Effects of Pigeonpea Based Diet on Growth and Attainment of Puberty in Weanling Pigs

Abstract

Eighteen weanling pigs aged between 9-10 weeks were used to study the effect of pigeonpea replacement of soyabean meal on the performance and attainment of puberty in weanling pigs. The pigs were randomly assigned into three groups (A, B and C) of 6 pigs each and housed in three different pens. The pigs in the three groups were fed for 10 weeks with the following ingredient as sole source of dietary protein; group A soyabean meal, group B toasted pigeonpea meal and group C untoasted pigeonpea meal. Pigs in each group were fed 2% of their live body weight daily at 9 am and 3 pm respectively. Before commencement of the dietary treatments (day 0), pigs in each group were weighed. Concurrently, blood samples were collected and subsequently weekly from each animal for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV), serum biochemistry assays for Luteunizing hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH). Weekly body weights of the pigs were determined until the end of the study. Serum total protein was determined by Biuret method while serum albumin was determined by Bromocresol green method. The PCV was determined by microhaematocrit method while the hormonal assay (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutinizing hormone (LH)) was determined using Enzymes linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined following standard procedures. Data generated from the study was subjected to one way analysis of variance. Variant means were separated using the Duncan’s multiple range test. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. There were no significant variations (p>0.05) in the mean live body weights and PCV of all the groups throughout the study period. The mean total serum protein level of pigs in group C was significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of groups A and B in week two while group A was significantly (p<0.05) higher relative to group B and C in week four. There were no significant variations (p>0.05) in the mean serum albumins among all the groups. The globulin level in group A were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of groups B and C pigs, while those of group B were significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of group C. Throughout the study period group A had significantly (p<0.05) higher mean serum LH and FSH concentrations than those of groups B and C. The mean cholesterol level of group C pigs was significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of groups A and B on week four while of group B were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of groups A and C in week five. There were no significant variations (p>0.05) in the mean HDL levels in groups A, B and C in weeks one and two. However, the mean HDL levels in groups A and C were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of group B between weeks three and four. Subsequently, at week five, the level in group A pigs rose significantly (p<0.05) higher than those in groups B and C. Groups A and B had significantly (p<0.05) higher mean LDL levels than those in groups C throughout the study. The results of the study showed that growth rate and weight gain, follicular waves were similar in all treatment groups. It was concluded from the study that pigeonpea meal can be a good replacement diet for soyabean meal in weanling pigs and that toasting of pigeonpea has no effects on the nutritive value of pigeonpea meal in weanling pigs