INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF METALS ON THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM OF RABBITS IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE

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This study investigates the Effect of Metal on the Respiratory System of Rabbits in Jos, Plateau State. Rabbits weighing 150-200g and the Rabbits feed (Maize flour) were bought from National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), VOM and transported to the animal house, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of basic medical sciences, University of Jos for further analysis. The test sample Metal (Lead) weighing 0.01g was purchased from National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), VOM. Four (4) Rabbits weighing 150-200g were randomly selected into 2 groups according to the varying percentage concentrations of Metals (0%, metals+diets) of two animals each. Control has 0% concentration of Metals. After the period of four (4) weeks, vital respiratory internal organ (lungs) of the sacrificed rabbits was collected and preserved in 10% formaldehyde and was taken to National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), VOM for histological examination. The result of the final body weight of the animals fed with metal contaminated diets shows that the control group (150.43±8.785) increased more in the final weight than the experimented group (101.53±6.678) with the mean weight gain of 69.93. Results from the histological examination showed that the lungs of the rabbits exposed to 0% concentration of Metal have normal lung architecture. Whereas, rabbits fed with metal contaminated diets revealed defects in the histology of the lungs. Thus, in conclusion, the results generated from this study showed that the ingestion of metal contaminated diets into the body of animals is dangerous, having the potential of causing oxidative stress and histological damages to vital internal organs that are detrimental to the health of the animal. Therefore, the researcher recommended that metals should not be ingested directly or indirectly because of its harmful effects on the health of humans, government and other relevant stakeholders should embark on massive orientation and public awareness campaign about the harmful effects of metals or how they can mitigate or reduced the usage so that it cannot post source of harm.

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