Performance of crossbred pigs fed diets containing red gram (Cajanus cajan) screenings

Twenty four crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Native) entire male pigs (15.0±0.5 kg) were used to study the effect of inclusion of red gram (Cajanus cajan) screenings (RGS) in the diets at 0, 10, 15 and 20% levels. In a completely randomized block design, the growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics of pigs were studied to arrive at the optimum level of inclusion of RGS in their diets. During grower phase, the digestibility of DM, CP (P<0.05), OM, NFE and total carbohydrates (P<0.01) decreased with increase in the level of RGS in the diets. During the finisher phase, the digestibility of DM (P<0.01) decreased in pigs fed 20% RGS than in those fed other diets. The nitrogen retention in pigs fed different diets was comparable and dietary treatments had no effect during both phases of feeding. The overall average daily gain (g) and feed per kg gain were 479.0, 460.0, 424.0 and 409.0, and 3.33, 3.58, 4.09 and 4.13 in diets 1 to 4, respectively. There were no differences in the carcass characteristics among the treatments. It is concluded that inclusion of RGS upto 10% in the diets of crossbred pigs had no adverse effects on their growth performance and carcass characteristics.