Supplementation of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis essential oils: Effects on haematology and serum biochemical indices of weaned pigs

This experiment was undertaken to access the supplementation of Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils: effects on haemtology and serum biochemical indices of weaned pigs. A total of 80 cross bred pigs 6.88 ± 0.87 kg and weaned at 21 days of age were individually housed in pens and grouped based on their body weights into four treatments and fed basal diet with no Eucalyptus camaldulensis oil (ECO) in treatment 1 (T1), T2, T3 and T4 were fed diet supplemented with ECO at 200 mg, 400 mg and 600 mg/kg in a completely randomized design. Diets were sufficient in all nutrients according to National Research Council. Results on pack cell volume, haemoglobin, platelets, mean corpuscular volume, mean platelet volume, mean heamoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations, white blood cell, lymphocytes, basophils, monocytes and neutrophils were higher (P˂0.05) in T3 and T4 than in T1 and T2. Alanine transaminase, aspartic transaminase, alanine phosphatase, urine and creatinine values were not influenced (P˃0.05) by dietary supplementation of ECO while serum protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, bilirubin, glucose, phosphorus, sodium and chloride values were greater (P˂0.05) in T3 and T4 relative to T1 and T2. However, all parameters were within the established ranges for healthy pigs. Results indicate that ECO can be supplemented up to 600 mg/kg in the diet of pigs without negatively affecting the health status of animals.