This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nano-selenium (Nano-Se), organic selenium (Org-Se), vitamin E and their combination on semen qualityand some blood parameters of New Zealand White bucks rabbits (NZW). A total number of 24 NZW with 2671± 185 initial body weight and 24 weeks of age were used in the study. The bucks were randomly allotted to three experimental main groups. The 1st group fed basal diet and served as a control. The 2nd group fed basal diet and orally treated with 0.5 mg Org- Se/ kg body weight (BW). The 3rd group < /em>fed basal diet and orally treated with 0.5 mg Nano-Se /kg BW. The experimental groups were divided according to Vitamin E administration into two sub groups. The 1st sub group < /em> was left as a control (without vitamin E administration) and the 2nd sub group orally treated with 250 mg Vit. E/ kg Bw. Physical semen characteristics and hematological and biochemical blood parameters were studied.
Mean valuesof physical semen characteristicswere significantly higher (P < 0. 01) for buck rabbits fed diets with selenium sources and vitamin E as compared with those fed on basal diet (control).RBCs, WBCs, blood platelets, hematocrit, MCV and MCHC, were within the normal physiological range and the differences were not significantly affected by treatment with selenium sources. However, Hb, MCH and lymphocytes percentages weresignificantly increased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) for buck rabbit's fed basal diet with Nano selenium. The mean values of RBCs, Hb, hematocrit, MCHC and lymphocytes percentages were significantly higher (P < 0.05 and < P 0.01) in buck rabbits fed basal diet with vitamin E than un-treated rabbits. However, the mean values of blood platelets and neutrophils percentages were significantly higher (P <0.05 or P<0.01) in buck rabbits fed basal diet without vitamin E than those fed diet with vitamin E. Total protein and globulin were significantly increased (P<0.05 and P < 0.01) while, albumin and AL/GL ratio, were not significantly affected byselenium sources. Total protein was significantly improved (P<0.01) in buck rabbits fed basal diet with vitamin E whencompared with un-treated with vitamin E. Total cholesterol concentrations and triglycerides were significantly lower (P<0.05 or P < 0.01) for rabbits fed basal diet with selenium sources or vitamin E than control group < strong>. ALT was increased (P < 0.01) in rabbits fed basal diet with Nano selenium when compared with the other groups. The mean values of creatinine and blood urea-N were not significantly affected by selenium sources and Vit. E treatment. Testosterone concentrations in seminal plasma and blood serum were significantly increased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in buck rabbits fed basal diet and treated withNano selenium group compared with the other groups. The mean values of testosterone concentration in seminal plasma and blood serum were insignificantly affected by treatment with Vit E. The highest values oftestosterone concentration in seminal plasma and blood serum were recorded with buck rabbits fed basal diet and treated with Nano- Se plus Vit E groups.
In conclusion, orally treatment of buck rabbits with selenium sources (Nano-Se or Org-Se) without or with vitamin E had improved semen quality and hematological and biochemical blood parameters. From the results of present experiment, it is recommended to support the commercial basal diet of buck NZW rabbits by orally treatment of rabbits with 0.5 mg Organic- Se/ kg Bw to maintain their health status, protect them from heat stress and improve their semen quality in hot climate of Egypt in summer season.