Abstract:
The domestication of African giant rats (AGRs) to supplement animal protein needs in Nigeria and its potential as a laboratory
animal model for biomedical research have not been fully exploited. Thirty AGRs divided into 5groups (A-E) were used for the
experiment. The rats were fed with feed containing graded protein at 9.83%, 14.79%, 21.21% (control), 23.93% and 27.84%
crude protein in feed for a period of 10weeks. They were then sampled on day 28 and day 56 by collecting 5mls obtained from
the orbital sinus of the AGRs into lithium heparinized (20u/ml) tubes for serum biochemical analysis. On day 28 the levels of
sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine at 23.93% CP when compared with the corresponding values in those other groups. The
serum protein level revealed significant differences in the levels of albumin and globulin being higher than the others at 27.84%
CP with 4.34±0.13g/dl and 2.76±0.11g/dl respectively. Serum liver enzymes showed that the level of ALT was highest at
9.83%CP with 9.50±0.61iu. Significant increase was also observed in the level of Triglycerides (74.80±4.21) at 27.84% CP. On
day 56, there was significant increase in the level of urea (47.00±2.52mg/dl) at 14.79%CP. Albumin /globulin ratio was
significantly higher with 1.60±0.29 at 9.83%CP. There was a significant increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with
40.00±1.53iu at 9.83%CP. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the data from this study provide complete biochemical
reference data that would be useful in clinical evaluation and management of AGRs. These will also be useful in achieving an
appropriate diseases management and domestication plan for this species of animal.
