Nutrient Metabolism, Blood Indices and Immunity in Haemonchus contortus Infected Goats Fed Condensed Tannins-enriched Densified Complete Feed Blocks

The study was undertaken to assess the nutrient metabolism, blood indices and immunity in Haemonchus contortus infected goats fed condensed tannins (CT) enriched densified complete feed blocks (CT-DCFB). Twelve adult male goats of similar age and body weight (27.51±0.86) were divided in 3 groups (4 in each) in completely randomized block design for the feeding of 75 days. Goats of T₁ (no infection) and T₂ (H. contortus at 1500 L₃/goat) offered DCFB, while goats of T₃ (H. contortus at 1500 L₃/goat) offered CT-DCFB. Nutrients intakes and digestibility were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₁ and T₃ as compared to T₂. Intakes of digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) g/d were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T₂ as compared to T₁ and T₃. Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus intake balances were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T₂ as compared to T₁ and T₃. Mean haemoglobin, packed cell volume, glucose, serum calcium, phosphorus (mg/dl), total proteins and albumin (g/dl) were significantly lower in T₂ as compared to T₁ and T₃. CT-DCFB feeding significantly (P<0.01) reduced serum urea level in T₃ as compared to T₁ and T₂. Feeding of CT-DCFB significantly (P<0.05) improved cell mediated and humoral immunity in T₃ as compared to T₁ and T₂ groups. Mean faecal egg counts were significantly (P<0.001) lower in T₃ as compared to T₂ group. It may be concluded that feeding of CT-DCFB improved nutrient utilization, metabolic profile and immunity in H. contortus infected goats with a saving of Rs. 2.2 per kg.