Performance evaluation of growing pigs fed graded levels of pineapple (<i>Ananas comosus</i>) wine sediment

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to boost animal protein consumption in the Nigerian populace using an unconventional feedstuff–pineapple wine sediment meal (PWSM) which is a waste product of the winery. In the study, PWSM was used to evaluate the growth performance of grower pigs using 32 large white x landrace strains of pigs with average initial weight of 32 ± 0.07kg. Four treatment diets coded T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ replicated 3 times were formulated to replace maize at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% levels respectively and the study lasted for 35 days. The result of the experiment indicated that PWSM enhanced the palatability and feed intake of the growing pigs because of the proteolytic enzyme, bromelain which stimulated healthy metabolism. It was established from the result that PWSM could replace maize partially up to 10% dietary levels for optimum performance of grower pigs and that at higher levels of 20% despite positive impacts on the economy of production; growth rate and feed conversion are negatively affected. Hence, 10% inclusion level is recommended for optimum productivity and for maximization of profit in the industry