HYPOLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF OREGANO LEAF MEAL ON LIPID PROFILE OF WEANER RABBITS

Résumé

This study investigated the effects of oregano leaf meal supplementation on lipid profile parameters in rabbits. The experiment was carried out at the livestock section of College of Agriculture Kabba, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University. Twenty-four weaner rabbits of mixed sex were randomly distributed into four treatments (six animals per treatment) using completely randomized design. The experiment lasted for fifty-six days. Feed was served at a measurable time basis per day, while water was given ad libitum during the experimental period. Blood samples were collected via the marginal ear vein puncture at the end of the experiment from the animals to analyze for the lipid profile (high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides and total cholesterol (TCHO) components. The result indicated that supplementation of oregano leaf meal had no significant (P> 0.05) effect on HDL of rabbits. The LDL was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in rabbits fed the control diets, and least in those fed T4. Triglycerides and TCHO concentration were higher (P < 0.05) in rabbit fed the control diet and least in those fed T4 which is similar (P> 0.05) to those fed T3. It was concluded that supplementing weaners rabbits with Oregano leaf meal enhances their thermoregulatory and lipids profile. It was recommended that Oregano leaf meal can be used as supplement in the diet of weaners rabbits for improved thermoregulatory and lipids profile at 2g/ kg supplementation in rabbit diet.