Assessment of Haematological and Serum Biochemical Responses of In-Gilts under Different Flooring Systems

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of different bedding materials on the haematological and serum biochemical indices of in-gilts reared under intensive systems of management. The experiment was conducted to determine the suitability of selected bedding systems in improving the physiological health and welfare status of pigs. Twenty-four (24) in-gilts pigs were used for the study. The treatments were replicated three times each with six animals in each treatment. The blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment for haematological and serum indices analysis. Three different bedding materials were used for the experiment, viz, concrete, wood shavings (30 cm depth) and sand (20 cm depth). The concrete floor was made from gravel, granite, sharp sand and water, while wood shavings were obtained in dried form from sawmills within Ibadan metropolis and dirts, pebbles, iron metals, nails and broken bottles were removed and spread on the cemented floor to make the wood shaving floor. Gutter sand in dried form were collected from drainage and sieved to remove debrils and harmful materials and spread at a depth of 20 cm on a cemented floor to make sand floor. The results revealed significant (p<0.05) differences across the different floor types for haematological and serumand serum biochemical indices evaluated.