Effect of graded levels of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalin) on performance and semen characteristics of yankasa rams in sudansavannah zone Nigeria

A total number of 15 Yankasa grower rams were allotted into five treatment groups with three animals per group and each animal were housed individually in a pen measuring 2m x 1m consist of treatment A with 0%, B with 2%, C with 4%, D with 6% and E with 8% graded levels of Vernonia amygladina in a completely randomized design (CRD). The feeding trial lasted for 49days were feed and water was provided to the animal adlibitum. The objectives of the study were to determine the performance and semen quality characteristics of yankasa rams fed graded level of vernonia amygdalina. Daily feed intake was measured and weight of the rams was also taken at two weeks interval. The results showed that treatment A(65.99g/day) had the best daily weight gain  followed by treatment C and B while Treatment D and E were significantly (p<0.05) lowest average daily gain (ADG). Cost of feed kg/live weight was significantly lower (p<0.05) in treatment A and B and significantly high (p>0.05) in treatment C,D and E. The study concluded that diet A was better than other treatments, and then followed by diet B. The result revealed a significant (P<0.05) in sperm cell concentration, percentage motile sperm cell, percentage morphologically normal spermatozoa and scrotal circumference. However, no significant (P>0.05) differences was observed in semen volume and semen pH. The haematological result of the effect of vernonia amygladina in Yankasa rams shows a significant (P<0.05) differences in RBC, PCV, Hb and Lymphocyte. It is therefore concluded that feeding Yankasa ram with vernonia amygladina has a profound effect in performance, semen quality characteristics and haematological profile. It was recommended that longer period of feeding the animals with bitter leaf is needed to ascertain its ability to modify rumen environment and achieve improve feed utilization in yankasa rams.