ABSTRACT

Growth performance and physiological response of 18 crossbred (Large White x Duroc) male weaner pigs fed Aidan pod pulp meal (APM) were studied over a 22-week period. The pigs were aged 6 weeks apd on average weighed 9.47kg. The pigs were randomly divided into 3 equal treatment groups, 2 pigs constituting a replicate in a completely randomized design. The treatments comprised 0.0% (control), 2.5% and 5.0% APM, respectively, added to basal pig diets. The study was conducted in 3 phases. In phases I (weaner) and 2 (pre-pubertal), growth parameters and blood profiles were studied; while in phase 3 (pubertal), reproductive and carcass characteristics and organ histology were evaluated, in addition to growth performance and blood profile. Growth performance was similar across the treatments among the weanling pigs. Pre-pubertal and pubertal boars fed 5% APM gained more weight (P<0.05) with better FCR than their peers. RBC (6.73,6.00,5.57)x1012/L, PCV (46.33,39.33,37.67)% and Hb (13.77,ll.43,10.37)g/dl concentration were depressed (P<0.05) in piglets fed APM. MCH (20.24,19.20,18.60)pg diminished (P<0.05) with addition of APM. RBC(6.56,7.33,7.50)xl0' 2/L and platelets (194.33,200.33,202.00)x 109/L were more abundant (P<0.05) in APM-fed pre-pubertal boars than in those fed control. MCV(63.7,58.13,56.94)fl and MCH(16.63,14.98,15.16)pg were higher(P<0.05) among control boars than the APMtreated counterparts. Addition of 5% APM improved (P<0.05) the RBC, PCV and Hb concentration of pubertal boars over the other treatments, while WBC appreciated (P<0.05) in the plasma of APM-treated boars as platelets were reduced (P<0.05). Back fat was thicker (P<0.05) in pubertal boars fed free than in those placed on APM treatment. Scrotal and testicular parameters were all superior (P<0.05) in pubertal boars fed 5% APM, except for right testicular circumference. Percentage sperm abnormalities were reduced (P<0.05) by APM addition, except for percentage broken mid-piece, which was higher (P<0.05) in 5% APM-treated boars than in the rest. Semen volumes were similar in APM-fed boars, and higher (P<0.05) than ejaculates from control boars. APM treatment significantly reduced sperm concentration, number of sperm/ejaculate and total viable sperm. Seminal minerals were reduced (P<0.05) by APM treatment. It is concluded that at the weaner phase, haematological indices were depressed at 5% APM. At the prepubertal phase, better growth performance and improved haematology were effected. At the pubertal phase, back fat thickness and sperm abnormalities were reduced by addition of APM, with enhanced serum total protein; and at 5%, growth performance, haematology, serum glucose, gonadal and epididymal characteristics were improved but with reduced serum lipids. Semen quality was reduced at the two levels of APM. At 5.0% APM, photomicrography of the testes showed erosion of the basement membranes of seminiferous tubules and necrosis of some cellular associations of the seminiferous epithelium.