Assessment of Some Biochemical Parameters of Rats Maintained on Different Dietary Levels of Heat-Treated Citrullus colocynthis Seed Coat-based Diets

Abstract

Assessment of Some Biochemical Parameters of Rats Maintained on Different Dietary Levels of Heat-Treated Citrullus colocynthis Seed Coat-based Diets The need for increased production of livestock using inexpensive feed ingredients is highly desirous. Some biochemical parameters of rats maintained on different dietary levels of heat-treated Citrullus colocynthis seed coat-based diets were investigated. Forty-nine weanling albino rats, with mean weight of 36.76 g±2.56 g were randomnly divided into seven (7) groups. The groups were then randomly assigned to seven (7) experimental diets. Diet C (Control) contained 100% inclusion level of corn starch. Diets R, A and B contained 100% inclusion levels of untreated, autoclaved and boiled Citrullus colocynthis seed coat respectively, while diets CR, CA and CB contained 50% inclusion levels of untreated, autoclaved and boiled Citrullus colocynthis seed coat respectively. The rats were fed on their respective experimental diets and water ad libitum for six weeks after one week of acclimatization period to the laboratory environment. The haematological parameters; haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cells(WBC) and platelet were determined. Also determined were the serum total protein, albumin and globulin. The results revealed that the concentrations of the haematological parameters and serum protein indices (total serum protein, albumin and globulin) were not significantly (p>0.5) affected by 50% inclusion levels of autoclaved and boiled Citrullus colocynthis seed coat. Compared to the control, the concentrations of the red blood cell indices, total serum protein and albumin were significantly decreased by 100% inclusion levels of untreated, boiled, autoclaved Citrullus colocynthis seed coat and 50% inclusion level of untreated Citrullus colocynthis seed coat while the globulin was unaffected. The results showed that 50% replacement of cornstarch by autoclaved or boiled Citrullus colocynthis seed coat has the potential of supporting healthy growth of rats and may be recommended.