Effect of Stingless Bee Honey (Tetragonula iridipennis) Supplementation on Differential Leukocyte Counts and Platelet Indices in Tenyi Vo Pigs

Abstract

Background: The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with stingless bee (Tetragonula iridipennis) honey on the hematological profile, immune response, and platelet characteristics of indigenous Tenyi Vo pigs.

Methods: Twenty-four healthy female weaned piglets aged 56–60 days were randomly divided into four groups, with six pigs per group. The control group received no honey, while the three treatment groups received 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 mL of stingless bee honey per litre of drinking water, respectively. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experimental period to assess hematological and platelet parameters.

Results: Honey supplementation significantly affected differential and absolute leukocyte profiles. The highest neutrophil percentage (45.60%) and absolute neutrophil count (9.112 × 10⁹/L) were recorded at 1.50 mL/L, while the highest lymphocyte percentage (72.80%), absolute lymphocyte count (18.438 × 10⁹/L), monocyte count (1.700 × 10⁹/L) and basophil count (0.610 × 10⁹/L) were observed at 1.00 mL/L. The highest eosinophil percentage (3.26%) and absolute eosinophil count (0.722 × 10⁹/L) were recorded at 1.50 mL/L. Platelet count and plateletcrit were not significantly affected, although mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet large cell ratio differed among treatments. Overall, stingless bee honey influenced leukocyte profiles without adversely affecting platelet homeostasis, indicating its potential as a natural feed additive for natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds with supporting immune health in Tenyi Vo pigs.