NM 04. Addition effects of sweet potato foliage on production and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs

Abstract

In order to determine the effect of addition of dehydrated sweet potato foliage on the production and carcass characteristics, 50 hybrid pigs initially averaging 50 kg were distributed among treatment designs in randomized blocks with five replication and five treatments: Basic diet (BD), diet with the addition of 15 % dehydrated foliage (F), diet with the additions of 30 % F, diet with the additions of 45 % F and diet with the additions of 60 % F. The intake was similar (P>.05) in pigs on the BD; those on the 15 % F and 30 % F, lowered (P<.05) starting at 45 % F. The weight increase and the daily gain were less (P<.05) as the amount of foliage in the diet increase. Food conversion was similar up to 45 % F decreasing (P<.05) with a 60 % F diet. The characteristics of the carcass and gastrointestinal tract were not affected (P>.05) with the addition of foliage. The cost per kg of increase decreased with the addition of foliage. It is concluded that economical diets can be produced by adding 30 % F in finishing pig ration without affecting production.