Effect of zinc levels on the growth of pigs

Twenty-seven finisher indigenous pigs divided into three equal groups viz., the control (T₁) received required quantity of zinc, whereas test groups (T₂ and T₃) received 50 and 100 percent more zinc in diet than NRC (1998) requirements, respectively, in a 90 day trial. Pigs received higher zinc achieved higher daily weight gain than the control pigs. The feed intake and feed conversion efficiency was also higher in zinc supplemented groups, however best performance was found in group T₃. Cost of feeding per kg gain in body weight was minimum (Rs. 47.96) in T₃ group in comparison to T₂ (Rs. 50.37) and T₁ (Rs. 54.16).