Effect of Partial Replacement of Maize with Palm Oil Sludge on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Profiles of Finishing Pigs

A feeding trial was carried out to elucidate the effect of replacing maize with palm oil sludge (POS) on the performance, blood profiles and nutrient digestibility of late finishing pigs. Twenty four crossbred (Large White Yorkshire × Hampshire) pigs were randomly grouped into 4 treatments with six animals per treatment in a completely randomized design. POS was incorporated in the experimental diets at 0 (Group-1, control), 10 (Group-2), 20 (Group-3) and 30% (Group-4) to replace maize as energy source. During this period (84 days), body weight gain, feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were non-significant (P>0.05) among the different treatment groups. The results on hematological parameters like Hb, WBC, RBC, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocyte and monocyte were similar (P>0.05) in all the experimental groups. The biochemical parameters (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, creatinine, urea, glucose, total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Ca and P were similar (P>0.05) in all the different treatment groups. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP and NFE revealed linear difference (P<0.01) while the EE and CF digestibility was not significant (P>0.05). The feed cost per kg gain was linearly decreased (P<0.01) in Group-4 as compared to the control. It may be concluded that replacement of maize up to 30% with POS in the concentrate diet of finishing pigs had no effect on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and haemato-biochemical parameters. Economically, replacing maize with POS was cost effective and can be an alternative for costly feed ingredients in pig production.