Abstract

Rabbit production plays a considerable role in solving problems of animal protein shortage. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the dipping of male rabbits in Diazinon on immunological and growth performance. Rabbits were randomly assigned into three equal groups (n=20). Different treatments were administered; control group G1 (dipping in tap water); low dose of Diazinon group G2 (0.60 mg Diazinon in 1 liter water); and high dose of Diazinon group G3 (3.0 mg Diazinon in 1 liter water). Results indicated that plasma insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was lower (P<0.05) in the groups exposed to Diazinon than the control group. The plasma total protein and albumin values were significantly declined (P<0.05) gradually in a dose dependent manner. Values of IgG and IgM in blood plasma were gradually declined in rabbits in a dose dependent manner. Unlike the levels of IgM and IgG, Diazinon was found to significantly (P<0.05) elevate the bioactivity of the TNFα in blood plasma as estimated by ELISA. Dipping with Diazinon significantly decreased (P<0.05) growth rate, daily feed intake and feed efficiency. The present research unequivocally demonstrates the adverse effects of the exposure of the growing male rabbits to Diazinon on the relevant immunological parameters and the productive performance.

Key words: Diazinon, male rabbits, IgG, IgM, TNFα, growth performance.