Effect of inclusion of Azolla pinnata on the haematological and carcass characteristics of crossbred large white yorkshire pigs

Abstract

Aim: To study the haematological and carcass parameters of pigs fed with Azolla based rations. Materials and Methods:An experiment was done for 120 days using 18 crossbred Large White Yorkshire pigs fed with diets containing Azolla as protein replacement at 0, 10 and 20 percent, respectively. The mean haematological parameters of the three experimental groups were studied before start of an experiment, and during the grower phase and finisher phase. Two pigs from each group were slaughtered after 120 days of experimental feeding to study the carcass parameters.Results: Haematological parameters like PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC were studied and found that there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between means of the three groups except for MCV and MCH during growing phase. There was no significant difference among the pigs fed different rations for the various carcass characteristics. A higher dressing percentage was observed in T3 pigs (83.45 percent) followed by T2 pigs (81.37 percent) and T1 pigs (81.18 percent). It was noticed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the means of fat percentage and it was observed that fat percentage was higher in T1 (2.11) followed by T2 (2.04) and T3 (1.27). Conclusion:Sun dried Azolla inclusion upto 20 percent in the diets did not appear to affect the haematological and carcass parameters of pigs. Further it was observed that, inclusion of Azolla in the diets of swine helped to obtain higher dressing percentage and pork with less fat percentage when compared to that of pigs fed with conventional concentrates.

Effect Azola (Azola pinnata) Feeding on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Crossbred Pigs

“…Overall average feed intake in terms of per cent body of crossbred growing pigs were 3.39±0.12, 3.37±0.16, and 3.46±0.19 per cent, respectively for the G1, G2, and G3 groups and no significant difference were observed among the experimental groups. The result obtained in the present study is in accordance with the reports of Cherryl et al, (2013). It is supported by the findings of Shamna et al, (2013), who have reported that growth and feed conversion efficiency in quails on Azolla pinnata at 5% displacement level of the basal ration was as good as the basal diet, besides it was more economical due to less expenditure on feed.…”

Effect of Azolla (pinnata) Supplementation on the Haematological and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Deccani Ram Lambs Reared under Grazing Based Production System

“…In the present study, it was observed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the means of PCV, Hb, RBC, W BC in all the three treatments at three stages of experiment. Similar observations were reported by Anitha et al (2016) in rabbits and Cherryl et al (2014) in pigs. Kumar et al (2016) in Barbari bucks observed that when 100 g of fresh azolla was fed per day under intensive system showed no significant difference between the means of Hb, RBC and W BC.…”

Feed Conversion Rate, Growth Performance and Biological Effects of Azolla on Poultry and Livestock: A Systematic Review

“…The finding indicates no significant variations between the initial and final haematological values. This implies that the blood values are more or less similar to the reference values, implying that using Azolla in pig diets does not affect white Yorkshire pigs [22]. Similarly, the haematological profile of the Chabro chicken was unaffected by any treatment [18].…”

“…Aside from that, turkeys [20] and broiler ducks [21] were analysed. Sows [14], white Yorkshire pigs [22], and buffaloes [6] were the only livestock that was tested. Broiler chickens are the most well-known poultry that several experts have extensively researched.…”

“…Cherryl et al [22] performed a study on white Yorkshire pigs in which the haematological values were reported at different periods, such as at the start, during, and end of the experiment for all treatment categories. The finding indicates no significant variations between the initial and final haematological values.…”