Cocoa Husks Feeding Improves Some Indices of Health and Welfare of Pigs

The study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of cocoa husks, as source of polyphenols, on haematological indicators of animal health and welfare. Eight pigs were divided into two groups: CTRL fed a conventional cereal–based diet, and COCOA fed a diet obtained by substitution of 10% of the control diet with cocoa husks. After 6 weeks, blood was analyzed for some indices of health and welfare. Cocoa husks increased HDL cholesterol and antithrombin III, and decreased haptoglobin concentration. In humans, these results are associated with reduction of cardiovascular risk. COCOA pigs showed higher concentrations of immunoglobulins than CTRL pigs. High levels of antibodies may improve resistance to pathogen infections and, in humans, are associated to reduction of cardiovascular risk. Cocoa husks feeding may improve health and welfare of pigs. In particular, considering pigs as models for humans, cocoa husks may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.