Abstract
Several medicinal plants are used like fodder in the animal diet. The impact on the blood parameters of these plants is not always known. The present study aims to determine the influence of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> and <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> leaves meal on the biochemical and haematological parameters of growing rabbits. Ninety-six rabbits New Zealand with 35 to 40 days old were used. The animals were randomly divided into 8 groups of 12 rabbits. Groups O<sub>0</sub>, O<sub>5</sub>, O<sub>10</sub>, O<sub>15</sub>, V<sub>0</sub>, V<sub>5</sub>, V<sub>10</sub> and V<sub>15</sub> received the ration contain 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> or <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> leaf meals respectively. All the rabbits had a blood sample taken. For <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i>, the RBC number, haemoglobin levels, glycaemia, total protein content, and PCV of the animals were not significantly different (p<0.05). However, White Blood Cells number was significantly (p <0.001) raised in group O<sub>10</sub> (7.97±0.15 × 10<sup>3</sup>/L) Aspartate Aminotransferase levels (48.67±1.53 UI) increased significantly (p <0.001). Alanine Aminotransferase, blood creatinine and total cholesterol were significantly decreased in the test groups (p <0.001). For <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>, the Haemoglobin and PCV values did not change significantly (P> 0.05). The results showed significant (P <0.05) differences in the average values of AST, ALT and ALP of treatments tested compared to control. The average values of glycaemia, urea, creatinine and total cholesterol presented a significant (P <0.05) decrease between the control and the treatments. These results revealed that <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> leaf meal in rabbits’ diet had ameliorative and protective health benefits up to 15%. It has no hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. In conclusion, <i>Ocimum gratissimum </i>and <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> supplemented feed significantly increased the growth performance, biochemical, and haematological profiles of the animals and was shown to have no harmful effects in rabbits.
Highlights
One of the breeding accessible to the rural and peri-urban population is rabbit breeding
The present study aims to evaluate the effect of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina leaves as a fodder plant on the blood parameters of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Biochemical parameters of rabbits fed with diet containing Ocimum gratissimum leaves
Summary
One of the breeding accessible to the rural and peri-urban population is rabbit breeding. The rabbit offers several advantages to the population and to breeders [1]. It is a rapidly expanding activity in Benin. This breeding is Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2021; 6(3): 40-47 subjected to food constraints which slow down its development. Feeding is one of the important factors that determine the success and profitability of breeding. Feed represents 70% of the total production costs in breeding [2]. In the world the species of flowering plants recorded are more than 300,000. Plants can be used as a replacement for current antiparasitic drugs [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
