Impact of Partial Replacement of Clover by Anise, Basil, Mint and Fennel Remnants in Rabbits Diet on Blood Constituents.

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The clover plant (alfalfa) is considered the primary fiber source in the rabbit diet in Mediterranean Sea countries like Egypt, so researchers are always trying to find alternatives and aromatic and medicinal plant remnants could be one of them. So, this study was designed to determine the effects of some aromatic and medicinal plant remnants on New Zealand white rabbits' blood hematological and biochemical aspects. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A total of 108 weaned white New Zealand rabbits at five weeks of age were used to consider the effect of using remnants of mint, fennel, basil and anise with or without probiotics to replace 50% from alfalfa hay in rabbits' diets. Four remnants were obtained after etheric oil distillation and were incorporated in rabbit diets at level 17.5% without probiotics and with probiotics (replacement 50% of alfalfa hay). Rabbits were randomly assigned into nine experimental groups; the experimental period lasted eight weeks. Rabbit blood hematological and blood biochemical were analyzed. <b>Results:</b> The highest values of RBC 6.03 μL, HCT 37.13%, WBC 12.70 μL and lymph percentage were found in the basil+probiotics group. In contrast, the highest value of hemoglobin (HGB 10,50 g/dL), MCV 64.13 fl, MCH 23.27pg, MCHC 36.40 g/dL, PLT 463 μL, urea 50.33 mg/dL and creatinine 1.30 mg/dL were found in anise+probiotic group. In contrast, RDW-CV 33.17%, Mid 13.17 μL, granulocytes (Gran 7.13 μL) and PDW 16.73 in the mint group. Furthermore, RDW-SD (34.40 fl) and procalcitonin (PCT 0.35%) were found in the control group and the highest values ALT 142 IU/L and AST 77.33 IU/L were found in the fennel group. The highest albumin value (3.10 g/dL) was found in the anise group and the highest total protein (TP 5.23 g/dL) was found in the mint+probiotic group. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results proved that using these medicinal plant remnants and probiotics as substitutes for half the amount of alfalfa used in the diet of New Zealand white rabbits did not have a negative effect and improved their health condition.