Oxidative Stress Markers in Exotic Breeds of Rabbit during Peak of Heat Stress in Ibadan, Nigeria

The study assesses oxidative stress markers in exotic rabbit bucks at peak of heat stress in Ibadan, Nigeria. Four rabbit breeds were considered; Fauve De Bourgogne, Chinchilla, British Spot and New Zealand White. Adult rabbits (10-12 months old) were randomly selected per breed and randomly allotted to experimental units at highest temperature-humidity index. Blood samples were collected through the ear vein and assessed for serum biochemicals and oxidative stress markers; malondialdehyde, total antioxidant activity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase at 7 weeks of exposure to peak of thermal discomfort. The results obtained indicate that serum glucose, sodium and potassium were significantly affected by breed. Serum lipid peroxidation was also significantly lower in British Spot rabbits and highest in Fauve De Bourgogne. Serum SOD of British Spot rabbits (1.47 U/min/mg protein) was significantly highest compared with New Zealand White (1.20U/min/mg protein), Chinchilla (0.92 U/min/mg protein) and Fauve De Bourgogne (0.88 U/min/mg protein). British Spot had significantly highest serum catalase (130.73 nm H2O2 / min/mg protein) activities and an apparently highest total antioxidant activity (0.99mmol/litre) and GPx (40.32 µgGSH/min/mg protein). This suggests that British Spot breed of rabbit had better oxidative stability among the breeds of rabbits assessed.