Haematological and Serum Biochemical Profiles in Sheep Fed Megathyrsus maximus Hay Supplemented with Urea- Mineral Block Only or in Combination with Leucaena leucocephala

Abstract

Aims: This study assessed the effect of mineral block (MB) or urea mineral block (UMB) and Leucaena leucocephala supplementation on the haematological and serum biochemical profiles of West African Dwarf sheep. Study Design: Sixteen male West African Dwarf sheep were randomly allotted to four treatment diets in a completely randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, School of Agriculture, University of Ghana, from August to November, 2024. Methodology: Supplements of MB or UMB and Leucaena were fed to sheep for 93 days on a basal diet of Megathyrsus maximus hay in four dietary treatments: T1(Hay + Leucaena + UMB), T2 (Hay + Leucaena + MB), T3 (Hay + UMB), and T4 (control; Hay + MB). Feed composition, feed intake, and haematological and serum biochemical parameters were determined. Data were analysed using analysis of variance. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Crude protein (CP) was higher in leucaena (22%) than hay (6%), but dry matter and fibre contents were higher in hay. Dry matter intake was higher in sheep on diet T3 (628.2 g/day) than those on T4 (342.6g/day). The CP Intake was lower in sheep fed T4 compared with all other treatments. All haematological parameters were not affected by dietary treatment. Total proteins and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were highest in T1, but globulin concentration was lower in T2 compared to other treatments. Urea and creatinine concentrations were lowest in T3. The concentrations of the haematological and serum biochemical variables were within the normal physiological range reported for sheep. Conclusion: Leucaena leaves with UMB can be used as supplements for sheep feeding during the dry season to improve their health and physiological status.