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Open Access
EFFECT OF HOUSING SYSTEMS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SOWS AND GILTS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1998) V. RAMESH; P.C. Saseendran
An experiment was conducted to findout the effect of housing systems on the reproductive performance of sows and gilts. Three types of housing systems namely, conventional house with wallowing tank (control TJ , conventional house with sprinklers (Tj) and range system (Tj) were put to test. Eighteen sows and eighteen gilts were reared under each system. A significantly lower (P<0.01) temperature was observed in sprinkler system (33.0°C) when compared to conventional (35.0°C) and range (34.35°C). There was nc significant difference in relative humidity between the groups. Significant difference (P<0.01) between treatment groups Ti with Tj and T3 in age at puberty and mating in gilt which were 305.47 ± 9.51, 270.36 ± 8.75 and 276.22 ± 5.- ;. respectively. The gilts under the treatment group T^ and T, had reached piiberty and were mated earlier than Ti group. The weight of gilts at the time of breeding was significantly (P<0.05) lower in treatment group T3 (75.39 ± 3.19) when compared to Tj (97.63 ± 3.09) and T^ (93.11 ± 3.73). But T3 group gilts had compensatory weight gain during pregnancy and difference between treatment groups in weight of gilts at one week after farrowing and at weaning were non significant. The weight of sows at the time of breeding, one week after farrowing and at weaning were significantly lower (P<0.05) in treatment group Tj when compared to T3 and . S .gnificantl' higher (P<0.01) percentage of oestrus occurrence, breeding success and intensity of oestrus were observed in T, and T3 group than group. The gestation length and post weaning oestrus period were found to be non-significantly different between the groups. The litter size at birth and weaning were 9.06 ± 0.26 and 6.87 ± 0.22 respectively in gilts and 9.38 ± 0.33 and 6.92 ± 0.05 respectively in sows reared under range system (T3) which were highly significant (P<0.01) than the litter size at birth and weaning obtained for gilts (5.85 ± 0.40 and 4.00 ± 0.69 respectively) and sows (7.09 ± 0.68 and 4.63 ± 0.70 respectively) reared under conventional system (TJ . Between T^ and T3 there was no significant difference. The litter weight at birth and weaning in T3 groups of 13.89 ± 0.43 kg and 62.72 ± 1.99 kg respectively in gilts and 14.35 ± 0.52 kg and 63.84 ± 4.04 kg respectively in sows were found to be highly significant than T^ group and non significantly higher than T, group. The cost of installing sprinkler in conventional pen and providing range in place of conventional pen were estimated to be Rs.29/m^ and Rs.l25/m= respectively. In the present study the reproductive performance of pigs maintained under sprinkler and range system was found to be better than the pigs maintained under conventional system. But the range system may not be practical and economically feasible always when compared to sprinkler system
Open Access
EFFECT OF MODIFIED ENVIRONMENT DURING SUMMER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1998) T. SUBRAMANIAN; K.S. Sebastian
An investigation was carried out to study the environment variables and the effect of modified housing conditions on the physiological norms and growth performance during the dry season on the large white Yorkshire grower pigs. The modified housing include, - without wallow and sprinkler, Tj - with wallow only, T3 - with sprinkler only and T4 - with wallow and sprinkler as the four treatment groups. The dry season (summer) characterised by higher ambient temperature (maximum temperature - 31.5° to 37°C, minimum temperature 22.8 to 26.1°C, mean temperature - 27.4°C to 31.3°C), comparatively lower relative humidity (mean RH 63.15 to 75.68%) and wind speed (2.75 to 7.8 km/h) . The higher range of temperature was sufficient to cause stress on the performance of the grower pigs as per the literatures. The treatment (TJ without wallow and sprinkler varies significantly (P<0.05) in the body temperature, respiration rate, cardiac rate both in the forenoon and afternoon from the Tj, T3 and T4 gramps, i.e., T^ has shown more of physiological stress reaction than other treatment groups. T, was found to be more comfortable than T^. and T3 were having no significant difference except in afternoon body temperature and respiration rate. There were no statistically significant (P<0.05) difference between treatment groups in the fortnightly body weight gain from the first fortnight to upto twelfth fortnight. The twelfth fortnight body weight of the treatments T^, T2, T3 and T4 were 70.833 ± 2.114, 69.333 ± 5.816, 73.333 ± 5.681 and 71.667 ± 5.975. There were also no significant difference in the body length, chest girth and body height among the treatment groups in the fortnightly observations. Though T^ had shown significant (P<0.05) rise of physiological norms that had not reached upto the level of growth retardation. The overall fortnightly rate of gain (kg) and average daily gain (g) of the treatment groups of T^, Tj, Tj and T^ were 5.08 ± 0.60, 4.97 ± 0.54, 5.28 ± 0.56 and 5.17 ± 0.60 and 339 ± 39.9, 330.9 ± 36.1, 351.7 ± 37.6 and 343.9 ± 36.0. Under restricted feeding regime, T3 was having relatively better feed conversion efficiency and lower cost per kg of live weight production than T^, T^ and Tj. The conversion efficiency of T^, T^, T3 and T^ were 4.05, 4.15, 3.91 and 3.99 and cost per kg of live weight production 36.16, 37.03, 35.05 and 35.81. Based on the observations and the results suitable method of environment modification during the dry season for grower pigs can be recommended.
