Abstract

This research is aimed at improving the productive and pathological picture of rabbits reared in a semi-humid environment using Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE). Twenty four mixed- breed rabbits, having an average weight of 700g, were used in this study. They were randomly divided into four equal treatments (6 rabbits each) and gavaged with various concentrations of MOLE. Treatment 1 (control) was given 0ml MOLE/kg body weight, treatment 2 (30 ml MOLE/kg body weight), treatment 3 (60 ml MOLE/kg body weight) and treatment 4 (90 ml MOLE/kg body weight). Results showed that M. oleifera leaf extract at all doses produced significant (p<0.05) changes in the blood levels of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin and white blood cell (WBC) count when compared to the control group. Rabbits given 30 of MOLE/kg body weight caused significantly (p<0.05) increased the recorded values of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However, MOLE at tested dose of 90ml MOLE/kg body weight produced a significantly (p<0.05) lowered value in the serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with a non-significant change (p>0.05) observed in other serum parameters across the treatments. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) value of rabbits increased consistently with increased MOLE concentration, while MDA values were not significantly influenced across the treatments. It can be concluded that (MOLE) can be used at 90ml MOLE/kg body weight to reduce lipid peroxidation and enhance oxidative status of rabbits in a semi-humid environment.

Key words: Gavaged, production, Moringa oleifera, rabbit, reproduction.