Effects of Azomite enriched diet on gonadal steroid hormone levels and milt quality indices in Oreochromis mossambicus

Abstract

The effects of Azomite, a natural mineral of volcanic ash, on the sex steroid hormone (SSH) levels and milt quality indices (MQI); namely, the milt volume, motility of spermatozoa, its duration and sperm count, were evaluated in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Several reports have documented the positive effect of the Azomite supplementation on growth, survival, and immune response of aquatic organisms. In this study, a healthy brooder stock of male O. mossambicus was divided into four experimental groups, and fed with Azomite supplemented diets of varying concentrations: 0 g/kg body weight (Control), 2, 4, and 6 g/kg body weights. After the eight-week experimental trial feeding, the 4.0 g/kg Azomite supplemented diet presented greater SSH levels and MQI than the other diets and the control group. The quantity of milt enhanced with a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the 4 g/kg Azomite supplemented group compared to the control and other Azomite supplemented groups. Similarly, the maximum percentage of spermatocrit and sperm count was found in the 4 g/kg diet-fed group. Likewise, the highest percentage and duration of sperm motility, as well as sex-specific steroid hormones, such as testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and 17β-estradiol (E2) in the milt samples was found in 4 g/kg Azomite supplemented group. Dietary inclusion of 4 g/kg Azomite significant improved gonadal steroid hormone levels and milt quality indices in Oreochromis mossambicus.

Keywords

• Azomite
• Milt volume
• Sex steroid hormone
• Sperm motility
• Sperm count