EFFECTS OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA SEED ON BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE RABBITS

All parts of moringa tree are being consumed by humans and animals with the secondary metabolite having the potential to affect health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera seed on the blood chemistry and reproductive performance of female Rabbits. Fourty 8 month old Chinchila breed of rabbits were used for the study. The rabbits were randomly assigned into two treatment groups. Does in group 1 serve as control and were given normal drinking water. Animals in group 2 were administered M.oleifera seed powder in drinking water (250 mg/L). The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. The results indicate significantly lower values for packed cell volume, hemoglobin and red blood cells in the treatment group compared to the control (p < 0.05). The values for white blood cells are similar for all groups. Similarly, Mean values of glucose and cholesterol are significantly lower in the treatment groups (p < 0.05). Whereas values for total protein, globulin and albumin are similar for both groups. Findings also indicate significantly lower litter size and higher birth weight in the treatment group, gestation period are however similar for both groups