Digestive utilization of Sahelian forages associated with cowpea haulms (Vingna unguiculata) and blood profile in Arabic rams

Digestive utilization of sahelian forages associated with Vingna unguiculata and blood profile study was conducted in scientific garden of the University of Sciences and Technology, Ati (JSUSTA). Three forages were used to assess in vivo digestibity in eighteen (18) rams weighing around 31.83±3.02 kg and displayed individually in metabolic cages in six (6) groups of three (3) animals. Control groups received 1000g of feed made up of Brachiaria deflexa, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Echinocloa colona. While, experimental groups received basal feeds associated with 30% of Vingna unguiculata. The experiment was preceded by 14 days adaptation and 7 days of data collection during which, hundred (100g) grams of feeds and feces as well as urine (10 ml) were collected for chemical analysis and digestibility assessment. At the end of experimentation, two (2) ml of blood was collected from each animal before and after feeding for blood profile analysis. The results showed that the association of 30% Vingna unguiculata have significantly (p<0.05) increased intake of D. aegyptium and B. deflexa in Arab rams. In vivo digestibility of E. colona was significantly (p<0.05) higher in rams when associated or no with 30% of Vingna unguiculata. Blood profile analysis showed that E. colona associated with 30% of Vingna unguiculata induced significant (p<0.05) increase in blood protein, globulin and cholesterol concentration in Arabic rams.