Effects of Asphaltum (Shilajit) Combined with Vitamin E and Selenium
on the Reproductive Parameters of Female Rabbits
Muhammad Idrees,
Maqbool Ahmad,
Shafia Tehseen Gul1, Ijaz Ahmad, Muhammad Abdus Sallam
and Muhammad Zubair
Department of Theriogenology; 1Department
of Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan;
*Corresponding author: drmaqbool_ahmad@yahoo.com
Abstract
Aim of this study was to find out the effects of asphaltum
alone and in combination with vitamin E and Se, on reproductive parameters of
female rabbits. Female rabbits (n=30) were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D
and E). Group A was kept as a control, while group B, C, D and E were given
asphaltum (50 mg/kg/BW), Se with asphaltum (0.45+50 mg/kg/BW), vitamin E with
asphaltum (150+50 mg/kg/BW) and asphaltum, Se and vitamin E (50+0.45+150
mg/kg/BW), respectively for 32 days. Clinical signs were observed twice daily.
Three animals from each group were euthanized at 12th day and the remaining at
24th day of gestation, serum samples were collected for progesterone
concentration determination. Ovaries of each animal were examined for the
presence of CL, while uterus was observed for number of implantation sites and
viable fetuses. Weight of embryo, placental fluid and total (embryo+placental
fluid) were also recorded. In group E, a significant (P<0.05) increase was
observed in the number of CL, implantation sites, recovered fetuses, fetal
weight, placental fluid and total weights at 12th and 24th day of gestation as
compared to all other groups. In group C, a significant (P<0.05) increase was
observed only in the number of implantation sites and recovered fetuses as
compared to control group. However, significantly higher concentrations of serum
progesterone were observed in all treated groups as compared to group A at 12th
as well as at 24th day of gestation. It was concluded that the asphaltum has no
toxic effects on reproductive parameters, however, if asphaltum is used in
combination with vitamin E and Se, it potentiates female reproduction.
Key words:
Rabbits,
Reproductive parameters,
Selenium,
Shilajit, Vitamin E