ABSTRACT

 This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance of weaner pigs fed graded levels of Bambara groundnut offal. 12 cross bred weaner pigs, aged about three months with average weight of 10.67kg were completely randomized into four equal treatment groups designated 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each treatment consisting of three animals were subjected to one of the four nutritional regimens, for 8 weeks. Animals in treatment 2- 4 were given diets containing graded levels of Bambara nut offal at 10, 20, 30% inclusion levels respectively while those in treatment 1 were given diets containing 0% level of Bambara nut offal which served as control. Chemical composition of the test ingredients and diet were analyzed. Parameters measured included total weight gain (TWG), total feed intake (TFI), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein intake (PI) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). The study revealed significant (P<0.05) effects of diets on TWG, FCR, Pl and PER. TWG values ranges from 12.33 - 19.00kg. Highest value of 19.00kg was obtained from T, which was similar (P>0.05) to 16.33 and 15.67kg in T; and T, respectively. These values were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the 12.33kg recorded in T,. FCR values of 3.03, 3.62, 3.55, and 4.30 were obtained for diet 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Thus T; was most efficient. The results generally showed that TWG, FCR and PER values of animals in T,were similar to those of T, and T, indicating that Bambara nut offal could be included up to 20% in the diets of the weaner pigs without adverse effect on the performance. The inclusion of 30% raw BGO in the diet of weaner pigs recorded comparable performance with the groups fed the control (0%), 10% and 20% respectively. Further studies with higher levels of BGO and with increased dietary protein and energy might be necessary to establish its optimal inclusion level for weaner pigs. > than the 12.33kg recorded in T,. FCR values of 3.03, 3.62, 3.55, and 4.30 were obtained for diet 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Thus T; was most efficient. The results generally showed that TWG, FCR and PER values of animals in T,were similar to those of T, and T, indicating that Bambara nut offal could be included up to 20% in the diets of the weaner pigs without adverse effect on the performance. The inclusion of 30% raw BGO in the diet of weaner pigs recorded comparable performance with the groups fed the control (0%), 10% and 20% respectively. Further studies with higher levels of BGO and with increased dietary protein and energy might be necessary to establish its optimal inclusion level for weaner pigs.