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अमूर्त

The Nutritional Value of Quality Protein Maize for Weaner Pigs

Mpofu IDT, Sibanda S, Shonihwa A and Pixley

This study was done to find out the potential and efficacy of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) as a substitute for normal maize variety in intensive pig production in an attempt to reduce the cost of production. Thirty-two weaner pigs were assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized block design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Blocking was done on initial weight and sex. The treatments were a high inclusion rate of both QPM and normal maize at 72.3% inclusion rate compared to a low inclusion rate of 64.3% in both cases. Water and feed was provided ad-libitum throughout the study period. Feed intake, water consumption, weight gain and mortality were recorded. Feed intake was more (P<0.05) in animals fed 72.3% ordinary maize compared to the other diets. High QPM diet had the highest (P<0.05) feed conversion efficiency and was cheaper because less protein source (soyabean meal) was included. The diet by sex interaction was not significant (P>0.05). The results indicated that feeding QPM to weaner pigs at a higher level of 72.3% inclusion level could command a higher food conversion efficiency and at a reduced cost of production.