Effects of mistletoe leaf (Viscum album) aqueous extracts on performance, hematology and serum biochemistry of rabbits in a humid tropical environment

The study examined the physiological effects of mistletoe leaves Aqueous Extracts (MLAE) on the performance, haematology and some serum biochemistry of rabbits. Thirty New Zealand white x Chinchilla weaned rabbits of 28days old were matched for weight, sex and randomly assigned to five groups (n=6 per-group), sub-divided into two replicates of three rabbits each. The basal diet was forages Tridax procumbens and Ipomea batata leaves 20 g morning and evening daily as common rabbit feed available in the environment. The rabbits were served twice daily with mistletoe leaves aqueous extracts 200mls of 20g dried leaves from four host trees and water 200 ml twice daily as control. All rabbits were fed ad libitum throughout the ten weeks period of the study. The proximate results revealed that mistletoe leaves from the four host trees were rich in crude protein, crude fibre and ash, which provided protein and minerals supplement for rabbits’ performance. Data obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA and significant means separated using Turkey’s Comparision Test. Results on performances showed significant(P<0.05) difference between treatments indicated with the following ranges: final body weight (1220.00–1490.00g), daily weight gain (9.86-11.40g/d). Feed conversion ratio (0.11-0.86), total feed intake (4122.00–4392.00), total water and mistletoe aqueous extracts (8974.00-11627.00mls), Heamatology and serum biochemistry analysis results revealed significant p<0.05) difference between treatments compared to the control. The differences between the treatments could be attributed to mistletoe and their host trees, since mistletoe are hemi-parasites, depend partly on their host for nourishment. Extracts yielded good rabbit performance and blood physiological response, hence it could be used for forage–concentrate feed supplement for rabbits during dry season scarcity of forages.