Vol. 10, Issue 7, Part C (2025)

Author(s): SV Kshirsagar, SM Bhalerao, SM Bhokre, AY Doiphode, VM Sardar and AK Barate

Abstract: Eighteen (18) growing lambs (5-6 months of age) with similar body weight and sex ratio were selected for the designed experimental study conducted for 91 days. The selected lambs were randomly divided into three experimental groups (T₀, T_1, and T₂) with six growing lambs in each group. A concentrate mixture was be prepared by using conventional feed ingredients with inclusion of Palm Kernel Meal in T₁ and T₂ groups, respectively. The dietary treatment group T? (control group, total mixed ration comprising jowar dry roughage, green maize fodder, and concentrate mixture in a 50:20:30 ratio on a dry matter basis), T? (total mixed ration with inclusion of inclusion of palm kernel meal @10% level), While T? (total mixed ration with inclusion of palm kernel meal @20% level) fed to lambs during the trial period. The blood samples were collected on the 0, 30^th, 60^th, and 90^th days of the trial. The haemato-biochemical parameters were studied and analysed as the mean haemoglobin levels (g/dL) were 11.00±0.13, 11.12±0.27, and 11.45±0.29 for T₀, T₁, and T₂, respectively, while PCV values (%) were 32.34±0.76, 32.43±0.93, and 34.20±1.74. The total protein (g/dL) levels were recorded as 7.08±0.05, 7.33±0.09, and 7.47±0.10, with serum albumin (g/dL) at 3.31±0.05, 3.51±0.01, and 3.56±0.01, and serum globulin (g/dL) at 3.76±0.09, 3.82±0.09, and 3.91±0.09. Serum creatinine (mg/dL) levels were 1.38±0.11, 1.38±0.13, and 1.43±0.13, while BUN (mg/dL) values were 13.58±0.95, 13.74±0.72, and 14.34±0.65, respectively. Liver function markers, ALT (U/L) and AST (U/L), remained stable, with mean values of 15.24±0.95, 15.38±0.98, and 15.63±1.03 for ALT and 33.73±0.08, 32.45±0.08, and 33.10±0.09 for AST. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in any of these parameters across the treatment groups, indicating that the inclusion of palm kernel meal (PKM) in the diet had no adverse effects on blood health, protein metabolism, renal function, or liver enzyme activity in growing sheep