Comparative evaluation of iron levels in different pigweed (Amaranthus) varieties as an alternative source of iron supplement in piglets

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to evaluate the potential of pigweed (Amaranthus) as an alternative source of iron supplementation in piglets. The paper further established whether there are differences in iron content among the three (3) species of Amaranthus used in the study. The three (3) species of amaranthus used in the study included Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus palmeri and Amaranthus hybridus. Three (3) samples of each species were randomly selected and each sample was replicated three (3) times giving nine (9) samples for each and a total of twenty seven (27) samples. The samples were designated as A, B and C for A. spinosus, A. palmeri and A. hybridus respectively. The iron contents were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) after ashing and dissolving in acid. Differences among treatment means were compared using F-test. The study revealed that the three (3) species differed significantly (p<0.05) in iron content with hybridus having the highest content. The current study recommends that farmers consider the use of hybridus species as an alternative source of iron supplement in piglets. The study further recommends that further research on the feeding trial be carried out to assess the effectiveness of the hybridus species on the growth performance of piglets.