The dietary effects of coconut oil on the leucocytes and neutrophils count in rabbits

This study investigated the dietary effect of Cocos nucifera oil on the leucocytes and neutrophils level in rabbits. Fifteen (15) young and healthy white rabbits were fed for 8 weeks on daily basis with a 0.5ml/kg body weight using coconut oil meal together with normal animal feed stock and water. A baseline blood sample was collected from the animals prior to feeding them with the coconut extract. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from them in weeks 1, 4 and 8 respectively. The samples were analyzed for total white blood cell (TWBC, leucocytes) count and differential white blood cell (lymphocytes and neutrophils) count using Sysmmex KX 24 Machine. The biochemical analysis of the coconut oil was carried out using Clark's Vitros 250 Analyzer, Model 5546, USA. The results showed no significant mean difference (p>0.05) in the lymphocytes count between the baseline and the mean values for the four weeks interval experiment. However, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the neutrophils count was observed in the 8^th week (15.5%) and for leucocytes level in the 4^th and 8^th weeks (977 and 2700 μL respectively). The significant increase in the neutrophils and leucocytes level could be attributed to the extrinsic effect of the Cocos nucifera oil used as food supplement in the animal feed stock.