The effects of levamisole and albendazole on spermatological parameters, testosterone levels, and sperm DNA damage in Saanen bucks.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of levamisole and albendazole on spermatological parameters, testosterone levels, and sperm DNA damage in Saanen bucks. For this purpose, twenty-four Saanen bucks were divided into three groups as control, levamisole, and albendazole administration group. The control group received only water (20 ml, oral), the levamisole group received 7.5 mg/kg of levamisole (2 oral tablets once daily for 2 days) + water (20 ml, oral), and the albendazole group received 7.5 mg/kg of albendazole (1 oral tablet) + water (20 ml, oral). Semen and blood samples were collected from all animals, both before drug application (day 0) and within a 2-day interval after drug application between day 1 (day of the treatment) and day 11. Spermatological parameters were evaluated immediately after collection. Testosterone levels were also measured from the blood samples with ELISA. Sperm DNA damage was determined with comet assay. The present research showed that especially albendazole administration decreased spermatological parameters and levamisole administration decreased testosterone levels. Significant sperm DNA damage was seen after both albendazole and levamisole administration. As a result, albendazole and levamisole administration should be used carefully on Saanen bucks, especially during the breeding season.

Adverse effects of oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin on the fertility of Saanen bucks.

This study aimed to determine the adverse effects of oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin application on the fertility of Saanen bucks. For this purpose, twenty-four bucks were divided into three groups. Group I (control group) received only 5 ml of 0.9% NaCl for 7 days, group II was given a single dose of 20 mg/kg oxytetracycline and group III was given at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg per day for 7 days intramuscularly. Serum and semen samples were collected from the bucks at post-treatment 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days and examined spermatological parameters (quantity, motility, density, abnormal sperm ratio, and live-dead sperm ratio), serum testosterone levels (with ELISA) and sperm DNA parameters (with Comet assay). The results showed no change in sperm volume, abnormal sperm rate, and dead-live sperm ratio in group II and III following oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin administration. However, a decrease in sperm density, sperm motility, mass activity, and testosterone levels, and an increase in sperm DNA damage were detected. These spermatological parameters (density, motility, mass activity) and testosterone levels were less decreased and sperm DNA damage was less increased in group II than group III. The greater damage in group III may be attributed to the longer duration of enrofloxacin administration compared to oxytetracycline and the effect of enrofloxacin on DNA. The results obtained from this study suggest that usage of oxytetracycline and especially enrofloxacin should be restricted and antibiotics with fewer side effects on sperm should be preferred in Saanen bucks during the reproduction period.