IWEGBU Abraham
Animal Science/Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba
iwegbuabraham89@gmail.com
Feeding trial was conducted for 8weeks, evaluated the effect of graded levels of Siam weed (Chromolaenaodorata) leaf meal supplement (COLMS) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of growing pigs. Thirty-two Large White growing pigs (mean initial weight (20.84 ± 1.00 kg) distributed into four treatment diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). COLMS replaced soybean meal at control (0g soybean), diet2 (50g soybean), diet3 (100 g soybean), and diet4 per kilogram of diet (150g soybean), with each treatment replicated four times (two pigs per replicate). Growth performance indices, apparent nutrient digestibility, and carcass parameters were recorded and analysed by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test (p < 0.05). Mean final live weight and total live weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in pigs fed diets 3 (100 g COLMS) and 4 (150 g COLMS) compared to those on the control and diet 2. Weekly weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, and nitrogen-free extracts differed significantly (p < 0.05) across treatments, while ether extract digestibility was non-significant. Carcass parameters including live weight, dressing percentage, bled, dehaired, and eviscerated weights were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments.Supplementation with Siam weed leaf meal at 100–150 g/kg diet as a partial replacement for soybean meal enhanced growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and carcass yields