The ameliorating effects of Telfairia occidentalis and Pterocarpus mildbraedii on piglet anemia

Telfairia occidentalis and Pterocarpus mildbraedii have been shown to contain mineral elements which may possess hematinic potentials. The aim of this study is to determine the ameliorating effect of the crude extract of Telfairia occidentalis and Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves on suckling piglet anemia in comparison with the inorganic oral iron (Ferrous Sulphate). A total of 3 litters were used divided into three treatments: The treatments were TO Extract: 1000 mg crude sap of Telfairia occidentalis (TO) leaf, PM Extract: 1000 mg crude sap of Pterocarpus mildbraedii (PM) leaf and FG: Iron in paste form (140 mg Ferrous gluconate (FG)).
Hemoglobin level and growth performance parameters were monitored weekly over a period of 21 days. FG piglets had significantly higher (p < 0.05) body weight and weekly weight gain compared with PM group of piglets but not significant when compared with piglets in TO at 14days of age. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) for body weight and weight gain of TO, PM and FG piglets at 21days of age.
At 14 days of age, the mean hemoglobin levels for FG piglets were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the PM piglets but not significant when compared with TO piglets. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) for the hemoglobin levels of TO, PM and FG piglets at 21 days of age.
Hence, TO as an organic iron source will be preferable since it possess hematinic property as this will eliminate the side effect associated with inorganic iron administration.