Quality Protein Maize as the Sole Source of Amino Acids in the Diets of Starter Pigs: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

A 16-week trial was conducted using 14 Large White starter pigs divided into two equal groups, each containing three females and four males of approximately average weight 8.4kg. Pigs were individually housed in metal cages measuring 69 × 160 × 110 cm constructed on a concrete floor. Group 1 pigs were fed a diet containing 91% quality protein maize (QPM) while Group 2 pigs received a similar diet but containing 91% normal hybrid maize (NM). The diets were balanced for minerals and vitamins by the addition of a vitamin-mineral premix. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum.

Feed consumption and body weight changes were measured on a weekly basis. Starter pigs fed QPM were significantly heavier (P<0.05) at the end of the trial than their counterparts receiving the normal maize diet. (22.3 kg against 14.4 kg per pig respectively). Their corresponding average daily body weight gains were 124.1 g and 52.7 g respectively and the difference was significant at P < 0.05. QPM-fed pigs consumed on the average 34.3 per cent more feed than the pigs fed the normal maize diet while the respective feed conversion ratios were significantly different, 4.12 kg and 7.72 kg feed per kg gain (P < 0.05)