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(R)), is a well-tolerated acaricide and anthelmentic with no side-effects at pharmacological doses. The aim of this study to was examine the effect of Mectizan(R) on seminal plasma electrolyte characyteristics in Yankasa rams. Twenty apparently, healthy rams aged 1½ -2 years and weighing 25-30 kg were used for this study. Mectizan(R) 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 and once biweekly throughout the treatment period. Seminal plasma electrolyte; sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, chlorine and phosphorous were determined by atomic spectrophotometer. There was a significant (P > 0.05) increase in sodium, calcium, zinc and chlorine compared to pre-treatment parameters. There was no significant difference but a decrease in phosphorous, magnesium and potassium. It was concluded that repeated use of Mectizan(R) 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.