Effects of Vetch (Vicia Sativa L.) Grain as Feed on Certain Blood Parameters in Lambs

Abstract

In the present study, effects of use of vetch grain feed (V), which is one of leguminous grain feeds, at different levels on certain blood parameters in lamb rations were investigated. Twenty four of weaned female lambs, which are approximately, 16 week old, were used for the test. Three feeding groups were established for the test. According to it, feed amount, which accounts for 2% of Body Weight (BW), consists of completely dry trefoil for the Control group (C). The second group (VI) was fed with vetch in an amount of 0.75% of BW and Dry Trefoil (DT) in an amount of 1.25% of BW and the third group (VII) was fed with vetch in an amount of 1.5% of BW and dry trefoil in an amount of 0.5% of BW. Two blood samples were collected from the lambs, one was collected at the beginning of the study and the other was collected on the 25th day of the study. According to the analyses conducted, it was observed that blood Triglyceride (TG), Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) and Lactate Dehydrogenasis (LDH) levels in the bloods of the lambs were not affected by V-type diet. However, blood Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) level increased in all groups including control, while blood Albumin (ALB) level increased in VII depending on Vetch (V) diet (p<0.05). It was also, seen that blood alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels decreased as a result of V diet (p<0.05). The fact that use of V, which is a good protein and energy feed, increased ALB level and decreased BUN suggested that a positive protein metabolism was formed in the animals. High-ratio use of V containing anti-nutrient materials like all leguminous grain feeds, was expected to increase ALT and LDH levels; however, it caused decrease in these parameters. This evidenced positive effect of V on liver.