<![CDATA[Environmental thermal challenges may affect reproductive function and semen quality in male quail. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bandotan leaf extract on the fresh semen characteristics of male Japanese quail under heat stress conditions. Bandotan leaves were extracted using 96% ethanol by maceration and analyzed for proximate composition, iron (Fe) content, phytochemical compounds, and antioxidant activity based on the IC50 value. A total of 100 six-week-old male quails were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with five replications and administered Bandotan leaf extract through drinking water at doses of 0, 75, 150, and 225 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹. Environmental conditions were monitored using the temperature–humidity index (THI), and semen samples were collected from 20 quails, with one bird randomly selected from each experimental unit. The extract contained flavonoids, phenols, and tannins and showed moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 174.84 µg mL⁻¹). The afternoon THI was 32.24 °C. Bandotan leaf extract significantly affected semen pH, spermatozoa motility, and abnormalities (P<0.05). Semen pH increased from 6.5±0.26 in the control to 7.1±0.29 at 150 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹, while motility increased from 79.00±5.47% to 88.00±2.74% at 75 and 150 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹. Spermatozoa abnormalities decreased from 9.36 ± 0.39% in the control to 6.96± 0.34% at 225 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹. Spermatozoa viability and mass movement were not significantly affected. Further studies are needed to evaluate extract safety and in vivo antioxidant effects.]]>
