Effect of plant extract of Tribulus terrestris and probiotics on the reproductive performance, total cholesterol and testosterone hormone levels of rams

The objective of this experiment was to compare between the effects of tribulus terrestris extract and probiotics on scrotal circumference, testicular volume, reaction time, semen characteristics, serum total cholesterol and testosterone hormone levels of rams. The study was carried out from February to July 2013 on eight sexually mature Rahmani rams. The eight rams were used as control group for one month before treatment (weekly assessment for all the parameters). Rams were divided into two groups, each group included 4 animals. The first group received extract from tribulus terrestris plant (1.5 gm/ head /day, orally in 100 ml water suspension) once daily for two months. The second group received probiotics (10 gm. / head/ day, orally in the form of 100 ml water suspension) for two months. In the second, third and fourth months from administration of tribulus terrestris extract and probiotics; scrotal circumference, testicular volume, reaction time, semen characteristics, serum total cholesterol and testosterone hormone levels were assessed weekly in all the studied rams. Results showed that scrotal circumference, sexual desire, hydrogen ion concentration, sperm morphology (total and secondary abnormalities percent), and total sperm number per ejaculate increased significantly (P˂0.01) in tribulus terrestris group as compared to probiotics and control groups. Ejaculate volume, mass motility, individual motility, alive sperm percentage, sperm morphology, sperm cell concentration and acrosome integrity percentage increased significantly (P˂0.01) in tribulus terrestris and probiotics groups as compared to control one. Serum total cholesterol level decreased significantly (P˂0.01) in tribulus terrestris group as compared to the control group. Serum testosterone level exhibited a significant increase (P˂0.05) in tribulus terrestris group as compared to control and probiotics groups. It was concluded that administration of tribulus terrestris extract resulted in an improvement in the sexual performance, semen quality, testosterone level and decreased total cholesterol levels of rams