IMPACTS OF IVERMECTIN (MECTIZAN(R)) ON SEMINAL ELECTROLYTE CHARACTERISTICS OF YANKASA RAMS

Abstract

semen consists of spermatozoa suspended in a fluid medium called seminal plasma. Ivermectin (mectizan), is a well tolerated acaricide and antihelminthic with no side-effects at pharmacological doses. the aim of this study was to examine the effects of Mectizan on seminal plasma electrolyte characteristics in Yankasa rams. Twenty apparently, healthy rams of 1.5-2 years and weighing 25-30 kg were used for this study. Mectizan was administered orally 8 times at 14 days intervals for 16 weeks at 200 mg/kg to all the rams. Semen was collected using electro-ejaculator once weekly for three weeks before the treatment and once biweekly throughout the treatment period. Seminal plasma elecrolyte; sodium, potassium,calcium, magnesium, zinc, chlorine and phosphorus were determined by atomic spectrophotometer. There was a significant (P> 0.05) increase in significant difference but a decrease in phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. it was concluded that repeated use of mectizan at the recommended dosage of 200 mg/kg did not alter seminal plasma composition deleteriously in Yankasa rams and may not impair reproduction in rams.