Research Article

 

Effect of Oral Administration of Pleuroteus Tuber-Regium Extract on Growth, Serum Metabolites and Histomorphological Changes in Growing Rabbits

 

Suliat A. Salami1*, Adekunle B. Rowaiye1, Samuel K. Ogoina2, Ayuba A. Amos2, Solomon O. Oni2, Titilayo M. Asala1, Doofan Bur1, Terna H. David2

1National Biotechnology Development Agency, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria; 2Bioresources Development Centre, Isanlu, Kogi State Nigeria.

 

Received | March 26, 2021; Accepted | June 30, 2021; Published | August 15, 2021

*Correspondence | Suliat Adebola Salami, Bioentrepreneurship and Extension Services Department, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Airport Road, Lugbe Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria; Email: salami.suliata@pg.funaab.edu.ng

Citation | Salami SA, Rowaiye AB, Ogoina SK, Amos AA, Oni SO, Asala TM, Bur D, David TH (2021). Effect of oral administration of Pleuroteus Tuber-Regium extract on growth, serum metabolites and histomorphological changes in growing rabbits. Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci. 9(10): 1576-1584.

DOI | http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.aavs/2021/9.10.1576.1584

ISSN (Online) | 2307-8316; ISSN (Print) | 2309-3331

Copyright © 2021 Salami et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

In West Africa, Pleurotus tuber-regium (PTR) is a mushroom specie of high economic value. It is in high demand for culinary, medicinal, and bioremediation purposes (Oyetayo, 2011). Of all the parts of PTR, greater interest is placed on the sclerotium amongst the indigenous people. Several researches (Huang et al., 2014; Nworu et al., 2014; Oghenemaro, 2017) have shown that PTR sclerotium has hematinic, immunostimulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and antihyperglycemic properties. Previous study has also proven its ability to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the proliferation of harmful microbes, enhance immunity, and stimulate the growth and proliferation of the absorptive cells in the gut (Sethiya, 2016).

 

The nutraceutical and growth promoting potential of PTR has been largely attributed to its phytochemical constituents and significant amount of non-starch polysaccharides (e.g. β-glucan) found in its cell wall. Solvent extraction of raw plants is usually done to optimize the concentration of bioactive components (Aziz et al., 2003). However, researches have shown that the bioactivities of extract vary according to extraction methods used (Hayouni et al., 2007; Asif and Kaleem, 2018). Many bioactive compounds have been identified in mushroom extracts and are available for use as dietary supplements (Jyotika et al., 2013).

 

Given the broad spectrum of action, and reports of previous studies, (Vargas-Sánchez et al., 2017; Sohail et al., 2016) it can be inferred that different species of mushroom can play key roles in the nutrition of farm animals. They act as valuable source of nutrition and bioactive substances which has been linked to improved intestinal health, performance and health status of livestock. They can also serve as safe alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. However, reports on the utilisation of PTR in rabbits are sparse. Hence this study was designed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Pleuroteus tuber-regium sclerotium (PTRSE) and its effects on growth and some physiological and biochemical parameters in growing rabbits.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 

Experimental site

This experiment was conducted at the Animal House of the Bioresources Development Centre Isanlu, Kogi State, Nigeria (8°17”N 5°50”E). This lies in the tropical climate with average annual rainfall of 1100mm and annual mean temperature of 34°C and 80% relative humidity.

 

Pleuroteus tuber-regium extract preparation

Indigenous edible Nigerian Pleurotus tuber-regium was sourced from the Bioresources Development Centre Isanlu, Kogi State, Nigeria. The sclerotia’s dark brown skin was removed while the white tissue was cut into small pieces and pulverized (> 0.5 mm) with a dry electric mill. An aqueous decoction of PTRSE was prepared according to the method described by Poonam et al. (2011). The PTR powder (PTRSP) was added into the water at a ratio of 1:15 w/v. The solution was allowed to cool and then filtered. The insoluble solids were separated by filtration through a muslin cloth. The extracts were then filtrated through Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The filtrate was concentrated and dried in a rotary evaporator (Equitron Roteva) maintained at 40°C and stored in air-tight containers at room temperature.

