Nutritional evaluation of mixed forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoid) as feed resources on the haematological indices of pigs

Abstract

A feed trial was conducted with a total of 30 pigs to evaluate the potential of mixed fresh forages (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) on pigs. The trial lasted for 63 days. Five diets were formulated which contains 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% level of grass and legume forage. Each diet formed a treatment which was offered to the pigs. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 2 pigs per replicate, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). The pigs were fed 4% of their body weight and water was given ad-libitum. The blood composition of the pigs in terms of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular concentration. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in white blood cell (17.70 – 23.30) and mean corpuscular heamoglobin (15.83 – 18.03) and mean corpuscular volume (48.00 – 53.16(mg/100ml) and there is no treatment effect on observed in packed cell volume (36.00 – 42.00%), haemoglobin (12.00 – 14.00) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (33.25 – 33.41%). Recommended level of inclusion of the mixed forage (Panicum maximum and Calopogonium mucunoids) in the diet of pigs should not exceed 20%.