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The growth performance of
growing pigs during feed restriction and re-alimentation in
a humid tropical environment
S. O. C. Ugwu and A. E. Onyimonyi*
Department
of Animal Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
onyimonyi@yahoo.com
.Accepted 28 November, 2008 |
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Thirty two crossbred (large white x landrace) pigs were used
in a 56 days restriction and 56 days re-alimentation study
to evaluate the effect of restricting growing pigs at 90, 80
and 70% of the ad libitum feed intake of the control.
The pigs averaged 35.23 ± 0.560 kg at the start of the
study. There were four treatments (control, 90, 80 and 70%).
Each treatment had eight pigs allotted to 2 replications of
four pigs each. The pigs received a 16% crude protein and
12.08 MJME/kg diet. Results indicated that average daily
gains (ADG) of the control pigs were significantly superior
to the others during the restriction period. However, at the
end of the 56 days re-alimentation, pigs on the 80%
and 70% feeding regime had superior ADG than the pigs on the
control and 90 percent feeding regime. Data on the body
length (BL) and height at shoulders (HS) followed the same
trend as observed for ADG. Feed intakes of pigs were
significantly affected during the restriction and
re-alimentation period. There was a significant (p < 0.05)
decrease in feed intake as level of restriction increased.
Also, during re-alimentation pigs on the 70% level had the
highest feed intake. Pigs on the 80% level of restriction
had the best feed cost/kg gain values at restriction and
re-alimentation. It is concluded that restricting growing
pigs at 80% of the ad libitum intake of the control
yields best performance and economic benefit.
Key
words:
Growth, restriction, re-alimentation. |