Open Access
EFFECT OF ENRICHMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND HALOTHANE SENSITIVITY ON PERFORMANCE OF LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE AND DESI PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1997) JOSEPH MATHEW; C.K.Thomas
The effect of environmental variables, halothane sensitivity and environmental enrichments in the form of wallowing, water sprinkling and access to a shaded range on various production and reproduction traits of exotic(LWYJ and Desi pigs was assessed by conducting a study in Kerala Agricultural University Pig Breeding Farm , Mannuthy (UPBl). Significant correlations were found between environmental variables and important production and reproduction traits in both breeds . The incidence of halothane sensitivity was found to be higher in LWY when compared to that of Desi.A clear breed difference was noticed between Desi and LWY with respect to traits such as body weight,daily weight gain,body measurements, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency(FCE), weaning weight,cost of production for unit meat and weaned piglet.Environmental enrichments were found to be beneficial for most of the traits such as body weight, daily weight gain,FCE,conception rate,live litter size at birth,birth weight,1itter weight at weaning and average weaning weight.When halothane sensitive animals were better in FCE and growth rate, halothane resistant animals came out with good reproduction results.But positive animals with environmental enrichments performed better than negative in certain traits.The biochemical traits associated with haiothane sensitivity were inconsistent.But clear trends with breed and genetic groups existed between haiothane positive and negative animals.An apparently clear interaction between breeds, genotype and environmental enrichments were niticed in certain production and reproduction traits.Provision for access to a shaded range was found to be beneficial for fattening pigs with respect to FCE and growth rate.Wallowing and water sprinkling have got negative effect on these traits.But for reproduction traits all the above enrichments had beneficial effect.Based on the observations and the results suitable combinations of various environmental enricfimenLs for different breeds, geno types and purpose were deslgried which fnay be used as tools for developing managemental systems under different situations.
Open Access
EFFECT OF SEASON OF BIRTH AND ENERGY LEVELS OF FEED ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 1992) K. S, SEBASTIAN; T. G. Rajagopalan
A detailed investigation was carried out to study the effect of season and level of energy intake on grov/th rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality and economics of production of fattening pigs reared upto a slaughter weight of 90 kg. Thirty two weaner pigs of large White Yorkshire breed belonging to the University Pig Breeding Farm, Mannuthy born in two seasons were distributed under two dietary treatments. All animals were slaughtered on attaining the target weight of 90 kg. Animals born in season II were superior to animals born in season I in all the parameters like growth rate, feed j_0f]^cy, average daily gain and carcass characteristics. The energy level in the ration had a moderate influence on the performance of grower pigs. Animals on NRG level of feed were found to be better than animals on 15 per cent less than NRG levels in all the traits under study except for fat characteristics,. The cost of production per kg pork was found to be less (Rs 18.72) in NRC group than 15 per cent less than NRC group (Rs 22.99) due to higher feed efficiency and better growth rate. The overall results obtained during the course of present study is that the unit cost of production is less for animals maintained on NRC level of ration. Animals born in season II were found to be better than animals born in season I in production performances.
