Physiological response of WAD sheep fed different combinations of Guinea grass and ensiled A lternanthera brasiliana (L.) O. Kuntze based diets: Intake, haematology and serum biochemical indices.
| Autor: | Mako AA; Department of Agricultural Science, Tai Solarin University of Education, PMB 2811, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria., Ikusika OO; Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa., Akinmoladun OF; Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, Eastern Cape, South Africa.; Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Adekunle Ajasin University, PMB 001, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria. |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Zdroj: | Veterinary and animal science [Vet Anim Sci] 2021 Nov 20; Vol. 14, pp. 100220. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Nov 20 (Print Publication: 2021). |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.vas.2021.100220 |
| Abstrakt: | Animal feed shortages characterize the long dry season in most Sub-Saharan African countries. Studies exploring alternative feedstuffs with similar or complementary nutritional efficacy to the conventional ones are seriously canvassed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep with different combinations of guinea grass and ensiled A. brasiliana based diets on their intake, haematology, and biochemical indices. A total of 30 growing female WAD sheep (BW =10.5 ± 0.92 kg; mean ± SD), 12-18 months of age were allocated to five dietary treatments containing different inclusion levels of ensiled A. brasiliana (0%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 90%) in a trial that lasted for 90 days. Intakes were estimated daily and body weight changes taken weekly. Blood concentrations of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cells, differential white blood counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils), red blood cells, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine and cholesterol were also determined. The total dry matter intake (DMI) increased ( P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of A. brasiliana . While the feed conversion ratio decreased ( P < 0.05), the final weight and average daily gain significantly increased ( P < 0.05) with increasing levels ensiled A. brasiliana . The red blood cell, creatinine, globulin, cholesterol, white blood cell and its differentials were not affected ( P > 0.05) by the inclusion levels of A. brasiliana . However, the total protein and albumin were influenced ( P < 0.05) by inclusion levels of A. brasiliana . The inclusion levels of A. brasiliana up to 90% promote growth and were not harmful to the ewes. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest with any organization or financial group in the subject matter discussed in the manuscript. (© 2021 The Author(s).) |
| Databáze: | MEDLINE |
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