The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic (breed) and non genetic (sex and age) factors affecting serum biochemical parameters in Nigerian Sheep. Blood samples were collected from about 119 sheep which comprised the four breeds in Nigeria which include: Uda, Balami, Yankassa and West African Dwarf. The results obtained from various analyses for serum

parameters showed significant effect (P<0.05) of Sodium on breed with the highest mean value on WAD. There was no significant effect on sex but there are varying mean values within the sexes with the male having a predominant high values in major parts of the serum analysis. The effect of age showed differences in mean value with younger animals having greater values. More samples are encouraged for further study to determine these effects on Nigerian sheep.

COVER PAGE

CERTIFICATION

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

ABSTRACT

Chapter One

1.0    Introduction

1.1    Justification

1.2    Objectives

1.2.1 Broad Objective

1.2.2 Special Objectives

Chapter Two

2.0    Literature review

2.1    Origin and Domestication of Sheep

2.1.1  General Classification of Sheep

2.1.2  Description and Distribution of Nigerian Sheep

2.3     Sheep Management System

2.3.1  Extensive System

2.3.2  Intensive System

2.4     Blood

2.4.1  Blood Components

2.4.2  Blood Urea

2.4.3  Serum Glutaminase

2.4.4  Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase

2.4.5  Creatine

2.4.6  Low Density Lipoprotein

2.4.7  High Density Lipoprotein

2.4.8  Serum Albumin

2.4.9  Serum Magnesium

2.4.10Serum Calcium

2.4.11Serum Potassium

Chapter Three

3.0    Materials and Methods

3.1    Experimental animals

3.2    Study Location

3.3    Blood Sample Collection

3.4    Methodology

3.5    Statistical Analysis

Chapter Four

4.0    Results and Discussion

4.1    Discussion

Chapter Five

5.0    Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1    Conclusion

5.2    Recommendation

        References