The Use of Fermented Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Ripe Plantain Peels (Musa paradisiaca) as Feed: Effects on Haematological and Histological Parameters of Albino Rats

Aims: The effects of fermentation of cassava and ripe plantain peels as feed in-vivo on the haematological indices and histological profile of albino rats.

Study Design: The diet was formulated from fermented and raw cassava and ripe plantain peel blendsvaried at different ratio (100:0, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 0:100).

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Akure, Ondo State between October 2015 and July 2016.

Methodology: Antinutrient analysis was carried out on the fermented and raw blends. Thirty three (33) albino rats were fed with the diets. Weight, fur, mortality and activeness of the rats were observed. Haematological and histology parameters of the rats were examined.

Results: A total number of fifteen (15) microorganisms were isolated during the fermentation of cassava-plantain blend; these comprise of four molds (Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer), ten bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermetum, Pedicoccus acidilactic, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Micrcoccus luteus, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus, Leuconostoc mescenteriodes and Staphylococcus aureus) and a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae). The antinutrient content of the samples decreased significantly with fermentation. There was a significant increase in the Packed cell volume, Red blood cell, Haemoglobin concentration and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, decrease in white blood cell and increase in the body weight gained of the rat fed with fermented feed. The histological parameters of the rats fed with fermented feed showed mild effect on the liver of the rats with no significant effect on the small intestine. The result obtained from this study shows that the fermented samples could be explored in animal feed formulation.