NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF ENSILED SORGHUM HUSK AND MAIZE COB WITH NON-PROTEIN NITROGEN SOURCES ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILES OF RED SOKOTO BUCKS

This study evaluated the Nutritional Evaluation of Ensiled Sorghum Husk and Maize Cob with Non-Protein Nitrogen Sources on the Haematological and Biochemical Profiles of Red Sokoto Bucks. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Animal Production, Small Ruminant Unit of the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Adamawa State University, Mubi. The experiment was conducted using sixteen (16) Red Sokoto bucks aged 6–7 months with an average initial live weight of 15 kg. The animals were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with four animals per treatment. The result for hematological analysis indicated significant difference (P < 0.05) across the treatment for pack cell volume (22.43 to 31.63%) and white blood cells (4.71 to 9.71 x103 /ul ) while hemoglobin (7.3 to 12.53g/dl) and Red blood cell ( 6.52 TO 7.25 x106 /ul ) showed non-significant difference (P > 0.05) across the treatment. The highest value (12.53 g/dl and 9.71 x103 /ul) recorded in hemoglobin (Hb) and white blood cells (WBC) values were recorded in treatment D while the lowest value (7.30 g/d and 4.71 x103 /ul) was recorded in treatment A respectively. Biochemical profile showed significant (P<0.05) difference across to the treatment; blood urea recorded (34.64 to 46.98 mg/dL) for treatments D, C, B, and A, total protein recorded (4.73 to 7.04 g/dL), Creatinine recorded (3200 to 8850 mg/dl). Glucose recorded (46.60 to 55.70 mg/dL) .In conclusion, Ensiled Sorghum Husk and Maize Cob with Non-Protein Nitrogen Sources fed to Red Sokoto Buck improved key blood parameters such as Packed Cell Volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), and total protein, indicating better health and nutrient utilization. Most values remained within normal ranges, showing it is a safe and beneficial feed ingredient, though the low RBC counts suggest the need for further study. Overall, Ensiled Sorghum Husk and Maize Cob supports good nutrition, disease resistance, and adaptability in Red Sokoto Bucks. Recommendation, The study provide valuable further research could focus on optimizing the ratio of sorghum husk to maize cob in the ensilage mixture as well as determining the precise levels of non- protein nitrogen supplementation that yield the most favourable haematological and biochemical responses without causing any adverse effects.