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Spirulina and Vitamin E Supplementation at Sustainable Feeding Levels Enhance the Reproductive Performance and Health of Iraqi Awassi Rams | ||
| Anbar Journal of Agricultural Sciences | ||
| Article 18, Volume 24, Issue 2, July 2026, Pages 507-517 PDF (641.58 K) | ||
| Document Type: Research Paper | ||
| DOI: 10.32649/ajas.2025.165843.1867 | ||
| Authors | ||
| I. D. Saleh* 1; M. A. Shahooth2; F. T. Al-Rawi3 | ||
| 1Department of Animal Production, Agriculture College, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq | ||
| 2Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq | ||
| 3College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fallujah, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study evaluated the individual effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Vitamin E supplementation on reproductive performance, antioxidant status, inflammatory markers, hormonal profiles, and serum biochemical parameters in Iraqi Awassi rams. Twenty-four mature rams were randomly assigned to four groups: control (G1), Spirulina at 1 g/kg (G2), Spirulina at 5 g/kg (G3), and Vitamin E at 400 IU/kg (G4). Over a 90-day trial, blood and seminal samples were collected to assess key physiological indicators. Rams in the high Spirulina group (G3) exhibited significantly elevated levels of testosterone (5.3 ± 0.4 ng/mL, P < 0.05), luteinizing hormone (2.9 ± 0.2 mIU/mL, P < 0.05), and follicle-stimulating hormone (2.0 ± 0.2 mIU/mL, P < 0.05), alongside improved semen quality (sperm concentration: 3.6 ± 0.2 ×10⁶/mL; motility: 82.6 ± 2.7%, P < 0.05). Antioxidant biomarkers (SOD: 15.2 ± 0.4 U/mL; CAT: 11.5 ± 0.3 U/mL; GPx: 9.2 ± 0.2 U/mL) were highest in G3, with a marked reduction in malondialdehyde (3.8 ± 0.1 nmol/mL, P < 0.05). Inflammatory markers (TNF-α: 30.4 ± 1.2 pg/mL; IL-6: 20.7 ± 1.0 pg/mL; CRP: 4.1 ± 0.2 mg/L) were significantly lower in G3 and G4 (P < 0.05). Serum biochemical analysis revealed increased total protein (8.0 ± 0.3 g/dl) and glucose (98.4 ± 2.5 mg/dl), and reduced cholesterol (100.3 ± 2.9 mg/dl), triglycerides (68.5 ± 1.8 mg/dl), urea (28.3 ± 0.9 mg/dl), and creatinine (1.20 ± 0.03 mg/dl) in supplemented groups, particularly G3 (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that Spirulina and Vitamin E, when used separately, can enhance reproductive and metabolic health in rams, with Spirulina showing dose-dependent superiority. The results support the use of Spirulina—especially at 5 g/kg—as a functional feed additive to improve physiological resilience and reproductive efficiency in ruminants | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Spirulina; Reproductive performance; Oxidative stress; Inflammatory Mediators; Awassi Rams | ||
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