HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF MALE RABBITS FED FERMENTED CASSAVA PEEL MEAL BASED DIETS

Abstract

This study investigated the haematological and serum biochemical response of male rabbits to fermented cassava peel meal (FCPM) as a partial replacement for maize in their diets. A total of 30 male rabbits (6–7 months old) were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments where FCPM replaced maize at graded level of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% in a completely randomized design feeding experiment that lasted 8 weeks During the trial, data were obtained on haematological parameters and serum biochemical indices. The haematological parameters measured were packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hbc), red blood cell count (RBC) and white blood cell counts (WBC) whereas the serum biochemical indices were total protein (TP), albumin (AL), globulin (GL), creatinine (CR), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT). The results showed significant treatment effects (p<0.05) on PCV, Hbc, RBC, MCV while other parameters were not affected (p>0.05) namely, MCH, MCHC, neutrophil and lymphocytes.  The values for the PCV (39.70%), Hbc (13.35g/dl), RBC (5.88 x 10⁶ uL), and MCV (68.50fl) were higher in rabbits fed 40% FCPM as replacement for maize while the lowest values were recorded by those on 80%FCPM with the exception of MCV that had the lowest in rabbits in 20% treatment group (64.45 fl). It showed from the results that the rabbits utilized the FCPM adequately at 40% as the haematological and serum biochemical indices indicated no severe adverse health or physiological stress. It is concluded therefore, that properly fermented cassava peel meal could be used as a viable alternative replacement for maize as an energy source of male rabbit diets since the blood profiles were within the physiological range for healthy rabbits. It is recommended and advisable that rabbit farmers wishing to optimize healthy rabbits for profitability should consider FCPM inclusion around 40% of the diet.