EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL PIG FEEDS ON GROWTH AND HEALTH STATUS OF GROWER PIGS

Authors

  • B. A. Makanjuola Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • B. A. Boladuro Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • O. A. Adesehinwa AK Research Farm, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
  • A. S. Dunmade Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • J. B. Adeogun University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
  • A. O. K. Adesehinwa Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.8480

Keywords:

Weaner pigs, Feed efficiency, Growth performance, Haematology, Commercial feed

Abstract

The high cost of conventional feed ingredients and unavailability of trusted commercial feed for pigs remains a major challenge to profitable pig farming in Nigeria. These have led farmers to unwholesome feeding practices that undermines productivity. This study evaluated the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and blood profile of pigs fed commercial pig diets. A total of 48 grower pigs (30.08±6.08 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: T1 (Farmer’s diet), T2 (Commercial feed variant1), and T3 (Commercial feed variant 2). The feeding trial lasted 56 days, with feed and water provided ad libitum. Growth performance

indicators, including weight gain and feed intake were recorded, while haematological and serum biochemical parameters were assessed. Results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in feed intake, final weight and weight gain among the treatments. However, feed conversion ratio (FCR) differed significantly (P<0.05), with T2 (3.73) showing superior efficiency compared to T1 (4.71). Backfat thickness was significantly lower (P<0.05) in T2 (10.27 mm), indicating improved carcass quality. The haematological and serum biochemical indices measured remained within normal physiological ranges, suggesting no adverse effects from the diets. T3 had numerically higher PCV (43.50%), Hb (14.27 g/dL), and RBC (7.17 x10⁶/μL). Serum cholesterol was significantly(P<0.05) lower in T2 (76.47mg/dL) and T3 (75.15 mg/dL), indicating potential benefits for lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that diet T2 improves feed efficiency and carcass quality, making it a viable

diet for enhancing pig growth performance in commercial pig production. 

Author Biographies

B. A. Makanjuola, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State

Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training

B. A. Boladuro , Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State

Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training

A. S. Dunmade, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State

Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training

J. B. Adeogun, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Science

A. O. K. Adesehinwa, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State

Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training

Downloads

Published

2025-03-20

How to Cite

Makanjuola, B. A. ., Boladuro , B. A. ., Adesehinwa, O. A. ., Dunmade, A. S. ., Adeogun, J. B. ., & Adesehinwa, A. O. K. (2025). EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL PIG FEEDS ON GROWTH AND HEALTH STATUS OF GROWER PIGS. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 1185–1188. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.8480

Issue

2025: Proceedings 2025

Section

Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Obs.: This plugin requires at least one statistics/report plugin to be enabled. If your statistics plugins provide more than one metric then please also select a main metric on the admin's site settings page and/or on the journal manager's settings pages.