Physiological response of weaner pigs fed rice-based indigenous microorganisms in the humid tropics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v5i6.880Keywords:
haematology, indigenous microorganisms, probiotics, serum biochemistryAbstract
Pig production has strong potential to bridge the protein deficiency gap in the humid tropics. Quality nutrition is essential for increased growth and productivity in any pig farming enterprise. This research examined the effect of rice-based indigenous microorganisms (IMOs) solution on the haematological and serum biochemical indices of weaner pigs in the humid tropics. A total of 24 weaner pigs (Aged 12-weeks) with an average body weight of 10.21 ± 0.4 kg were randomly assigned to three treatments (T) group and four replications each in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments comprised three levels of rice IMOs in water: T1 (0 mL/L-1), T2 (5 mL/L), and T3 (10 mL/L-1). The weaner pigs were exposed to the rice IMOs for a period of 20 weeks. Data were collected on haematology and serum biochemical parameters. The results showed that rice IMOs significantly (p < 0.05) increased haemoglobin (16.59 ± 0.05 g/dL), packed cell volume (41.80 ± 0.12%), red blood cells (14.50 ± 0.16 x 106/µL), and white blood cells (19.80 ± 0.18 x 103/µL) concentrations of pigs in T3. Neutrophil (28.00 ± 0.08 %), eosinophil (8.00 ± 0.26 %), and monocyte (6.00 ± 0.10 %) blood concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) at T2, with lowered lymphocyte compared to other treatments. Compared with IMOs-treated pigs, total protein, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total cholesterol were higher in the control group (T1). Alkaline phosphate (37.12 ± 0.18 µL/L) and urea (45.00 ± 0.18 mg/dL) concentrations were equally higher (p < 0.05) for T3 pigs. However, albumin concentration showed a non-significant effect (p > 0.05) on the pigs. Based on these findings, the study concluded that rice-based IMOs fed at 10 mL/L improved the physiological health status of weaner pigs in the humid tropics.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ndubuisi Samuel Machebe, Luke Chukwudi Ali, Bright Chigozie Amaefule, Nnanna Ephraim Ikeh, Cynthia Ifechukwu Emmanuel, Amarachi Linda Obinna, Paulinus Ikenna Umeugokwe, Onwuamaeze Gabriel Ugwu
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