 

Phytochemical screening of PTRSP and PTRSE

Samples of PTRSP and freshly prepared PTRSE were collected and screened for phytochemical constituents. Quantitative estimation of the total phenol was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent method as described by Malick and Singh (1980). 30 ml PTR extract sample was added to 1.0 ml of freshly diluted Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. Two grams of sodium carbonate dissolved in 100 ml 0.1 N NaOH solution was then added to the mixture and mixed thoroughly. The test tubes were placed in a boiling water bath for exactly one min, the tubes were cooled and make up to a suitable volume. The absorbance was measured at 650 nm against a blank of distilled water using a spectrophotometer.

 

Flavonoid concentration was determined and expressed as mg of rutin equivalent (Helmja et al., 2007). 1g of PTR extract was added to 1ml of 80% ethanol. Aliquot of 0.5 ml was added to the test tube containing 0.1ml of 10% aluminum nitrate, 0.1 ml of 1 M potassium acetate, and 4.3 ml of 80% ethanol. The absorbance of the supernatant was measured at 415 nm after 40 minutes of incubation at room temperature. Alkaloid concentration was determined according to the procedure described by Harbone (1984). Five grams of the sample was weighed and dispersed in 10% acetic acid solution in ethanol to form a ratio of 1:10 (10%). The mixture was allowed to stand for 4 h at 28°C. It was later filtered using Whatman No. 42 grade of filter paper. The filtrate was concentrated to one quarter of its original volume by evaporation and treated with drop wise addition of concentrated aqueous NH4OH until the alkaloid was precipitated. The alkaloid precipitated in a weighed filter paper was washed with 1% ammonia solution and dried in the oven at 80°C The tannin content was determined using Folin Denis Reagent as described by Makkar et al. (1993). Suitable aliquots of the tannin-containing extract (initially: 0.05, 0.2 and 0.5 mL) were pipetted in test tubes, the volume was made up to 1.00 mL with distilled water, then 2.5 mL of sodium carbonate reagent were added. Then the tubes were shaken and the absorbance was recorded at 725 nm after 40 min.

 

Experimental animals and experimental design

This experiment was carried out at the Animal House of the Bioresources Development Centre, Isanlu, Kogi State, Nigeria. The rabbits were housed individually in separate hutches measuring 60 cm × 45 cm × 45 cm under controlled light cycle (12 h light/12 h dark). After a 7-day acclimatization period, 72 crossbred rabbits with a weight range of 715 and 725 g were allotted on a weight equalization basis to 4 treatment groups. Eighteen male rabbits each were allotted to 4 treatment groups; with 0, 500, 750 and 1250 mg PTRSE per liter (mg/L) in drinking water per day in a completely randomized design. The extract concentration used in the current study were based on the reports of Okolo et al. (2017) who established that no mortality or toxic signs occurred in Sprague Dawley rats orally administered 50–5000 mg/kg BW of Pleuroteus tuber regium. The required amount of concentrated PTRSE was measured and reconstituted in appropriate volume. Fresh reconstituted drinking water was offered in a pottery on a daily basis to the rabbits. Throughout the 60-day experimental period, the animals were maintained on concentrate ration which was formulated to meet the nutrient requirement of growing rabbits (Table 1). Rabbits were fed ad libitum.

 

Table 1: Ingredient and nutrient composition of the diet.

 

Items	(g/kg)
Maize offal	100.0
Maize	310.0
Full fat Soya	100.0
Groundnut cake	50.0
Wheat offal	300.0
Rice husk	100.0
Oyster shell	10.0
Bone meal	20.0
Premix	5.0
Salt	5.0
Total	1000
Proximate composition (%Dry matter)
Crude protein	15.3
Crude fat	5.14
Crude fibre	12.5
Calcium	0.01

Premix composition per Kg diet: vit A: 4000000IU, vit D: 800000IU, vit E: 40000mg, vit K3: 800mg, vit B1: 1000mg, vit B2: 6000mg, vit B6: 5000mg, vit B12: 25mg, Niacin: 6000mg, Panthothenic acid: 2000mg, Folic acid: 200mg, Biotin: 8mg, Manganese: 300000mg, Iron: 8000mg, Zinc: 20000mg, Cobalt: 80mg, Iodine: 400mg, Selenium: 40mg, Choline: 800000mg.

