Effect of two direct-fed microbials and mycotoxin binder on performance and blood parameters of weaned pigs

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of multi-strain direct-fed microbials, mycotoxin binder and yeast culture on the growth performance and blood parameters of weaned pigs. Sixty four (64) crossbred (Landrace × Large White) weaned pigs with an average initial weight of 5.9 ±0.3 kg (± SE) were assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomised design. Each treatment had four replicates of four pigs each. Pigs on T1 were given control diet without any additive, while pigs on T2, T3 and T4 were fed the same diet as in T1, to which multi-strain direct-fed microbials, mycotoxin binder (bentonite) and yeast culture were added respectively and the study lasted for 56 days. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in daily feed intake and daily weight gains, thereby resulting in variation in the final body weights across the groups. Pigs on T2 had the highest daily feed intake (kg) and cost of feed consumed per day (₦) but had the least feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogram weight gain (N/kg). The highest final body weight (20.90kg) was observed in pigs on treatment 2, while the least final body weight of 16.95kg was recorded with for pigs on treatment 4. The haematological parameters were within the normal range for healthy pigs and there was a significant effect of the feed additives on the serum biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ALP, glucose and albumin. It could be concluded that multi-strain direct-fed microbial promoted growth over and above the mycotoxin binder and yeast culture in weaned pigs and none of the feed additives had any deleterious effect on the health status of the weaned pigs.

Keywords: Direct fed microbials, bentonite, feed additives, pigs, blood