Performance and Economics of Production of Pigs on Varying Feeding Regimens

Abstract

The study assessed the performance and economics of production of pigs on varying feeding regimens. Thirty (30) weaned pigs of mixed sexes (Large White X Land Race) were randomly distributed to 3 treatments of 10 weaned pigs per treatment in 10 replications in a completely randomized experimental design. Data collected were analyzed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 8.2 software and where there were differences in the means, they were separated using Duncan option of the same software. Results showed a significantly (p>0.05) higher weight gain (0.35 kg/pig/d) and feed intake (1.06kg/pig/d) of pigs fed on 6% live body weight compared with the similar weight gains (0.28 and 0.23 kg/pig/d) and feed intakes (0.78 and 0.58 kg/pig/d) of those fed on 5 and 4% live body weight respectively. Interestingly, pigs fed on 4% live body weight converted their feeds efficiently (p>0.05) better than those on 6 and 5% live body weight. Economics of pig production showed that pigs fed on 4% live body weight recorded the least cost with highest profit and economic efficiency over those fed on 6 and 5% live body weight. This shows that feeding pigs on 4% live body weight is more cost effective with better economic gain than feeding at higher (6 and 5% live body weight) percentage live body weight.