Growth performance of pigs fed baobab seed cake based diets

Abstract

The effect of feeding Baobab seed cake (BSC) based diets on the growth performance of weaned pigs was evaluated. A total of 30 pigs (15 females and 15 males) crosses of landrace and large white were involved in the experiment. The inclusion levels of BSC were 0, 5 and 10% in diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively replacing sunflower seedcake (SSC). The experiment was spread in a complete randomized design with three treatments replicated twice. Initial weights were taken at the start of the study and subsequently on weekly basis for 90 days. Chemical composition of feed ingredients and experimental diets were determined. The results show that growth performance was significantly higher (P<0.05) in pigs fed on 0%BSC compared to those fed on 10%BSC. Sex had no significant (P>0.05) influence on the performance of pigs. However, males on the three diets had slightly higher weight gain than females. Feed costs per pig were higher in 0% BSC based diet and lower in 10%BSC based diet; however, weight gains were lower in 10% BSC and 5% BSC than 0%BSC diets. The inclusion levels of 5% and 10% BSC in growing pigs’ diets reduced the feed cost by 2.03% and 30.58%, respectively. It can be concluded that BSC might be included in pig’s diets up to 5% without compromising growth performance and minimizing feed cost. Research to validate, evaluate the effects of using high levels of BSC and when used alone in pig diets are needed. Assessing presence or absence of anti-nutritional factors, carcass and pork qualities are crucial before calling up the use of it.

Keywords: Weight, treatment, diets, feed cost, inclusion level