Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Lalhruaipuii, Suzanne Malsawmthangi, David H Beihroly, I Shakuntala, S Doley and Blessa Sailo

Abstract:
The study was to evaluate the effect of cooked banana pseudostem and cassava tubers (1:1) on eighteen (18) numbers of cross-bred grower pigs (Lumsniang) in Mizoram which was a common practice among the farmers. The experimental pigs were divided into 3 treatment groups, which consists of 6 pigs in each group (Av. 10.87±0.65 kg, 10.20±0.48 kg and 10.91±0.60 kg body weight respectively) and allotted in individual pen with the provision of feeding and watering. A feeding trial was conducted incorporating cooked banana pseudostem (Musa spp.) and cassava tubers (Manihot esculenta) (1:1 on DM basis) as a replacement to the standard commercial grower pig ration at 0% (G1), 15% (G2) and 25% (G3) for 154 days. A digestibility trial was carried out for 7 days during the last week of the trial. The present study observed that the average body weight gain was highest (45.49±1.32) in G1 and lowest in G2 (42.91±0.98) for the experimental period of 154 days with non-significant differences. The ration incorporated with banana pseudostem and cassava tubers (1:1) reduced the feed cost even though there were no significant differences. Considering the non-significant effect of banana pseudostem and cassava tubers (1:1) on overall body weight gain, FCR and nutrient utilization, it was drawn to the reference that the same could be incorporated up to 25% level for economic small scale pig production system in Mizoram.