Weight gradient and physiological responses to cation-treatment by Salmonella enterica-infected rabbits

Interest in immunomodulators is increasing following the recognition that positive immunomodulators could be useful intervention tools in the control of diseases and infections. An attempt to determine the effects of some of the cations on body weight and physiological reactions was carried out. Thirty five female adult New Zealand white rabbits grouped into seven, 5 pairs per each of these cations (Zn 2+, Cu 2+ and Mg 2+ ), and supplemented with 1ml/day of single and double strength concentrations of cation for 24 days; the control was not supplemented with any cation. During the study period the rabbits were fed with Guinea grower mash and water ad libitum. There was regular taking of body weight of the rabbits using a top- loading weighing balance, while feed consumption, rectal temperature, stool frequency, physical appearance and behavioural changes were noted. Weight gradient studies show gradual increase in body weight following cation treatment of rabbits, but after challenging the various groups with oral administration of 0.5 ml of 10 6 CFU / ml of saline suspension of Salmonella. enterica for three exposures on alternative days, there was a progressive decrease in body weight of rabbits. However, there was no significant difference in stool dropping, body weakness, dullness and rough furs in all the groups. Effects were more pronounced in control group than in cation supplemented groups. This result, therefore, provide evidence of the significance of zinc, copper and magnesium oral supplementation in mammals and, of course among these three cations, copper appears to be more effective in improving body weight gain, though the mechanism is not known. Keyword: Trace elements, Body weight, Physiological responses, Salmonella enterica doi: 10.4314/ajcem.v12i3.2