HAEMATOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE RESPONSE OF PIGS TO LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA LEAF MEAL SUPPLEMENT

Abstract

Sixteen growing Large White boars (20k2Kg) were used in a completely randomized design experiment to evaluate the effects of four levels of inclusion of 1. leucocephala leaf meal (0%, 5%, lo%, and 15%) on some hematological and morphometrical parameters. The graded levels of inclusion of L. lewocephala in the diets did not have any significant effects on the adrenal and thyroid glands weights, hemoglobin percentage, packed cell volume, red blood cells, white blood cells and plasma protein (P>0.05), Isometric examination of the adrenal and thyroid glands showed significant differences (Pc0.05) in cortex1 medulla ratio of the adrenal gland, tubular diameter and epithelial cell thickness of the thyroid glands with pigs on Leucine supplemented diets showing her values than the control. However, these differences were not consistent with increasing level of inclusion. The study shows that satisfactory performance and organ development can be achieved by inclusion of up to 15% L. leztcocephala leaf meal in the diet of growing pigs.