EFFECT OF WEIGHT ASYMMETRY ON GROWTH INDICES AND COST BENEFITS OF GROWING PIGS

Abstract

Twenty seven, ten weeks old Large White pigs with average body weight of 15.33 ± 0.2 kg were randomly assigned to three treatments (heterogeneous, homogenous light and heavy weight groups) in order to investigate the impacts of weight asymmetry on growth indices and cost benefits of growing pigs. Each treatment consisting of three replicates of three pigs each. Growth parameters and cost indices data were obtained on weekly basis throughout the experimental period. Data generated were subjected to a 1- way analysis of variance using SAS (2000). The results showed that homogenous light weight pigs had higher feed intake and total feed cost per pigs compared to other values noted for pigs on other treatment groups. Heterogeneous weight pigs recorded better feed conversion ratio, lower feed cost per kilogram weight gain and higher gross margin values compared to their homogenous counterparts. Hence, unevenly weight growing pigs can be managed together in order to obtain higher production efficiency.