Effects of the Incorporation of <i>Dracaena arborea</i> Roots Powder on Growth Performance and Some Haematological Parameters in Guinea Pigs (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>)

Abstract

The present study was assigned to evaluate the Effect of Dracaena arborea roots powder in ration on growth performances and some hematological parameters in the guinea pig on diet supplemented with graded levels of incorporation. A total of 40 guinea pigs weaned of local breed and aged 3 weeks were divided into 4 identical batches. Each of the groups was randomly assigned one of 4 rations containing different levels of the powder from Dracaena arborea (Da) roots: Da0; Da0.25; Da0.5 and Da0.75. The results at the 11th week of breeding showed that the highest intake (21.13 g/d) was obtained with the Da0.5 ration. The highest live weight (372.50 g) and total weight gains were obtained with the Da0.25 ration. In addition, the highest commercial (161.75 g) and conventional (307.75 g) carcass weights and large intestine length (99.5 cm) were obtained with the D0.25 ration. The highest values for granulocytes (0.250.10 3 /µl), platelets (805.10 3 /µl) and lymphocytes (6.92.10 3 /µl) were respectively, obtained with the rations containing Da0; D0.5 and D0.75. In view of the above, Dracaena arborea roots powder can be used at a rate of 0.25% in the ration, to improve the productivity of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).