The Physiological Changes Associated with Coccidia Infected Rabbits Treated with Extract of <em>Momordica Balsamina</em> Fruit Bark

Abstract

An extract of Momordica balsamina fruit bark used in plateau State, Nigeria by local poultry farmers for the enhancement of general conditions of birds was studied to verify local claims that the fruit bark is effective as anticoccidial agent in rabbits. Adult rabbits weighing between 1.2 - 1.5 kg were grouped 1 – 4, challenged with Eimeria stiedae oocysts and treated 7 days post challenge with 400 mg/kg body weight with the extract. Fecal oocysts counts, body weight and temperature were determined over a period of twenty days post manifestation of characteristic clinical signs and extract treatment. The decrease in the oocysts load in the treated groups (3 and 4), compared to the infected and untreated group 2 was statistically significant (p<0.05) by chi square analysis. Phytochemical analysis reveals highest concentration of resin and moderate presence of alkaloids, glycosides and flavinoids in the extract. The gross pathology of dead rabbits showed congested hepatomegaly, with circumscribed grayish diffused lesions, while surviving rabbits showed apparently normal liver post extract treatment. The rabbits regained body weights gradually, while the temperature remained normal with absence of oocyst in the feces. In conclusion, this finding shows that the extract enhances the clearing of oocysts with some potential anti-coccidial effect.