Blood profile of West African dwarf goats fed diets containing varying levels of Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaf meal

Abstract

An 86-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of Siam weed leaf meal (SWLM) containing diets on the blood profile of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Sixteen WAD bucks of about 8–10 months of age averaging 7.35kg in weight were randomly allotted to four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% inclusion levels of SWLM in a completely randomized design. The bucks were fed the experimental diets on 3.0% body weight per day basis in the morning (8.00 hours) and later at 15.00 hours, were fed 1 kg wilted Panicum maximum as basal diet. Results showed that packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cells and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the 5% inclusion of SWLM. Mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 and T3. White blood cells increased significantly (p<0.05) from T1 to T4. Total protein was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 and T3. Albumin and glucose were higher (p<0.05) in T1 and T2. Globulin and high-density lipoprotein were significantly (p<0.05) high in T4 (15% SWLM). T2 showed significantly (p<0.05) higher creatinine value. Cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein were significantly higher in T1. In conclusion, the inclusion of Siam weed leaf meal in the diets of West African dwarf goats had no deleterious effects on the blood profile of WAD goats and hence could be included in goat diets up to 15%, since all the blood parameters measured fall within the reference values for goats.