Effect of Macleaya cordata Preparation as Phytobiotic Feed Additive on the Performance and Blood Profiles of Weaned Pigs

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of sanguinarine the active ingredient of Macleaya cordata preparation as a phytobiotic (feed additive) on the growth performance and blood parameter of weaned pig. Ninety weaned cross bred (Large white × Landrace) pigs of average initial live weight of 8.82±0.21 kg were used for the study. Animals were randomized completely into three dietary treatments and each treatment was replicated three times and housed in groups of 10 (same sex) based on body weight in a concrete floor pen. Treatment 1(control) consisted of an un-supplemented basal diet while treatments 2 and 3 were supplemented with phytobiotic at 0.2 and 0.3 g/kg diet respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, blood was collected from 6 pigs (2/replicate) per treatment. 6 ml of blood was collected through jugular vein puncture into two sample bottles using a sterile needle and syringe very early in the morning before feeding. Growth performance results showed that final body weight, daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly (P>0.05) different across the treatments. The highest final body weight (27.25 kg) was recorded for treatment 3 while treatment 2 recorded the lowest final body weight (26.86kg). The treatment that received highest level of 0.3g/kg of diet inclusion had the highest total cost of feeding (? 6315.20) and average cost of feed per day (? 112.77) respectively. No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in all haematology and serum biochemical parameter in this study. Conclusively, Macleaya cordata preparation cannot be recommended as a feed additive for non-diseased weaned pig, since it showed no enhancing effect on both performance and blood biochemical parameters.