Department of Zoology, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Omotoso, O.T., Department of Zoology, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Sanya, B.T., Department of Zoology, University of Ado-Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Laboratory rat Rattus norvegicus, fed on poultry growers mash plus additional protein supplements and some heavy metals, was studied for the growth and the haematological parameters. All the dietary supplements resulted in an increase in the growth of the rats. The rats, fed on growers mash and prawn meal showed the best growth within 7 weeks. Effects of diets were significantly, correlated at 0.01 level. Weight loss was recorded in case of all heavy metal-laced diets, however, calcium sulphate-laced diets resulted in an increase in growth. Mercurous chloride was the most toxic salt which resulted in the greatest weight loss. Haematological analysis of rats revealed that RBCs were higher in the case of heavy metal-laced diets than heavy metal-free diets. Generally, RBC counts were higher in females than in males within a group. Fish meal and prawn meal feeding resulted in higher WBC counts.
