College of Veterinary Science, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Tirupati-517 502, India
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Twenty four crossbred (Large White Yorkshire X Indigenous) barrows, randomly divided into 4 groups, were offered one of the rations containing 0, 15, 20 or 25% of amaranthus whole plant meal (AWPM) ad libitum during finisher phase (35–60 kg). There was a linear decrease (P<0.01) in ADG, efficiency of feed utilization, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen retention and back fat thickness with increase in the levela of AWPM in the rations. The cost of feed per kg gain did not vary much and was Rs. 28.17, 27.30, 28.19 and 28.54, respectively. So, AWPM should not be included more than 15%, in the rations of finisher crossbred barrows for economic pork production.
Amaranthus whole plant meal, Finisher rations, Pigs, Growth, Nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics
