Effect of Replacing Maize with Steam Flaked Rice Byproducts (SFRB) on the Performance of Growing Crossbred (Hampshire x Niang Megha) Pigs

Sixteen crossbred (HS x NM) grower pigs (about 2 months age, weighing from 7.98 ±0.83 to 8.53±0.88 kg) of either sex were divided into four groups of four each in a randomized block design. The pigs were fed on four different iso-nitrogenous (18.3% CP) rations replacing maize with steam flaked rice byproducts (SFRB) (@ 0, 15, 30 and 45% inT₁, T₂ T₃ and T₄ groups respectively. The pigs were fed on the experimental grower rations twice daily. The average dry matter intake (g/d) was similar in both the groups e.g. 414.29±00. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and nitrogen free extracts were reduced (P<0.01) with increased level of SFRB in the diet. The average body weight gain (g/day) was 208.7±10.8, 209.4±14.0, 149.2±20.4 and 139.9±16.6 respectively, in T₁, T₂ T₃ and T₄ groups. The average gain (g/day) was similar in T₁ and T₂ groups, while significantly reduced (P<0.01) in T₃ and T₄ groups. The feed conversion ratio was similar in T₁ and T₂ groups while significantly higher (P<0.01) in T₃ and T₄ groups. The cost of production per kg live weight (Rs.) ranged from 40.70±6.21 in T₁ to 60.61±1.93 in T₄ group. The cost of production per kg live weight was similar in T₁, (40.70±6.21) T₂, (46.80±6.53) and T₃ (49.97±7.47) groups while significantly increased (P<0.01) in T₄ (60.61±1.93) group. It may be concluded that maize can be replaced up to 15% with SFRB without affecting the growth, FCR and economy of feeding.