HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF RABBITS FED GRADED LEVELS OF GARCINIA KOLA (GKSM) SEED MEAL

Abstract

A 56-day study was carried out to evaluate the haematological and biochemical characteristics of weaner rabbits fed graded levels of garciniakolaseedmeal (GKSM). A total of 32 mixed mongrel rabbits of about 8 weeks old were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly selected and assigned to four treatments. Each treatment had 8 rabbits and was replicated 2 times with four (4) rabbits per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four grower rabbit diets were compounded, incorporating (GKSM) at 0%, 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5% respectively. The diets were designated T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, with T1 served as the control (with no GKSM). The rabbits were given feed and water ad-libtum and were subjected to
similar sanitary and husbandry conditions throughout the experimental period. Data were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. Haematological parameters include RBC, WBC, PCV, Hb, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils, while biochemical parameters includetotal protein, bilirubin, creatinine, cholesterol, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Result of haematological parameters showed that only RBC showed significant (P<0.05)
differences, while the rest showed non-significant (P>0.05). Result of biochemical parameters showed that total protein, cholesterol, sodium and potassium showed significant (P<0.05), while others showed nonsignificant (P>0.05) differences. Cholesterol values reduced as the levelof the meal increased. Generally,  the meal has no deleterious effect on the health of the animal.