Bio Efficacy of Benth Leaf (pouzolsia Guinnensis) Extracts Against Gastro Intestinal Related Diseases in Growing Rabbits

The study examined the level of the use of Benth Leaf (Pouzolsia guinnensis Benth) leaf extracts against gastro intestinal related diseases in growing rabbits. A total of 35 each of six weeks old averaged 550g-600g body weight of three pure lines; the New Zealand White (NZW); American Chinchilla (CHL) and the FCEABK-?, a newly developed rabbit strains were used for the study. These rabbit lines were sourced from the Tetfund funded Rabbit Breeding and Multiplication research farm, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The dosage levels of the Pouzolsia guinnensis (Pg) extracts were: 0ml(control), 5ml, 7.5ml, 10ml and 12.5ml per250ml of drinking water per day for a period of six weeks. Eggs (oocytes) per gram of feacal samples of each rabbit strain were collected and analyzed using modified McMaster Technique. Blood samples were also collected at 2 weeks intervals. There was a significant (P<0.05) general decrease in frequency counts and percentages of gastro intestinal worm oocytes and enhanced haematology and serum traits across the dietary treatments due to reduced GI infestation in the animal body. Recommendations were therefore made that the use of Pouzolsia guinnensis (Pg) leaf extracts at 7.5ml/250ml inclusion that had a concomitant negative effect against GI infections, brought about by reduced GIoocytes and enhanced blood chemistry and should be employed by rabbit farmers and breeders as against gastro intestinal infections in growing rabbits; since it is efficient, cheap, non-toxic and readily available.