NUTRIENT AND MINERAL STATUS OF PIGS RAISED UNDER EXISTING FEEDING AND MANAGEMENTAL FIELD CONDITION OF ASSAM
Borah, S., Sarmah, B.C., Bhattacharyya, B.N., Sarmah, D.N., Dutta, D.J., Sarmah, B.K., Deka, I., Dutta, A. and Dutta, D.J.
Date : 2014-02-12 Volume : 6

The present investigation was carried out to find the nutrient and mineral status of pigs reared in existing field condition of Assam state of India. Data pertaining to managmental and feeding practises, locally available feeds consumed by the pigs and blood samples were collected and analysed for proximate principle and minerals from five agro climatic zones of Assam. The study reveals that most of the farmers raise their pig either by scavenging or tethering / penning methods. Only large farmers and farmers who raise the animals for breeding purpose practise stall feeding system. Most of the farmers raise the pigs for fattening whereas some of the farmers raise pig for breeding and only small population raise pigs for both breeding and fattening purpose. The analysis of feeds revealed that the crude protein (CP) and ME contents ranges from 2.10% to 16.70 %, and 1.679 to 3.607 Mcal /kg DM respectively which is below the NRC requirement. The level of macro and micro mineral content of feeds showed that the Ca, P and Zn were deficient in almost all the ingredients. The average level of serum minerals showed deficiency (%) as Ca 80.73, Mg 77.4, P 62.48, Mn 6.2, Fe 1.56, Zn 1.53 and Cu 0.425. Therefore, it is concluded that for augmentation of productive and reproductive performances of pigs raised under field condition and fed only locally available feeds and fodders require supplementation of protein, energy and minerals. It was also observed that many locally available feeds and fodders were rich in protein, energy and mineral content and the farmers may be advised to feed those feeds and fodders for better economic return from pigs. 1383130131.php