EFFECT OF Vernonia Amygdalina LEAF MEAL EXTRACT IN DRINKING WATER ON POST-WEANING DIARRHEA OCCURRENCE IN PIGLETS

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) extract in drinking water on the faecal microbial load on post-weaning diarrhea occurrence in piglets using different agar. Forty-five piglets of Large white X Duroc breed were given Vernonia amygdalina (VA) through water infusion. Three levels of 0.0g, 1.2g, and 2.4g of VA per 1000ml of clean drinking water designated as T1, T2, and T3 were used. Nine piglets weaned at different ages of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th week of age were randomly allotted to three treatments with each treatment replicated three times with a piglet per replicate in a completely randomized design. The different agar used are Macconkey Agar, Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) Agar, and Nutrient Agar. These agars were used for 4days each to determine the faecal microbial load. The experiment lasted 28 days. Results showed that the bitter leaf contain high Alkaloids, medium Tannins, Saponins Flavonoids, and low amounts of Terpenoids and Phenols while Cardiac Glycosides were not determined. Bitter leaf showed the power of antibacterial activity for the reduction of faecal microbial load. Bitter leaf as a feed additive in the drinking water of piglets caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the faecal microbial load for piglets given 1.2g and 2.4g of VA per 1000ml of drinking water. It can be concluded that bitter leaf extract in drinking water can be used as phyto-additive for piglets to reduce faecal microbial load.