EFFECTS OF FEEDING GRADED LEVELS OF SCENT LEAF (OCIMUM  GRATISSIMUM) MEAL ON BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF WEANER RABBITS

M. H. Bot; D. E. Ogah; E. J. Kpanja; I. P. Aliyu; A. G. Zungum; S. Yakubu

Authors

M. H. Bot Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, NVRI, Vom, Plateau State
D. E. Ogah Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, NVRI, Vom, Plateau State
E. J. Kpanja Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
I. P. Aliyu Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, NVRI, Vom, Plateau State
A. G. Zungum Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, NVRI, Vom, Plateau State
S. Yakubu Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, NVRI, Vom, Plateau State

Keywords:

Scent leaf, Rabbits, Biochemical indices, Proximate composition, Phytochemical

Abstract

This study was conducted for twenty-eight days to evaluate the effects of feeding graded levels of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) meal (SLM) on biochemical indices of weaner rabbits, proximate and phytochemical parameters of scent leaf meal were also determined. The formulated feed contained 0g, 25g, 50g and 75g inclusion levels of SLM in their diets. Twenty crossed-bred weaner rabbits were allotted into four treatments, with each treatment replicated five times having one rabbit each in a completely randomized design. The proximate composition of the result of SLM are as follows; Crude Protein (CP)-30.99%, Ether Extract (EE)-4.50%, Crude Fibre (CF)-18.78%, Ash-14.10%, Moisture- 5.17% and NFE-26.10. The results showed that SLM is rich in protein, and the results of phytochemical parameters of SLM includes; Oxalate- 55.27 mg/100g, Alkaloids -12.63%, Tannins -18.31 mg/100g, Phytate -504.03 mg/100g and Saponin o-86%. The result of serum biochemistry shows the range of AST (13.48-33.45u/i), ALT (11.75-19.75u/i), Total Protein (55.89-65.64g/l) and Albumin (34.62-39.68g/l). From the results above, it can be concluded that SLM has nutrients that can keep rabbits healthy because it contains vital nutrients which supports their performance.