Effect of feeding marua (Eleusine coracana) as an energy source in the grower ration of Large White Yorkshire piglets

Energy is the largest and important component of swine diets. Marua may be used in pig rations as an energy source in order to reduce the cost of rais ing pigs vis-a-vis the cost of production. The present study was carried ou t on 2-month-old 32 Large White Yorkshire piglets maintained at Government Pig Breeding Farm, Kanke, Ranchi, Bihar. The control group (T-1) was fed a standard diet (18-19% protein, 60% maize). The experimental groups (T-2 to T-4) were fed the diets in which maize was replaced with marua at 33.3, 66. 6 and 100% (w/w). Significantly higher total weight gain was recorded in T-4 and T-3 than T-2 and T-1 in 20 weeks of experimental period. The feed gain ratios varied fr om 4.39 (T-1) to 3.78 (T-4) did not differ significantly. The cost per kg o f weight gain in T-1 to T-4 diet was Rs 15.05, 13.57, 11.19 and 9.79 respec tively. Effect of treatment on DM intake was nonsignificant but its effect on DM di gestibility was significant. DM digestibility of T-4 was significantly high er than rest of the groups. DCP, TDN, DE and ME values varied between norma l limits among groups. Nonsignificant effects were observed with respect of DCP but on the contrary effect of treatment on TDN, ME and DE was highly s ignificant. All the animals were in positive N, Ca and P balances. It was t hus, concluded that marua could successfully and economically replace maize in pig growing ration.