Effect of Replacement of Concentrate with Aerial Part of Colocasia (Colocasia esculenta) on Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Grower Pig

Eighteen crossbred (Hampshire x Ghungroo) grower pig (about 2 months old, 6.3±0.04 kg BW) of either sex were divided into three groups of six each in a randomized block design. The pigs were fed as per Bureau of Indian Standard. Colocasia esculenta (aerial part; 11.53±0.15% CP) was used @ 0, 10 and 20% by replacing the whole concentrate in T¹, T₂ and T₃ groups, respectively. The crude protein content (% DM) of the composite ration ranged from 17.75±0.01 to 18.00±0.03. The average DM intake (g/d) was similar (P>0.05) in all the groups. Digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE were similar (P>0.05) across all groups, while that of CP increased (P<0.05) significantly with increased level of aerial part of colocasia esculenta in the ration. The average daily gain in BW was 196.23±42.44, 201.30±32.09 and 188.18±30.08 in T₁T₂ and T₃ groups, respectively, which was similar (P>0.05) across all groups. The feed conversion ratio and cost of production per kg live weight was similar in all the groups. It is concluded that whole concentrate can be replaced by 10% with aerial part of Colocasia esculenta without affecting the growth, nutrient utilization, feed conversion efficiency and production cost in grower crossbred pigs.