Utilization of Urea Treated and Untreated Cocoa Pod Husk Based Diets by Growing Pigs : An On-farm Study
2001
Iyayi, EA. | Olubamiwa, O. | Ayuk, A. | Orowvegodo, S. | Ogunaike, EF.
An on-farm adaptation study of the utilization of urea treated and untreated cocoa pod husk (CPH) by growing pigs was carried out on a commercial pig farm. Thirty-two Landrace X Large White growing pigs (16 males + 16 females) were randomly assigned to 4 experimental diets. Diet 1 was a standard grower ration (control). In Diets 2 and 3 CPH meal was included at 250 g/kg, that used in Diet 3 being treated with a 5 % urea solution. Diet 4 was the farmer's diet. There was no significant difference (P> 0.05) between diets 3 and the control in their effect on the performance of the animals. These two diets caused a better (P <0.05) feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency and feed conversion ratio than diets 2 and 4. Backfat thickness, was significantly reduced (P <0.05) by the CPH diets. Compared to the non treated CPH, treatment with urea increased daily weight gain while no significant (P> 0.05) influence on the backfat thickness. Carcass cuts were also not significantly (P> 0.05) influenced by inclusion of CPH meal. Results suggest (1) the possibility of formulating diets for growing pigs using CPH meals and (2) that further treatment of the CPH meal with urea improves its nutritive value resulting in better performance and economy of production.
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