Effects of Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Ration Supplementation on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters and Liver and Kidney Structure in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to investigate the haematological and serum biochemical response of guinea pigs to green anise (Pimpinella anisum) powder ration supplementation. To achieve this aim, 60 adult female guinea pigs, weighing of 450 ± 50 g were randomly distributed to three experimental groups (20 females per group). Experimental rations consisted of incorporating green anise powder in the basic ration (control) at 0.5% (GA0.5) and 0.75% (GA0.75) of feed. These female guinea pigs were fed with experimental rations, from mating to weaning at 3 weeks post-partum. Their weaned piglets continued to receive the respective experimental diets, until 8 weeks old. At this age, 30 young guinea pigs (15 males and 15 females) were randomly selected (5 males and 5 females per treatment) and slaughtered. Blood was collected in tubes containing anticoagulant (EDTA), for the evaluation of haematological parameters, and in dry tubes, for the dosage of serum biochemical parameters. The main results revealed that the number of total white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes increased significantly (p<0.05) in guinea pigs supplemented at 0.5% green anise, compared to the control. The haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume of haemoglobin, the number of red blood cells and the concentration of placitonin were comparable (p>0.05) among rations. The number of platelets rose with an increasing level of green anise supplementation, but the significant (p<0.05) difference was observed only at 0.75%. The serum concentrations of total proteins, globulins and HDL increased at 0.50% green anise supplementation, referring to the control diet, nevertheless, the difference was significant (p<0.05) just for globulins concentration. Meanwhile, the concentrations of albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, creatinine, urea, ALAT and ASAT were comparable (p>0.05) among rations. The histological sections of the liver and kidney showed that their structures were not affected, following the green anise supplementation. Hence, the feed supplementation with green anise powder at 0.50% in guinea pigs boosted their immunity without side effects on the body functions.