The effect of Adhatoda vasica as a herbal supplement on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile of weaned pigs

Abstract

A 60-day trial was conducted to gain insight into how Adhatoda vasica as a herbal supplement affected the performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile of weaned pigs. 40 crossbred male pigs (Yorkshire × Landrace) with an initial body weight of 10.21 ± 0.03 kg were grouped into four treatment groups of ten pigs each. Upon arrival, the animals were quarantined for two weeks and fed a basal diet that is balanced in all nutrients, according to NRC (2012). Pigs in treatment 1 were fed a basal diet without Adhatoda vasica leaf powder, whereas those in treatments 2, 3, and 4 were provided the same food supplemented with Adhatoda vasica leaf powder at doses of 200 g, 400 g, and 600 g/kg. A completely randomised design approach was used, and the animals had unlimited access to clean, fresh water and food. The concentration of phyto-constituents in Adhatoda vasica leaf powder was found to be greater in flavonoids (102.1 mg/g) and lowest in steroids (30.41 mg/g). The average daily weight gain was higher for pigs fed treatments 3 and 4, intermediate for treatment 2, and lowest for treatment 1. The method of treatment significantly altered average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality (P<0.05). The treatment had a significant effect (P<0.05) on digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, crude protein, and crude fibre. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in red blood cell, pack cell volume, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, white blood cell, and total protein levels among treatments, with the exception of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, and alkaline phosphatase (P>0.05). However, all levels fell within the recommended range for healthy pigs. Finally, Adhatoda vasica leaf powder can be added to pigs' diets without affecting their growth or health.