Effect of nettle extract on metabolic processes in piglets during weaning

Abstract

The article deals with the use of a plant extract to improve metabolic processes and the adaptive capacity of piglets during the weaning period. The study focused on the effects of a 40% ethanolic extract of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) on hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of piglets. The piglets were divided into two groups - control and experimental with 9 animals in each group. From 14 days of age until weaning, the experimental animals were fed with the nettle extract at a rate of 6 mg/kg body weight for 22 days. Blood samples were collected at 14, 36, and 42 days of piglets" age. The study found that the nettle extract improved the blood respiratory function and positively influenced protein and energy metabolism in piglets. The nettle extract led to increased hemoglobin concentration, erythrocytes and leukocyte count, total protein, transaminases activity, glucose concentration, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activity. The piglets fed with nettle extract showed a 10% higher live weight and average daily gain at 42 days of age, and a 12% higher safety rate compared to piglets fed with a standard diet. The results indicate that adding 40% nettle extract to the standard piglets" diet can stimulate metabolic and adaptive processes, as well as improve productive performance during the critical period after weaning.

Keywords

• urtica dioica l. extract
• biochemical and hematological parameters
• weaning stress
• piglets