Abstract
This study investigated the effects of Aspergillus niger CSA35 pretreated-cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peel feed (CPFG) on the body weight gain and some selected biochemical parameters of pigs. Cassava peels treated with biomass of A. niger CSA35 for a period of three weeks to initiate enzymatic digestion of peels were dried, ground and used in varying proportions to formulate pig rations in combination with other feed ingredients. Twenty 85–95 days old pigs (5.85 ± 0.70 kg) were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Group 1 received 0% CPFG amidst other feed ingredients (control), while Groups 2, 3 and 4 received 40%, 60% and 100% CPFG respectively. At the end of the feeding trial (21 days), the animals were weighed and blood samples collected for biochemical analysis. Results showed that increasing the amount of the fungus-pretreated cassava peels in pig rations increased the protein, fat and carbohydrate contents of the experimental feeds. Conversely, the percentage fibre content was reduced. The weight gain of pigs fed the control diet was significantly (p<0.05) lower than those fed with 60% CPFG and 100% CPFG but did not differ from those fed 40% CPFG. Serum calcium and albumin levels were observed to be significantly lower (p<0.05) in control group than in treatment groups. The highest serum calcium level was, however, observed in 100% CPFG group. Activities of liver function enzymes and serum creatinine level of pigs fed the formulated diets did not significantly differ from those of control unlike their serum urea levels. It was concluded that pig feeds formulated with cassava peels pretreated with A. niger CSA35 enhanced feed’s nutritive value and metabolisable energy, boosted serum albumin and calcium levels in pigs, increased pigs body weight and are health-friendly since the feeds did not pose threat of liver damage in the pigs investigated. Key words: Cassava peels, Aspergillus niger CSA35, pig feed formulation, weight gain, biochemical parameters.
Highlights
The need to provide adequate animal protein for the growing population of third world countries is of major concern
This study investigated the effects of Aspergillus niger CSA35 pretreated-cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peel feed (CPFG) on the body weight gain and some selected biochemical parameters of pigs
An increase was observed in the metabolisable energy value of the pig diets as the percentage (%) of fungal-degraded cassava peels in the diet increased (Figure 1b)
Summary
The need to provide adequate animal protein for the growing population of third world countries is of major concern It has been recognized over the years that the development of swine, poultry and rabbit sub sector of the animal industry is the fastest means of bridging the protein deficiency gap prevalent in most tropical countries (FAO, 1990). In Nigeria, it could be as high as 75 to 80% in the fattening herd and 60 to 65% in the breeding herd (Tewe, 1997; Akinfala and Tewe, 2001) Commercialized production of these animals’ feeds involves use of ingredients that have prohibitive costs due to their comparative use between man and animals. Pigs should be capable of converting these alternative feedstuffs (which will normally be discarded by humans) into wholesome animal protein (Adesehinwa et al, 2011; Adesehinwa, 2008)
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