Dietary supplementation with Lonicera macranthoides leaf powder enhances growth performance and muscle growth of Chinese Tibetan pigs

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to explore the effects of dietary supplementation with Lonicera macranthoides leaf (LML) on growth performance and muscle growth of Chinese Tibetan pigs. L. macranthoides leaves were harvested, air-dried, and milled to powder. Ninety-six pigs with an average initial body weight of 5.03 ± 0.24 kg were randomly assigned into four groups (24 pigs per group) in a completely randomized design according to the body weight. Pigs were fed either a basal diet with no supplement (control), or a diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% of LML powder. Results showed that dietary supplementation with 1.5% powder increased ADG and lean percentage, improved the gain:feed ratio, and lowered the incidence of diarrhea in Tibetan pigs (P