The Effect of Groundnut Shells Supplementation on Selected Biochemical Parameters of Confined Indigenous Cattle during Winter Season in the North West Province of South Africa.

Background: The use of groundnut shells (GNS) in animal feeding is a common practice in tropical countries and most researchers have evaluated the nutritive values of GNS and their effects on animal performance. They are cheap and widely available in South Africa. However, most communal farmers in Mogosane village lack the knowledge nutritive values of such, and therefore do not use GNS to improve the performance of their cattle. Determination of the nutritional status of cattle is important especially when quantifying the effects of a dietary treatment. Blood metabolite concentrations indicate the animal's nutritional status and they are commonly assessed in dairy than beef cattle, such that there are no reference values for the blood constituents of indigenous cattle in South Africa, suggesting a need for research in this area. Methods: An eight-week feeding trial was therefore, conducted to determine effect of different levels of groundnut shells (GNS) on biochemical parameters. Forty cattle were used and were allocated into Groups: A, B, C, D and E with eight animals in each group. Treatment group A was given basal diet and water only. Treatment group B was supplemented with 700 g/kg of GNS, C with 1050 g/kg of GNS, D with 1400 g/kg of GNS and E with 1750 g/kg of GNS. Blood samples were collected into anticoagulant free, allowed to coagulate at room temperature for 24 hours and then centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant sera were harvested and stored in a freezer. Samples were collected once a week for eight weeks and were then analysed using Anision-300 Auto-Analyzer system. Result: Significant values were observed in urea and lipase in animals receiving 1050g/kg of GNS and were significantly (P<0.05) higher when compared to control group and all other treatment groups and even for those animals in treatment group E. These significant values found in urea and lipase, on animals receiving 1050 g/kg, confirmed effect of GNS on metabolic functions on animals depending on natural pasture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]