A study was conducted on twelve healthy newborn Large White Yorkshire piglets from two Dams, for three months to assess the effect of feeding fish waste silage meal (FWSM) on the immune response of the animals. These piglets were divided into two groups, namely the T0 (Control) and T1 (Treatment) group. During the creep phase, the control group (T0) was fed a soybean meal-based ration and the treatment group (T1) was fed with FWSM replacing part of the soybean meal-containing ration, while in the grower phase, both groups were fed soybean meal based ration without FWSM supplementation. At the end of the trial, cell-mediated and humoral immunity was assessed by administering PHA-p mitogen and 20% sheep RBC’s, respectively. The results showed a significant difference in cell-mediated immunity, whereas no significant difference was observed in HI response, but compared to the control (T0) group better HI response was noticed in the supplemented (T1) group.

Fish waste, silage, immunity, PHA-p, Sheep RBC

The supplementation of FWSM had a significant improvement in CMI, however, no significant difference was observed in HI response, but a better HI response was noticed in the supplemented group. Improved immune status of piglets is an indicator of health status, good health status is vital for reducing disease occurrence and productivity. Based on the results, 10 percent FWSM supplementation during the creep phase positively impacts piglets immunity without any adverse effects.

Nithya G., Suresh R. and Sumitha P. (2023). Effect of Feeding Fish Waste Silage Meal on the Immune Status of Piglets. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 88-91.