Open Access
CERTAIN SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF PIGS
(College of Veterinary and animal Science,Mannuthy, 1996) S. RAMAKRISHNAN; K.S. Sebastian
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of social environment on the reproductive performance of pigs and the feasibility and economics of rearing pigs of either sex together. Sixteen weaned large white Yorkshire gilts, twelve weaned sows and two boars were randomly assigned to five groups as Ti, Tj, T3, T4 and T5 each consisting of six. Pigs in and T3 groups were bred at the body weight of 70-80 kg with designated boars at the time-of breeding. The pigs in T5 group were bred in the first oestrus after weaning. In Tj and T4 group female pigs were reared with boar. Post weaning oestrus, duration of oestrus, conception rate and gestation length did not vary significantly between groups. Onset and intensity of oestrus were significantly different (P<0.05) between groups. All gilts and sows in each group were allowed to farrow in the same pen and their litter performance was studied. The litter size and weight at birth did not vary significantly {P>0.05) between the groups. Litter size and weight at weaning did not vary significantly {P>0.05) between groups. The behaviour of parents and other penmates towards the litter did not vary significantly between groups. The behaviour of penmates to the litter was cordial. Overall results suggest that in farming conditions group housing system can be practiced. It is advisable to keep animals in advanced stage of pregnancy in farrowing pens till weaning of piglings.
Open Access
FACTORS INFLUENCING CALF GROWTH AND MORTALITY IN FIELD AND ORGANISED FARMS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1994) SHAJI ANTONY; Thomas, C.K.; SHAJI ANTONY
A study was undertaken to evaluate- the system of calf raising in the field vis-a-vis that in organised farms, which included contemporary calves born in field and organised farms. Mavelikara was chosen as the study area from where the experimental field calves were selected. University Livestock Farm, Kerala Agricultural University and Dhoni Farm, KLD Board, Palghat were chosen to represent organised farms in the experiment. All the calves born in the experimental area or farms during a period of two months were included in the experiment. Calves were studied upto a period of six months of age. It was observed that climatic conditions in general were similar at the three locations except that at ULF, Mannuthy relative humidity and hours of bri.ght sunshine tended to be less than the other two locations. The male calves in the farms weighed heavier at birth and gained faster to weigh significantly more at the 12th fortnight compared to those in the field. There was no significant difference in birth weight of farm and field born female calves. However, those in the farms grew faster to weigh significantly heavier at 12th fortnight. When male and female calves in the farms and field were put together and tested at 1st, 6th and 12th fortnights, the calves in the farms weighed significantly heavier than those in the field at all stages. The daily weight gain during different fortnights was higher in the farm grown calves compared to their counterparts in the field. There was no significant difference in height of male calves in the farm » and field in the 1st fortnight but was significantly higher in the farm grown calves in the 6th and 12th fortnights. There was no significant difference in the height of the female calves in the farms and field in all the three fortnights tested. Information with respect to girth showed similar trend as in the case of weight and height. In the first fortnight, the male calves in the farms measured significantly shorter in length than those in the field but by 6th and 12th fortnights, they measured significantly longer than male calves in the field. There was no significant difference in length of female calves in the field and farms during the time intervals tested. In the field, calves received generally an adequate amount of colostrum through suckling. Those in the farm were fed 2-2.5 kg colostrum daily from the pail. The interval between birth and first nursing varied from 15 min to 2 h in the field. In the farms, calves born during day time received colostrum within half an hour, while those born in night received colostrum the next morning. Highest daily gain and lowest mortality was seen in calves fed colostrum within 15 minutes. It was observed that the quantity of milk available to female calves in the field was comparable to that in the farms. Male calves in the field received much lesser quantity. Female calves received more quantity of concentrates compared to males except in the early fortnights. Maximum daily gain of calves was observed in sheds with concrete flooring and tiled roofs. Monthly deworming was practised upto 12 months of age in the two farms studied. In the field all calves were dewormed during the 1st month only. Thereafter, female calves were given more frequent deworming treatment. Vaccination against Foot and Mouth disease was carried out in the farms b\]t not in the field. Good hygiene and daily grooming increased the daily gain of calves. Better growth was seen when the animals were looked after by men than women. Average dairy awareness was Observed in 90 per cent of the farmers, naily gain of calves increased with increased dairy awareness. People with high school level education maintained their calves better than those with higher or lower levels of education. Calves grown by agricultural labourers seemed to have lower weight gain. Calves reared in larger units of land had a greater daily weight gain. The mortality rate among calves was 14 per cent in the field compared to 8.5 per cent in the farms. Mortality rate of 66.6 per cent was seen when no colostrum was fed. There was no mortality among calves fed colostrum within 15 minutes. Male calves had higher mortality rate than female calves. Higher mortality rate was observed in calves born to first calvers. in field mortality was higher in 1st and 5th month of age. Mortality rate was lower when calves were looked after by men compared to women. The lowest calf mortality rate was observed among calves owned by those who had high school level education. Mortality rate among calves seemed to decrease with increasing dairy awareness of owners. Mortality rate of calves was highest in shed i and premises with poor hygiene (50%) followed by medium hygiene (11.11%) and good hygiene (10.5%). Similarly daily grooming seemed to reduces mortality rate (11.9%) compared to weekly grooming (25%). At the end of 6 months, 92.85 per cent of the female calves were retained by the farmers compared to only 36.36 per cent male calves, clearly pointing towards the greater future economic utility of the former.
