"BLOOD PROFILE OF WEANER PIGS AS INFLUENCED BY VARYING LEVELS OF PEANUT ( ARACHIS HYPOGEA ) SKIN IN THE DIETS"

The study investigated the influence of dietary inclusion of peanut skin (PS) on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of weaner pigs. Twenty-four large white weaner pigs were assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0%(T1), 2.5%(T2), 5%(T3), and 7.5%(T4) peanut skin respectively, in a Completely Randomized Design over a8-week feeding trial.Results from proximate and phytochemical analyses indicated that peanut skin is high in crude fiber and bioactive compounds such as tannins, alkaloids, and polyphenols. The haematological findings revealed significant increases in Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), and Red Blood Cell (RBC) counts, particularly in the group receiving 7.5%(T4) PS, indicating enhanced erythropoiesis. However, elevated neutrophils and eosinophils at higher inclusion levels suggest a mild inflammatory response. Serum biochemistry showed elevated glucose and cholesterol concentrations, with altered liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, and ALP), pointing to potential hepatic stress at higher PS inclusion.The study concludes that moderate dietary inclusion of peanut skin (up to 2.5%)T2, may enhance certain blood indices without negatively affecting health, but higher levels (7.5%)T4, could compromise liver function. Peanut skin therefore holds promise as a low-cost, antioxidant-rich feed additive for swine, provided its inclusion is carefully regulated.