The stimulatory effects of boron on Japanese quail spermatological activity, histopathology, and oxidative stress

Abstract

This study looked at how spermatogenesis, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and histological changes in testicular, hepatic, and renal tissues were affected by boric acid (H3BO3) added to mixed feed and drinking water at different concentrations for 14 weeks. For this purpose, 60 male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica f. domestica) were used. From the age of 35 days, the birds were given boric acid added to regular soybean meal maize mixed feed as well as drinking water. Experimental groups: Control (no additive), F100: 100 mg/kg boric acid into feed, F300: 300 mg/kg boric acid into feed, W100: 100 mg/l boric acid into drinking water, and W300: 300 mg/l boric acid into drinking water. Both primordial (P < 0.001) and mature (P < 0.05) sperm counts increased in F300 and W300 groups. Supplemented boric acid in drinking water (300 mg/l) increased the tubule diameters of the testicle (P < 0.05). Because of the rising levels of boric acid in the feed and water groups, lipid peroxidation levels increased in testicular (P < 0.001), hepatic, and renal tissues (P < 0.01). Glutathione (GSH) levels rose in high boric acid groups in testicular and hepatic tissues (P < 0.001). Different tissues responded differentially to high amounts of boric acid in terms of antioxidant enzyme activity (P < 0.001). As a result, boric acid at high doses showed beneficial effects on spermatological activity; however, continued use caused lipid peroxidation in tissues and some pathological problems in liver tissue.