Effect of Diets Containing Graded Levels of Balsam Apple (Mormodica balsamina) on Haematological Parameters of Uda Rams in Semi-arid Region

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of graded dietary inclusion of Momordica balsamina L. (Balsam apple) on haematological and serum biochemical indices of Uda ram lambs. Sixteen rams were assigned to four treatment groups in a Completely Randomized Design, receiving diets containing 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% M. balsamina for 9 weeks. Haematological parameters including packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red and white blood cell counts (RBC, WBC), and erythrocyte indices were measured. Serum biochemical analyses comprised total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, electrolytes, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP). Results indicated significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments in Hb, PCV, RBC, MCV, MCHC, WBC, monocytes, and eosinophils, while MCH remained similar across groups. Serum parameters such as albumin, HDL, triglycerides, urea, glucose, AST, ALP, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate also showed significant variation (P<0.05). Despite these differences, most values were within normal reference ranges, suggesting no adverse health effects. Elevated PCV, Hb, and RBC in the highest inclusion group (7.5%) reflected improved oxygen-carrying capacity, while normal serum biochemical values indicated proper liver and kidney function. The study concludes that M. balsamina can be safely included in ram diets up to 7.5% without compromising haematological health or metabolic function, supporting its potential as a local feed additive to enhance nutritional quality.