Haematology and Hormonal Profiles of Adult Rabbits Fed Groundnut, Moringa and Lablab Forage Meal Based Diets

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate haematology and hormonal profiles of rabbits fed groundnut, Moringa and lablab forage meal-based diets. A total of 48 adult rabbits (24 does and 24 bucks) 7 to 8 months old (crossbreds between imported Hyla rabbits and local adapted rabbits) with average initial weight of 3.50 kg were used. They were randomly allocated to four treatments in a completely randomized design in a 4x2 factorial arrangement. They lasted for 12 weeks with a one-week adjustment period. The factors considered were for heamatology were three types of forage (Arachis hypogea, Moringa oleifera and Lablab purpureus forage meals and a control/concentrate only) and sex (male and female). For hormonal profiles, the factors considered were three types of forage (Arachis hypogea, Moringa oleifera and Lablab purpureus forage meals and a control/concentrate only) and pregnancy status (before mating (open) and 3 weeks after mating (pregnant)) for rabbit does and for male rabbits (21 and 25 weeks of age). Haematological parameters such as white and red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, PCV, were measured. Hormonal parameters such as progesterone, oestradiol and testosterone concentrations measured. The result indicated that forage type had significant effect on WBC, lymphocytes, RBC, and oestradiol concentration. Rabbits fed Moringa oleifera forage meal diet had higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Sex had significant (P<0.05) effect on most heamatological parameters except S WBC, MCHb conc and platelets. There was significant (P><0.05) interaction between forage type and sex on lymphocyte and mean corpuscular volume as well as between forage type and pregnancy status on progesterone concentration. Testosterone profile was depressed by lablab forage meal diet. Moringa and groundnut ><0.05) effect on most heamatological parameters except WBC, MCHb conc and platelets. There was significant (P<0.05) interaction between forage type and sex on lymphocyte and mean corpuscular volume as well as between forage type and pregnancy status on progesterone concentration. Testosterone profile was depressed by lablab forage meal diet. Moringa and groundnut ><0.05) interaction between forage type and sex on lymphocyte and mean corpuscular volume as well as between forage type and pregnancy status on progesterone concentration. Testosterone profile was depressed by lablab forage meal diet. Moringa and groundnut