Blood profile of growing dromedary camel fed varying levels of dried Gawo (Faidherbia albida) leaves in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dried Faidherbia albida leaves on some haematological and biochemical parameters of growing dromedary camels. Four male camels weighing on average 228.51 kg were randomly allocated to 4 diets containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% dried F. Albida leaves in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design. Normal haematological (whites blood cells, Red blood cells, Packed cells volume and haemoglobin concentration), different Leucocytes count (Neutrophils, Esinophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Basophils) and Serum biochemical parameters have been determined. Statistical analysis showed there were significant differences in all the parameters. However, the values were within the normal reference values. Hence, dried F. albida leaves can be included in the diets of camels up to 30% without detrimental effect on their blood profile in the northern guinea savannah of Nigeria.