IJLST 2016 Volume 9 Issue 9
International Journal of Life Sciences and Technology (IJLST) ISSN: 0974-5335
An Open Access Journal -- NO Fees -- NO Processing Charges -- 100% Non Profit Initiatives
Reproductive and Haemato-Biochemical influence of aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves on adult New Zealand Rabbit Bucks. Iwuji, T. C., Obiejezie, N. R., Ogbuewu, I. P., Etuk, I. F., Ahiwe, E. U., Kadurumba, O. E. and Ezea, J. IJLST (2016), 9(9):74-80
Title:
Reproductive and Haemato-Biochemical influence of aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves on adult New Zealand Rabbit Bucks
Authors & Affiliation:
Iwuji, T. C.1, Obiejezie, N. R2., Ogbuewu, I. P3., Etuk, I. F4., Ahiwe, E. U5., Kadurumba, O. E6. and Ezea, J7.
1-6 Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
tiwuji@gmail.com; n_obiejezie@yahoo.com; dr.ogbuewu@gmail.com; ifetuk@gmail.com; mannyahisco@yahoo.co.uk; kadurumbaoe@gmail.com
7 Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 7276, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author: tiwuji@gmail.com; ifetuk@gmail.com
Abstract:
The difficulty in filling the niche in the animal protein need of ever expanding populations of developing countries; and the advocacy for organic farming have diversified research into natural, unconventional and sustainable means to proffer solutions. This research lasted for four weeks and was carried out in the Rabbitry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Eighteen adult New Zealand rabbit bucks were grouped into three, containing six rabbits each; replicated three times to contain two rabbits per replicate. Three treatments; MT0 (0.0 g Moringa oleifera leaves extracts per litre of distilled water), MT100 (100.0 g Moringa oleifera leaves extracts per litre of distilled water) and MT200 (200.0 g Moringa oleifera leaves extracts per litre of distilled water) were randomly assigned and orally administered to the three rabbit groups. Semen volume, percent abnormal sperm and reaction time of the experimental rabbits were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the MT100 and MT200 rabbits than in the MT0 (control) rabbits, while total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm motility, percent live sperm and libido score were significantly (P<0.05) higher in MT100 and MT200 rabbits than in MT0 rabbits. The haematological parameters of the experimental rabbits recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration in MT200 than in MT0 and MT100, which were similar (P>0.05). Total white blood cell (WBC) count was similar (P>0.05) between MT100 and MT200, which were significantly (P<0.05) higher than WBC count recorded for MT0. Rabbits on MT100 and MT200 recorded similar (P>0.05) values in the serum total protein (TP) and globulin, which were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the value recorded for MT0 rabbits. Serum urea and urea/creatinine ratio of the rabbits were similar (P>0.05) between MT0 and MT100, but significantly (P<0.05) higher in MT200; while serum glucose and cholesterol recorded a dose dependent significant (P<0.05) inverse decrease in the experimental rabbits. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves can be used in rabbit production to enhance immunity, serum protein synthesis and reproductive performance of New Zealand rabbit bucks.
Keywords: Immunity, libido, semen parameters, serum protein synthesis.