Evaluation of lipid profile, antioxidant and immunity statuses of rabbits fed Moringa oleifera leaves

Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) on blood hematology, lipid profile and immunity status of growing rabbits. Methods A total of 120, unsexed Alexandria line weaned rabbits, at 4 weeks of age were randomly divided into four groups (30 rabbits each). The first group was fed the control diet and the other groups (2-4) were fed the basal diet supplemented with 10, 20 or 30% MOL for 5 weeks of experimental period. Results Data revealed that dietary supplementation with 20% MOL recorded the significantly highest live body weight and increased hemoglobin and packed cell volume at 9 weeks of age compared to other groups. Increasing Moringa levels resulted in a significant increase in white blood cells, lymphocytes, globulin and high density lipoprotein, total antioxidant capacity, Immunoglobulin G and M levels compared to control, but, total lipids, cholesterol, malondialdehyde and liver glycogen values decreased significantly. With 20% MOL thymus histology showed an outer cortex of small lymphocytes, heavily- stained densely- packed lymphocytes surrounding the inner marrow clear pale medulla in contrast with other groups. Conclusion It can be concluded that 20% Moringa leaves may exert beneficial effects on lipid, antioxidant and immune status properties of growing rabbits.