EFFECTS OF REPLACING WHEAT OFFAL WITH SUN-DRIED CATTLE RUMEN CONTENTS ON HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF WEANER RABBITS

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of replacing wheat offal with sun-dried cattle rumen contents (SDCRC) on the hematology and serum biochemistry of weaner rabbits. Forty-five weaner rabbits were randomly assigned to five treatments with varying levels of SDCRC (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% replacement) in a Completely Randomize Design (CRD). The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters. Results showed no significant (P>0.05) effects of the treatment on hematological parameters (PCV, Hb, WBC, RBC, MCV, MCHC, platelets, and lymphocytes) except on Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). The result further revealed no significant (P>0.05) influence on serum biochemical parameters (total protein, glucose, albumin, urea and cholesterol) across all treatments. Based on the results obtained SDCRC can replace wheat offal up to 100% without significant adverse effects on most blood parameters, suggesting its potential as an alternative feed ingredient for weaner rabbits.