THE EFFECT OF FEEDING PALM KERNEL MEAL ON PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF PIGS

Abstract

Thirty two (32) crossbred (Large white llampshire) boars and gilts of average initial weight of 41.55 kg were fed diets containing graded levels of palm kernel mcal (PKM). Pigs were randomly assigned to pens based on initial weight and sex and there were 2 pigs per pen. Palm kernel meal was fed at (a), (b) 21). 55 (c)
(d) 61,65% of the diet to replace maize offal and full-fat soya-bean in the 16% crude protein diet for treatments 1 to 4. At the end of the 64-day trial, sixteen pigs (8 boars and 8 gilts) were used for carcass evaluation. Final weight of pigs decreased linearly (P<0.05) as the level of PKM increased in the diet. A quadratic response (P<0.05) was obtained for total gain and average daily gain, Average daily feed intake was not significantly allected by level of PKM fed but feed: gain increased linearly (P<0.05) as the level of PKM increased in the diet. Feed cost per kilogramme gain decreased significantly (P<0.05) as level of PKM increased but feed costs for the control and 20.55% PKM diets were similar. The feeding of PKM had no significant effect on dressing %, percentages of lam, shoulder, loin, belly, loin-eye area and backfat thickness. Organ weights (empty stomach, lungs, heart, kidneys and spleen) were not affected by dietary treatment. However, Weight of the liver increased linearly (P<0.05) as level of PKM inclusion increased in the diet. Boars had better gain (P<0.05) and better feed: gain ratio (P<0.01) compared to gilts.