Effects of Feeding High Level of Cowpea Husk on the Haematological and Blood Urea Nitrogen of <i>Uda</i> Lambs

Abstract

This study was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, to find out the effect of feeding high levels of cowpea husk on the haematological parameters and Blood urea nitrogen of Uda lambs. Fifteen (15) weeks feeding trial (including three (3) weeks digestibility trial) was conducted using sixteen (16) growing Uda lambs. Four diets with varying levels of cowpea husk were formulated. The diets were diet 1 control, 0% cowpea husk, diet 2, 20%, diet 3, 40% and diet 4, 60% cowpea husk. Blood samples were collected prior to and at the end of the feeding trial for haematological (blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and bilirubin) studies. Results showed that incorporation of cowpea husk in the diet of growing Uda lambs up to 60% level gave an encouraging effect. Haematological parameters, blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen and bilirubin obtained at the end of feeding trial were within the normal ranges reported in the literature. It could be concluded that cowpea husk has no detrimental effect on the haematological characteristics of growing Uda lambs.