Al-Hikmah University Journal

Nigeria's animal feed sector remains underdeveloped, largely due to high production costs. In

order to ensure sustainable livestock production in many tropical countries, alternative

feeding systems need to be studied and developed. One of the possible ways of solving this

problem of feed scarcity in the animal husbandry industry is through the exploration and

improvement of the hydroponic system to grow forages. This study was aimed at evaluating

the effects of feeding nanoparticles stimulated hydroponically sprouted maize fodder on the

hematological and lipid profile of rabbits. Maize fodder were hydroponically produced in two

trays. Each tray planted with water and nanoparticles (Chitosan, Tripolyphosphate and

gibberelic acid (CS-TPP-GA) respectively. Nine rabbits weighing 850g ± 2.55 were

completely randomized into three. Group 1 was fed control rabbit feed; Group 2, fed

hydroponically sprouted fodders planted with only water while group 3 was fed fodder

sprouted with CS-TPP-GA for 7 days. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and samples

collected for analysis of hematological and lipid profile. There was no significant difference

in the concentration of serum cholesterol, low and high density lipoproteins (LDH and HDL)

of animals fed stimulated fodders when compared with the control group while triglycerides

level was significantly increased in animals fed stimulated fodders. Hematological

parameters were not significantly different from the control except for the significant increase

in haemoglobin. In conclusion, this study revealed that CS-TPP-GA stimulated

hydroponically sprouted maize fodder improved lipid profile and hematological indices and

therefore could be considered an option in the production of fodders