Hematological Parameters and Growth Performance of Swine Fed with Alternanthera sessilis

To evaluate the efficacy of Alternanthera sessilis as feed supplement on the Growth Performance and Hematological parameters of Swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) the researchers employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and utilized 15 heads of Large White pig in a uniformed size and age. The Experimental animals were divided into 4 treatments replicated 3 times as the T1- pure commercial feeds, T2-100% Alternanthera sessiles, T3- combination of 50% commercial feeds and 50% Alternanthera sessilis, T4 was then a combination of 30% commercial feeds and 70% Alternanthera sessilis. The efficacy was observed within 120 days. Ahead of the allotment of the experimental animals initial weighing were conducted to ensure the weight uniformity. Subsequently, administration of the different treatments was done. Data on final weight, gain in weight, feed consumed, feed conversion efficiency and feed conversion ratio for growth performance and the hematological parameters at 120 days end of the study. Results revealed that there were significant differences in final weight, gain in weight, feed conversion efficiency and feed conversion ratio among all treatment. However results showed that the T3 combination were not significantly different from T1. Furthermore, on the hematological parameters results showed no significant difference between treatments. This implies that Alternanthera sessilis was recommended at 50%combination to 50% commercial feeds and it was safe for feeding swine without any harmful effect on the performance.