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Blood profile and blood minerals concentration of Red Sokoto bucks fed diets containing graded levels of potato peels supplemented with Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus)

Shittu Hammed Abiodun*, Adole, Patrick Ojiya and Aireavbouan, David Ideyoma

Department of Animal Production, University of Agriculture Makurdi, PMB 2373 Benue State, Nigeria

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2020 23(1): 11-20

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A total of 18 Red Sokoto bucks of about 7-9 mo, weighing between 7.0 - 12.0 kg were used in a completely randomized design in a feeding trial. Blood samples were obtained from the animals through the jugular venipuncture to evaluate the haematological parameters, serum indices and blood mineral concentration of Red Sokoto bucks fed diets containing graded levels of sweet potato peels supplemented with Gamba grass. Water was offered to the animals ad libitum. Four diets were formulated and compounded to contain 0, 50, 75 and 100% graded sweet potato peel meal, in a 12-wk feeding trial. The experimental diets did not have any effect on the haematological indices with the exception of the white blood cell differentials which differed significantly (P<0.05): such as lymphocyte (62.33-73.00%), neutrophil (24.67-32.67%), eosinophil (1.00-2.67%) and monocytes (1.33-4.67%).  The results of the serum biochemical indices and mineral concentration showed that there was no significant effect (P> 0.05) of the diet on serum biochemical values.  This result showed that the health status was not compromised. Therefore, sweet potato peels can replace maize offal in feeding ruminants at 100% successfully without any detrimental effects on the haematological parameters, biochemical indices and mineral concentrations of the animals.