Productivity, Adaptability, and Reproduction of Yaks Under Adverse Climate Change Scenario

Veterinary / Animal Sciences | Research article | https://doi.org/10.47262/SL/13.2.132025220

Body Thermoregulatory Adaptation and Blood Metabolic Profile of Rabbits Supplemented with Rolfe (Daniellia oliveri) Leaf Extract-Based Diet

Emmanuel Ugochukwu Anaso*

Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of Daniellia oliveri leaf extract (DOLE) on hematological parameters and thermoregulation in growing bucks. Forty-five rabbits were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (15 per group) with balanced initial body weights (average 0.27 kg). The treatments included a control diet (T1), the control diet plus 5 ml DOLE/kg feed (T2), and the control diet plus 10 ml DOLE/kg feed (T3), in a completely randomized design. Blood samples were analyzed using an Abacus Ross hematology analyzer at the end of the trial. Rectal temperature was significantly higher in T1, while T2 and T3 showed better thermoregulation. Hematological results showed improved values of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the order T3 > T2 > T1. Similar trends were observed for packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets, with T1 showing the lowest values. Eosinophils and neutrophils were highest in T3, while the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was unaffected by treatment. Heart rate (243.50-249.60 bpm) and respiratory rate (54.25-55.26 cycles/min) did not differ significantly among groups. Overall, DOLE supplementation enhanced blood profiles and supported body temperature regulation, with 10 ml DOLE/kg diet identified as the most effective dosage for improving physiological health in rabbits.