Open Access
MANAGEMENTAL EFFECTS OF SYNCHRONIZATION OF OESTRUS IN GOATS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1993) SHIVKUMAR, S.; Thomas, C.K.; SHIVKUMAR, S.
An experiment was conducted to study the managemental effects of synchronization of oestrus in goats using parentral administration of PGF2alpha, on a flock of Malabari/ Malabari x Saanen and Malabari x Alpine goats maintained at the Agricultural University Goat Farm, Mannuthy. Forty cyclic goats were selected in pairs on the basis of similarity in genetic group, body weight and age. The does from each pair were allotted to two groups at random. Out of these one group at random formed the treatment group and the other control. The goats in the treatment group were given two injections of 10 mg (l/M) each of PGF2alpha separated by 11 days, in two batches of 10 goats each. The animals were mated at the synchronized oestrus following the second PG injection. The does in the control group were mated as and when they came to oestrus. Heat detection in the does was carried out by parading the vasectomised bucks twice daily and by observing the behavioural manifestations of oestrus. The results and conclusions of the study are given below. The PGF2alpha treated goats showed 75 and 100 per cent oestrus synchrony after a mean interval of 45.93+2.19h and 48.38+2.05 h following the first and second injection of PGF2alpha respectively. 11 Of the various signs of oestrus only rapid waving of tail in the presence of male and vaginal mucous discharge were observed in all the does in oestrus. Various signs of oestrus behaviour including receptivity was found to be more pronounced in oestrus synchronized does using PGF2alpha than in the controls. Mated does showed pricking of ear and arching of back as post coital reactions. Conception rate following mating at the first oestrus was better in the treatment group (85%) than the controls (75%). Body weight changes during pregnancy was not found to be affected by synchronization of oestrus with prostaglandin F2alpha. Mean gestation period in the treatment group was 148.14+0.80 days compared to 143.88+0.78 days in the controls/ the difference being significant (P < 0.05). Overall 61.3 per cent of the parturitions were observed to occur between 0600 to 1800 hours. Maternal behaviour studies showed no significant difference between the does in the control (av. score 3) and treatment group (av. score 2.8). Multiparas were observed to possess better maternal instinct than the primipara does. The new born kids attempted to stand up within 8 to 15 minutes and 68 per cent of them suckled from the dam's teat Ill within one hour of birth. In the control group 88 per cent of the kiddings were singles and 11.77 per cent twins compared to 85.71 per cent singles and 14.29 per cent twins in the treatment group. comparing the growth of kids with respect to body weights and body measurements at fortnightly intervals from birth to 90 days of age, showed that the growth rate of kids born from synchronized oestrus was similar to that of control kids. Suckling behaviour in the kids revealed that the overall mean duration of suckling was 2.61 minutes and mean rate of suckling was 49.65 g per minute. It was observed that the rate of butting and intensity of tail wagging increased as the flow of milk from the teats got reduced. The mean daily milk yield from first to thirteenth week of lactation in the control and treatment groups were found to be 0.509+0.015 kg and 0.493+0.014 kg respectively. Man hours requirements to look after the does and raising the kids born to tham to 90 days of age in both the control and treatment group, revealed that there was a man hour saving of 12.3 per cent in the oestrus synchronized group (treatment) than the untreated controls.
