1Department of Animal Nutrition College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi-834 006, India.
2Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Ranchi Veterinary College, Ranchi-834 006, India.
*Reprint request: Dr. S. Thakur, Tel: +91-9431588273; Fax: +91-651-2450315.
The study was conducted on 27 adults indigenous pigs (age 12 months; BW 56.0±5.96 kg) divided into three equal groups (2 male and 7 female) and fed concentrate mixture with different levels of zinc content. The control group (T1) pigs received zinc as per recommended requirements i.e. 50 ppm while pigs in groups T2 and T3 received higher levels at 150 and 200%, respectively, of the suggested level during experimental feeding period of three months. Addition of 100 ppm zinc in concentrate mixture (T3) had significant (P<0.05) effects on the digestibility of CP, EE, OM and balances of N, Ca, P and Zn. The intake of DCP was also significantly (P<0.05) higher in that group. It was concluded that supplementation of higher Zn levels in adult indigenous pig ration improved digestibility and balance of nutrients.
Indigenous, Pigs, Zinc, Digestibility, Nutrient utilization
