Assessment of the Practical Potential of Bambara (Voandzeia subterrenea Thouars) Waste for Weaner Pigs

Abstract

Twenty four Large White x Landrace weaner pigs averaging 6.72+0.04kg at 8th week of age were used in a 56 days feeding trial to assess the feeding potential of Toasted Bambara Waste (TBW) fed at 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent levels. The diets were formulated to contain 18 percent crude protein and 2800kcal ME/kg. The pigs were randomly allocated to four treatments according to weight, sex and litter-mates with three replicates per treatment and two pigs per replicate. Results show that the final body weight of pigs on the control diet (0 percent TBW) were comparable (P>0.05) to those of pigs on the 10 percent TBW levels. The efficiency with which the pigs on 10 percent level of TBW utilized the diet was not significantly different from those of pigs on the control diet (P>0.05). The economy of feed conversion showed that the lowest feed cost per kg live weight gain was observed for pigs on the 10 percent TBW diet. Haematological evaluation further revealed that pigs on the 10 percent TBW diet had the highest red blood cells count which differed significantly (P< 0.05) from the other treatments. It is concluded that weaner pigs can tolerate diets with up to 10 percent level of toasted bambara waste with better performance and cost benefits.