Effect of different floor types on haemato-biochemical parameters in large white Yorkshire piglets during postweaning period

Abstract

24 Large White Yorkshire weaned piglets were allotted randomly to 4 experimental groups i.e., T1 (control group) concrete floor, T2 rubber mat, T3 elevated slatted, and T4 soil floor. Blood was collected from the piglets on the weaning day (57th day), at 4 months of age, and at the end of the experiment (6-month age) and was analyzed for haemato-biochemical parameters. At 4 and 6 months of age the mean RBC value in T2 was higher and differed significantly. At 6 months age mean value of WBC in T4 was significantly higher than T1 group. At 4 months of age, the PCV (%) values in T2 and T1 were higher and differed (p<0.05) significantly with T3 and T4 floor types. At the end of experiment the mean PCV values in T2 was higher and differed significantly with T3 floor type. At 4 months of age and at the end of the experiment the mean total protein value in T3 and T1 were higher and differed significantly from T2 and T4 floor types. At 4 and 6 months of age significantly higher values for glucose were recorded in the T4 group, whereas significantly higher values for glucose were observed in T4 and T3 groups at 6 months age. At 4 months of age, the mean iron value in T2 was higher and differed significantly with T1, T3, and T4 floor types. At the end of the experiment, the mean value of iron in T4 and T2 were higher and differed significantly with T1 and T3 floor types. At 4 months and 6 months of age statistical analysis revealed that the mean value of cortisol in T4 was higher and differed significantly with T1, T2, and T3 floor types.