Haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf goats fed ensiled cassava leaves with or without molasses and caged layer waste

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of WestAfrican dwarf goats fed ensiled cassava leaves with molasses and caged layer waste. Eighteen West African dwarf goats were randomly assigned to three experimental diets consisting of cassava leaves ensiled alone (ECF), cassava leaves ensiled with 5% molasses (ECFM) and cassava leaves ensiled with 5% caged layer waste (ECFP) in a Completely Randomized Design. Results obtained showed that ensiling with molasses resulted in lower DM, CP, NDF, tannin and HCN levels. Crude protein intake was similar in ECF and ECFM but lower (P < 0.05) in ECFP ranging from 161.28 - 172.71g/d. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and lymphocyte concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECFP but similar with the values obtained for ECF. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil and monocytes contents in all the treatments. The highest significant (P < 0.05) value of 36.7g/l was obtained in ECFM and values of 29.4 and 24.0g/l in ECF and ECFP respectively for globulin. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in AST content in all the treatments. ALT value of 16.5 IU/L was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in ECF and different from the values of 12.0 IU/L obtained in both ECFM and ECFP respectively. It is concluded that cassava leaves can be conveniently ensiled with 5% of both molasses and caged layer waste without adverse effects on the haematological and biochemical status of WAD goats.