Potential of Castor Seed (Ricinus communis) Powder-Formulated Feed in the Fertility Control of Wild-Caught Female African Giant Rats (Cricetomys gambianus)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Castor seed powder-formulated feed in the fertility control of wildly caught female African giant rats (AGR). The study was conducted at Central Animal House of University of Ibadan, Nigeria between February and April, 2022. Four different concentrations of experimental feeds were formulated by mixing castor seed powder with commercial rat feed in the ratio 1:12, 1:6, 1:1, 0:1 (control). Twenty wildly caught female AGR were randomly allocated into four groups (with 5 rats/group), acclimatized for 4 weeks and fed with appropriate experimental feed for 60 days with water provided as necessary. Blood samples were collected at 20 days intervals and analyzed for reproductive hormones (Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone, Progesterone, and Estrogen) and cellular enzymes using standard methods. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA while means were separated using Tukey’s test. No significant difference was recorded in the mean feed intake (%) (1:1: 94.81 ± 0.77, control: 96.48 ± 0.43) and body weight (g) (1:1: 868.20 ± 75.12, control: 872.80 ± 48.09) among the groups. There was significantly reduced FSH (IU/L) (7.8 ± 0.7) compared to control (15.2 ± 1.0). Progesterone and estrogen (IU/L) were significantly lower (1.2 ± 0.2; 18.8 ± 1.9) than the control (4.1 ± 0.1; 33.8 ± 1.4). The Castor seed powder has the potential of reducing the reproductive ability of the female African giant rats and therefore can be recommended to the farmers for use.