 

Data collection

Data was collected on feed intake per pen daily, weight monitored weekly, and mortality records kept. The left-over water was measured the next morning to determine the water and extract intake.

 

Blood collection and serum chemistry analyses

On day 60 of the experiment, blood was collected from the ear and/or lateral saphenous veins of 9 rabbits per treatment (36 rabbits in all) for serum biochemical analyses. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined according to the methods described by Reitman and Frankel (1957). Commercial laboratory test kits (Randox laboratories UK) and a UV Vis Spectrophotometer (721 (D), PEC Medical, USA) was used to carry out these analyses.

 

Histomorphological parameters

On the 60th day of the experiment, a total of 24 rabbits comprising 6 rabbits per treatment, were slaughtered after their weights were taken. The heart, stomach, kidney, spleen, and liver of the rabbits were harvested and weighed. The percentage weights of the harvested organs relative to the carcass were determined. Small pieces of the caecum, duodenum, and liver tissues were collected in 10% formalin buffer for proper fixation. The tissues were embedded in paraffin wax, histological sections of 5–6 μm in thickness were made and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for gut measurements and histopathological examinations.

 

Statistical analysis

Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test in a completely randomized design. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS version 9.1 software (SAS, 2000). A Duncan, multiple range test was done at 95% confidence interval to separate statistically significant means. Polynomial contrast (Linear (L), quadratic (Q) and cubic (C)) was also applied to determine the effect of dosage of PTRSE.

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 

Figure 1 shows the concentration of phytochemicals present in both PTRS powder (PTRSP) and extract (PTRSE). Phytochemicals with antioxidant properties were detected in varying concentrations in both PTRSP and PTRSE. The phytate, tannin, alkaloid, and phenol contents of the extract were higher than those of the powder. However, the flavonoid content of the extract was lower than that of the powder. Cyanide, an important antinutrient was also detected in minute amounts in in both powder and extract.

 

 

Table 2 shows the performance and serum biochemical parameters in the experimental rabbits. The live weight (P<0.01) and weight gain (L, Q:P<0.01) increased following increasing levels of extract in drinking water. In a similar vein, FCR reduced (L, Q:P<0.01). The highest values for live weight and weight gain were recorded in rabbits administered 750 mg/L PTRSE while the least values were seen in the control group. Feed intake and FCR in rabbits on 750 mg/L were similar to those on 1250 mg/L PTRSE. A corresponding decline in feed intake (L:P<0.05, Q:P<0.01). Followed increasing levels of PTRS extract in drinking water. Water intake (P<0.05) in rabbits on 500 mg/L and 750 mg/L PTRSE were higher than those of the control group. As the extract’s levels in drinking water increased, extract intake increased (L, Q:P<0.01). Percentage mortality in all treatments were less than 5%.

 

In comparison with the control and other treatment groups, serum albumin concentration was cubically lower (P<0.05) while globulin was higher (L:P<0.05, Q:P<0.01) in rabbits on 750 mg/L PTRSE. Serum total cholesterol in rabbits administered varying levels of extract in drinking water was higher ((L:P<0.05, Q:P<0.01), Triglyceride was quadratically lower (P<0.05), HDL and LDL were higher (P<0.01) while VLDL was quadratically lower (P<0.05) than those of the control group. An increase (L:P<0.05, Q:P<0.01) in glucose concentration was observed following increasing levels of extract in drinking water and rabbits on 1250 mg/L PTRSE had the highest value while the control group had the least. Serum creatinine in rabbits on varying levels of PTRSE was cubically lower (P<0.05) than those of the control and rabbits on 750 mg/L PTRSE had the lowest value. Serum ALT was quadratically lower (P<0.01) in rabbits on 500 mg/L while ALP was lowest (L, Q:P<0.01) in rabbits on 750 mg/L PTRSE when compared to those of control and other treatment groups.

