Growth and feed efficiency of pigs fed common staples and protein supplements

摘要

Two feeding trials were conducted to determine the effect of sweet potato and two locally grown corn varieties on the growth of pigs following the Lehmann feeding system, which involves feeding pigs staples such as sweet potato and corn with supplements of protein concentrate. One trial assessed feed intake and growth of native pigs when fed sweet potato with supplements of formulated protein concentrate (45 percent crude protein) at 0.45 or 0.50 kilograms per pig per day. Control pigs received pig grower only. Feed conversion ratios (FCR) and daily weight gains were not significantly different between the three groups. A second trial studied the effect of two locally grown corn varieties on the FCR and growth of crossbred pigs. Normal or quality protein corn was fed with protein concentrate at 0.50 kilograms per pig per day; control pigs were fed pig grower only. Pigs fed quality protein corn had higher weight gains than control pigs or those receiving normal corn. The results showed that satisfactory growth in fattening native and crossbred pigs could be achieved using locally available staples and supplements of protein concentrate. Weight gains of 600-629 grams per day in crossbred pigs confirmed the potential of the Lehmann feeding system for smallholder pig growers.