Phytogenic additive on the diet of dairy heifers: Hematological parameters

Abstract

With objective to evaluate the effects of utilization of herbal extracts on supplementation of dairy heifers was conducted an experiment utilizing 12 Jersey’s heifers, with mean age and weight at start of trial of eight months old and 112 kg, respectively. The animals were separated in two groups, with same number of replications, considered a Control group (without addition of herbal extracts) and a Treatment group (with inclusion of 500 grams of herbal extracts per ton. of ration). The herbal extracts utilized were a mixture of garlic, onion, cinnamon, clove and linseed. The animals received, daily, divided in two feeding, 2 kg. of ration and, approximately, 3 kg. of alfalfa hay and 10 kg. of chopped fresh black oat and ryegrass. The hematological parameters evaluated were red blood cell count (106 units/ L), hemoglobin and plasmatic protein (g/ dL), hematocrit (%), leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes (units/ L). There were observed significantly differences to red blood cell count and monocytes count (P < 0.10), lymphocytes count (P < 0.05) and leukocytes count (P < 0.01). It is concluded what herbal extracts act above hematological parameters of dairy heifers receiving this supplement.