scholarly journals Response of growing rabbits to graded levels of fermented and unfermented pineapple peel

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-98
Author(s):  
O.A. Adeyemi ◽  
A.O. Ajado ◽  
A.O. Okubanjo ◽  
O.O. Eniolorunda
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Trial Period ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Pineapple Peel ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Retail Cuts

Forty growing rabbits were allocated equally to five groups in a 2 x 3 factorial layout and caged individually for a 56-day trial period in hutches. They were used to compare the effects of two processing methods (unfermented and fermented) and three dietary replacement levels of Pineapple peel meal (PPM) at 0%, 12.5% and 25% of maize on weight for weight basis. Parameters evaluated during the trial period included: growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost. Results show that average daily weight gain (ADG) reduced (P<0.05) as dietary inclusion level of PPM increased, although rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level compared favourably (P>0.05) with those fed the control diet (0%). However, ADG of rabbits fed fermented PPM was statistically higher (P<0.05) than that recorded for rabbits fed unfermented PPM. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in daily feed intake of rabbits as a result of dietary inclusion level or processing type of PPM. Better (P<0.05) feed efficiency was recorded in rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level than those fed at 25%. Fermentation enhanced the nutritional value of feedstuff and also improved feed efficiency. Total feed cost reduced (P<0.05) by 21.39% when PPM was included in the diet at 25%. However, production result was not comparable with the control. But feeding fermented PPM at 12.5% inclusion level resulted in the best (P<0.05) economy of production. Processing type or dietary inclusion level of PPM had no significant (P>0.05) effect on dressing-out percentage of experimental animals. There were neither significant (P>0.05) effects of processing type nor dietary inclusion level on retail cuts of the rabbits fed the different experimental diets. In all feeding rabbits with diets containing fermented PPM up to 12.5% replacement level for maize optimum performance.

Genetic parameters and breed differences for feed efficiency, growth, and body composition traits of young beef bulls

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. S. Schenkel ◽  
S. P. Miller ◽  
J. W. Wilton
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Beef Bulls

Genetic associations between feed efficiency, growth, and live ultrasound measured body composition traits were studied in purebred beef bulls of six breeds in Ontario bull test stations from 1991 to 2000. Feed traits included average daily feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake [feed intake adjusted for production alone (RFIp) or production and backfat thickness (RFIb)]. Growth traits were average daily weight gain (ADG), mid-test metabolic weight (MW), hip height (HH), and scrotal circumference (SC). Body composition traits included ultrasound backfat thickness (BF), longissimus muscle area (LMA), and predicted percentage of intramuscular fat (IFAT). Bulls were measured every 28 d for weight and individual feed intake, and at the end of test for ultrasound body composition traits. Number of records per trait ranged from 2284 (FI) to 13 319 (ADG). Fixed effects of test group, breed and end of test age (within breed), and random effects of animal and herd of origin were modeled using REML bivariate analyses for all traits. Heritability estimates were moderate for all traits (0.30 to 0.55), except for IFAT (0.14). The genetic correlation between RFIp and RFIb was high (0.99) within breeds, but breeds ranked differently with respect to RFIp and RFIb. Genetic correlations of RFIb with ADG and backfat thickness were essentially zero, which indicate that selection on residual feed intake could be implemented to reduce feed intake and improve feed conversion without compromising growth or changing levels of subcutaneous fat. Key words: Central test, genetic correlation, heritability, residual feed intake

scholarly journals Ingestive behavior of lambs fed with guava agro-industrial waste ( Psidium guajava )

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Torres NOBRE ◽  
Roberto Germano COSTA ◽  
Neila Lidiany RIBEIRO ◽  
Francisco Fernando Ramos de CARVALHO ◽  
George Rodrigo Beltrão da CRUZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Industrial Waste ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Ingestive Behavior ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Santa Inês

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of guava agro-industrial waste (GAW) on the ingestive behavior of Santa Inês lambs. Forty non-castrated sheep of the Santa Inês breed were used, at an initial weight of 21.33 ± 2.62 kg, and at the age of 120 days, distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and fed with increasing GAW levels (0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 and 30.0%). The average daily gain (ADG) showed orthogonal contrast (P <0.05), in which the animals that ingested the control diet had lower performances. The animals with GAW added to the diet obtained more significant weight gains reflected by a better feed conversion. Among the variables, idleness, feeding, and total chewing time had a significant effect (P<0.05); animals spent more time idle at the 30.0% inclusion level and less time in the control group. However, the means of the 7.5, 15.0, and 22.5% GAW inclusion levels were statistically similar to the control group and the 30.0% level. There was a significant effect (P<0.05) on feed efficiency, with the lowest values being presented for the control group and the highest values at the 30% inclusion level of GAW. The 30.0% GAW feed for lambs in confinement reduces feed time, and total chewing prolongs idleness and increases feed efficiency without compromising dry matter intake, neutral detergent fiber intake, and ADG.

