sustainable feed ingredient for improving the reproductive performance of small ruminants. Further, metabolomic and proteomic studies are warranted to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying these reproductive benefits.