Vol. 10, Issue 3, Part B (2025)

Author(s): Nimna S, Sakkariya Ibrahim NP, Roshin Anie Jose, John Abraham, Rajashekar R, Sumod K and Sabin George

Abstract: Weaning in piglets involves nutritional, environmental, and immune challenges, often resulting in reduced feed intake, growth check, and sub-clinical inflammation. Supplements that modulate the immune response may protect against post-weaning growth check. Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the impact of one percent fish oil supplementation in the diet of weaned piglets. Twenty piglets were randomly divided into two groups: a control group, which received a basal diet, and a treatment group, which received the fish oil-supplemented diet. After 21 days, the treatment group exhibited significantly higher body weights (p<0.05). Blood analysis showed an increase in triglyceride levels and a significant reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (p<0.01) in the fish oil group. These results suggest that fish oil supplementation can support growth and reduce inflammation in weaned piglets.