Effect of Mikania micrantha Kunth. Meal as protein source on the performance of growing large white Yorkshire pigs in Mizoram, India

Abstract

The study was to evaluate the effect of feeding Mikania micrantha Kunth. (locally called Japan hlo in Mizoram) meal (MMM) on performance and feed efficiency of growing Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pigs under intensive rearing. Sixteen weaned LWY piglets (Ava. 20.10±3.24 to 20.63±3.75 kg body weight, 2-3 month of age) were assigned to four treatments with MMM at the rate of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% as replacement of soyabean meal on equivalent protein basis. Feeding trail was conducted for 75 days. The digestibility trial was carried out for 5 days during the last week of feeding trial. There was linear decrease in feed intake with increased inclusion of MMM, but without any significant differences between the groups. Body weight changes were variable without any significant differences. Total gain in body weight was 36.38±1.19, 34.55±2.13, 33.35±2.43 and 32.83±1.29 kg, respectively for 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% MMM inclusion level. Digestibility co-efficient of nutrients decreased with increased inclusion of MMM. The feed efficiency was calculated as 3.07±0.30, 3.21±0.33, 3.16±0.28 and 3.14±0.34 for 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% MMM inclusion level. Considering the non-significant effect of MMM on growth, nutrient utilization and feed conversion efficiency, it was concluded that MMM could be included up to 15% level as protein source in place of soyabean meal for LWY pigs in Mizoram.