Haematological and hormonal implications of feeding varying levels of zinc gluconate to male rabbits

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of zinc gluconate fed to male rabbits at different levels on their blood haematology and hormone (interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Thirty-two (32) male rabbits of about two (2) months old weighing averagely 1.050kg 0.032 were assigned to four treatment groups. The results were subjected to analysis of variance while means were separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test. There were significant (p<0.05) difference on the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin level, white blood cell and neutrophils parameters measured. These differences did not take a definite pattern that could be attributed to effect of zinc on the rabbits like tumour or poor physiological status. The level of hormone also differed significantly (p<0.05) in the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level. The FSH hormonal level increased as the level of zinc gluconate increase T2 (4.0x10-3) T3 (3.9x10-3) T4 (3.9x10-3).It could be concluded that using zinc as high as 100ppm and 150ppm has no detrimental effect on the blood haematology and general hormonal physiology of male rabbits.