Effect of Replacing Maize Grain with Groundnut Haulms on the Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Carcass Traits in Native Pigs Rao D. Sreenivasa1, Prasad J. Rama, Krishnamacharlu E.2, Scientist, Krishna N. AICRP on Pigs, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati517502, India 2AICRP on Sheep for Mutton, Palamaner. 1Present address : Department of Food Chemistry, Queens University, Newforselane, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Online published on 5 January, 2012. Abstract Twentyfour castrated indigenous pigs (20.84 ± 0.04 kg) were divided into 4 equal groups and fed for 90 d on diets replacing maize grain with groundnut haulms (W/W) at O(D-l), 10 (D-2), 20 (D-3) and 30 (D-4) percent levels. Fibre content increased linearly with increase in the level of groundnut haulms in the diet but it did not influence the average daily gain (ADG), feed consumption or feed/gain ratio among the various treatment groups. No significant differences on average dressing percentage, carcass length, loin eye area, carcass lean cuts (per cent) and meat: bone ratio were observed due to treatment effect. However, the average back fat thickness was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in D-3 and D-4 than in control group. The control diet had significantly (P < 0.01) higher DM, CP, EE and NFE digestibilities than D-2 and D-4. The digestibility of CF was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in D-4 than D-2 or D-3. The N retention was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in D-l than other diets. The results indicated that groundnut haulms couid be included in the diets of indigenous pigs at 20-30 per cent level replacing maize grain (W/W) without adversely affecting the animal performance. Top |