DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2018.v05i08.007

Pages: 463-466

Abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of selenium and vitamin E on mating performance and hormone profile of yankasa rams. Nine rams (2 – 2 ½ years of age) were used for the study. The rams were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 3). Animals in group I served as control and were administered 1ml normal saline. Animals in group 2 were administered 90mg Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E), while group 3 received injection containing a combination of 100mg tocopherol acetate and 1.97mg sodium selenite. Two doses of the injections were administered 14 days apart (subcutaneously). The result indicate that administration of vitamin E and a combination of selenium and vitamin E induced higher (p<0.05) testosterone concentration and reduced serum level of cortisol (p<0.05). The mean estrogen concentration was enhanced by administration of selenium and vitamin E. However, mean values of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and thyroid hormone were not affected by treatment(p>0.05). Indicators of mating performance including number of mount attempts, number of successful mounts, and total physical activity were enhanced (p<0.05) by treatments. It can be concluded that administration of selenium and vitamin E resulted in improved mating performance of yankasa rams. The serum cortisol level was reduced suggesting alleviation of physiological stress.