Microbial population and blood parameters of West African dwarf goats fed scent leaf (<i>Ocimum gratissimum</i>) as additive

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the rumen microbial population and blood parameters of 20 West African dwarf goats fed Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) as additive in a concentrate supplement. The goats were divided into four treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 andT4) with five replicates in a completely randomized design. Four concentrate supplements were formulated to contain scent leaf at levels 0,5,10, and 15g/kg DM. Panicum maximum was the basal diet. Chemical composition of scent leaf and the diets were determined. Rumen fluid and blood were collected from the goats before and after the experiment to determine microbial population and blood parameters. Results showed that scent leaf has moderate crude protein of 10.61% and rich in tannin, saponin and oxalate. At the end of the experiment, bacteria and protozoa counts were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by the experimental diets, however there was a reduction in their values. Fungi count was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the diets and their values reduced as the level of scent leaf in the diets increased. The highest count (0.35×10⁶cfu/ml) was obtained at T1 (control) and the lowest value (0.05×10⁶cfu/ml) obtained in goats fed 15g/kg DM scent leaf (T4). Red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin values increased at the end of the study and were significantly (p<0.05) highest (15.03×10¹²/l, 36.50% and 13.32g/dl respectively) in goats fed T3 (10g/kg DM of O. gratissimum). Serum urea and cholesterol levels were significantly lowest in goats fed T3 and T4. Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values were reduced by the experimental diets. It can therefore be concluded that scent leaf can be included in the diet of West African dwarf goats up to 10g/kg DM for improved RBC, PCV and Hb, and regulation of serum enzymes, urea and cholesterol levels.

Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, microbial population, haematology, biochemical parameters, goats, additives