Effect of feeding oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) leaves on haematological and biochemical parameters of parasitic infected goat in Kumaon hills

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to explore the haematological and biochemical changes due to feeding oak leaves (Quercus leucotricophora) having 3.35% condensed tannin and the comparative effect of oak (Quercus leucotricophora) leaves with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG) in goats infected with Haemonchous contortus for its anthelmintic property. Twenty four local male goats of about 6-7 months of age were randomly divided into three homogenous groups (T1, T2 and T3) of eight animals each. Further, each group was subdivided in to 2 sub groups of 4 animals each and one sub group in each group was treated with synthetic anthelmintic (Ivermectin @ 200µg/kg body wt.) (TA+). Experimental feeding was similar in the three groups except for the roughage source, which was local green grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) in T1A- and T1A+, oak leaves (Q. leucotricophora) in T2A- and T2A+ and oak leaves supplemented with PEG in group T3A- and T3A+, respectively. Concentrate and roughage ratio was maintained 30:70. DM intake (g d-1 ) through roughage, total DM intake and organic matter intake in oak leaves fed groups (T2A-, T2A+, T3A- and T3A+) were higher (P<0.05) than the grass fed groups (T1A-, T1A+). Average daily gain (ADG; g d-1 ) was lower (P<0.01) in grass fed control (T1A-) than oak leaves fed groups with or without PEG supplementation and anthelmintic treatment. Mean Hb (g dl-1 ) and PCV (%) levels were higher (P<0.05) in oak fed goats than in grass leaves fed groups. The BUN (mg dl-1 ) was lower (P<0.05) in oak leaves fed groups while increased with PEG supplementation and highest in grass fed group (T1A-). It was concluded that feeding of oak leaves improved the haematological parameters, blood glucose, serum proteins and maintains the BUN as well as liver enzymes level in the body. Their by it enhances the growth performance of parasitic infected goats showing anthelmintic property without any adverse effect in the animal health and performance.