Responses of pubertal rabbits to dietary supplementation of ginger (Zingiber officinale rosc) rhizome powder

Seventy two (72) sexed crossbred rabbits aged 6 months were used to determine the effect of ginger rhizome powder (GRP) supplementation on reproductive organ and serum sex hormonal characteristics of pubertal rabbits. The experimental rabbits were divided into 2 treatment groups comprising 36 males and 36 females. Each group was divided into 4 dietary treatments (BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4 ) of 9 animals and replicated thrice with 3 animals per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were fed formulated diet containing 2900 Kcal ME kg-1 and 18% crude protein supplemented with GRP at the rate of 0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg-1 feed respectively. Rabbits in each dietary group were fed 50gms of Guinea grass leaf meal containing 27.6% CF (dry matter basis) occasionally as additional fibre sources. Feed and water were offered ad libitum and the study lasted for 10 weeks. Testosterone values of BT (5.83 ng mL-1) and BT (6.28 ng mL-1) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of BT (1.15 mIU mL-1) were significantly influenced (p<0.05) by ginger rhizome powder. Bucks on BT3 and BT4 had lower luteinizing hormone (LH) level than the BT1 bucks. For the females, FSH and LH values ranged significantly (p<0.05) from 0.90 to 2.05 mIU mL-1 and 0.90 to 3.15 mIU mL-1 respectively. The 17â - estradiol and progesterone levels also ranged significantly (p<0.05) from 166.35 to 175.05 pg mL-1 and 15.45 to 16.80 ng mL-1 respectively. Ovarian weight of rabbit on BT was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those on BT1 but similar to those on BT2 and BT4 treatments. It was therefore concluded that the use of ginger rhizome powder in rabbit diets improved the weight of the ovary as well as enhances serum progesterone, estrogen and testosterone levels.