Effect of Paddy Grain as Maize Replacer on the Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Growing and Finishing Pigs

Fifty weaned crossbred (Large White York Shire × Desi) piglets were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, each consisted of six males and four females. First treatment (PR0) served as control and others were experimental groups. Diet 1 (PR0) was formulated with maize, wheat bran, groundnut cake, DORP, fish meal, mineral mixture and vitamin supplements. Diets 2 (PR25), 3 (PR50), 4 (PR75) and 5 (PR100) were formulated using paddy instead of maize @ 25, 50, 75 and 100%. Body weight and average daily gains were not affected during growing phase, however, average total weight gain as well as average total daily weight gain of experimental animals during finishing phase was significantly (P<0.05) lower in PR75 and PR100 groups as compared to control group. The average monthly as well as daily feed intake for the entire experimental period was found to increase from group PR0 to PR75. However, there was decrease in the feed intake in group PR100. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in feed conversion ratio but digestibility coefficient of dry matter, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced with the addition of paddy in the diets.