Abstract

A 28-day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the performance characteristics and hemato-biochemical parameters of weaner pigs fed graded levels of Carica papaya seed and leaf meal supplementation. A total of 36 cross-bred (Large white x Landrace) strains of weaner pigs of average initial weight of 8.86+0.10 kg were used for the study. Four treatment diets designated T1, T2, T3 and T4 replicated 3 times in a completely randomized design (CRD) were formulated to include the Carica papaya leaf and seed meal at 0, 1, 2 and 3 levels, respectively. Data were collected on daily feed intake (DFI), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cost benefit analysis, hematological indices and serum biochemistry. The body weight gain of the weaner pigs was highest in T4 (3) Carica papaya seed and leaf meal mix (CSLM) supplementation with the value of 353 g while the least value of 228 g was recorded by T2 which significantly differed (P<0.05) from the control group. Hemato-biochemical parameters showed significant differences (P<0.05) between treatments, indicating positive influence of CSLM on the investigated parameters. The blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentration increased as the dietary levels of CLSM increased in the diets. Based on the above findings, it is recommended that CLSM can be included at a level of 3 for optimum performance, hemato-biochemical stability and profit maximization.