Performance evaluation of growing pigs fed graded levels of pineapple (Ananas comosus) wine sediment

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to boost animal protein consumption in the Nigerian populace using
an unconventional feedstuff–pineapple wine sediment meal (PWSM) which is a waste product of the
winery. In the study, PWSM was used to evaluate the growth performance of grower pigs using 32
large white x landrace strains of pigs with average initial weight of 32 ± 0.07kg. Four treatment diets
coded T1, T2, T3 and T4 replicated 3 times were formulated to replace maize at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%
levels respectively and the study lasted for 35 days. The result of the experiment indicated that PWSM
enhanced the palatability and feed intake of the growing pigs because of the proteolytic enzyme,
bromelain which stimulated healthy metabolism. It was established from the result that PWSM could
replace maize partially up to 10% dietary levels for optimum performance of grower pigs and that at
higher levels of 20% despite positive impacts on the economy of production; growth rate and feed
conversion are negatively affected. Hence, 10% inclusion level is recommended for optimum
productivity and for maximization of profit in the industry.