The use of different sources of protein on the growth and reproduction of pigs

Abstract

Eighteen clinically sound and parous sows and 6 boars of Large White x Landrace crosses were used to study the effects of different sources of protein on the growth and reproduction. The treatments T1, T2 and T3 which contained T1 Fish meal (FM) control, T2 Chicken offal meal (COM) and T3 Full-fat soybean (FFSB) and fed to the pigs in a completely randomized block design (CRD). The mean body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between treatment groups. However, higher numerical values were obtained for COM and FFSB treatment diets. The gestation length ranged from 114 - 116 days. The number of piglets born were similar (P > 0.05) between the treatment groups, but COM and FFSB treatment groups showed higher values. The piglet birth weight gain were similar (P > 0.05) between COM and FFSB treatment groups, however, they differed significantly (P < 0.05) from T1 FM control. The piglets weight gain at 0- 2, 0 - 4 weeks of age were similar (P > 0.05) between treatment groups. However, piglets weight gain at 4 - 8 weeks of age were similar between COM and FFSB treatment groups but differed significantly (P < 0.05) from T, FM group. The number of piglets weaned and weaning weights were similar (P > 0.05) between treatment groups, however, higher values were observed in COM and FFSB treatment groups. It is concluded that COM and FFSB can completely replace fish meal in the rations of pregnant pigs without any deleterious effects on growth and reproduction. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008.