Abstract

THE EFFECT OF MORINGAOLEIFERA OIL - BASED DIET ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND PLASMA LIPID PROFILE IN ALBINO RATS

Ajayi Olubunmi Bolanle, Akintoroye Olufunmilayo, Olaofe Olorunfemi, Olajiga Temitayo

ABSTRACT

The effect of Moringa oleifera oil based diet on growth performance,haematological parameters such as Packed Cell Volume (PCV),Haemoglobin (Hb), White blood cells (WBCs) and differential counts(Eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes), plasma lipidprofile¸ creatinine, urea in albino rat was studied. Twelve, three-weeksold albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) with an initial average weight of31.6 ± 3.2g were grouped into two groups of six animals each. Thefirst group was fed with soya bean oil based diet (control group), whilethe second group was fed with Moringa oleifera oil test diet for sixweeks ad libitum. Thereafter, plasma was collected and analyzed for Total cholesterol (TC),High density lipoprotein (HDL-C), Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), Triglyceride (TG),Total cholesterol (TC). There was no significant difference (P< 0.05) in the weight gained,haematological parameters, and urea in the serum of the test rats when compared with thecontrol, but creatinine level decreased. Also the plasma lipid profile was not significantlyaffected. These results implies that Moringa oleifera oil- based diet supported the growth ofrats with no adverse effect on haematological parameters, plasma lipid profile, urea andcreatinine , therefore Moringa oleifera oil can be said to have a positive immunostimulatorypotential, and it’s a good nutraceutic food for animals that poses no cardiovascular risk.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, haeematological parameters, plasma lipid profile.