Effect of Azolla pinnata supplementation on growth performance and haematological parameters of growing pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus)

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of Azolla pinnata on growth performance, morphometric traits, haematological parameters, and production cost in growing Large White crossbred pigs. One hundred 60 ± 5-day-old Large White crossbred male pigs (9.00 ± 0.11 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with five replicates per treatment and five pigs per replicate. The experimental diets consisted of a basal diet supplemented with dried A. pinnata at 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, designated as T1 (control), T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Growth performance, body measurements, and haematological parameters were evaluated over a 90-day feeding period. Feed intake was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in pigs fed T3 (18.29 ± 0.03 kg) and T4 (18.24 ± 0.03 kg) compared to those fed T1 and T2. The highest weight gain (1.28 ± 0.12 kg) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.23 ± 0.10) (p < 0.05) were observed in pigs fed T2. Pigs in T2 (834.8 ± 20.3 mm) and T3 (820.8 ± 20.3 mm) exhibited greater body length (p < 0.05) compared to T4. The greatest palate length (243.5 ± 13.2 mm), thorax circumference (565.7 ± 10.6 mm), and shank circumference (311.4 ± 18.4 mm) (p < 0.05) were recorded in T2 compared to T4. However, A. pinnata supplementation had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on shank length or haematological parameters. The feed cost per kilogram of live weight gain was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in all supplemented groups relative to the control. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10% A. pinnata in a commercial grower ration enhanced growth performance and reduced production costs without adversely affecting haematological parameters in growing Large White crossbred pigs.