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN HOMESTEAD DAIRY PRODUCTION UNITS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 1995) SUDHEER, S.; Rajagopalan, T.G.; SUDHEER, S.
The present study was carried out with a view of estimating objectively the existing practices of management, components of inputs and cost of milk production in the rural unorganised and organised areas. The study was carried out in Kalady panchayat of Ernakulam district. The required data was collected from the households by direct observation and personal interview using a pre-tested schedule. Cattle, buffalo and goats were the livestock species mainly reared by farmers. Most of the dairymen had a single cow unit. A reduction in herd strength was noticed in all the holdings during the last five years. Majority of farmers raised their own replacement stock. Regarding purchase of animals farmers generally preferred adult cows than heifers or calves. Farmers considered attributes like milk production appearance and confirmation, colour, temperament and age of animals, price and also his financial position before purchasing animals. Majority of households had pucca cattle sheds and the remaining had kutcha sheds. Lean to type houses were more in number than independent houses as it was easier to construct and incurred low construction cost. Most of the sheds had feeding mangers. The standing space provided for cows in the 11 sheds were more than the space recommended and the width of manger was less than the space recommended by both KAU and I CAR, The types of feed fed to livestock are compounded feed, concentrate cakes, roughages and crop by-products and residues. The feed stuffs were mainly purchased from private shops, markets or co-operative societies. None of the farmers purchased green fodder, they mainly depended on fodder collected from field bunds and other agricultural lands. The study revealed the allocation of feed stuff, it was higher for animals in milk followed by pregnant and dry cows and heifers. It was observed that dairymen of both organised and unorganised sectors fed DCP and TDN in excess of NRC recommendations. More attention was bestowed on the feeding of female calves than male calves as majority of farmers were interested in raising replacements. In the study area AI was the predominant practise in breeding. The study revealed that a large proportion of dairymen were not aware of heat signs and the right time for inseminating their animals. The longer calving interval was due to poor heat detection, conception failure and deliberate skipping of heat by farmers. Ill The households reported the incidence of infertility, reproductive problems, mastitis and minor ailments like anorexia, parasitism, diarrhoea, pyrexia and foot diseases. The study revealed that dairymen had poor knowledge about the need for vaccinations and deworming of their livestock. So also a good number of farmers were not even aware of cattle insurance schemes The average daily milk consumption was more in organised sector than unorganised sector. The quantity of milk retained for home consumption was less in both sectors When compared to the quantity of milk sold. There were three principal outlets for the sale of milk vis., milk societies, vendors and local consumers. Farmers due to the reason that they are getting the highest price from local sales preferred to sell milk to local consumers. There was very little use of hired labour in the study area. m all dairy activities family labour was engaged. Outdoor activities were mostly done by husbands and indoor activities were mostly done by wives. Another notable feature in household labour utilisation was the low level participation of children. cost was the major expenditure in the of milch cows followed by labour charges, deprecration, interest on fixed capital and medicines and IV miscellaneous cost. The cost of production of 1 litre of milk was highest in the marginal holdings and lowest in the medium holdings. The result of the study showed that cost of milk production decreased with the increase in size of land holding. One rupee investment in milk production generated the highest return of Rs.1.28 in medium holdings followed by Rs.1.27 in small and Rs.1.23 in marginal holdings. The cost of production nf liLii. of milk was lower in the organised sector as compared to the unorganised sector. One rupee investment in milk production generated Rs.1.18 in organised sector and Rs.1.26 in unorganised sector. Old age, immediate requirement for cash, poor production, disease, lack of family labour and bad temperament were the reasons for the disposal of animals. Out of the cows disposed majority belonged to marginal holdings. The most important constraints in dairying felt by the respondents were high cost of feed and fodder, low price of milk, inadequate knowledge about scientific feeding, lack of finance or subsidy and lack of family labour.
