Journal of Biology and Nature

The intensive pig production sector is growing quickly in Cote d’Ivoire. Unfortunately, like poultry, sheep and goats, cattle and rabbits’ sectors, some cases of pathogens’ resistance to synthetic antibiotics are reported. Thus, this experiment aimed to evaluate the antiparasitic and antibacterial potential effect of Acacia auriculiformis (Aa) leaves’ powder on fattening pigs. Seventy-two fattening pigs were divided into six groups receiving either a control diet or the same diet supplemented with Aa laves powder at 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6% during 90 days. Thereafter, the faecal, haematological, and bacteriological analyses were performed on day-0, day-45, and day-90. The results showed that the supplementation with Acacia auriculiformis leaves’ powder did not alter blood parameters, which remained within normal physiological values. However, a highly significant reduction in parasite load was observed in animals receiving the leaves’ powder, with a complete disappearance of Coccidia, Hyostrongylus rubidus, and Ascaris suum eggs at 0.4% to 0.6% doses (p<2x10^-16). For instance, Hyostrongylus rubidus, Strongles sp, and Ascaris suum were totally absent in animals fed on 0.4%Aa, 0.5%Aa and 0.6%Aa diets on day-45 (p=5.64x10^-6). Similarly, Escherichia coli bacteria contents in the faeces decreased sharply from day-0 to day-45, and totally disappeared in diets 0.5%Aa and 0.6%Aa on day-90, confirming the plant's antibacterial activity (p<2x10^-16). So, A. auriculiformis leaves’ powder incorporation into fattening pigs’ feed appears to be a natural, economical, and sustainable alternative to synthetic anthelmintics and bactericides. However, further studies are needed, to determine optimal doses and clarify the plant's bioactive ingredients action mechanisms.