scholarly journals PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION BY SHEEP FED FICUS LEAVES

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
O. S. LAMIDI ◽  
O. A. OSINOWO ◽  
A. M. ADAMU ◽  
R. A. AFOLAYAN
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Dietary Level ◽  
Hyparrhenia Rufa

Growth and metabolic studies were conducted with 32 sheep (16 rams and 16 ewes) to evaluate Ficus leaves (Ficus thonningia)   as substitute for Hyparrhenia rufa (Hyparrhenia) in the diets of sheep. Ficus replaced 0, 25, 50 and 75% of grass and was offered at 3% of animal body weight as DM. all the sheep received concentrate at 1% of body weight as supplement. Digestibilities of DM, NDF, ADF and N were similar (P > 0.05)lower. Nitrogen retention was positive and the values increased with dietary level of Ficus up to 50% and then declined. Differences were not however, significant. Intake of ficus was significant (P < 0.001) and positively related to both total feed intake of (r=0.99) and daily liveweight gains (r=0.55). Average daily liveweight gains (LWG) was 28.75, 33.75, 47.50 and 36.25 g/day for sheep on 25, 50 and 75% dietary level of FIcus. Feed efficiency was 11.35, 21.67, 31.84 and 27.87 (g feed DM/g LWG) for sheep on dietary levels of ficus. The results showed that sheep on diet containing 50% Ficus gained 47.50g/day which represented an increase of about 65.22% higher than value obtained for those on the control diet (0% Ficus) but at lower feed conversion efficiency

scholarly journals Growth performance, nutrient intake and digestibility of goats fed melon husk and palm oil slurry at 30% inclusion level

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-154
Author(s):  
K. A. Sanwo ◽  
S. O. Iposu ◽  
A. O. Oso ◽  
A. O. Fanimo ◽  
S. S. Abiola
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Average Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Dietary Treatments

A 126-day study was conducted to determine growth, nutrient intake and digestibility of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed melon husk (MH) and palm oil slurry (POS) as replacement for maize offal at 30% in concentrate diets. Sixteen goats weighing 6.5 – 7.Okg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments at 4 replicates of each. Dietary treatments included control (Diet 1): 0% MH 0% POS; Diet 2: 30% MH 0% POS; Diet 3: 0% MH 30% POS; and Diet 4: 30% MH 30% POS; supplemented with Panicum maximum (grass). Data collected were statistically analysed and results showed that animals on control Diet (Diet I) had the highest (P<0.05) average daily weight gain of 31.57g/day, and a corresponding highest (P<0.05) feed intake of 365. 97g/day and best feed conversion ratio of 11.59. Animals fed Diet 3 had lowest (P<0.05) average daily weight gain of 19.42g/day, with corresponding lowest (P<0.05) dy matter intake of 334.94g/day and poor feed conversion ratio of 17.24, respectively. Variations in dry matter, organic matter and crude fibre (CF) intake were significant (P<0.05). Crude protein (CP) intake decreased progressively from diet 1 to 4, but not significantly (P >0.05). CF intake was highest in diet 4 (124.6g) and lowest in diet 1(64.72g). Ether extract (52.80g), Ash (21.48g), Neutral detergent fibre (222.88g), and lignin (60.64g) were highest in diet 4. Dry matter digestibility was highest in animals on diet 2 (86.31%) and lowest in those on diet 4 (72.28%). It was evident that goats could be fed MH and POS at the inclusion levels adopted in this study except at 30% POS inclusion level at which growth was poorest.  

scholarly journals Effects of African Nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in aflatoxin-infected diets on growth Performance of Japanese Quails (Cortunix Cortunix)

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 290-295
Author(s):  
O. A. Ukoha ◽  
D. N. Onunkwo
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Monodora Myristica

