Haematological Traits and Serum Biochemistry of Grasscutters Fed Elephant Grass Supplemented with Concentrate

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical indices of Grasscutters fed elephant grass supplemented with different levels of concentrate. A total of fifty grower Grasscutters were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups of 10 Grasscutters each with 5 replicates with two animals serving as a replicate. The experimental treatments consisted of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9% respectively of concentrate feed supplements which were served at their weekly live weight. The results showed that, except the haemoglobin and blood platelets, all others blood indices measured had no significant (P>0.05) effect. However, Packed cell volume (PCV) (41.61 -41.93%), White blood cells-WBC (2.50 - 2.55 (x 103/ μl), red blood cells-RBC (4.95 - 5.35 x 106/ μl), mean corpuscular volume-MCV (89.25 - 90.80 fl), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin-MCH (25.35 - 25.90 pg) and Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration MCHC (28.10 - 29.20 g/dl) and haemoglobin-Hb (12.07 - 12.55 g/dl). The results of the serum biological indices showed that total protein was not significantly affected except its fractions. Serum glucose, cholesterol, enzymes and ions except potassium were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the test, however these values were within the normal range for grasscutters when compared to other researchers. It was therefore concluded that, basal feed of elephant grass supplemented with concentrate can be fed without any adverse effect on the blood profile of grasscutters.