Utilization of cassava leaf meal (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in growing swine

The use of two levels of cassava (0 and 15%, T1 and T2, respectively) leaf meal (HFY) in feed concentrate was studied in growing pigs. A total of 24 crossbred animals Landrace x Yorkshire (12 castrated males and 12 females), with on initial weight of 23.44 kg, were randomly assigned to each 2 replication treatment. The animal performance was evaluated until they reached 50 +/- 3 kg, using the least square mean analysis of variance. No difference was found in growth rate between treatments (0.660 and 0.665 kg daily weight gain for o and 15%, respectively). The total weight gain was 27.75 and 27.96 kg respectively. The total feed consumption was greater in animals in T2 (138.62 vs 120.48 kg, P < 0.05). However, the feed conversion was not affected by the use of HFY (4.34 and 4.95 kg for T1 and T2). The animals reached the 50 kg weight at a similar time (42.15 and 42.02 days for T1 and T2, P > 0.05). There was no difference in performance between males and females. The relative economic index was slightly better for T2. The results indicate that the use of 15% HFY in the feed concentrate can may be used in the growing phase.