Influence of Carica papaya Leaf Extract on Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Male and Female Rabbits

Abstract

A comparative study was carried out to show the influence of Carica papaya Leaf extract (CPLE) on the haematology and serum biochemistry of male and female rabbits using a two by four (2x4) factorial experimental design. Twenty four (24) crossbred weaner rabbits(6-8weeksold) ofbothsexes weredividedinto groups1and2 oftwelveanimalseach,suchthatgroup1 were all males and group 2, all female animals. Each group was then divided into treatments according to the doses of the extract assigned randomly as follows: T₁ (0.0 ml CPLE), T₂ (0.5 ml CPLE), T₃ (1.0 ml CPLE) and T₄ (1.5 ml CPLE). The results obtained showed a high significant difference (p<0.001) for haematology across treatments, sex and in the interaction between treatment and sex. Also, for serum biochemistry (ALP, AST and ALP), there was a high significant difference (p<0.001) in the interaction between treatment and sex, a high significant difference (p<0.001) for AST across treatment as well as a significant different (p<0.05) across sex. Thus from the study, 0.5 ml CPLE is best for especially haematological and serum biochemical parameters, and 1.0 ml CPLE is best for immune response especially for the male rabbits.