Utilização do alho (Allium sativum) como prevenção de diarreia e avalição de desempe-nho dos leitões com 65 a 80 dias de vida

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of garlic (Allium sativum) in the diet of nursery-phase pigs. The experiment was carried out in the Swine Production sector of the Federal Institute of Minas Gerais – Bambuí Campus. It was conducted with two litters of a commercial genetic line for pig production, with approximately 65 days of age. Two trea tments were used, with each pig considered an experimental unit (replicate). The treatments corresponded to the two litters, one composed of 10 piglets and the other of 11 piglets, in a completely randomized design. In the first treatment (T1), considered the control, a standard diet commonly provided by the institution was used, meeting the nutritional requirements of the phase, without the addition of Allium sativum. In the second treatment (T2), garlic was included in the diet. The experiment lasted 15 days. The animals were kept in suspended pens and received routine management practices of the sector. Feeding was carried out twice a day, and water was provided ad libitum through nipple drinkers. The zootechnical performance pa rameters evaluated were feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, as well as initial and final body weight. Fecal score was also assessed to evaluate the occurrence of diarrhea. The inclusion of garlic showed potential as a natural alternative to support intestinal health in piglets and contribute to their productive performance.