Open Access
INFLUENCE OF CHITIN DIM GROWTH AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN GROWING PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCE,MANNUTHY, 1993) CHITTA RANJAN PRADHAN; Rajagopalan, T G
A study was carried out to find out the influence of feedrn, chitin to pigs on th.ir growth, carcass Characteristics, Wood eel, count and haemoglobin ccncentration, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and V acid profile of muscle and backfat. Twenty-four -weareS. female Piglings of Large White Ycrhshi e breed were assigned to three groups of eight each. groups were fei chitin with a standard farm ration at l3ve;,s Of 0.5 per cent (Group 1, and 1 per cent (Group 2), and inc .remaining group, which served as the control, was fed only the ration without addition of chitin (Group 3, . Ml animals -..a housed individually and were fed in two 1-hour feeding perirds daily. Digestibility of Chitin did not differ between the two chrtin-fed groups. The percentage of digestibility increased rrcm, age 3 months (79.37 t 1.85 to 80.49 + i 85) t^ 5 — -'-•od; til 5 months (55,36 + 1.13 to 9986..5544 ++ 1i .05) anjd thereafter remained constant at 7 months (95.35 + 1.33 to 95.77 + 1.57,. The chitin-fed groups had significantly (P<0.05 or O.Oi; higher body weights than the controls from 18th to 40th (ii) week of age. compared with the controls, the ohitin-fed groups had higher total gains in weight by 11 to 12 kg. Both the chitin-fed groups also had significantly (P<0.05 or 0.01) higher average daily gains than the controls from 18th to 40th week of age. The pigs in all groups showed a peak rate of gain at 32nd week of age. The chitin-fed groups also averaged higher body lengths, heights and girths, and also higher daily gains in these measures as compared with the control group. Daily feed intake increased with age of animals in all the groups. Daily feed intake did not differ significantly between the groups. For all the groups, maximum feed efficiency was recorded between 16th and 30th week of age. As compared with the controls, the chitin-fed groups showed higher feed efficiency. The differences between the control and chitinfed groups were found to be significant (P<0.05) at the end of the experiment. The pigs in the chitin-fed groups averaged higher Slaughter weights than the controls at 5, 7 and 9 months of age. (iii) For the pigs in all groups, carcass length, ham weight and eye-muscle area showed higher percentages of gain between 5 and 7 months than between 7 and 9 months of age. The percentage of ham decreased with increase in age and weight of animals. The chitin-fed groups of pigs showed higher carcass lengths, ham weights and eye-muscle areas than the control group at each stage of slaughter. The backfat deposition showed a higher deposition between 5 and 7 months than between 7 and 9 months of age, while the majority of leaf fat deposition took place between 7 and 9 months of age. The percentage of leaf fat increased with increase in age and weight of animals in all the groups. The chitin-fed groups showed lower backfat thickness and lower percentages of leaf fat than the controls at each stage of ^ slaughter. The increase in dressing percentage was found to be higher between 7 and 9 months than between 5 and 7 months of age, for all groups of pigs. The chitin-fed groups yielded higher dressing percentages than the control group at each stage of slaughter. The weight of internal organs increased with age of animals, whereas weight of internal organs as percentage of live weight decreased. The control group of pigs had higher ¨ (iv) percentages of internal organs than the chitin-fed groups at each slaughter age. The haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and differential leukocyte count did not differ significantly between the groups of pigs at 5, 7 or 9 months of age. The pigs in group 2 averaged the lowest serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels followed by the pigs in group 1 and group 3, in that order, at 5, 7 and 9 months of age. The differences in serum cholesterol concentration between the pigs in group 2 and the pigs in either group 1 or group 3 were found to be significant (P<0.05) at 7 months and highly significant (P<0.01) at 9 months of age. The serum triglyceride concentration followed the same trend as serum cholesterol concentration, between the groups of pigs. However, the differences were not found to be statistically significant. The fatty acid composition of muscle and backfat did not differ noticeably between the groups at 5 months of age. At the subsequent ages of 7 and 9 months, the chitin-fed groups showed markedly higher degree of unsaturation and lower saturation than the control group. Higher percentages of oleic acid and lower percentages of palmitic acid were L (V) recorded for the chitin-fed groups as compared with the control group. The results revealed that chitin had growth-promoting/ hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effect in pigs. It also improved the degree of unsaturation in pig meat.

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