Evaluation of health indicators in fattening pigs fed with fermented liquid digestate

Abstract

Whit the aim to evaluate some animal health indicators in pigs of the commercial cross Yorkshire x Landrace, these were distributed in three treatments, each with five replicates of 120 days of age (three females and two castrated males), by a completely randomized design to know the effect of the fermented liquid digestate in the finishing phase of the feed. Were determined total proteins (PT) and minerals in the blood serum, hematocrit (Hto), hemoglobin (Hb), leukocyte (Leuk) count and the differential of cell (Stab), as well as the exam helminth-ovoscopic of flotation. In each treatment, the initial and final values of the veterinary diagnosis were contrasted by means of a test for two related means (P<0.05) with Statgraphics Centurion v.XVI. After undergoing management and diet, calcium was increased in T2 (P<0,05), higher value in T3 (P>0,05) and decrease in PT in T3 (P<0,01). An increase (P<0,01) in Leuk. (T1), Stab. (T2), Hto. and Hb. (T3) was diagnosed and statistical differences for neutrophils were presented in all three experimental groups with acceptable physiological levels in all cases. No hemoparasites were observed and a Coccidia oocyst was determined in experimental units 1 and 4 (T1), 9 (T2) and 12 (T3). The results obtained for the health indicators studied according to the form of consumption of the digestate did not present large differences, perhaps due to the final studied phase of the fattening of pigs. © 2018 Veterinary Organization. All rights reserved.