GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF WEANED PIGS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH VARYING LEVELS OF Citrus aurantifolia FRUIT JUICE

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of Citrus aurantifolia (CA) fruit juice supplementation on the growth performance and immune response of weaned pigs. Forty crossbred (Large White × Landrace) weaned pigs were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomised design. Each treatment was further subdivided into five replicates of two pigs each. The treatments included a control diet (T1) with no CA juice and three experimental diets supplemented with 15 ml/kg (T2), 20 ml/kg (T3), and 25 ml/kg (T4) of CA juice. Growth performance parameters, including average weekly weight gain (AWWG), average weekly feed intake (AWFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were measured, along with differential white blood cell counts to assess the immune response of the pigs. Results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in AWWG, AWFI, and FCR among the treatments. However, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in monocyte, neutrophil, and eosinophil counts. The highest monocyte count (4.33%) was recorded in pigs fed T4 diet, while the highest neutrophil count (44%) was observed in T3, both significantly different from T2. The eosinophil count was highest in T3 (4.67%), significantly (P<0.05) higher than the control but similar to T2 and T4. In conclusion, CA fruit juice supplementation did not impair growth performance but enhanced immune parameters, particularly at 25 ml/kg. Further research is recommended to determine optimal inclusion levels and assess long-term effects on health and productivity