Effect of Inhibin Immunization on Reproductive Performance During the Non-Breeding Season in Dezhou Donkeys

Present study was designed to investigate the potential role of inhibin immunization on plasma hormone concentration and testicular histoarchitecture of Dezhou donkeys in the non breeding season (November-February). For this purpose, adult Dezhou donkeys (n=30), were equally divided into groups A, B, and C. Group A was actively immunized with 3 mg inhibin, group B with (1.5 mg), and group C was immunized with Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and served as a control. All animals in groups A and B were given a primary dose of inhibin (INH) antigen i.e. 3 mg and 1.5 mg on day 1 and followed by a booster dose on the 23rd day of the experiment. Blood samples were collected on 21st, 28th, 34th, and 40th day of experiment. Primary and booster INH immunization (3 mg and 1.5 mg) slightly elevated plasma hormone concentrations of FSH, LH, Testosterone, and Activin A. The number of spermatogonia significantly increased on 28th day in group A. Inhibin immunization also caused apoptosis in testicular histoarchitecture. In conclusion, Inhibin immunzition can potentially improve the reproductive efficiency of Dezhou donkeys in nonbreeding season by elevating plasma hormone concentrations of FSH, LH, AMH, and Activin A.