Evaluation and utilization of blood meal diets by weaner pigs reared under tropical environment

This study evaluated the effects on growth and cost benefits of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with blood meal (BM) in diets of weaner pigs. Possible pathogenic bacteria contamination and nutritional contents of the BM were determined prior to feed formulation. Four weaner diets (A, B, C, and D) were formulated such that BM replaced SBM at 0.0 (control), 50.0, 75.0, and 100.0%, and fed to 32 Landrace x Large White weaner pigs at 5 % of their body weight. Feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), gain: feed and cost benefit of the diets were determined weekly for 20 weeks. Proximate analysis of the BM was determined after 20 - week study. Bacillus and Staphylococcus species which ranged from 0.00 to 6.70 ± 0.12 x 103cfu/g (Bacillus) and 0.00 to 4.10 ± 0.34 x 103 cfu/g (Staphylococcus) were recovered from the BM. Proximate analysis showed that crude protein increased linearly as BM inclusion increased. Energy, ether extract, phosphorus and calcium contents of diets B, C, and D were not affected by the substitution. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in FCR, daily feed intake and gain: feed among the groups. Diet C significantly (P < 0.05) reduced costs per kg diet, improved weight gain and gross margin more than the control. Proximate analysis of the BM after the 20 weeks showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference in its initial nutrient composition. Authors recommend replacement of SBM with 75% BM when formulating weaner pig diet in the tropics.Keywords: Swine, bacteria contaminant, pig performance, cost benefits, Nigeri

Comparative evaluation of growth performance, serum biochemical profile and immunological response of the Nigerian indigenous and large white x landrace crossbred pigs

This study was conducted to compare growth performance, immunological response, and biochemical profile between local or Nigerian indigenous pigs (NIP) and exotic Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs (LWL). Twenty weanling pigs, aged six weeks were divided into groups A (NIP) and B (LWL); each group was randomly assigned into two replicates of five pigs. Feed and animal management were similar and study lasted ten weeks. Their feed and water intake, average daily weight gain (ADG), and gain: feed or feed efficiency were determined. All the pigs were vaccinated with1 ml of 10 % sheep RBC per pig at week 4 and boosted at week 7. Their antibody titres and serum biochemical profiles were determined using standard procedures. Daily feed and water intake and weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in LWL than NIP. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in their gain: feed but figures were higher in NIP. Although LWL had higher antibody titres at weeks 1 of initial and revaccination, NIP recorded higher titres at weeks 2, 3 and 4 of initial and 2 of revaccination, respectively. Albumin levels in both groups showed a significant (p = 0.003, t = 8) difference in their mean on week 1 following initial vaccination, their values being 4.29 ± 0.05 and 4.67 ± 0.08 g/dL for groups A and B, respectively.The NIP showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher total protein and globulin throughout the period of assay. Although the LWL grew faster and had better immediate immunological performance, the NIP recorded slightly higher feed efficiency and more sustained antibody titres post vaccination with Sheep RBC.Keywords: Swine, growth performance, serum biochemistry, sheep RBC, antibody titre

Comparative study of lipid profile of pigs, goats and cattle slaughtered at Nsukka Municipal Abattoir, Enugu State, Nigeria

Fat contents of meat largely determine consumer's choice and the general acceptability by people. Thus, this research was carried out to compare the lipid profile of pigs with that of goats and cattle in the study area. One hundred and ninety two animals; 64 from each species, aged two to three years slaughtered at Nsukka Municipal abattoir were used. Samples of Rectus abdominus muscle, liver, kidney, brain, skin and large intestine were collected. Two g of each of the sample was grinded, centrifuged, decanted and the supernatants used to determine their cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride profile by enzymatic colorimetric method using reagents test kits. Result showed that although cholesterol profile in liver, kidney and intestine of the goats was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in pigs and cattle, its concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in muscle and skin of the pigs than goats and cattle. Highest concentration of cholesterol which ranged from 1205.34 to 1328.34mg/dL was from brain tissues of the animals. The HDL in muscles of the pigs and goats showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference but were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of cattle. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in LDL and triglyceride profiles in tissues/organs of the three animal species. It was concluded that Nigerian pig todays share similar lipid profile with goats and cattle