HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSE OF WEANER RABBITS FED GRADED LEVELS OF AFRICAN STAR APPLE CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM SEED MEAL

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the haematological profile and serum biochemical indices of rabbits fed graded level of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) seed meal. The study involved forty eight (48) mixed breed weaned rabbits of seven - eight weeks old, with average weight of 186.87±0.03g.The rabbits were allotted into four dietary treatments comprising twelve (12) rabbits per treatment. The dietary treatments were 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% ASASM inclusion levels. The experimental diet contained 15% crude protein and 2488.68 Kcal/Kg metabolizable energy. The feeding trial lasted eight weeks, during which period feed and water were provided ad – libitum. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance. Results obtained from this study revealed that the haematological profile and serum biochemical indices of rabbits recorded no significant (P > 0.05) differences among dietary treatments except cholesterol, AST and ALT (P <0.05) . The study concludes that inclusion of graded levels of C albidum seed meal up to 15% will not pose any adverse effects on the blood characteristics of rabbits.