ABSTRACT

One of the reliable information for evaluating nutritional status, performance and physiological state of farm animals to nutrient utilization is through haematological indices assessment. An Eight(8) weeks study was conducted using 20 crossbred weaner pigs of average weight 10-12kg to determine the effects of different levels of graded Musarpoms(ripe plantain peels and palm oil mill slurry) on the haematology of the pigs. The pigs were randomly assigned to five(5) house with four(4) pigs per treatment. The graded Musarpoms was included in the diets at 0, 30, 40, 50 and 60% levels. Feed and water were offered ad-libitum. Blood was collected from the ear lobe, of each animal at the end of the study period.

The parameters measured were Haemaglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), White blood cell (WBC), Red blood cell (RBC), Neutrophils, Lymphocyte, McHc, MCH, Platelet and monocyte. The results showed that the Red blood cell (RBC×106 µl), Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV %), White blood cell (WBC×103 µl), Neutrophils (%), McHc (g/ ),  and Lymphocytes (%) differed (P<0.05) significantly among the treatment diets.  The Red blood cell recorded highest value in treatment three (3) with 5.43 x 10³ µL and lowest in treatment two (2) with 4.79 x 10³ µL. The white blood cell recorded highest value in treatment five (5) with 18.15 x 10³ µL and lowest value in treatment four (4) with 12.17 x 10³ µL. Lymphocytes recorded highest value in treatment four (4) with 67.4% and lowest value in treatment two (2) with 31.8%. In conclusion, this study highlight the variability and responses of weaner's pig fed MUSARPOM 50% using different haematological parameter.  It can be seen that this diet has no adverse effects on the weaner's pigs and therefore, can be used as feed for the pigs in replacement to maize.