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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Effect of interval of feeding roughage and concentrate on the haematological and biochemical parameters of Sahelian does
Authors
Muhammad Sani Ibraheem
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the
effect of feeding roughage and concentrate at different intervals on the
haematological and biochemical parameters of Sahelian does. Nine (9) Sahelian
does aged 5–6 months were used in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The
animals were divided into three treatments: T1, where roughage and concentrate
were offered simultaneously; T2, where roughage was offered first and
concentrate two hours later; and T3, where roughage was offered first and
concentrate three hours later. The concentrate was composed of maize offal
(40%), cottonseed cake (30%), bone meal (20%), and salt (10%), while groundnut
haulms served as the sole roughage. Results showed that packed cell volume
(PCV) ranged between 25.67% and 26.67%, haemoglobin (Hb) values between 8.50
g/dl and 8.87 g/dl, red blood cell (RBC) counts between 2.83 × 10¹²/L and 3.10
× 10¹²/L, and white blood cell (WBC) counts between 10.80 × 10⁹/L and 14.10 ×
10⁹/L. Serum biochemical parameters revealed total protein values between 43.33
g/dl and 45.33 g/dl, albumin between 19.00 g/l and 21.67 g/l, cholesterol
between 3.73 mmol/l and 5.00 mmol/l, AST between 124.00 iu/l and 143.33 iu/l,
ALT between 35.33 iu/l and 46.00 iu/l, creatinine between 0.63 mg/dl and 1.07
mg/dl, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) between 20.33 g/dl and 23.00 g/dl. None of
the parameters was significantly (P>0.05) affected by feeding intervals. The
integration of dietary composition, haematological indices, and biochemical
markers confirms that Sahelian does can tolerate feeding delays of up to three
hours without adverse effects on their physiological health. These findings
provide evidence that flexible feeding schedules can be adopted in semi-arid
regions without compromising animal welfare or productivity.
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Pages:364-366
How to cite this article:
Muhammad Sani Ibraheem "Effect of interval of feeding roughage and concentrate on the haematological and biochemical parameters of Sahelian does". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 364-366
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