Heamatology and Serum Chemistry of Uda Rams with Graded Levels of Xylopia aethiopica (Ethiopian Pepper)

Aim: A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of inclusion levels of Xylopia aethiopica on Haematology and serum profile of Uda rams.

Methodology: 16 Uda rams were used in the experiment, The animals were grouped into four treatments and are fed diets containing 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 g/Kg inclusion levels of Xylopia aethiopica in a completely randomized experimental design replicated five times. Blood sample evaluation was carried out at the end of a ninety (90) day feeding trial.

Results: The Heamatological parameters were significant only in the platelets (P<0.05). However, serum evaluation indicated significant differences in total and direct bilirubin, potassium, AST, HDL, triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose (P<0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that inclusion of the test ingredient Xylopia aethiopica in higher quantity above 2.5 g/kg of their total feed may lead to liver disorder thus could not be safe to be used for feeding sheep as it will interfere with their liver function.