Growth performance, carcass characteristics; and cost-benefits analysis of grower-finisher pigs fed hatchery waste meal

Abstract

A 16-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal with hatchery waste meal (HWM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grower-finisher pigs. Sixty (60) Large White grower intact male pigs at an average liveweight of 17.55 ± 0.1 kg were randomly allotted in equal numbers to 5 dietary treatments designated as 0% HWM, 2.5% HWM, 5.0% HWM, 7.5% HWM and 10.0% HWM. The diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The pigs were fed on restricted basis at 5% of the group body weight and had free access to water. Whereas ADG by the grower- finisher pigs were best on HWM 0%, HWM 2.5% and HWM 5%, FCR and day to slaughter were best on HWM 2.5%. The data revealed that feeding HWM 7.5% (210.49 kg) and HWM 10% (210.92) resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher total feed intake (TFI) compared to those fed 0% HWM (175.12 kg), 2.5 % HWM (172.87 kg) and 5.0 % HWM (190.49 kg). Inclusion of HWM up to 10%did not affect any of the carcass parameters measured. From the results of the study, it can be inferred that HWM could be included in pig diets up to 5% without any adverse effects on growth performance and carcass evaluation.