Effect of feeding different levels of Balanite aegyptiaca kernel cakes on some hematological and serum biochemical parameters in indigenous Kenana steers in the Sudan

Abstract EN

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of Balanite aegyptiaca seed cake on some blood parameters in Kenana steers.

Four rations were formulated and Balanite aegyptiaca was incorporated into steers' rations at three levels, zero, 5, 10 and 20% to replace similar proportions of groundnut cake.

Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and analyzed for red blood cells count (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cells count (WBCs), as well as analyses of serum parameters (glucose, cholesterol, urea, total protein and albumin).

All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance.

The results showed that the mean values of RBCs, Hb concentration, PCV, ESR and WBCs did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among the different animal groups, nor a significant effect (P>0.05) on serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein or albumin.

Significant variation, however, (P

28.67 mg/dl).

It is be concluded that B.

aegyptiaca seed cake has a nutritional value and can replace up to 20% groundnut cake without adverse effects on some hematological and serum biochemical parameters of steers.