| Popis: |
Regardless of their well- known role as pests, termites (Macrotermes) are consumed as part of a traditional diet in Igbo region of Nigeria West Africa (Kinyuru 2009). In response to the administration of salt seasoned fried termites (Macrotermes nigeriensis) were evaluated. Sixty male albino rats of weight (180-200g) were used in the study. They were randomly divided into 3 groups viz.: A, B, and C. Group A animals served as the control group, group B were fed with high dose of the fried termites while group C were fed with low dose. All treatments were for 28 days acute study. Biochemical and haematological diagnosis were performed with blood samples collected from the animals with cardiac puncture. Results showed that M. subhylanus increased Haemoglobin concentration (14.8 ± 2.05g, 100ml), packed cell volume ((44.0 ± 4.21%) platelet count 220 ± 65 x 10 9 /L), and white WBC total count (5,200 ± 160/mm 3 ), in test animals compared with their corresponding controls. The biochemical analysis also showed increased levels in protein (51 ± 1.0%), iron (13.06 ± 0.64mg/100ml and lipid content (66.50 ± 0.22%) in test animals compared with their corresponding controls. It could be deduced from this study that the salt seasoned fried meals of M. subhylanus (termites) encourages selective haemopoiesis and is well tolerated. |
