SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF COMPOSITE RABBIT DOES ADMINISTERED AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF “HOSPITAL TOO FAR” (Jatropha tanjorensis) AND BITTER LEAF (Vernonia amygdalina)

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Jatropha tanjorensis ("Hospital Too Far") on serum biochemistry of composite doe rabbits. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Thirty-six (36) composite doe rabbits aged 3-4 months were randomly divided into six treatment groups designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 each comprising three replicates, with two rabbits per replicate. The extract obtained from the bitter leaf and “hospital too far” were administered weekly at 0 + 0 ml, 2.5 + 2.5 ml,

2.5 + 5.0 ml, 5.0 + 2.5 ml, 5.0 + 5.0 ml and 0.5 ml ovaprim per kilogram body weight weekly for the six treatments, respectively. The experiment was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Blood samples were collected for serum biochemistry analysis. Serum parameters including urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, and albumin 

were analyzed. Proximate and phytochemical analyses revealed the nutritional composition of the experimental diets and extracts. Results indicated significant (p<0.05) effects of the treatments on serum biochemistry with improved creatinine and albumin levels observed in treated groups compared to the control. The findings suggest that the combined use of Jatropha tanjorensis and Vernonia amygdalina extracts can positively influence biochemical parameters in rabbits, offering potential benefits for rabbit production and health management. Further studies are recommended to optimize dosage levels and evaluate long-term effects.