Response of Weaner Pigs to Diets of Different Proportions and High Levels of Palm Kernel Meal and Brewers Dried Grain in the Humid Tropics

K.U. Amaefule, S.N. Ibe, S.F. Abasiekong and O.C. Onwudike

The response of weaner pigs to diets of different proportions and high levels of palm kernel meal (PKM) and brewers dried grain (BDG) in the humid tropics was determined with 24 hybrid (Landrace x Duroc) pigs whose initial live weights ranged from 8.08 to 8.21 kg (average 8.18 kg). The different proportions of PKM + BDG in the diets were 30 + 40% (T2), 35 + 35% (T3), and 40 + 30% (T4), respectively. PKM + BDG was 0% in T1 (control) and replaced maize in diets T2, T3 and T4. Growth performance and cost-benefit were evaluated at the weaner stage, while carcass and organ characteristics were added at the end of grower stage. Parameters measured were live weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed cost, feed cost of weight gain, gross margin, carcass and organ characteristics. Diets of different proportions of PKM and BDG significantly (P<0.05) increased FCR and protein intake, significantly (P<0.05) reduced cost of production and increased gross margin at the weaner stage. At the grower stage, PKM+BDG diets significantly (P<0.05) lowered final live weight, weight gain, PER and significantly (P<0.05) increased FCR, feed and protein intake. The diets also significantly (P<0.05) reduced total feed cost compared to the control diet and affected some carcass and organ characteristics without regular pattern. It was concluded that weaner and grower pigs could be fed diets containing 70% PKM + BDG (at various proportional combinations), replacing maize completely in the diets.