Haematological Indices and Serum Biochemical Profiles of Dwarf Goats Fed Elephant Grass and Varying Levels of Combined Plantain with Mango Peels

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to determine the replacement value of plantain and mango peels combination for elephant grass, using haematological indices and serum biochemical profile by dwarf goats. Eighteen West African dwarf goats with average weight of 6.00±0.57kg and aged between 6 to 7 months old were used for the study in the Department of Animal (sheep and goat unit), Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma between July and October 2012. The dwarf goats were allotted to three dietary treatments (T1, T2 and T3) with six animals per treatment in a complete randomized design. The compared diets were; T1 (elephant grass and concentrate in a ratio of 68:32 which served as control group), T2 and T3 68:32 (Combination of plantain with mango peels and concentrate in ratios of 55:13:32 and 50:18:32 respectively). Results showed that initial haemoglobin (8.08g/dl), white blood cell (8.96x109/l), sodium (119.62mmol/l), phosphorus (4.00mg/dl), potassium (4.59mmol/l) and final white blood cell (11.02x109/l), cholesterol (69.03mg/dl), creatinine (1.02mg/dl), sodium (130.72mmol/l), phosphorus (4.01mg/dl) were significantly (P<0.05) highest with animals on T1. Animals on T2 had the highest (P<0.05) in initial glucose level (76.02mg/dl). Initial cholesterol (70.42mg/dl) and final packed cell volume (25.02%), haemoglobin (11.01g/dl), red blood cell (11.21x1012/l), urea (23.38mg/dl) were significantly (P<0.05) better for animals on T3. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in initial packed cell volume, total packed cell volume, albumin, globulin, creatine and final total protein, albumin, globulin, creatine and final total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, calcium with potassium. It can be concluded that plantain with mango peels in a ratio of 50:18 enhance haematological indices and serum biochemical profile for West African dwarf goats.