Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Growing Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Varying Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal

Aims: To determine the influence of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on haematological and serum biochemical indices of growing rabbits fed diets containing varying levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal.

Study Design: Completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: At the Rabbit unit of the Teaching and Research farm of Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ivo L.G.A., State, Nigeria, between May, 2015 and July 2015.

Methodology: 48 growing rabbits were used for this study. Four diets were formulated such that diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 contain MOLM at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively. The diets were offered to the growing rabbits, which were randomly divided into 4 groups of 12 rabbits each, with 4 animals constituting a replicate in a completely randomized design pattern. Each animal received the experimental diet for 49 days. Blood samples were drawn from each animal on the last day of the trial and evaluated for haematological and serum biochemical indices, data obtained were analysed statistically.

Results: Results showed that packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin Mean cell haemoglobin concentration and white blood cell differed (P<0.05) significantly, while red blood cell, mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell volume were similar (P>0.05) among the groups PCV ranged between 35.01–36.59%. Haemoglobin was improved (p<0.05) by Moringa oleifera leaf meal at 30% inclusion level. White blood cell (WBC) count of weaner rabbits in treatment groups was significantly (p<0.05) higher and better than the control. All the serum biochemical indices were significantly (P<0.05) except creatinine. Cholesterol was lowest at 30% inclusion indicating the anti-diabetic properties of the test ingredient.

Conclusions: All the parameters studied fell within the normal range reported for clinically healthy rabbits; an indication that MOLM had a beneficial effect on health status of rabbits.