Effect of Mode of Vitamin E Supplementation on Haemato-Biochemical Parameter and Stress Biomarkers of Uda Rams in a Semi-Arid Area in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of different modes of vitamin E supplementation on haematological and serum biochemical parameters of Uda rams raised under semi-arid conditions. Fifteen Uda rams (18–23 kg) were allotted to three treatments in a Completely Randomised Design with five replicates per treatment. Rams were fed a basal diet without supplementation (Control), supplemented with vitamin E at 40 mg/kg dry matter through feed (Vit-EF), or supplemented with vitamin E at 40 mg/L through drinking water (Vit-EW) for 49 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the trial for haematological and serum biochemical analyses. Data were analysed using ANOVA and means separated using LSD at p < 0.05. Vitamin E supplementation significantly increased red blood cell and white blood cell counts while reducing eosinophil counts compared to the control. Serum total protein concentration was significantly higher in supplemented rams, indicating improved protein metabolism and immune status. The results tend to show Vitamin E supplementation reduced cortisol levels, indicating decreased stress. However, the reduction was only significant (p < 0.05) when vitamin E was provided in feed and no significant changes were observed, suggesting prolactin levels were unaffected by vitamin E supplementation while Vitamin E in water significantly reduced T4 levels (p < 0.05), while T3 levels remained relatively unchanged. Furthermore, relatively to Antioxidative Activities, Vitamin E supplementation decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Both feed and water supplementation showed significant reductions (p < 0.05) and no significant changes were observed while Vitamin E supplementation increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, although the increase was only significant (p < 0.05) when provided in water. The study concludes that vitamin E supplementation enhances haematological and serum biochemical indices of Uda rams, and can be effectively administered through either feed or drinking water depending on management convenience.