Abstract

Experiments were performed with the aim of determining the effect of administration of ascorbic acid (AA) on erythrocyte osmotic fragility in pubertal Red Sokoto goats during the early raining season. Ten goats of both sexes served as subjects for the study. Five goats administered orally with AA at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg served as experimental animals, while five goats administered orally with distilled water served as controls. Blood samples were collected a day before AA administration and on days 3 and 7 post-administration of AA to determine erythrocyte osmotic fragility in the goats. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in percentage of erythrocyte osmotic fragility was recorded on days 3 and 7 post-administration of AA. The results showed that AA ameliorated environmental stress by reducing the percentage of erythrocyte osmotic fragility in the goats

Key words: Red Sokoto Goat, Ascorbic Acid, Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility