Effect of nano-encapsulated ginger on the physiological response, oxidative status and hormonal profile of rabbits reared in the tropics
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Date
2023
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
The nano-encapsulation technology of phytogenic bio-components is a new technology employed
to solve the unstability challenge associated with phytonutrients, when used as a phytogenic
component generally and in animal studies. Incidence of global warming have resulted into heat stress, adversely affecting animal health and
performance. Application of phytogenic bioactive components, such as the ones found in ginger has
proven positive, this is because ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) contains gingerols, specifically 6-
gingerol, which is an active compound, noted to contain strong antioxidant activity. However, the
instability of phytonutrients in the gut necessitated adoption of nanotechnology, incorporated into
phytochemistry to ameliorate heat stress and improve animal performance. This research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nano-encapsulated ethanolic ginger
extract on the physiological response, oxidative status and hormones of rabbit does in the tropics. Sixty-four nulliparous (7-months-old) pure line breeders (New Zealand White Rabbit
does), averagely weighing 23kg, aged between four to six (4–6) months were used. Experimental
does were randomly allocated to four treatment groups at 16 does per treatment. Experimental
design is as follows; Group 1 received 3mls of water, Group 2 - 50mg/kg body weight of non encapsulated ginger extract in 3mls of water. Group 3- 10mg/kg body weight of nano-encapsulated
ginger extract in 3mls of water. Group 4- 25mg/kg body weight of nano-encapsulated ginger
extract in 3mls of water. Blood was collected via marginal ear vein, serum separated through
centrifugation. triodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine and luteinizing hormone were analyzed using
commercial solid-phase enzyme immuno-assay kits. It was noted that at week 4, respiratory rate, ear temperature, heart rate and rectal temperature
(100.25±1.47, 100.44±1.45, 24.66±1.30, and 24.76±1.37) were significantly (P<0.05) lowered in
treatment group 4, administered with 25mg/kg nano-encapsulated ginger, in comparison to other
treatment groups. All oxidative parameters evaluated were not significantly influenced by the
experimental supplementation of nano-encapsulated ginger. However, 10mg/kg body weight of
nano-encapsulated ginger administration lmproved the luteinizing hormone concentration of test
animals under treatment group 3