Growth performance and blood parameters of grower pigs fed diet supplemented with multi-enzyme complex

Abstract

Maize and soya bean meal are commonly used in pig diets. The high cost of these ingredients however may not be sustainable and economically viable in the long run.  Alternative feedstuff such as wheat bran, rice husk and palm kernel cake are cheaper and readily available but pose challenges due to their high fibre content. This study evaluated the impact of multi-enzyme-supplemented diets on the performance, haematology and serum parameters of grower pigs. In a completely randomised design, forty-five (45) crossbred pigs (Large White × Landrace) were allotted to three (3) dietary groups: T1 (control), T2 (Basal diet + AVB Multi-enzyme (400g/tonne) and T3 (Basal diet + Enziblend Energy (500g/tonne) in a feeding trial which lasted 9 weeks. Performance parameters were determined and blood samples were collected to assess haematology and serum parameters. The results showed that multi-enzyme supplementation had no significant (P<0.05) effect on pig performance. Average daily feed intake of pigs on the different dietary treatments did not differ significantly either. Same trend was observed for average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. There were no significant (P<0.05) differences in PCV, Hb, RBC, platelet count, WBC and leukocyte differentials across the treatment groups. No significant differences were observed for the serum parameters assayed except the cholesterol levels. In conclusion, grower pigs can tolerate the fibre level in the diet and still thrive well without enzyme supplementation.