Effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Meal on Blood Parameters, Oxidative Status, Antioxidants, and Reproductive Hormones in Grower Rabbits

In the search for safe and effective phytogenic alternatives to synthetic additives in rabbit nutrition, Bryophyllum pinnatum has shown promising biological potential. This study investigated the effects of dietary inclusion of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf meal (BPLM) on hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, oxidative stress markers, and reproductive hormone levels in grower male rabbits. A total of 48 Hyla grower male rabbits, aged 7–8 weeks, were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD): T1 (0% BPLM), T2 (1% BPLM), T3 (1.5% BPLM), and T4 (2% BPLM), with 12 rabbits per group, further subdivided into three replicates of four animals each. After an 10-week feeding trial, blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological indices (erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte indices, total and differential white blood cell counts), biochemical parameters (liver enzymes, total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity [DPPH]), and reproductive hormones. The majority of hematological and biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by BPLM inclusion, indicating no adverse impact on physiological homeostasis. However, erythrocyte count, serum cholesterol, and HDL levels showed significant differences. Erythrocyte count increased progressively from 0% to 1.5% BPLM inclusion, but declined at the 2% level. Serum cholesterol decreased gradually with increasing BPLM inclusion, with the lowest value observed at 2%. Antioxidant activity improved significantly with increasing BPLM levels, as evidenced by enhanced DPPH scavenging capacity and reduced MDA concentrations, particularly at 1.5% and 2% inclusion. Furthermore, reproductive hormones, apart from testosterone, were significantly elevated in rabbits fed diets containing 1.5% and 2% BPLM, suggesting enhanced reproductive function. Overall, these findings indicate that dietary inclusion of BPLM up to 2% is safe and beneficial for growing male rabbits, with positive effects on antioxidant defense and reproductive performance. The functional phytogenic properties of Bryophyllum pinnatum (B. pinnatum) leaves highlight their potential as a natural feed additive for improving rabbit health and productivity.