PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 3, December 2025
Pages 617– 623
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0390
Evaluation of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Leaf and Bark Extracts on Reproductive Attributes of Rabbit Bucks
Naimot O. Lawal1, Olajide A. Amao1*, Oyedayo F. Akinbowale1, Opeyemi O. Hammed2, Ibrahim F. Salihu3.
1Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso Nigeria
2Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Rabbits are ideal for sustainable meat production due to their short gestation period and rapid growth rate. However, optimal reproductive function in rabbits depends on the integrated effects of nutritional and physiological regulation. The cashew (Anacardium occidentale) tree has been shown to possess medicinal properties due to its bioactive compounds, which can enhance animal reproductive traits. This study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts of Cashew Leaf Extract (CLE) and Cashew Bark Extract (CBE) on the reproductive potential of rabbit bucks.
Methods: Thirty-five (35) grower rabbit bucks, aged 8–10 weeks, were balanced for weight and assigned to five treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with a control in a completely randomized design. Each extract (50 g/L concentration) was administered via oral gavage at 3 mL and 6 mL doses for 8 weeks. Data were obtained on gonadal sperm parameters and testicular and epididymal morphometrics.
Results: Results showed that both CLE and CBE significantly (p<0.05) improved sperm count, motility, and round spermatids. The interaction effect of extract and administered volume was significant (p<0.05) and affected only sperm count. Both the CLE and CBE at 6ml volume significantly (p<0.05) increased sperm count compared with the control and the 3ml volume. The CLE notably enhanced testicular volume and epididymal development compared to the control. Bucks treated with 6 ml of extract (CLE and CBE) recorded the highest paired testicular volume, with attendant higher sperm counts than 3ml and the control. The 3ml volume yielded the highest values for testicular and epididymal length.
Conclusion: Cashew extracts, especially CLE, enhanced male fertility indices in rabbit bucks and may therefore serve as potential phytogenic additives to improve male reproductive capacity in rabbits.
Keywords: Rabbit buck, Anacardium occidentale , Cashew leaf extract, Cashew bark extract, Reproductive characteristics