DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.3.5077
Preliminary communication
Preliminary evaluation of Spirulina platensis supplementation on reproductive traits composition in fluoride-affected rams from endemic regions
2026, 27 (3) p. 610-618
Anass BEN MOULA, Abdellatif RAHIM, Mounia SIBAOUEIH, Abdel Khalid ESSAMADI, Bouchra EL AMIRI
Abstract
This study examined the effects of nutritional supplementation with Spirulina platensis on scrotal circumference, semen characteristics, seminal plasma composition, and post-storage quality in rams reared in fluorosis-endemic regions, with an emphasis on fluoride-induced trace-element toxicity. Eighteen 5-month-old lambs of the Sardi breed were allocated to 3 groups: Group I (rams reared in a fluorosis-endemic area, Group II (rams reared in a fluorosis-free area), Group III (rams supplemented with 250 mg/kg BW/day of Spirulina platensis), and Group IV (rams supplemented with 500 mg/kg BW/day of Spirulina platensis). The trial was terminated at 18 months of age, corresponding to the dental development stage of full incisor eruption. The parameters measured during the last four months included the scrotal circumference, bi-weekly fresh and stored ejaculates' quality, and the chemical composition of the seminal plasma. Scrotal circumference was affected by fluorosis (P<0.05); nonetheless, there was no effect of Spirulina supplementation (P>0.05). However, significant (P<0.05) improvement was found in Group III and Group IV rams with regard to the quality of fresh semen (motility, viability, morphology) and the antioxidant level in comparison with Group I. The characteristics of liquid stored semen at 24 h showed continued benefits, with enhanced progressive motility, viability, and lowered sperm abnormalities (P<0.05) of samples from rams receiving Spirulina platensis supplements.
Keywords
fluorosis, stored semen, ram semen, seminal plasma, Spirulina platensis
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