PERIPHERAL BLOOD LEUCOCYTES DISTRIBUTION AND ADRENAL FUNCTION IN GROWING PIGS, FED PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTED DIET*

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate adrenal status, peripheral blood leucocytes distribution and activity of the enzymes (AST) and (ALT) in piglets during the neonatal period.
Pregnant Danube white sows (n=24) were allotted to 4 groups as follow: the sows and their piglets did not receive supplemental probiotic („Lactina”); both the sows and piglets diets were supplemented with probiotic; the supplemental probiotics was only given to the sows (their piglets were deprived of „Lactina”); the supplemental probiotic was only given to the piglets. The diet for sows was supplemented with „Lactina” (500 g/ton) from the 85 day of pregnancy until weaning of their piglets (35 days of age). Piglets were given 800 g same probiotic per ton diet during the pre-starter period and 500 g/ton during the starter period.
Probiotic „Lactina” had no significant effect on plasma cortisol level, neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio and aspartate aminotransferase activity at both 5 and 35 d age. Alanine aminotransferase activity was higher in II group at 5 (P>0.05) and 35 d of age (P<0.01). It is concluded that the increased ALT activity in the second group of piglets was due to psychological stress induced by the screaming of the previously handled pigs during the sampling.