Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts of carrot leaves (Daucus carota) on reproductive characteristics in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). For this purpose, a total of 40 nulliparous (females that have never been in gestation before) and sexually mature rabbits of 7 months old, whose average weight was 3.08 kg were used. The animals were divided into 5 groups (T0-, T0+, T1, T2 and T3) of 8 does each comparable in terms of body weight. The rabbits were placed individually in wire cages equipped with a feeding and a drinking trough. Throughout the trial period, the does received water ad libitum and calculated feed. In addition to feed, these animals received daily by gavage distilled water (T0-), vitamin C of 150 mg/kg body weight (T0+). The other three groups (T1, T2 and T3) received respectively 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of aqueous extracts of carrot leaves during the entire period of the test. After a month of testing, the does were presented to males at a ratio of two females to one male for mating. Fourteen days after mating the females were sacrificed for collection of some data.

The results showed that the groups of animals having received the extract were very receptive during mating compared to the animals in the control groups, those of T2 (200 mg) had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in progesterone concentration than the other groups. The gestation rate was significantly higher in does receiving 200 mg (T2) and 400 mg (T3) of aqueous extract of carrot leaves compared to the control groups. The level of GSH and that of MDA in the treated rabbits recorded relatively decreased values compared to the control groups. The concentrations of ALAT, ASAT and urea decreased in animals given the extract as compared to those given Vitamin C. The least value of platelets was obtained in animals that received 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract. In regards to these results, the aqueous extract of carrot leaves may be used as a natural source of antioxidants instead of synthetic products thereby improving the reproductive performances of rabbit does at the rate of 200 mg and 400 mg. This is because it is at these doses that most studied characteristics were improved though further research is required in order to conclude with certainty.

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