 

Table 3 shows the relative organ weights and intestinal measurements in growing rabbits orally administered with aqueous extracts of PTRS in drinking water. The relative weight of kidney and cecum were cubically higher (P < 0.01) in T2 while those of small intestine were cubically lower (P < 0.01) in T3 when compared with the control and those allotted to other treatment groups. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the relative weights of liver, spleen, heart, stomach, and duodenum. Cecal weight in rabbits on 750 mg/L PTRSE was cubically higher (P<0.01) than those on other treatment groups. Cecal villi height in rabbits on 750 and 1250 mg/L PTRSE was higher (L, Q:P<0.05) while apical width in rabbits on 750 mg/L PTRSE was quadratically higher (P<0.05) than those of the control group. A non-significant (P>0.05) increase in duodenal villi height was also observed following increasing levels of extracts in drinking water.

 

Table 2: Performance characteristics and serum biochemical measurements in experimental rabbits administered varying levels of PTRSE in drinking water.

 

	Amount of PTRSE in drinking water in mg/L					Probability
Parameter	0	500	750	1250	SEM	Linear	Quadratic	Cubic
Initial weight (g/rabbit)	718.03	725.09	725.29	721.56	1.71	NS	NS	NS
Final live weight (g/rabbit)	1284.33d	1562.14c	1810.75a	1723.16b	42.55	**	NS	**
weight gain (g/rabbit/day)	9.44 d	13.95c	18.09a	16.69b	0.70	**	**	**
Feed intake (g/rabbit/day)	71.17 a	67.08 ab	64.00 bc	61.41 bc	1.03	**	**	**
Feed conversion ratio	7.54a	4.81b	3.54c	3.68c	0.342	**	**	*
water intake (mL/rabbit/day)	157.17b	193.17a	183.03a	150.24b	4.88	**	NS	NS
Extract intake (mg/L/rabbit/day)	0.000d	0.086c	0.135b	0.178a	0.014	**	**	**
Mortality (%)	1.67b	2.20b	3.33a	3.33a	0.228	**	NS	NS
Total protein (g/dL)	9.02	9.13	8.75	9.09	0.12	NS	NS	NS
Albumin (g/dL)	5.47a	5.34a	4.51b	5.72a	0.14	NS	NS	*
Globulin (g/dL)	3.46b	3.79ab	4.24a	3.38b	0.12	*	*	*
Total cholesterol (mg/dL)	52.91c	93.07a	66.36b	62.56bc	3.48	**	*	**
Triglyceride (mg/dL)	79.42a	62.20b	66.13b	61.89b	2.08	NS	*	**
High density lipoprotein (mg/dL)	26.85c	52.84a	38.73b	35.11b	2.35	**	NS	**
Low density lipoprotein (mg/dL)	10.18c	27.79a	14.40b	15.07b	1.41	**	**	**
Very low density lipoprotein (mg/dL)	15.88a	12.44b	13.23b	12.38b	0.42	NS	*	**
Glucose (mg/dL)	117.36b	120.20b	123.7b	138.40a	2.09	**	*	NS
Creatinine (mg/dL)	1.18a	0.853ab	0.66b	1.14ab	0.09	NS	*	NS
Aspartate transaminase (IU/L)	52.07	51.87	50.04	51.29	0.79	NS	NS	NS
Alanine amino transferase (IU/L)	49.67a	37.87b	44.89a	44.89a	1.30	NS	**	*
Alkaline phosphatase (IU/L)	73.58a	68.67a	58.53b	70.27a	1.79	**	**	*

a-d Means along the same row with different superscripts are significantly different at P<0.05 and P<0.01. * P<0.05 ** P<0.01 NS not significant.

 

Table 3: Organ relative weights and intestinal histomorphometry measurements in rabbits administered varying levels of PTRSE in drinking water.

