HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF RAMS FED GRADED LEVELS OF CASSAVA PULP AND DRY POULTRY DROPPINGS BASED DIET

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the haematological indices in rams fed cassava pulp and sun-dried poultry droppings as an alternative energy and protein source. A total of twelve West African Dwarf rams aged 9-12 months were used for the experiment of 70 days feeding trial. Chopped elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was used as basal diet and four diets of Cassava pulp and Dry poultry droppings as concentrate supplements-based diets. The four diets (T1 - 0% Cassava pulp and 0% Dry poultry droppings, T2 - 25% Cassava pulp and 25% Dry poultry droppings, T3 - 50% Cassava pulp and 50% Dry poultry droppings, and T4 - 75% Cassava pulp and 75% Dry poultry droppings) were fed to the rams at the rate of 3% of the body weight. The rams were divided into four treatments in a completely randomized design. Data collected were haematological parameters such as packed cell volume, red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin and many others. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the mean were separated using Duncan multiple range test. The haematological indices of the animals were within the normal range reported for sheep. The PCV, haemoglobin, RBC, WBC, platelet and lymphocyte were however significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 rams than other treatment groups. These are indications of no deleterious effect of cassava pulp and dried poultry droppings on the blood profile and health of the animals.