The effect of aqueous <i>Aloe vera</i> gel extract on serum mineral compositions of Red Sokoto Bucks (Maradi)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Aloe vera gel extract on the serum mineral compositions of Red Sokoto bucks. Blood samples were collected from 30 bucks before the commencement of administration of Aloe vera gel extract for serum minerals and these served as control group. The bucks were now divided into three groups A, B and C containing ten goats per group. The Aloe vera extract was administered orally at 1.0 ml/kg body weight daily at 3.0%, 4.0% and 5.0% to the group A, B, and C respectively for 14 days period. Five milliliters (5ml) of blood samples were collected from the jugulars vein of Red Sokoto bucks in the respective animals in the groups at 7 and 14 days, deposited into anticoagulant free plastic tubes and allowed to clot at room temperature within 3 hours of collection. Sera samples were analysed for potassium, sodium, calcium, Chloride, total protein, and albumin. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA).The results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the values of potassium, calcium, chloride, total protein and albumin in the pretreated control group and posttreatment groups while there were no significant difference in sodium level (P>0.05) in the bucks that were administered with Aloe vera gel extract and control group. This indicated that oral Aloe vera gel administration in Red Sokoto bucks relatively caused some changes in mineral composition which may affect some physiological functions of visceral organs in these animals.

Keywords: Aloe vera, serum minerals, Res Sokoto