Light exposure impairs hematological characteristics and oxidative stress markers in male African Giant Pouched Rat (Cricetomys gambianus) reared in captivity

Abstract African Giant Pouched Rat (AGPR) is widely used both to conduct research projects and for meat consumption. In order to improve its breeding and enhance its availability and accessibility, effects of light exposure on hematological and oxidative stress parameters have been studied. Twenty adult males AGPR weighing 945 ± 171g were randomly allocated into four photoperiod regimes either: 0L/24D, 12L/12D, 18L/06D, 24L/0D. Housed singly during 56 days, animals received food and water ad libitum . At the end of the trial, blood and serum were collected for studied parameters analysis. Results revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase of the number of red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) in animals kept in the darkness condition compared to those reared under extended photoperiods. Except for malondialdehyde (MDA) level which was not affected by photoperiod, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly (p<0.05) for any light exposure up to 12 hours per day. In conclusion, photoperiod affects the most hematological characteristics measured and has stressful effects in AGPR. This new knowledge provides a relevant information for the rearing environment of African Giant Pouched Rat.