Pumpkin as a feed additive for intestinal helminthiasis of pigs

Background: Functional foods provide health-promoting effects beyond basic nutritional value. Pork is a protein-rich food, and improving its biological value is an important goal in pig production. However, parasitic diseases remain a major factor limiting pig health, productivity, and meat quality. Pumpkin is widely used as a natural feed additive for the control of intestinal helminth infections in pigs.  Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of whole pumpkin (including peel and seeds) on hematological and muscle-tissue biochemical parameters in healthy pigs and pigs infected with intestinal helminths. It also assessed whether the resulting meat met functional food requirements. Methods: The research was conducted in 2025-2026 in the northeastern mountainous-forest zone of Armenia, in local slaughterhouses, and at the Research Center of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Sanitary Expert Examination. A total of 20 pigs aged 3 months to 2 years were examined.  Results: Pumpkin supplementation improved blood and muscle-tissue biochemical parameters, activated antioxidant enzymes, reduced parasite burden, and improved meat quality. Conclusion: The nutritional value of meat from parasite-infected pigs decreases due to  protein deficiency and metabolic disorders. Pumpkin supplementation improved the chemical composition and antioxidant indicators of meat.  Whole pumpkin may therefore serve not only as a safe and natural supportive feed additive during intestinal helminthiasis but also as a promising functional feed ingredient. Through its rich content of bioactive compounds, pumpkin contributes to improved animal health, enhanced antioxidant capacity, restoration of metabolism, and production of pork with improved nutritional and functional quality. Novelty of the study: This is the first comprehensive study conducted in Armenia, particularly in the northeastern mountain-forest region, evaluating the effects of whole pumpkin (including peel and seeds) on hematological, biochemical, antioxidant, and amino acid parameters in pigs naturally infected with intestinal helminths. The study also demonstrates the potential of pumpkin as a functional feed additive contributing to improved meat quality. Keywords: pumpkin, intestinal helminthiasis of pigs, hematological and biochemical parameters, muscle tissue quality, antioxidant activity, Cucurbita pepo, functional feed additive