Hematological profile of Weaner Rabbits fed graded levels of Sweet Potato

Abstract

The study assesses the impact of the replacement of maize with graded levels of sweet potatoes on hematological parameters so as to establish its threshold level in rabbit’s feed. Twenty-four New Zealand white weaners of similar age and weights (average weight 840g) were at random, divided into four graded dietary treatment groups designated T1-(0%), T2 (25%), T3 (50%) and T4 (75%) (n=6 per group) in a completely randomized experimental design (CRD). The results showed significant variations (P<0.05) in the values of hemoglobin (HB), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelets except for leucocytes and neutrophils that were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments. A significant increase (P<0.05) in mean hemoglobin (HB) was observed in Treatments 2 and 3. Treatments 4 and 1 were not significantly affected by the treatment. The mean PCV values showed a similar trend. Treatments 2 and 3 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than Treatments 4, while Treatments 1 and 4 were not significantly (P<0.05) different. Leucocytes had no significant difference (P>0.05) amongst the treatment groups. RBC was significantly higher in treatment 3 (P<0.05) than in treatments 4, 1 and 2 respectively. White blood cell (WBC) was significantly higher in T1 than in T2, T3, and T4. The effect on neutrophil was not significantly different (P>0.05) amongst the treatment groups. Blood Platelets was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T1, 2 and then in Treatment 4. The study concludes that replacement of maize up to 75% with sweet potatoes in weaner rabbit diets was adequate and does not have an adverse impact on the hematological parameters.

Key words: Hematology, weaner rabbits, sweet potatoes.