Frontiers of Agriculture and Food Technology

Frontiers of Agriculture and Food Technology Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-003, December, 2011. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Haematological changes associated with crude oil ingestion in experimental rabbits

S.S. Ovuru* and I.K.E. Ekweozor

Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Accepted 10 October, 2011

Abstract

Blood cell profile among experimental rabbits associated with crude oil ingestion were evaluated and was significantly (P<0.05) altered. Erythrocytes decreased linearly (P<0.05) indicating an anemic condition. The decrease also affected dependable factors such as packed cell volume (PVC) and haemoglobin (Hb). Leukocyctes, the main defense cells of the animal decreased linearly (P<0.05) further indicating susceptibility of the animal to stress and infection. Granulolytic leukocytes, which include neutrophils and eosinophils increased linearly (P<0.05). This increase is a physiological response to stress. Lymphocytes, antibody forming leukocytes decreased linearly, indicating a response to stress and susceptibility of the animal to infection. Crude oil fraction present in the diet has serious consequences on hematological parameters in animals.

Keywords: Haematological changes, crude oil ingestion, experimental rabbits.