Open AccessEffect of the inclusion of scent leaf (ocimum gratissimum) in diet on growth and haematology of growing rabbits
Author(s) -
W. Buba,
S. Duru,
J. Metemilola,
Chidiebere Uchendu,
A. O. Iyiola-Tunji
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nigerian journal of animal production
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0331-2062
DOI - 10.51791/njap.v43i1.2778
Subject(s) - ocimum gratissimum , zoology , weight gain , feed conversion ratio , white blood cell , biology , body weight , completely randomized design , hematology , feed additive , albumin , significant difference , medicine , botany , endocrinology , immunology , broiler
The effect of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) as feed additive in rabbit diet on growth and hematological parameters of rabbits was investigated using a number of 24 non-descript rabbits in an eight (8) weeks feeding trial. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain (0.0, 2.0.4.0 and 6.Og scent leaf (SL) per kg of feed. The diets were randomly assigned to four treatment groups of 6 rabbits per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Food intake and weight gain was taken and used to calculate other growth performance parameters while blood sample (2 ml) was collected aseptically between 6:30 and 7:30 am from three rabbits per treatment and transferred into heparinised tubes which was used to determine the haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, red blood cells and white blood cells). The results showed that there was significant (P<0.05) differences in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) across the four (4) treatment groups with treatment group fed scent leaf at 4.0g/kg diet having the highest weight gain and the best FCR. There was also significant difference (P<0.05) in albumin and cholesterol levels. Haematological parameters showed significant difference (P<0.05) across the treatment groups with treatment group fed 2.0g scent leaf having the lowest white blood cell (8.00 x 1012/L). In conclusion treatment group fed 4.Og scent leaf gave the best result in terms of weight gain and FCR.