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Three experiments were carried out
to evaluate the nutritive value of fresh
unpeeled cassava tubers, peeled, soaked
cassava tubers, cassava root meal and
cassava chips as energy sources for growing-
finishing pigs. The varieties used were sweet
and bitter types. The initial weight of the pigs
ranged from 12 to 38 kg and were slaughtered
when they made 90 kg. Their feed intake,
growth rate and carcass characteristics were
determined. The digestibility trial involved 4
castrated males in a 4x4 Latin square design.
Performance of pigs was comparable to pigs
fed other energy sources (or commercial
cereal based diet). Pig growth rate ranged from
478 to 660 g/pig /day. Digestibility and feed
efficiency of cassava-based diets were high,
although young pigs (below 20 kg) tended to
develop gastro-intestinal disturbances and
parakeratosis when fed fresh cassava. The
carcass quality was slightly affected.
Carcasses from pigs fed on cassava diets were
leaner and heavier than those on other rations.
The studies concluded that varieties of sweet
cassava could be fed fresh to pigs either
peeled or unpeeled or in form of cassava
chips. Further, fresh cassava can be soaked
in water for one day whereas cassava chips
can be dried for 8 to 10 hours prior to feeding
to reduce HCN levels. Cassava can constitute
the only energy source in diets of pigs
provided that such diets are well balanced for
protein, minerals and vitamins. The use of
cassava in livestock feeds will promote
cassava production and provide a sustainable
outlet for this underutilised but highly
adaptable crop. |
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