Amelioration of sperm fertilizability, thyroid activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in rabbit bucks treated with phytogenic extracts

This study investigated the beneficial effect of phytogenic extracts on semen quality, reproductive hormones, thyroid activity, immunity, hepatic antioxidant activity, and fertility in rabbit bucks. We divided 70 bucks into seven groups (10 in each). Group 1 was fed a basal diet (control); groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed the control diet with 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of turmeric, respectively; and groups 5, 6, and 7 were fed the control diet with 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of garlic extract, respectively, for 8 weeks. Rectal and skin temperatures decreased, while follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, testosterone, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and interleukin‐6 in blood serum and glutathione peroxidase in the liver increased in all groups (p