Blood Lipid Profiles of Cattle Grazed on Improved Pasture versus Native Pasture in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Dietary composition significantly influences the lipid biochemistry of ruminants, with implications for productivity, meat quality, and metabolic health. This study compared blood lipid profiles in Bunaji cattle grazed on improved Brachiaria brizantha pasture versus native rangeland vegetation in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Sixty cattle comprising thirty per grazing system were monitored over a sixteen-week period during the dry season transition. Jugular blood samples were collected monthly and analysed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Cattle on improved pasture demonstrated significantly higher total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein concentrations, reflecting greater forage energy and nutrient density. Triglyceride concentrations did not differ significantly between groups, while low-density lipoprotein values were modestly higher in the improved pasture group. Body weight gain was markedly superior in cattle on improved pasture, corroborating the biochemical data on nutritional adequacy. These findings suggest that introduction of improved pasture varieties modulates lipid metabolism in a manner broadly consistent with enhanced anabolic activity. This study provides useful baseline lipid biochemistry data for ruminant nutritionists and veterinary practitioners managing commercial cattle operations in the North Central zone. Keywords: blood lipids, cattle, improved pasture, Brachiaria, Kwara State.