A research work was carried out to evaluate the effects of toasted Monodora myristica spice as feed additive in quail diet in a completely randomized design. The proximate, vitamin and mineral composition and anti-nutritional factors, growth performance, cut parts and organ characteristics, biochemical parameters and egg quality traits were evaluated in this study that lasted for fifteen weeks. A total of 120 day-old quail chicks were brooded for 14 days. Thereafter, they were allocated to four dietary treatments designated D1, D2, D3 and D4 also having 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% Monodora myristica respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times at 10 quails (2 males: 8 females) per replicate. Growth performance and carcass characteristics study lasted for 7 weeks while eggs were collected for four weeks. Daily feed intake was reported to be 2.39g/bird/day, 2.83g/bird/day, 3.22g/bird/day and 3.15g/bird/day respectively for 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% Monodora myristica-flavoured diets. There was no significant (P>0.05) increase in the daily feed intake though it increased only numerically as level of inclusion increased from 0% to 1.0% but decreased at the level above 1.0%. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the varying treatments. Average daily weight gains for the groups were 1.68g/b/d, 2.18g/b/d, 3.35g/b/d and 3.37g/b/d respectively for D1, D2, D3 and D4. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the cut parts and organ characteristics. From the results, Monodora myristica was not observed to be detrimental to the quails with respect to the weight of organs and cut parts. Dressed weight increased as level of inclusion increased up to 1.0% but then declined afterwards to 137.69g. Liver weights were 3.55%, 2.55%, 1.79% and 1.77% respectively for D1, D2, D3 and D4. Quails fed the control diet recorded the highest liver weight (P<0.05) of 3.55% indicating stress condition. The low liver weight in quails fed Monodora-flavoured diet indicates potential of Monodora to protect the liver from free radicals that cause stress. Breast meat was significantly reduced at 1.0% and 1.5% M. myristica inclusion

scholarly journals Evaluation of animal performance, feed intake, and economic losses in sheep experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parmênedes Dias de Brito ◽  
Telma De Sousa Lima ◽  
Andréia Freitas de Oliveira ◽  
Débora Andrea Evangelista Façanha ◽  
Carlos Iberê Alves Freitas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Efficiency Index ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Trypanosoma Vivax ◽  
Feed Conversion

Trypanosoma vivax is a protozoan originating from the African continent, which, although it has not yet been able to complete its biological cycle in South America, due to the absence of the tsetse fly, can still cause death in ruminants. The objective of this study was to verify the effects of T. vivax on the measurements and indices in sheep that characterize animal performance, as well as on economic losses in meat animals. Twenty intact adult male sheep were used for this study, all of approximately the same ages and weights, reared in confinement, and subjected to the same management and diet, which was balanced and supplemented with adequate minerals. The animals were divided into two groups: the control group (CG) and the infected group (IG), which was inoculated intravenously with 1.3 x 105 trypomastigotes of T. vivax. Feed intake was verified daily, whereas the feed conversion (FC), feed efficiency index (FEI), and weight gain were obtained weekly. Total weight gain (TWG) was determined after 70 days post-infection. The economic loss was calculated by subtracting the value obtained (IG) from the expected value (CG), and the difference was expressed as a percentage. A randomized block design was used to isolate the effect of the initial weight. The means were compared by the Student “t” test at 5%. Of the 10 infected animals, one died from the parasitism, yielding a rate much lower than that observed in natural outbreaks. The groups presented similar feed intakes throughout the experimental period; however, the TWG of the infected group was significantly lower (50.7%) than that of the CG. Similarly, the daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion (FC), and feed efficiency index (FEI) of the IG were significantly lower than those of the CG. In addition, the worst rates of FC and FEI coincided with parasitemia peaks and recurrences, probably due to immunological demand and tissue repair. The abdominal circumference of the infected animals was statistically lower than that of the CG, which may be directly related to fat mobilization, in addition to the possible negative effect on the digestive capacity. The economic losses due to weight alone were 24.07% and could reach 31.66% of the herd value due to animal death. Infection with T. vivax negatively affected animal performance indices, even when the animals were well nourished. Trypanosoma vivax in sheep destined for slaughter caused economic losses of 31.66% due to the decrease in performance and the death rate in the infected group.

scholarly journals Blood metabolites and fecal starch as indicators of feed efficiency of beef cattle in the feedlot

