Oikusika@ufh.ac.za
In recent livestock production, Fossil Shell Flour (FSF), a naturally fossilized sediment, has garnered attention as a feed additive. This study investigated the impact of varying FSF levels on hematobiochemical profiles and gastrointestinal parasite loads in Dohne Merino wethers. Twenty-four wethers were randomly assigned to different treatments: a basal diet (0% FSF) and diets supplemented with 2%, 4%, or 6% FSF. Blood and fecal samples were collected at intervals during the feeding trial. Results revealed that wethers fed FSF-supplemented diets exhibited significant increases in red and white blood cell counts from day 25 to 100 compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, wethers on a 4% FSF diet had significantly lower blood urea and serum creatinine levels (P < 0.05). Overall, FSF supplementation improved hematobiochemical parameters and notably reduced gastrointestinal parasite burdens, particularly at the 4% inclusion level.
