Influence of dietary neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) kernel on serum biochemical components of growing male pigs

Abstract

The increasing cost of maize as a source of dietary energy for swine necessitates investigation into unconventional alternative energy sources. Neem kernel (NK) has a higher dietary energy hence; the influence of dietary NK on serum biochemical components and selected organs of growing male pigs was investigated. 40 crossbred (Large White x Landrace) male weanling pigs were allotted into experimental treatment in a completely randomised design to evaluate the influence of NK inclusion in swine diets at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g/kg on serum chemistry profile. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results indicated significant (P<0.05) effect of dietary NK on serum proteins, cholesterol, creatinine, urea nitrogen, potassium and calcium. The general trend is observed comparable mean values for pigs on 0 and 50 g/kg NK diets, while elevation or depression in mean values were indicated at 100 and 150 g/kg NK diets for most parameters. Significant (P<0.05) effects were observed for cholesterol concentration (204.6mg/dl) and aspartate transaminase activity (27.2iu/l) in pigs on 150 g/kg NK compared to that of 134.4 mg/dl and 11.46 iu/l respectively from those on control. Results indicated that neem kernel can be included up to 50 g/kg in boars’ diets without deleterious effects on their serum biochemical constituents.