Effect of partial substitution of feed concentrate for cow pea leaf meal (Cajanus cajan (L), Millps) on productive performance of fattening pigs

The effect of partial substitution of feed concentrate (0, 8, and 24) for cowpea foliage meal (Cajanus cajan (L), Millps) on the productive and economic response of fattening pigs was studied. Thirty two crossbred (Yorkshire x Landrace) animals (16 castrated males and 16 females) with an average liveweight of 53 kg were used. Four animals (2 males and 2 females) were assigned and housed at random in each of two replications (pens) for each treatment. There was an affect of substitution level (SL) on total liveweight gain (TLwG), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion (FC), and days to reach 90 kg of liveweight (P<0.05). However there was no difference among treatments on the relative economic index (P<0.05). The 0% substitution level resulted in higher TLwG (43.5 kg) and DWG (0.778 kg) than the other SI (37.72 kg and 0.673 kg, 39.85 kg and 0.711 kg; 30.30 kg and 0.540 kg, respectively, for 8, 16 and 24%). Feed conversion and days to reach 90 kg of liveweight were better at 0% SL (4.02 and 45.84 days) and at 16% SL (4.77 and 53.59 days) and 24% SL (5.55 and 65.53 days). Even though there was a better performance at 0% SL, the result obtained at 8% and 16% SL are acceptable and should be considered by small and middle size swine producers.