Haematology and serum biochemical characteristics of Rabbit bucks fed diets supplemented with Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) meal
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 11(02), 193-198.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.11.2.0052
Publication history:
Received on 21 April 2026; revised on 04 June 2026; accepted on 06 June 2026
Abstract:
Twenty-Four (24) mixed breed rabbit bucks, aged 3-4 months were subjected to a study to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of cinnamon meal on their haematology and serum chemistry. The rabbits were allowed for a period of 2 weeks to acclimatize to the study environment before commencement. Concentrate diets and forages, with drinking water was provided ad-libitum. The bucks were weighed and randomly assigned into four (4) groups designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment was replicated three (3) times, with two animals per replicate, a total of six bucks per treatment. Four diets with varying inclusion rates of 0.00%, 0.50%, 1.00% and 1.50% cinnamon meal were formulated for the various treatment groups: T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, with T1 as the control. Blood samples for analysis were collected via the ear vein using a hypodermic syringe, at weeks 6, 8 and 10 of the study. Results obtained, revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher values in T2 for red blood cell (5.08 x106/mm3), white blood cells (8.89 x106/mm3), haemoglobin (12.49mg/dl) and platelets (304.67%). However, T3 recorded higher values for Lymphocytes (32.33%) and Neutrophils (55.40%). Serum biochemical analysis showed no significant differences (P>0.05) for all the parameters evaluated. Values obtained for Liver enzyme; AST, ALT and ALP, fell within normal ranges, implying that the cinnamon meal did not exert hepatotoxic effects. Results from this study suggest that dietary supplementation of Cinnamomum zeylanicum meal positively influenced blood profile of the rabbit bucks. It is concluded that the inclusion of cinnamon meal at the rates of 0.5-1.0 may enhance the blood profile of rabbit bucks.
Keywords:
Haematology; Bucks; Serum; Blood; Supplementation; Experiment
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