Influence of Condensed tannins Supplementation throughFicus infectoriaandPsidium guajavaLeaf Meal Mixture on Nutrient Intake and Clinical Chemistry in Lambs

Abstract

This study examined the effect of condensed tannins (CT) through Ficus infectoria and Psidium guajava leaf meal mixture (LMM) on nutrient intake, calcium and phosphorus retention and clinical chemistry in lambs. Twenty four non-descript lambs 6 months of age with average body weight 10.07±0.59 kg were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments (CT-0, CT-1, CT-1.5 and CT-2) consisting of six lambs in each in a completely randomized block design. Blood-biochemical profile was monitored at 45 days intervals. The intake (g kg−1 W0.75) of dry matter and organic matter were significantly (P<0.05) lower in control (CT-0) as compared to CT supplemented groups. LMM was given to lambs to supply CT @ 1, 1.5 and 2% in CT-1, CT-1.5 and CT-2, respectively. The Hb and PCV levels were highest (P<0.05) in CT-1.5 followed by CT-1, CT-2 and CT-0, respectively. CT Supplementation significantly (P<0.01) reduced serum urea level in CT-1, CT-1.5 and CT-2 groups as compared to CT-0. Serum proteins differed significantly (P<0.05) among various dietary treatments. Serum glucose, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine levels were comparable among all treatment groups. Similarly, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase did not differ significantly among dietary treatments. Alkaline phosphates was significantly (P<0.05) higher in CT-1.5 as compared to CT-2, however, CT-1 and CT-2 have intermediate values between CT-1.5 and CT-0. It may be concluded that dietary supplementation of CT at moderate level (1–2%) did not exert any adverse effect on blood chemistry; however, some blood parameters and nutrient intake was improved considerably.