Performance, microbial load and gut morphology of weaned pigs fed diets supplemented with turmeric, ginger and garlic extracts

Abstract

Plant extracts have been proposed as effective additives in swine production for potential beneficial effects on pig performance and health. Changes in intestinal morphology, can lead to better nutrient absorption, decreased secretion in the gut and better overall performance. Hence, the experiment was conducted to assess the effect of turmeric, ginger and garlic extracts on performance, microbial loads and gut morphology of weaned pigs. A total number of 20 weaned pigs were randomly allotted into 4 treatments with 5 replicates each with a pig per replicate and arranged in a completely randomized design. T1 (control), T2 (2g turmeric/kg feed), T3 (2g ginger /kg), T4 (2g garlic /kg). Pigs in treatment 2 had a better feed utilization than treatment 1(control diet) and those in the other treatments. Enterobacter count was significantly higher in pigs fed treatments 1(6.38 cfu), 2 (6.29 cfu) and 3 (6.27 cfu), compared to their counterpart on treatment 4 (5.12). The total bacteria count was lower in treatment 4 (6.63 cfu). The result revealed a significant difference for ileum in the values recorded for villus height of pigs fed the experimental diets. Pigs fed diets in treatment 4 were significantly higher (1419.75µm) when compared to others with values of 709.25 µm, 1156.50 µm and 1068.00 µm in treatments 1, 2 and 3 respectively.  Values observed on the villus width of the pigs fed experimental diet did not show any significant difference across the treatments. Garlic extract resulted in improved intestinal morphology characteristics of pigs.