Effects of the ethanolic extract of Dacryodes edulis (safoutier) leaves on reproductive traits, oxidative stress and toxicity indicators in Gallus gallus domesticus (Brahma) roosters

Background Plant extracts possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the incidence of diseases, improve gut health and enhance immune response in favor of growth and reproduction while limiting the use of synthetic antibiotics in poultry production. Materials and methods A total of 60 10-week-old Brahma roosters with an average weight of 1.2 ± 0.15 kg were partitioned into 5 experimental units following a complete randomized design. From the control group without additive (TO-), 4 other rations were formulated by adding 200 mg of vitamin C (T0+) per kg of feed to TO- or the ethanolic extract of Dacyodes edulis leaves at 0.55% (T1), 0.75% (T2) or 0.95% (T3) per kg of feed. The data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Results The results revealed a significant increase in the serum level triglyceride and total protein levels in the 0.75% and 0.95% extract groups compared with those in the control groups. Similarly, a nonsignificant difference (P˃0.05) in the serum albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, alanine and aspartate amino transferase enzymes and creatinine levels was observed regardless of the treatment. Significant increases (P < 0,05) in white blood cell, red blood cell, platelet, haemoglobin and haematocrit concentrations were observed with 0.95% extract. The incorporation of the extract at a rate of 0.75% in the feed significantly (P < 0,05) decreased the activity of malondialdehyde and increased the level of catalase in the treated groups compared with those in the control groups and decreased the level of glutathione in the treated groups. The testosterone concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the feed of the animals receiving the 0.75% of ethanolic extract of D. edulis than in the other groups. The animals receiving 0.75% of ethanolic extract of D. edulis leaves in their feed presented a significantly (P < 0.05) greater level of viable spermatozoa compared to all other treated groups. Conclusion In view of these results, the ethanolic extract of Dacryodes edulis can be used to ameliorate the reproductive performance of Brahma rooster birds at a rate of 0.75%.