 

	Amount of PTRSE in drinking water in mg/L					Probability
Parameter	0	500	750	1250	SEM	Linear	Quadratic	Cubic
Liveweight (g)	1163.20ab	1035.45b	1254.05a	1059.45b	32.66	NS	NS	NS
Organ weights (% of live weight)
Kidney (%)	0.60b	0.69a	0.58b	0.65ab	0.02	NS	NS	*
Liver (%)	3.41ab	3.36ab	3.76a	2.51b	0.19	NS	NS	NS
Spleen (%)	0.04	0.04	0.04	0.05	0.002	NS	NS	NS
Heart (%)	0.25	0.25	0.27	0.25	0.007	NS	NS	NS
Stomach (%)	2.50	3.81	2.50	2.83	0.30	NS	NS	NS
Duodenum (%)	2.39	1.77	1.94	2.00	0.15	NS	NS	NS
Small intestine (%)	1.66a	0.97b	2.31a	1.83a	0.17	NS	NS	**
Caecum (%)	7.82bc	6.19c	10.00a	7.82bc	0.50	NS	NS	**
Caecum
Villi height (µm)	700.00b	625.00b	990.00a	1100.00a	61.65	**	*	**
Apical width (µm)	70.00b	70.00b	100.00a	50.00b	6.53	NS	*	*
Basal width (µm)	250.00	200.00	215.00	200.00	8.90	NS	NS	NS
Laminal propial depth (µm)	50.00	40.00	40.00	40.00	2.18	NS	NS	NS
Duodenum
Villi height (µm)	400.00	410.00	450.00	500.00	27.74	NS	NS	NS
Apical width (µm)	35.00	30.00	35.00	35.00	11.25	NS	NS	NS
Basal width (µm)	70.00	60.00	75.00	70.00	4.09	NS	NS	NS
Laminal propial depth(µm)	45.00	50.00	40.00	55.00	4.15	NS	NS	NS

a-c Means along the same row with different superscripts are significantly different at P<0.05 and P<0.01. * P<0.05 ** P<0.01 NS not significant.

 

 

 

The experimental rabbits showed signs of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as seen with the different degrees of micro vesicular steatosis observed in rabbits on 0, 500, and 750 mg/L PTRSE (Figures 2, 3, 4, 5). Pathology indicators suggest the worst liver tissue damage occurred in rabbits on 1250 mg/L (Figure 5) and the least occurred in those on 750 mg/L PTRSE (Figure 3). The histopathological evaluation of the hepatic tissue samples was based on the pattern and severity of the injury. There are no necrotic zones, necroinflammation, cholestatic patterns of liver injury in all the groups. However, a focal area of hemorrhagic lesion was seen in rabbits on 1250 mg/L PTRSE (Figure 5).

 

 

Higher phytochemical contents found in PTRSE in comparison to PTRSP is an indication that hot water extraction resulted in the optimization of the concentrations of these bioactive compounds. This in line with the reports of Jo et al. (2017). Lower flavonoid content in PTRSE is an indication that hot water extraction may have led to the degradation of this phytochemical. This observation agrees with the reports of Elhamirad and Zamanipoor (2012) who found that many antioxidants exhibiting high preventive activity at storage temperatures, rapidly break down and lose their effectiveness when exposed to elevated temperatures. Therefore, for optimization of flavonoid extraction, other formal extraction methods that do not involve elevated temperature should be explored. Antinutrients (tannin, cyanide and phytate) detected in both powder and extract occurred at minimal dose considered to be non- toxic to the rabbits.

 

 

The improved growth found in rabbits on PTRSE compared to control agrees with the report of Guo et al. (2004) who showed that mushroom extract increases body weight gain and lowers FCR in broilers. Decline in feed intake amongst rabbits administered PTRSE suggest that PTRSE is an appetite suppressant in agreement with the result of Hess et al. (2017) who found that mushroom extract increased satiety and reduced prospective food intake in human subjects. The opposite trend in water intake against declining FCR seen in rabbits on PTRSE is similar to the observations of Chikumba and Chimonyo (2014) in chickens. Percentage mortality in all rabbits were less than 5% and increases in hepatic enzymes were not reflected. This indicates that PTRSE (up to 1250 mg/l) do not impose detrimental effects on the rabbits. This observation is in sync with the reports of Okolo et al. (2017) in rats orally administered 50–5000 mg/kg b.w of Pleuroteus tuber regium.

