Effects of Exogenous Kisspeptin-10 on Semen Quality Parameters in Black Bengal Bucks

Kisspeptin is a key neuropeptide that regulates reproductive function by stimulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and activating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exogenous kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) on semen quality and plasma testosterone concentrations in Black Bengal breeding bucks. Twelve clinically healthy adult bucks, aged 21–41 months and weighing 22–29.5 kg, were randomly allocated into treatment (n=6) and control (n=6) groups. Bucks in the treatment group received KP-10 at 2.5 µg/kg body weight through intravenous injection once weekly for four consecutive weeks during winter and summer seasons. Control bucks received an equivalent volume of normal saline. Semen samples were collected weekly using an artificial vagina and evaluated for sperm concentration, individual motility, live sperm percentage, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) response, and sperm abnormalities. Treatment with KP-10 significantly (P