Performance, serum and haematological indices of pigs fed watermelon waste based-diet

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of grower pigs fed watermelon wastes. Sixty-four female grower pigs (11.10 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design: T1 = 40% cassava peel + 60% concentrate, T2 = 40% cassava peel + 40% concentrate + 20% watermelon waste, T3 = 40% cassava peel +20% concentrate + 40% watermelon waste, T4 = 40% cassava peel + 60% watermelon waste. Pigs fed 20% watermelon based-group did not differ from those of control diet for final body weight, average body weight change and feed conversion ratio, while those on 40% and 60% watermelon waste were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those on the control diet. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin, eosinophils, red blood cell (RBC) were not affected when pigs were fed the watermelon waste (P<0.05). However, elevated platelets levels were observed for pigs on watermelon waste. The combination of 40% cassava peel + 40% concentrate + 20% watermelon wastes is recommended for grower pigs. Recycling of watermelon wastes in feeding livestock is considered an effective way of managing these fruit wastes.