Effect of inclusion of edible spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) in goat diet on haematology, blood biochemical and physiological responses

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes in the rations of male goat haematology, blood biochmical and physiological parameters. For this, 18 Alpine × Beetal male kids were selected from Livestock Research Centre of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and distributed randomly into 3 groups of 6 animals each based on their body weight and age. In the control group (T₁), maize green fodder and concentrate mixture were supplied in the ratio of 60: 40 (on DM basis) to meet the requirements (ICAR, 2013). In group T₂ and T₃, the maize fooder was replaced by edible spineless cactus accessions No. 1270 and 1280, respectively. Two accessions of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) i.e., 1270 and 1280 used for animal feeding were provided by ICAR- Centrall Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal. Replacement of maize fodder with spineless cactus did not affect haematological parameters like Hb, RBC, WBC and haematocrit concentration in male goats. There was no significant effect on biochemical parameters like glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and BUN due to inclusion of spineless cactus in place of maize fodder. The activity of plasma aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and glutathione peroxidase was similar in all the groups, however, SOD activity was higher (P<0.05)  in cactus fed groups. The concentration of growth hormone and insulin was similar in all 3 groups.  The response of inclusion of both accession No. 1270 and 1280 was similar and comparable to maize fodder in male goat kids in terms of blood biochemical and physiological parameters.