DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2015.v02i05.006

Pages: 356-361

Twenty four rabbits of mixed breeds aged between 10 – 16 weeks, weighing between 600 – 2185g were used in this experiment to determine the effect of feeding varying dietary levels of citrus lemon juice on the biochemical parameters of growing rabbits. The rabbits were randomly allocated into four treatments containing 0% (control), 25%, 50% and 75% fresh citrus lemon juice respectively. Feed and water were served ad-libitum throughout the 5 weeks experimental period. At the end of the juice administration, animals were sacrificed using chloroform inhalation in a desiccators, Blood samples were collected in plain bottles, centrifuged and serum were taken for Liver function tests. Biochemical indices of liver function determined include serum total protein, albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. The result revealed extremely significant (P<0.001) influence of the juice on the biochemical parameters. In conclusion, it is shown that Citrus lemon juice does not alter or impair biochemical activities of the liver, it can be included up to 75% in rabbit diets without any adverse or deleterious effect on the Liver function activities of growing rabbits.