Research Article
Effects of Dietary Exposure of Rabbit Does to Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Growth Performance, Blood Profile, Ovarian Follicles and Metric Parameters of Kittens
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
45-55
Received:
19 March 2026
Accepted:
28 March 2026
Published:
10 April 2026
Abstract: This study examined the systemic and cross-generational toxicological impacts of exposure to Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in female rabbits. Forty-five rabbit does were randomly distributed to five different groups with the following varied dietary inclusion levels of DEHP: 0 ppm (control), 100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm and 400 ppm, representing T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The daily feed intake remained similar (p>0.05), however, final live weight significantly (p<0.05) reduced at higher inclusion levels. Haematological analysis revealed a non-significant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin. Serum biochemical results showed an acute hepatotoxicity, typified by an almost three-fold rise in Aspartate animotranferase (AST) (from 33.65 in T1 to 99.47 IU/L in T5) and a statistically significant increase in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the treatment groups. Endocrine disrupting property of DEHP was noticed by a significant drop of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Estradiol (p < 0.05), which shows a correlation with ovarian atrophy and a significant erosion of Graafianfollicles. Furthermore, neonatal indices indicated serious developmental retardation as evidenced by the decreased anogenital distance and crown-rump length at T1 and T2, alongside absolute reproductive failure at 300 and 400 ppm inclusion levels. It can be concluded from this study that dietary DEHP is an endocrine disruptor in rabbits, with a potential to compromise metabolic health of rabbits, leading to total infertility at high doses.
Abstract: This study examined the systemic and cross-generational toxicological impacts of exposure to Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in female rabbits. Forty-five rabbit does were randomly distributed to five different groups with the following varied dietary inclusion levels of DEHP: 0 ppm (control), 100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm and 400 ppm, representing ...
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Research Article
Performance Quality, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of White Sorghum Soaked in Wood Ash Extract
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
56-64
Received:
17 May 2026
Accepted:
30 May 2026
Published:
25 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijast.20261002.12
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Abstract: This study investigated the effects of feeding graded levels of white sorghum soaked in wood ash extract on performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass traits of broiler chickens. One hundred and forty-four day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment had 36 birds, divided into three replicates of 12 birds each. At the starter phase, birds fed the control diet (T1) had the highest significant (p<0.05) live weight (733.00g), feed intake (50.80g), weight gain (36.17g) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) OF (1.44). The highest protein efficiency ratio (3.37) was observed in birds fed T2 (25% WSSWAE). Birds fed T4 (75% WSSWAE) had the lowest (P<0.05) live weight, feed intake and weight gain. At the finishing phase, birds fed T1 had the highest (p<0.05) final live weight (2180.00g), body weight gain (51.68g) and feed intake (93.10g). The best feed conversion ratio (1.08) was observed in birds fed T1. Nutrient digestibility was highest (p<0.05) in birds fed T1, with dry matter (92.61%), crude protein (75.70%) and ash (74.88%). The highest (2165.00g) significant (p<0.05) de-feathered weight and 2115.00g eviscerated were observed from birds fed on T3 (50% WSSWAE) while the least value of 1980.00g and 1930.00g were noticed from T4 (75% WSSWAE). Birds on T1 (Control) revealed the highest (8.63g) significant (p<0.05) different while the least value of 8.27g was noticed from T4. Conclusively, white sorghum soaked in the wood ash extract can be replaced maize up to 50% without negative effect on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and organ weights of the broiler finisher chickens. Therefore, 25% inclusion level of white sorghum soaked in wood ash extract is recommended to substituting maize in broiler chickens diets.
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of feeding graded levels of white sorghum soaked in wood ash extract on performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass traits of broiler chickens. One hundred and forty-four day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment had 36 bir...
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,
Jacob Taiwo Ogunlade
