Performance, Gut Microbial Status and Meat Quality of Weaned Pigs Fed Diets Supplemented with Fresh Waterleaf

Abstract

The demand for meat has increased due to the growing human population, thus putting intense production pressure on the meat industry. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, gut microbial status, and meat quality of pigs fed diets supplemented with varying levels of waterleaf (Talinum triangulare). Fresh waterleaf was sourced and air dried under room temperature to wither before incorporation into the pigs diets at 0, 5 and 10 g/kg, designated as Diets 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Eighteen (18) weaned, (8weeks old) unsexed pigs were randomly assigned to the three dietary treatments following a completely randomized design. The proximate composition of the diets were determined while data on growth performance were collected, and after eight weeks, nine pigs were randomly selected and slaughtered for gut microbial and meat quality assessment. All data were subjected to appropriate statistical analyses. Results showed that Diet 2 (5 g/kg waterleaf) had the highest crude protein (19.17%), crude fibre (4.26%). Pigs fed Diet 2 recorded the highest weight gain (14.31 kg), daily feed intake (723.07 g), and best feed conversion ratio (2.82). Total bacterial counts in the ileum and fungal counts in the duodenum significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from 8.50 × 10⁵ CFU/ml (Diet 1) to 2.50 × 10⁵ CFU/ml (Diet 3) and 3.50 × 10⁵ CFU/ml (Diet 1) to 0.00 × 10⁵ CFU/ml, respectively. Identified gut microbes included Lactobacillus spp, Faecalis, Aspergillus niger, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Lipid oxidation of meat differed significantly (P < 0.05) at day 0, increasing from 0.30 mg MDA/kg (from pigs fed Diet 1) to 1.16 mg MDA/kg (pigs fed Diet 3), while values at day 8 were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Thawing and cooking losses significantly decreased (P < 0.05) from pigs fed Diet 1 (1.36%, 40.40%) to Diet 3 (0.78%, 33.55%), and fat content showed a non-significant decrease (P > 0.05) across diets. Overall, feeding waterleaf did not compromise pig performance, gut microbial balance, or meat quality. Supplementation at 5 g/kg (Diet 2) was most effective, suggesting that waterleaf can serve as a viable alternative feed supplement at this level. Its adoption by pig farmers could support sustainable and efficient pig production.