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 1260-1268
Author(s):  
A. Fornazari Neto ◽  
C.E.N. Martins ◽  
E. Schwegler ◽  
J.O.J. Barcellos ◽  
A.L. Barth
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Blood Metabolites ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Final Weight ◽  
Confinement System ◽  
High Feed ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACT The use of blood metabolites (BM), fecal starch (FS), and apparent digestion of starch, (ATTSD) as indicators of feed efficiency (FE) in beef cattle in the feedlot was studied. Fourteen bulls were used, originating in an industrial cross, without a defined racial group, with mean body weight of 284.86kg, individually fed, being evaluated in a 42-day confinement system. After the evaluation, the animals were divided into two groups according to the individual FE: high feed efficiency (HE) and low feed efficiency (LE). There was a difference between the groups in the variables FE, feed conversion (FC), final weight (FW), and daily weight gain (DWG). The FE had a positive correlation with DWG, FC, and FW. There was no difference between the groups for the variables BM, FS, and ATTSD, nor was there any correlation between these variables and FE. Considering the feed cost, the HE animals proved more profitable. BM, FS, and ATTSD did not statistically show potential to be used as indicators of FE, despite the evidence of numerical differences of these variables between the different groups, tendency of correlations with FE, and discriminating function with potential assertiveness.

scholarly journals Effect of African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in aflatoxin-infected diets on growth performance of broilers

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-186
Author(s):  
D. N. Onunkwo ◽  
O. A. Ukoha
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Monodora Myristica

Fungal infected feedstuffs are denatured in nutrients and cause them to develop off flavors that often dampen the appetite of livestock and poultry. In this study, the effect of toasted African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in Aspergillus flavus-infested diets on growth performance of broilers was investigated in a 2 x 3 factorial experimentthat lasted for 42 days. Three out of 6 dietary treatments were infected with 1mg of pure culture of Aspergillus flavus and toasted Monodora myristica spice included at 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% while the other 3 diets were infection-free with 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% Monodora myristica inclusion respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times at 30 chickens per replicate. Infection status was significant (P<0.05) for daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were 134.19g/bird/day, 39.23g/bird/day, 3.59g/bird/day and 1.10g/bird/day, respectively for the non-infected diets. The aflatoxin infection from Aspergillus flavus was observed to reduce (P<0.05) feed intake to 130.51g/bird/day and weight gain (33.67g/bird/day). FCR and PER were also reduced (P<0.05) by the presence of aflatoxin from Aspergillus flavus in the diet. Effect of Monodora myristica supplementation on feed intake, average daily weight gain, FCR and Protein efficiency ratio was significant (P<0.05) for all the measured parameters. The Feed intake, average daily weight gain, FCR and protein efficiency increased (P<0.05) as Monodora myristica inclusion level increased. Feed intake (119.8g/b/d), daily weight gain (28.90g/b/d), FCR (4.28) and PER (0.94) were observed in the Monodora-free (0%) diet. 0.5% and 1.0% levels of Monodora inclusion produced similar (P>0.05) effects on all the growth parameters but were higher than the control. The interaction of aflatoxin infection and Monodora inclusion level were significant for all the growth parameters. The interaction of aflatoxin infection x Monodora inclusion levels recorded feed intake of 107.97g/b/d, 137.36 and 146.19g/b/d respectively for 0, 0.5 and 1.0% Monodora; 22.27g/b/d, 37.87g/b/d and 40.83g/b/d daily weight gain and 4.85%, 3.63% and 3.58% FCR. The interaction effect of Monodora inclusion level in infection-free diets on the birds feed intake were 131.65g/b/d, 147.24g/b/d and 123.67g/b/d respectively for 0%, 0.5% and 1.0%. The interaction effect at 0.5% inclusion level x non-infected diet was significantly higher (41.31g/b/d) than that at 0% inclusion level on daily gain. However, the daily weight gain of 40.83g/b/d observed in the interaction of 1.0% Monodora level x aflatoxin -free diet similar (P<0.05) to that observed in the 0.5% inclusion level. The feed conversion ratio produced by the interactions at the three different levels (0, 0.5 and 1.0%) in the Aspergillus-free diets were (P>0.05) 3.71, 3.57 and 3.49 respectively while PER were (P<0.05) 1.05, 1.13 and 1.11 respectively. The Monodorafree diet recorded 9.26% drumstick, 2.26% liver 0.65% kidney and 2.43% gizzard, while the diet that had 0.5% Monodora myristica yielded 2.12% liver and 2.29% gizzard. Inclusion of Monodora up to 1.0% recorded 1.63% liver weight. Aspergillus flavus alone caused a reduction in live weight, dressed weight, thigh, kidney, breast meat, gizzard and an enlargement in the liver. Monodora myristica inclusion level also affected (p<0.05) all the parameters except dressed weight, thigh and back cut. Kidney and liver were observed to decrease as the level of inclusion of Monodora myristica increased. The interaction of Monodora myristica and Aspergillus flavus on the parameters were significant (p<0.05). From the results, Monodora myristica may be beneficial to poultry farmers, since about 90% of the poultry feed ingredients especially grains are constantly exposed to aflatoxin infection from Aspergillus flavus and other mycotoxin infections which hinder maximum nutrient utilization and affect the rate of conversion of feed.

