Effects of Musa Paradisiaca Stem Juice on the Haematology Indices of Rabbits Induced with Organophosphate based Pesticide
Abstract
To achieve crop productivity, pesticides are extensively used allover the world to minimize the damage caused by pests, and in turn pose serious challenges to farm animals, including rabbits which depend on crop residues and grasses. In this study, physiological effects of Musa paradisiaca juice (PSJ) on the haematological indices. To achieve crop productivity, pesticides are extensively used allover the world to minimize the damage caused by pests, and in turn pose serious challenges to farm animals, including rabbits which depend on crop residues and grasses. In this study, physiological effects of Musa paradisiaca juice (PSJ) on the haematological indices of organophosphate based pesticide (OPBP) exposed rabbits were assessed using thirty-six male rabbits. The study was conducted in a 3 x 4 factorial design assessing three concentration levels of organophosphates-based pesticide (0ml, 1.5ml and 3ml) and four levels of Musa paradisiaca juice (0ml, 5ml, 10ml and 15ml). At the end of twelve weeks trial, standard methods were used to determine the haematological indices which include white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets and WBC differential count. This study revealed that OPBP exerted well-defined effect on all the parameters studied; PSJ had moderate effect in some of the indices examined though all the values are within normal range, and PSJ was able to mitigate the effect of OPBP. It is therefore recommended that at least 5ml of PSJ should be given to rabbits in order to ward-off reproductive dysfunction in male rabbits which might arise as a result of OPBP residue in their feed.
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Introduction
Over time, the increasing human population significantly relies on agriculture for food production and nutrition (Mulla et al., 2020). Pesticide use has grown increasingly in order to decrease crop damage and boost land production. The environmental quality of both human and animal health are be impacted by the load of pesticides used for crop protection (Siriwong, 2006). Due to the ease of purchase and high effectiveness in pest control, farmers are applying pesticides in large quantities. One of the most widely used groups of pesticides is the organophosphate pesticides as they are highly effective in eradication of pests. However, the extensive use of these pesticides leads to the contamination of environmental surroundings (Barceló et al., 1991). It has also been observed that various pesticides affect human beings and animals’ health due to their capability to interact with living systems, especially the endocrine system (Encarnação et al., 2019)
Organophosphates are neurotoxins that act by preventing acetylcholine esterase in the central and peripheral nervous system, causing chorine and acetate formation, and resulting in the blocking of the nerves (Mulla et al., 2020). These inhibitions due to exposure by animals lead to convulsion, paralysis, and lastly death for insects, and to lesser extent mammals (Singh and Walker, 2006). Additionally, organophosphates can cause genotoxic and carcinogenic effects on animals (Kaushik et al., 2009). As stated by Alabi et al. (2013), Musa paradisiaca (plantain) is a crop in the genus Musa and all members of the genus are indigenous to the tropical and sub-tropical. Various parts of Musa paradisiaca promote healthy digestion, enhance stability, help retain, and serve as good sources of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and nitrogen for animals. Plantain also helps in the development and regeneration of body tissues and is a rich source of iron and vitamins, especially Vitamins C and E (Alabi et al. 2013).
Literature reports abound that in some traditional settings, the leaves, roots, and fruits of plantain are used effectively in the purification management of male sexual dysfunction (Alabi et al. 2013). Park et al. (2017) and Fakher et al. (2019) claim that the inclusion of plant extracts in diets improves blood circulation, biochemical indices, semen parameters, androgen status, and fertility index, and has a positive influence on sperm quality in males.
Therefore, research works conducted using natural diets like plantain showed that its consumption by men could enhance some reproductive functions and alleviate certain reproductive dysfunctions.
The aim of this study, therefore, is to determine the efficacy of using plantain stem juice to detoxify the effect of organophosphate based pesticide on the haematological indices of normal adult rabbits induced with organophosphate based pesticide. Specifically, the research was designed to ascertain: 1) The effect of plantain stem juice on the hematological profile (PCV, WBC, RBC, HB, Differential counts) of rabbits 2) The effect of organophosphate based pesticide on the hematological profile (PCV, WBC, RBC, HB, Differential counts) of rabbits 3) The plantain juice xorganophosphate based pesticide interaction effect on hematological profile (PCV, WBC, RBC, HB, Differential counts) of rabbits
Conclusion
The administration of 5ml to 15ml of plantain stem juice to male rabbits induced with Organophosphate based Pesticide was capable of detoxifying the rabbits going by the haematological characteristics studied. Thus, PSJ is one of the efficient natural detoxifiers, which is environmentally friendly, cheap and readily available in our local environment. Rabbit farmers, especially those using forage, and or direct crop residue are encouraged to occasionally give their rabbits PSJ for sustainable rabbit production. This will invariably reduce toxicity due to organophosphate based pesticides often reported in rabbit industries. The study recommends that 5 to 15 ml of plantain stem juice should be given to rabbit bucks being raised in our local environment where farmers often use organophosphate based pesticides for eradication of pests and pathogens in their fields.
