Effects of Chickling Vetch (Lathyrus Sativus L.) Grain as Feed on Certain Blood Parameters in Lambs

Abstract

In the present study, effects of use of Chickling Vetch (CV) grain feed, 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 weeks 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 (CVI) was fed with chickling 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 (CVII) was fed with chickling 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 analysis conducted, it was observed that blood Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) level decreased in all groups including control groups, while Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels increased of in CVI and CVII groups depending on CV diet (p<0.05). However, blood Triglyceride (TG), Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), blood Albumin (ALB), blood Globulin (GLO), blood alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Lactate Dehydrogenasis (LDH) levels in the bloods of the lambs were not affected by CV-type diet. The fact that use of CV, which is a good protein and energy feed, increased BUN suggested that a pore protein metabolism was formed in the animals. High ratio use of CV containing anti-nutrient materials like all leguminous grain feeds, was expected to increase ALT, AST and LDH levels; however, it were not caused any changes in ALT and LDH parameters also it decreased AST levels. This evidenced positive effect of CV on liver.