The effect of dietary protein supplementation on the pathophysiology of Haemonchus contortus infection in West African Dwarf goats.
The effect of dietary protein on the pathophysiology of Haemonchus contortus infection in reproducing first pregnancy West African Dwarf (WAD) goats was studied. Eighteen 10-12-month-old pubertal female WAD goats divided into two equal groups were used and confined separately. One group was maintained on high-protein diet (HPD) while the other was maintained on low-protein diet (LPD) from day 1 of pregnancy up to week 6 post-partum. Each animal was infected with 600 infective larvae of H. contortus weekly for 4 weeks and blood collected by jugular venipuncture for the determination of packed cell volume and serum proteins. The results of the study showed that improved protein nutrition significantly enhanced the level of serum albumin (p<0.05). It also significantly lowered the level of serum globulin (p<0.05) that otherwise would be high in haemonchosis. However, improvement in the dietary protein level appeared not to have any effect on the packed cell volume and total serum protein level.
Nnadi
Pius Ajanwachukwu
PA
Department of Animal Health & Production, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. ajannadix@yahoo.com
Kamalu
T Nnanna
TN
Onah
D Nnabuike
DN
D000818:Animals; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006041:Goats; D006188:Haemonchiasis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006189:Haemonchus / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011247:Pregnancy; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D012712:Serum Globulins