scholarly journals Supplementation effect of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) meal in ration on male local rabbit performance

2008 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-63
Author(s):  
M. RIFAT ◽  
Y.B.P. SUBAGYO ◽  
WARA PRATITIS
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Variance Analysis ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Curcuma Xanthorrhiza ◽  
Daily Gain

Rifat M, Subagyo YBP, Pratitis W. 2008. Supplementation effect of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) meal in ration on male local rabbit performance. Biofarmasi 6: 58-63. Rabbit was the alternative livestock which could be used to fulfill the increasing demand of animal protein. The meat of rabbit has smooth structure, shape and color as chicken meat, with protein which higher than cattle, sheep and pork, and also low cholesterol. To increase rabbit productivity, it could be reached by giving temulawak meal as additive feed which could stimulate stomach depletion and a passion to eat. This research aimed to determine the supplementation effect of temulawak meal (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb) in ration on male local rabbit performance. It was held in Gulon village, Jebres district of Surakarta regency since November 28th, 2007 until January 8th, 2008. This research used 24 male local rabbits with average body weight 727.79±97.3 grams divided into four treatments and six replications, each replication consisted of a rabbit. The diets included rendeng (peanut tree) and concentrate with a ration of 70:30. The treatments were P0 (70% rendeng and 30% concentrate) as control diet, P1 (control diet + 2% temulawak meal), P2 (control diet + 4% temulawak meal), and P3 (control diet + 6% temulawak meal). Variable measured were feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed cost per gain. Data from the research result was analyzed with a variance analysis based on a completely randomized design with one-way classification. The results showed that the average of four treatments (P0, P1, P2 and P3) in series for feed intake were 51.89; 53.85; 50.02 and 55.57 (gram/head/day), average daily gain were 6.41; 6.21; 4.86 and 6.03 (gram/head/day), feed conversion ratio were 9.22; 8.83; 11.21 and 9.44, and feed cost per gain were Rp31.63; Rp32.18; Rp41.90 and Rp36.19. Variance analysis result was not significant (P≥0.05). Based on the results, it could be concluded that temulawak meal supplementation in ration did not effect on male local rabbit performance.

scholarly journals Growth response and cost benefits of growing pigs to different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 112-121
Author(s):  
C. P. Njoku ◽  
A. O. Fasakin ◽  
T. R. Ayano ◽  
F. T. Aweda ◽  
O. O. Amaihian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Cost Benefits ◽  
Feed Cost

This study was carried out to investigate growth performance and cost benefits of growing pigs on different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Fifty-four, 8 weeks old Large White breed of pigs with an average body weight of 15.33±0.2 kg were randomly assigned to nine treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of two pigs each. Three diets containing different herbal-mix (Control diet without herbal-mix, moringa-basil meal diet, neem-basil meal diet) were formulated and fed to the pigs for sixteen weeks duration of the study. The moringa-basil and neem-basil leaf meals mixtures were in the ratio of 10 to 2; that is ten percent (10%) moringa or neem to two percent (2%) basil. Parameters determined include growth indices and cost benefits. Data collected were subjected to two-way analysis of variance using SAS (2000). Pigs on control diet had the highest final weight (49. 44, 43.22, 40.67 kg) and daily weight gain (515.87, 401.59, 388.89 g/pig) and the best feed conversion ratio (3.56, 4.59, 4.23) when compared to the values documented for pigs on ration containing different herbal-mix feed additives. The least total feed cost and revenue per pig were noted for pigs on neem-basil dietary treatment while the highest values were documented for pigs on control ration. Homogenous light weight pigs had higher feed intake and total feed cost per pigs when compared to other values noted for pigs on other treatment groups. Heterogeneous weight pigs recorded better feed conversion ratio, lower feed cost per kilogram weight gain and higher gross margin values when compared to the values noted for their homogenous counterparts. It can be concluded from this study that performance indices of growing pigs were affected by the dietary inclusion of herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Hence, herbal-mix leaf meals can be integrated into growers ration in order to lower production cost, likewise,unevenly weight growing pigs can be managed together in order to obtain higher production efficiency in terms of feed intake and cost of production.

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