EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE OF MAIZE ON THE GROWTH PERFORiViANCE AND DiGESTIBILITY OF NUTRIENTS IN CROSSBRED (LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE x DESI) PIGS
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Date
2000
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COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur
Abstract
An investigation was carried out to assess the influence of particle size of
maize on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass quality in
crossbred pigs.
Twenty four female weaned crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi)
piglings with an average live weight of 14.5 kg were divided into three groups
(Ti, Tj and Tj) of eight animals as uniformly as possible. They were mamtained on
the same diet containing maize with the particle size of 3 mm, 1 mm and <0.1 mm,
respectively for a period of five months. The average daily gains of 317, 335 and
373 g were recorded for the groups Ti, Tj and Tj, respectively. The cumulative
feed conversion ratios were 5.38, 5.08 and 4.57 for the groups Ti, T2 and T3,
respectively. Fmely ground maize m the diet of growing-finishmg pigs improved
average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency by 6 per cent each over medium
ground maize and by 18 per cent and 15 per cent over coarsely ground maize,
respectively.
As the particle size of maize reduced an overall improvement m the
digestibility of nutrients was observed. The pigs fed diet containing finely ground
maize showed better nutnent digestibility than those fed with coarse or medium
ground maize.
Results of the studies on carcass traits revealed that there was no
significant difference in the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness
and loin eye area due to variation in the particle size of maize.
Cost of feed per kg live weight of animals in the three groups Ti, T2 and
T3 were Rs. 42.34, 40.49 and 37.11, respectively.
This decrease in cost of feed per kg weight gain of pigs with reduction m
the particle size of maize is due to better feed conversion efficiently as a result of
increased nutnent digestibility.
The above results confirm the positive influence of fine grinding of
maize on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and nutrient
digestibility in cross bred pigs. The additional benefit of reduced nutrient excretion
due to increased digestibility will make swine husbandry more eco-friendly.
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