EFFECTS OF DIET FORTIFICATION WITH MORINGA OLEIFERA AND AZADIRACHTA INDICA LEAF MEALS ON SERUM TOTAL PROTEIN OF RABBITS INOCULATED WITH TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI BRUCEI

Abstract

The anti-trypanosomal effects of dry leaf meals of Moringa oleiferaand Azadirachta indica for serum total protein were investigated using grower rabbits. Forty rabbits were randomized into eight groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) of five animals each with mean live weights of 1.2 Kg. Groups 5, 6, 7 and 8 were Inoculated subcutaneously with normal saline diluted blood containing 3.98×106ml-1 of Trypanosoma brucei brucei , while groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were not inoculated . The rabbits were fed on four diets. Diet (D) 1 had no leaf meal (basal) and was fed to groups 1and 5 (controls). D 2 was fortified with 1% Moringa Leaf Meal (MLM) and was fed to groups 2 and 6. D 3 had 1% Neem Leaf Meal (NLM) and was fed to groups 3 and 7. D 4 had both MLM and NLM at 1% each and was fed to groups 4 and 8. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS ANOVA and Duncans new multiple range test at 95% confidence limit. The results of total blood proteins gl-1 was significantly (P<0.05) higher for rabbits inoculated with T. brucei brucei than for non inoculated rabbits except group 6 (P>0.05). The findings in this study reveals that the serum total protein of rabbits in group 6 inoculated with T. brucei brucei which was not significant (P>0.05) from group 2 (non inoculated rabbits) supports the hepato protective capability of MLM over NLM.