Short Term Comparative Analysis of Serum Electrolytes and Performance Characteristics of Castrated and Intact Red Sokoto Bucks

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the changes that occur in performance characteristics and serum electrolytes of Red Sokoto bucks within the first four weeks post-surgical castration. Changes in serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate and chloride) and performance characteristics were investigated in surgically castrated bucks four weeks post surgery. Ten (n=10) apparently healthy bucks were used and they were randomly divided into experimental group [castrated (n=5)] and control group [intact (n=5)] after 3 weeks of acclimatization. Parameters were measured weekly for 4 weeks post-castration. At week 1, the castrated bucks had significantly low sodium and potassium concentration (P<0.05). No significant changes of sodium and potassium levels were observed in weeks 2, 3 & 4 post castration. The castrated bucks had a significantly higher feed intake throughout the study period (P<0.05). Variation in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and body mass index was not significant throughout the study period. This study has demonstrated that surgical castration changes serum sodium and potassium levels within the first 28 days post surgery. The results also indicate that castrated bucks consume more feed than the intact ones.

Key words: Red Sokoto bucks, castration, serum electrolytes, performance characteristics