M. A. BELEWU and K. O. OJO-ALOKOMARO
University of Ilorin, Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Production, Nigeria
BELEWU, M. A. and K. O. OJO-ALOKOMARO, 2007. Hematological indices of West African dwarf goat fed leaf meal based diets. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 13: 601-606
Growing West African dwarf (WAD) goat (n=20) fed four different leaf meal based diet were compared in a completely randomized design model to determine the relationship between feed intake and haemotological indices for a 56 day period. The experimental diets consist of A (Akee apple leaf meal), B (Etanda africana leaf meal), C (Gliricida sepium leaf meal) and D (Baobab leaf meal). The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in all the parameters (DMI, CPI, CFI, EEI, NDF intake and ADFF intake) determined but without corresponding influence (P>0.05) in the haematological indices (PVC, He, RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils oesinophils, monocytes and Batophils. In conclusion, the results suggest that heavy ruminant production may benefits from the use of leaf meal prepared from Akee apple leaves, Etanda africana leaves, Gliricida sepium leaves and Baobab leaves without any detrimental effect on the health status of the animals.