Oxidative stress indicators of rabbit breeds in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.

Background: Within the rabbit population in Southwest of Nigeria, four breeds of rabbits consisting of Fauve de Bourgogne, Chinchilla, British Spot, and New Zealand White were evaluated for their oxidative status, as indices of physiological adaptation for optimal productivity. This investigation was carried out within July and August when least temperature-humidity index (THI) is observed in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. Thirty bucks per breed were housed individually and randomly allotted to experimental units. Blood samples were collected from all bucks and serum obtained using standard procedures. Serum oxidative stress indicators assay include total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity was determined using standard procedures. Results: Results revealed that serum lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant activity, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the breeds of rabbit. Fauve de Bourgogne, Chinchilla, and New Zealand White had statistically similar serum SOD activity and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than serum SOD activity of British Spot rabbits. This shows that British Spot has the least superoxide anion scavenging ability across the breeds. Conclusion: The breeds of rabbit assessed have similar oxidant generation capacity and antioxidant production, except British Spot that has the least superoxide scavenging which could increase oxidant accumulation within this breed of rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]