Effect of Tropical Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Kacang Ratu BW) on the Blood Profile in Hybrid Ducks

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of the use tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Kacang Ratu BW) meal in feed on the blood profile in hybrid ducks. 72 day-old duck were reared for 42 days using stage cages. Ducks were randomly divided into three treatments with four replications and each of the replication consisted of six hybrid ducks. The treatment in this study used tropical alfalfa powder in formulated basal diet with different levels. The study was conducted with three treatments including AL0: 0% tropical alfalfa (control), AL4: 4% tropical alfalfa, and AL8: 8% tropical alfalfa. The feed was given at the age of eight days and adapted to the needs of the ducks. Data observed were blood profile in the form of total erythrocytes, total leukocytes, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, heterophil levels, lymphocyte levels and H/L ratio of hybrid broiler ducks. All data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Statistical analysis used nonparametric tests using Kruskal-Wallis and further tests using Man Whitney for data that were significantly different between treatments. The results showed that the use of tropical alfalfa meal had no significant effect (P>0.05) on total erythrocytes, total leukocytes, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, heterophil levels, lymphocyte levels and H/L ratio of hybrid broiler ducks. It can be concluded that the use of tropical alfalfa meal up to 8% in hybrid duck feed did not effect on blood profile.