Performance of Weaner Pigs Fed Graded Levels of Yam and Sweet Potato Peel Meal in Place of Maize in a Maize Based Diet

Abstract

24 weaner pigs were used to investigate the performance of weaner pigs fed graded levels of combined yam peel and sweet potato peel meal (test feedstuff) in maize-based diets. They were allocated to four (4) dietary treatments. Each treatment had three replicates and two pigs in a completely randomized design (CRD). Diet 1 was a maize-based diet, while Diets 2, 3 and 4 contained test feedstuff at 5%, 10% and 15% in place of maize respectively. Feed and water were given ad-libitum. The crude protein and gross energy of the test feedstuff were 9.11% and 3.010 Kcal/kg respectively. The test feedstuff contains hydrogen cyanide 0.23 mg/kg, phytic acid 0.56% and tannin 0.46%. Growth performance showed significant differences (p<0.05) in all the parameters measured except initial weight and feed intake/pig/day. For feed conversion ratio, the least value occurred in T1 (3.24) while the highest value occurred in T4 (4.62). The feed cost analysis (N) revealed that the cost/kg of feed, cost of feed consumed and cost of production were lower than the control diet while the control diet had the least cost/kg weight gain (diet 1 (220.61), diet 2 (230.86), diet 3; (230.25) and diet 4 (243.84)) and highest gross margin values (diet 1; 47.18, diet 2; 41.66, diet 3; 41.45 and diet 4; 40.31). Judging from the least value of feed conversion ratio, cost/kg weight gain and highest gross margin of diet 1, the test feedstuff could not replace maize even at 5% dietary level of inclusion.