GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF WEANER PIGS FED DIETS SUBSTITUTED WITH FRESH CABBAGE (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) WASTE

Abstract

Twenty-seven mixed breeds of pigs were allotted to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, to assess growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner pigs fed diets substituted with fresh cabbage (Brassica oleracea) waste (CW).  There were three replicates per treatment and 3 pigs per replicate. The control group (COG) was fed a ration containing 30% brewer dried grain and 70% concentrate. In contrast, the other two groups were fed the same diet but with 20 (CW-20) and 40 (CW-40) parts of the concentrate component substituted with cabbage waste on an equivalent basis. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The COG had the highest (P<0.05) final weight. Feed intake was not significantly different (P>0.05) among treatment means. Body weight change was not different (P>0.05) from the COG and the CW-20 group. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased (P<0.05) with increasing levels of CW with pigs in control having the least FCR. Cost of production was reduced for the substituted diets, but lowest in diet CW-40 (N9,882). Crude protein and ash digestibility were highest (P<0.05) in pigs on the COG and CW-20 while crude fibre and fat digestibility were lowest in the COG and CW-40 respectively. It can be concluded, therefore, that 40% inclusion of cabbage waste can serve as an excellent supplemental feed resource for weaner pigs.