A physical and financial appraisal of a feeding system using combinations of low nutrient-dense and concentrated feeds for growing pigs in the Solomon Islands.
A concentrated protein supplement based on locally available fish meal and wheat meal run was evaluated
Abstract
A concentrated protein supplement based on locally available fish meal and wheat meal run was evaluated as a means of improving the efficiency and profitability of small holder pig production in the Solomon Islands. Compared with a low nutrient dense diet based on cassava and coconut alone, supplementation with small amounts of concentrate resulted in a much improved growth rate, total DM intake, and feed conversion ratio of growing pigs between 6 and 55 kg live weight. Restricting DM intake of figs fed low nutrient dense feeds and concentrate had little adverse effect on growth rate as the animals compensated with improved feed conversion ratio. A financial appraisal of these data suggested that the improvements in production parameters observed with the use of concentrate would translate into an enhanced financial performance for the small holder pig keeper albeit at an increased risk. Returns to labour for this system were greater than for other forms of land use currently practised in the Solomon Islands.
Citation
Thorne, P.J. A physical and financial appraisal of a feeding system using combinations of low nutrient-dense and concentrated feeds for growing pigs in the Solomon Islands. Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad and Tobago) (1993) 70 (1) 78-82.
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