Dietary replacement of processed cassava peel-leaf blends for maize: Impact on growth performance and blood parameters of growing pigs

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of differently processed cassava peel-leaf blend (CPLB) on performance and blood parameters of growing pigs. CPLB (Cassava peel: Cassava leaf; 5:1) was included in pigs diet in a feeding trial for 8wks. The CPLB replaced maize at 50%. Twenty four male crossbred (Large white x Landrace) pigs of mean weight range (20-22 kg) were assigned on a weight equalization basis to four dietary treatments having six replicates with one pig per replicate. A standard corn soya-based diet (control), Unfermented CPLB (UCPLB), water fermented CPLB (WCPLB) and microbial fermented CPLB (MCPLB) using Aspergillus tamarii as inoculum was formulated. Growth response was measured weekly, haematology and biochemical analysis were carried out at the end of 8th week. There was no significant (P>0,05) effect on growth performance and haematology parameters at the end of 8 weeks. Serum creatinine and thiocyanate were significantly (P<0,05) affected by dietary inclusion of processed CPLB at 8th week. Pigs fed diet containing UCPLB had reduced (P<0,05) serum creatinine (0,58 mg/dl). Serum thiocyanate was reduced (P<0.05) for pigs fed diets containing WCPLB (1,16 g/ml) and those fed diet containing MCPLB (1,10 g/ml). In conclusion, CPLB based diet irrespective of processing method did not significantly affect growth performance, haematological parameters and without negative effect on biochemical parameters.