Effect of Weaning Age on growth Performance and Feed Conversion Efficiency of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) Piglets under Intensive System of Management in Mizoram

Abstract

The study was for assessment of weaning age on growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of LWY piglets under intensive system of management in Mizoram. The study was conducted on piglets from twelve LWY sows. The sows were selected based on parity, sire mated, litter size and weight, and divided into three homogenized groups with 4 sows in each group (T1, T2 and T3). Piglets of T1 group were weaned at 28 days, of T2 at 35 days and of T3 at 42 days of age. The weaned piglets were reared up to 77 th days of age. The animals were reared under intensive system of management following standard feeding and managemental norms. The average body weight of piglets weaned at 28 th and 35 th day of age were found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher than the body weights of piglets weaned at 42 nd day of age. The body weight gain of the early weaned piglets was observed to be higher than the late weaned piglets. The average total body weight gain at 77 th day of age was found to be 19.11, 17.72 and 16.60 kg, respectively for piglets weaned at 28 th , 35 th and 42 nd day age. Feed conversion efficiency at 77 th day of age was recorded as 2.32±0.16, 2.44±0.19 and 2.48±0.07 indicated that early weaned piglets performed well under the same feeding and managemental situation. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that weaning at 28 th day