Abstract
The haematological effects (Hb, RBC, PCV, Price-Jones curve, MGV, MGHG and Heinz body counts) of feeding lambs on marrow-stem kale were followed and the results evaluated statistically.
The lambs were taken directly from pasture and stabled for the experiment. The control group (10 lambs) were fed hay and crushed grain.
The kale-fed group (10 lambs) received 1.5 kg each per day (13 days), then 2.5 kg per day (18 days) and then free access (14 days) before being placed on the control ration.
A statistically significant drop in Hb levels and erythrocyte counts were noted about a week after the ad lib. feeding of kale was begun. This decline was long proceeded by a significant rise in Heinz body counts. Withdrawal of kale was followed by a macrocytic hyper-chromatic recovery pattern.
The abrupt change from grazing to stable feeding in itself was apparently associated with a drop in Hb levels, packed cell volumes and erythrocyte counts. Even the control sheep developed Heinz bodies in their erythrocytes although significantly fewer than the kale-fed animals.
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