Effect of enzymes supplementation on growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical responses of grower rabbits fed sorghum based diets

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of sorghum based diets supplemented with enzyme on haematological and serum biochemical responses of grower rabbits. A total of twenty four grower rabbits were used for the investigation which lasted eight weeks. Four experimental diets were formulated which included maize based diet (Control), sorghum based diet supplemented with; Protease (D2), Phytase (D3) and PhytasewithProtease(D4).The rabbits were randomly assigned to the four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Rabbitsfed diet containing sorghum with phytase (D3)had high significant (p< 0.05) value of 115.10g for final weight. Least statistically similar values of 1136.80g and 1033.60g were obtained for rabbit fed sorghum with protease plus phytase (D4) and control diet, respectively. The weight gain followed similar trend with the final weight. The dietary treatments had no significant influence (p > 0.05) on all haematological parameters determined. A range of 2.90-3.15 ×10 /l was recorded for red blood cell, and 5.710.60×10/l for White blood cell While MCH and MCV random 27.1632.75pg and 88.5589.35fl, respectively. Sorghum based diet supplemented with enzymes showed significant (p< 0.05) on serum biochemical indices. Parameters that were significantly influenced include; Total protein, globulin, urea, creatinine and cholesterol. Rabbits fed sorghum based diet supplemented with phytase (D3) revealed highest (p < 0.05) values for total protein and globulin. Highest (p<0.05) value of 7.05mmol/l,102.25mmol/l and 4.50mmol/l were recorded for urea, creatinine and cholesterol, respectively in the control diet. In conclusion, sorghum based diets supplemented with enzyme improved rabbit performance, had no allergic effect on health status of rabbit and enhanced serum protein bioavailability with efficient nutrient utilization.