Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding varying levels of Cochlospermum planchonii using 25 WAD goats. The study lasted for 84 days during which feed intake and haematological and biochemical parameters were monitored in 25 goats using a completely randomized design. Five diets consisting of pulverized Cochlospermum planchonii rhizome at varying proportions of 0 %. 5 %, 10 %, 20 % and 40 % respectively and designated as T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ were compounded with other feed ingredients. Goats were offered concentrate and Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) at 08:30 am. The results obtained revealed that there was no significant difference in dry matter intake of forage but the amount of concentrate consumed by T₅ was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the other treatments. Haematological parameters such as; PCV, Hb, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils did not differ across the treatments, while biochemical parameters such as; total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, creatinine, urea and ALT were also similar across the treatments, however, cholesterol, AST and ALP were significantly different (P < 0.05). The study revealed that inclusion of Cochlospermum planchonii in the diets of WAD goats had no adverse effects on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Therefore, dietary inclusion or drenching with the plant is safe especially at 20 % inclusion.