Effect Of Concentrate Supplementation On Physiological Parameters Of West African Dwarf Ewes In Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture, Farm

ABSTRACT

 This research was conducted to examine the effect of concentrate supplementation on some haematological, serum biochemical and performance characteristics of WAD sheep. Eight adult WAD ewes were randomized into two groups, A and B, of four (4) animals each. Group A animals were fed only forages of different plant species while Group 8 animals received forages supplemented with a concentrate of 12% CP for eight weeks. The results of the study showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) for haematological and serum biochemical values for the groups. The mean Packed Cell Volume (PCV), White blood cell (WBC) counts, red blood cell (RBC) counts and haemoglobin contents were 33.25±0.63%, 11,65±1.54x10/ml, 9.1940.25x10/ml and 11.10±0.25g/dl for group A and 35.50±1.66%, 13.92±3.02x 10/ml, 9.09±0.93x10/ml and 11.85±0.57g/dl for group B. There were more lymphocyte (60.25±6.28 and 62.00±6.16) for groups A and B respectively, than the other white blood cell differentials in circulation. The values obtained for serum total protein, Albumin and globulin were 11.18±1.89, 3.,48±0.18 and 7,70±1.96 for group A and 11.80±0.97, 3.00±0.11 and 7.80±1.01 for group B respectively. Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase values were 10.00±0.82, 2.25±0.63, 33.50±6.06 for group A and 12.50±1.71, 2.0040.41 and 49.50±8.66 for group B respectively. It is therefore recommended that ewes should be fed concentrates to enhance their performance.