Volume 61 (2011) Issue: 2011 No#5-6

Effects of selected epigenetic factors on the rabbit ejaculate quality

Author(s): Chrenek P, Schneidgenová Monika, Vasicek J, Martiniaková Monika, Vondráková Mária

Keywords:CASA, heavy metals, hyperthermia, rabbit sperm

The aim of our study was to monitor the impact of heavy metals and hyperthermia on the basic rabbit semen characteristics. Rabbit males (n=31) of New Zealand White line were exposed to different doses of nickel and zinc administered to feed mixture (P1 group – 17.5 mg NiCl2/kg, P2 group – 35.0 mg NiCl2/kg, P3 group – 17.5 mg NiCl2/kg + 30.0 mg ZnCl2/kg and P4 group – 35.0 mg NiCl2/kg + 30.0 mg ZnCl2/kg; experiment I) and to high ambient temperature (36 ± 3oC; experiment II), and then compared to control C. Semen samples collected from each buck were analysed using CASA system in order to evaluate the concentration and motility parameters of rabbit spermatozoa. In the first experiment, highly significant differences were observed in the motility of spermatozoa between P3 and P1, P4 groups and C (p<0.001). P3 group had the lowest progressive motility of spermatozoa in comparison to groups P1, P4 and C (p<0.001). In the second experiment, the lowest motility was noted in the last experimental collection in comparison to the 1st collection (p<0.01). The highest progressive motility was found in the 1st collection comparing to the control collection and the 3rd collection (p<0.05). In conclusion, our study showed that the quality of rabbits semen and subsequently also fertility may be potentially negatively affected by exposure to heavy metals and hyperthermia.