Haematological and Biochemical Responses of Adult Rabbits to Aqueous Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum Leaves

An experiment which lasted for eight weeks was conducted to evaluate the haematological and biochemical responses of adult rabbits to aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves. A total of thirty crossbred adult rabbits (8 – 9 months old) were used. The animals were randomly grouped into five, of six rabbits each, and further divided into three replicates of two rabbits each. The groups were randomly assigned to five treatments; T1 (control), T2, T3, T4 and T5, containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 % aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves in drinking water, respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) increases were observed in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts and percent nuetrophil counts of the Ocimum gratissimum treated animals. Biochemical analyses of the animals also recorded significant (P < 0.05) increases in total protein, albumin, globulin, urea and creatinine levels, while cholesterol and glucose levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in these animals. The results of this experiment suggest that aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves can be used up to 40 % level in drinking water for adult rabbits to increase their immunity and serum protein levels. It also corroborates the anticholestremic and antidiabetic properties of Ocimum gratissimum leaves earlier reported. It can be of great relevance in breeding stock management.