Effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca (Del) Seed Cake on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Growing Rabbits
Ogori A.F1, Makinde O.J2, Ogori Joeguluba3
Citation : Ogori A.F, Makinde O.J, Ogori Joeguluba, Effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca (Del) Seed Cake on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Growing Rabbits International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences 2018, 4(4) : 11-16
Feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of balanites aegyptica seed bio meal (BASM) as a substitute for groundnut cake in the diet of growing rabbits. Five experimental diets were formulated representing T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. T1 (0% BASM) was served as the control diet, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 contained 25, 50 75 and 100% BASM respectively. A total of 100 weaner rabbits of mixed breeds were purchased from National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria, Nigeria. The rabbits were fed the control diet during the one week of adjustment period. They were given vitalyte as anti-stress and were dewormed using ivermectin. At the end of one week of adjustment; the rabbits were housed in different hutches and fed their respective experimental diets. Each treatment contained 20 rabbits and there were four replicates for each treatment with 5 rabbits each. Results of BASM on haematology and serum chemistry shows that Balanites aegyptiacaseed meal supplementation levels had no adverse effect on red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and packed cell volume and biochemical indices. Moreso, there was no significant difference in the parameters measured for hematological performance and bio chemical lcharacteristics of rabbits studied.. Rabbits fed BASM diets performed like (CP>0.05) those fed with the control diet. It was concluded therefore that 100% roasted BASM contain bio nutrients that can be used in rabbits diet to replace groundnut cake without adverse effect especially in the area of study and related ecology.