Effect of different dietary protein levels on goats’ blood parameters of Tswana goats reared in extensive production systems

Abstract

Abstract In this study, an experiment was conducted to determine the impact of different dietary protein levels on a goat’s blood parameters. Twenty-four female Tswana weaner goats with similar body weights and ages (3 months old and 10.56±1.28 kg) were used for the experiment. Animals were grouped into three treatment groups of eight goats each in a randomised block design according to live weight. Animals were fed protein 23.51g/kg and energy 8.55g/kg DM and then given Lucerne ad libitum. Blood samples were collected on the first day of the experiment and then weekly until the end of the experiment (365) days. Samples collected were analysed for blood biochemistry a hematologicalcal parameters. Different levels of protein supplementation in goats significantly affected blood glucose, albumin, albuglobulin and urea (P<0.05). It was also noted that hematological parameters were influenced significantly (P<0.05) by the physiological stages of animals. Supplementation of protein influenced blood parameters, which gave an indication of the nutrition and energy status of animals. Incidences of fluctuations in some parameters were observed during this experiment and could have resulted from undetected minor infections, and weather extremities in the study area. The findings revealed that there was no impact on different diet levels of protein supplementation on the health status of animals hence, farmers could be advised to supplement with nutrient density which is cheaper. However, the effects of protein supplementation could also explain the effects on reproduction parameters.