Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24099/vet.arhiv.2669

Nutritive effects and physiological responses of rabbits supplemented with camel’s foot (Piliostigma thonningii) essential oil based diet

Emmanuel U. Anaso ; Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria *
Olurotimi A. Olafadehan ; Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
Ijeoma C. Chibuogwu ; Department of Veterinary Theriogenology, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Piliostigma thonningii essential oil (PEO) on the nutrient and feed intake, serum biochemistry and immune/oxidative stress responses of rabbits. The young male rabbits were randomly divid- ed into three treatment groups, with 15 rabbits per group, and balanced for their body weight such that the rabbits in each group had a similar average initial body weight (BW) of 262.89±22.36 g in a completely randomized design. Treatment 1 was a basal control diet. In treatments 2 and 3, the basal control diet was supplemented with 2 ml PEO/kg diet and 4 ml PEO/kg diet, respectively. Intake of nutrients, final BW, immunoglobulin A and M increased (P<0.05) with an increasing level of PEO supplementation. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, high density lipo- protein, immunoglobulin G, triiodothyroxine, total anti-oxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione perioxidase and glutathione reductase were higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 than in T1. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, low density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde and cortisol were higher (P<0.05) in T1 than in T2 and T3. Serum creatinine, uric acid, total and direct bilirubin were not affected (P>0.05) by treatments. It was concluded that PEO supplementation reduced oxidative stress indices and improved feed utilization, and the immune and general health status of the experimental rabbits. However, 4 ml PEO/ kg diet was the optimum supplementation level, as it was more effective in enhancing the nutritional, physiological and general wellbeing of the rabbits.

Keywords

bucks; phytogenic; feed intake; blood; immune and oxidative stress; serum biochemistry

Hrčak ID:

334250

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/334250

Publication date:

1.7.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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