engleski

Thyroid function, metabolic indices and growth performance in pigs fed 00-rapeseed meal

Thyroid function and morphology, liver morphology, some metabolic indices, and haematology and growth performance of fattening pigs fed 00-rapeseed meal (00-RPM) were examined. The control group was fed on a standard diet containing 6% sunflower seed meal (SM) during the growing period and 8% during the finishing period. The first experimental group was fed a diet in which SM was replaced by equal ( 6% and 8% ) amounts of 00-RPM. The second experimental group was fed with a higher ( 8% and 10% ) amount of 00-RPM. There were no significant differences between the control and experimental groups in the serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid gland and liver weights were significantly ( P<0.01 ) higher in both groups fed 00-RPM than in the group fed SM. The epithelium of thyroid gland was cuboidal or columnar and the follicular area was moderately enlarged in pigs fed 00-RPM. A marked changes in the liver histology was not observed. The 00-RPM diet increased ( P<0.01 ) the serum values of total proteins in the first fattening period. At the end of the fattening both groups fed 00-RPM had higher ( P< 0.05 ; P<0.01 ) concentrations of plasma glucose than the control group. The inclusion of 10% of 00-RPM during the finishing period increased ( P<0.05 ) the serum values of insulin. Daily weight gain during the growing and the finishing period was higher ( P<0.05 ) in experimental groups than in the control group. The results suggest that 6-10% 00-RPM can be used as protein source in the diet of fattening pigs without poisonous side effects.

pig; rapeseed meal; thyroid hormones; thyroid and liver histology; metabolic indices; haematology; growth performance

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