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Effect of Dietary Red Maca Root Powder (Lepidium Meyenii) Supplementation on Haematological Indices, Serum Biochemical Profile and Liver-Kidney Biomarkers of Rabbit Bucks

Ere, R. E, ., Ere-Richard, A. A, and Agaviezor, B.O

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of dietary red Maca root powder (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on haematological indices, serum biochemical profile and liver-kidney biomarkers of rabbit bucks. Thirty mixed-breed rabbits (30 bucks) of 20 weeks old were assigned to five treatment groups, with six bucks per group in a Completely Randomized Design . Bucks received diets containing red Maca root powder at 0% (T1, control), 0.05% (T2), 0.10% (T3), 0.15% (T4), and 0.20% (T5) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected from ear veins and analyzed for haematological parameters such as Red blood cells , White blood cells , Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume , Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Mean Corpuscular Volume , Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin , and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration . The Serum Biochemical Markers includes Urea, Creatinine, Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, Albumin, Aspartate aminotransferase , Alanine aminotransferase , and Alkaline phosphatase . Results showed that RBC and WBC increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing Maca inclusion, reaching 5.60×106/μl and 7.20 cells/μl at 0.20%, respectively. MCV and MCH decreased progressively (P<0.05), while Hb, PCV, MCHC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, and Eosinophils showed no significant differences. Among biochemical indices, urea, total protein, and ALT increased significantly (P<0.05), creatinine decreased progressively, and ALP declined significantly. AST, albumin, and total bilirubin remained stable. All values remained within normal physiological ranges, indicating no toxicity. Red Maca root powder supplementation at 0.15–0.20% enhanced erythropoiesis and immune function while exerting hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects, suggesting its safety and can be utilized as a phytogenic feed additive in rabbit production.

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