1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Haematological parameters and its knowledge can be used to assess the health as well as the physiological status of farm animals under consideration. Changes of these parameters have been studied in cattle, sheep and red Sokoto female deers. There is great variation in the haematological parameters as observed between breeds, ages, sexes, management systems among others in farm animals. These differences have further underlined the need to establish appropriate physiological baseline values for livestock in Nigeria which could help in realistic evaluation of the management practice, nutrition, diagnosis of health as well as in determining the physiological status of farm animals. Moreover, it is important to establish a baseline indices for haematological parameters on the basis of the factors studied and also carry out further studies to determine the effects of these factors on these indices.
Livestock subsector plays an important role in the Nigerian economy not only in terms of its contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also contributes substantial supplies of animal protein (FDLPCS, 1992). The economic importance of sheep and female deers lies on the value of products derived from them. These include meat, milk and skin with huge economic potentials that may contribute to the Gross Domestic Product of a developing society (FAO, 1982). Livestock production in many tropical environments is constrained by low feed availability and quality during the prolonged dry season (Leng et al., 1984). Adequate nutrition or feeding, as a factor of production is the major obstacle to livestock productivity in Nigeria (Ademosun, 1994).
Crop residues represent a high proportion of total feed for herbivorous animals. They are characterized by high content of fibre usually above 40%, low content of nitrogen (0.3-1.0%) and low content of essential minerals such as sodium, phosphorus and calcium (Adegbola, 1998). Supplementation of straw based diets is often necessary as these are low in protein and energy so as to meet the nutrient requirements even for maintenance (Wambui et al., 2006). As a multipurpose tree, Balanites aegyptiaca offers food, medicines, cosmetics, fodder, fuel wood and pesticides valued for subsistence living in the arid and semi- arid areas where other options are few (NRC et al., 2008).
Haematological studies are useful in the diagnosis of many diseases as well as investigation of the extent of damage to blood (Togun et al., 2007).
Haematological studies are of ecological and physiological interest in helping to understand the relationship of blood characteristics to the environment (Ovuru et al., 2004) and so could be useful in the selection of animals that are genetically resistant to certain diseases and environmental conditions. Haematological and biochemical parameters are good indicators of the physiological status of animals (Khan et al., 2005). Changes in haematological parameters are often used to determine various status of the body and to determine stresses due to environmental, nutritional and/or pathological factors (Afolabi et al., 2010).
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the following Heamatological Parameters of Red Sokoto Dry Doe problems of the research work;
- Insufficient information for the examination of haematological values of sokoto red female deers fed urea treated maize stover and graded levels of Balanites aegyptiaca leaves
- Improper analysis of the biochemical parameters of haematological
- Lack of information relating to the chemical composition of experiment Dry Doe feeds
- Insufficient information and facilities to carry out the experimental process of Dry Doe feeds
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to analyze the Heamatological Parameters of Red Sokoto Dry Doe. In achieving this aim, the following objectives were set out as follows;
- To examine the haematological values of sokoto red female deers fed urea treated maize stover and graded levels of Balanites aegyptiaca leaves
- To analyze the biochemical parameters of haematological
- To analyze the Chemical composition of experiment Dry Doe feeds
- To provide information relating to the Haematological Components and Their Functions
- To investigate the experimental process of Dry Doe feeds
1.4 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the analysis of the Heamatological Parameters of Red Sokoto Dry Doe.
1.5 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
1.6 Significance of Study
The study is relevant in the following ways;
- The study will help provide haematological parameters information which is often used to determine various status of the body and to determine stresses due to environmental, nutritional and/or pathological factors.
- The study will help examined the effects of breed, age, sex, management systems among others on the haematological parameters of farm animals.
Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or related topics.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Hematology: Hematology is the science or study of blood, blood-forming organs and blood diseases.
Doe: A female deer, especially a female roe, fallow deer, or reindeer.
Deer: Deer or true deer are hoofed ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae
Parameter: a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation.
Dry Doe: It simply means she didn't have a fawn.