 

Improved cholesterol metabolism seen in rabbits administered PTRSE contrasts with the results of Ijeh et al. (2009). The author found that dietary incorporation of PTR at 5 and 10% had no significant hypolipidemic effects in albino mice. These differences in observations may be due to differences in the mode and route of administering the PTRSE. In the former study PTRSP was incorporated into diet while extract was added to water in the current study. This observation suggest that the extraction of the whole plant and the route of administration (via drinking water) led to the release of more bioavailable phytochemicals, consequently improving cholesterol metabolism. Reduced serum enzyme concentration on PTRSE administration to rabbits suggests that increasing levels of extract in drinking water did not cause any injury to the growing rabbit’s tissue. Most values were not higher than those of the control and were within the range previously reported for normal rabbits (1.78-9.8 mmol/l for AST, 1.4-16.6 mmol/l for creatinine, 0-10.0 IU/l for ALT, and 4-20 IU/L for ALP (Harcourt-brown, 2002; Archetti et al., 2008). These results suggests that the dosage of PTRSE used in the current study is not harmful to the liver.

 

Relative weight in most of the visceral organs among rabbits on varying levels of PTRSE and control suggest there was no hepatic injury and this corresponds with the liver enzymes result earlier reported in the current study. The highest cecal weight in rabbits on 750 mg/L PTRSE is an indicator of improved feed motility and digestibility (Hulls et al., 2016). Increasing values of villi height and apical width observed in this study indicate that increasing levels of PTRSE in drinking water of growing rabbits enhances the intestinal absorptive surface and this corresponds to greater absorption of available nutrients and improved growth (Yasar and Forbes, 1999; Panda et al., 2015).

 

Microvesicular steatosis of the liver is the accumulation of many small fat vesicles in the hepatocytes without displacing their nuclei. It has been associated with heterogenous causes including drug toxicity, increased alcohol consumption, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) (Hautekeete et al., 1990; Tandra et al., 2011). The microvesicular steatosis observed in rabbits administered with different doses of PTRSE and the control was at varying degrees in a manner that is not dose-dependent suggesting that it was not caused by the toxicity of PTRSE. Insufficient exercise in caged rabbits may lead to hypercholesterolemia and subsequently NAFLD (Eung et al., 2014). The presence of microvesicular steatosis in greater than 5% of the cells of this rabbits also confirms the NAFLD diagnosis (Nguyen and Feldstein, 2021).

 

In the experimental rabbits, untreated NAFLD seemed to progress into Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The NASH is characterized by periportal inflammation as seen in rabbits administered; 0, 750 and 1250 mg/L PTRSE, lobular inflammation as seen in control; hepatic injury and portal fibrosis as seen in rabbits on 1250 mg/kg and congestion as seen in both control and rabbits on 500mg/L PTRSE (Wanless and Shiota, 2004; Brunt and Tiniakos, 2010). The sub clinical manifestation of the histopathological features of the different necroinflammatory grades of NASH in treated rabbits is independent of the dose of PTSE administered. The focal area of hemorrhagic lesion seen in rabbits administered with 1250 mg/L PTRSE could also be a sign of Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) but further investigation is required since the level of hepatic enzymes does not suggest so (Kleiner, 2017).

 

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 

From the findings of the current study, It can be concluded that the oral administration of the aqueous extract of Pleuroteus tuber-regium up to of 750 mg/L of drinking water can improve the growth, cholesterol profile and nutrient absorptive capacity of growing rabbits without imposing any detrimental effect.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

The authors are grateful for the support of the Management of Bioresources Development Centre, Isanlu, Kogi State Nigeria for providing the resources needed for this research work.

 

NOVELTY STATEMENT

 

The present study examined the growth promoting potential of the aqeous extract of Pleuroteus tuber-regium sclerotia and its effect on histomorphological measurements in growing rabbits.

 

AUTHOR’S CONTRIBUTION

 

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Suliat Salami, Samuel Ogoina, Amos Ayuba, Terna David, Titilayo Asala, Adekunle Rowaiye and Dorfan Bur. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Suliat Salami and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

 

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

 

Ethics approval

All procedures performed in this study were done following the institution’s ethical standards or practice at which the studies were conducted. The experiment was performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.

 

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