Effect of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Powder Supplementation on Hemato-Biochemical Profile of Lactating Mehsana Goats

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of pomegranate peel powder on hemato-biochemical profile of lactating Mehsana goats. Twenty-four lactating Mehsana goats (7 days post- partum) were assigned randomly into four groups (6 animals in each) and stratified on the basis of their live weight and milk production in previous lactation. The experimental animals in T1 group were fed on basal diet while in T2, T3 and T4 groups were supplemented with pomegranate peel powder at the rate of 10, 20 and 40 g per day per head, respectively. The duration of this experiment was 120 days. The blood samples were collected at the end (120th day) of experimental feeding. The mean hemoglobin and packed cell values were non-significant among the experimental groups (the T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups). Likewise, there was no effect on TEC and TLC caused by the dietary addition of pomegranate peel powder in lactating Mehsana goats. The difference in serum biochemical parameters viz. glucose, total proteins, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, ALT, AST and urea were non-significant among T1, T2, T3 and T4 groups. The serum creatinine concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups T2 and T3 than the T1 and T4 groups. Based on the results, it may be concluded that pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder can be supplemented in the diet of lactating Mehsana goats up to the rate of 40 g/day/animal during the period of 120 days post-partum without any adverse effects on hemato-biochemical parameters.