Evaluating Hematological and Immunological Responses to Various Protein Sources in Albino Rat
Student: OLUWAPELUMI HANNAH ALAGA (Project, 2025)
Department of Science Laboratory Technology
Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of different feed types on the hematological parameters of
albino rats, focusing on diets based on soya bean, groundnut, fish, crayfish, and edible insects.
The analysis revealed significant variations in key hematological indices, such as white blood
cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes (LYMP#), monocytes (MID), granulocytes (GRAN), red blood
cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB) levels, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume
(MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
(MCHC), platelet (PLT) count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW),
and plateletcrit (PCT).The SOYA WB group exhibited the highest WBC count (13.9 ×10⁹ /L),
RBC count (8.93 ×10¹²/L), and HGB levels (14.9 g/dL), indicating enhanced immune function
and red blood cell production due to the high protein and omega-3 fatty acids in fish. Conversely,
the CRAYFISH 1 group showed the lowest values in these parameters, suggesting nutritional
deficiencies or imbalances. The edible insect-based diet (CIRINA FORDA 2 WB) provided
balanced hematological outcomes, making it a promising alternative protein source.Comparative
analysis with global literature showed consistency in findings, supporting the nutritional efficacy
of fish and soya-based diets in enhancing hematological health. Recommendations include
incorporating fish-based diets for their immune-boosting properties, supplementing crayfishbased diets to prevent anemia, promoting edible insects as sustainable protein sources, and
ensuring balanced diets with a variety of protein sources. Further research is suggested to explore
long-term effects on other physiological aspects and across different species.Overall, the study
underscores the significant influence of diet on hematological health and provides insights for
optimizing nutrition in both animal husbandry and human dietary practices
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: oluwapelumihannah1@gmail.com
Filters
Institutions
- University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State 369
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital School of Health Information Mgt. 1
- University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State 251
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 14
- University of Ilorin, Kwara State 458
- University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State 20
- University of Lagos 21
- University of Maiduguri ( - Elearning), Maiduguri, Borno State 3
- University of Maiduguri, Borno State 112
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 278