Performance of Duroc (Large White Yorkhsire X Desi) pigs under different feeding regimes

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of Duroc (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) pigs under different regimes. Twenty four weaned piglets were selected at random and they were divided into four groups comprising six animals in each group. First group (T1) was maintained on farm concentrate. Piglets of T2, T3 and T4 groups were fed with swill feed. T3 and T4 groups were supplemented with inorganic and organic minerals @ one per cent level on dry matter basis respectively along with swill feed. There was no significant difference in monthly body weights, body measurements, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intakebetween T1 and T2. T4 was found significantly (P<0.01) better than other treatment groups. There was significant (P<0.01) difference in feed efficiency between T1 and T2. No significant difference was observed between T2, T3 and T4. T4 attained significantly (P<0.01) higher slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and carcass length than the other treatment groups. T3 group attained significantly (P<0.01) higher slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and carcass length than the T1 and T2 treatment groups. No significant difference between T1 and T2 was noticed. T1 had significantly (P<0.01) higher dressing percentage; lesser back fat thickness and gut weight than other treatment groups. There was no significant difference between T2, T3 and T4 in dressing percentage and back fat thickness. T2 had significantly (P<0.01) lesser loin eye area and meat-bone ratio than other treatment groups and there was no significant difference between T1 and T3 and T4. It was conclucted that swill feed was found to be equally effective compared to concentrate feed in promoting growth of the fattener pig production existing under field conditions. Carcass characteristics and growth promotion can be improved by supplementation of minerals in the diet of fattener pigs.