DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i01.005

Pages: 27-32

Twenty four (24) cross breed grower gilts (Largewhite X Duroc) of 60-65 days old with an average weight of 20.73+0.173 kg were randomly assigned to four treatments of T1 (40% maize diet and 0% cassava peels (CP)), T2 (20% maize and 20% CP), T3 (10% maize and 30% CP) and T4 (0% maize and 40% CP) in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated thrice with two gilts each. They were fed the above rations for 84 days. All data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance while significant means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test. The results showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in the weekly body weight gain among all the treatments whereas the weekly feed intake showed a significant difference (P<0.05) when T1 was compared with other treatments. However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in weekly feed intake among T2, T3, and T4 pigs. In the haematology, T1 demonstrated a significant difference (P<0.05) when the Hgb concentration and WBC count were compared with the T2, T3 and T4 counterparts. Meanwhile, T2, T3 and T4 were not significantly different (P>0.05) after comparison. In the same vein, T1 and T2 were significantly different (P<0.05) when the PCV and RBC counts were compared with those of T3 and T4 but not the same (P>0.05) when compared together ( T3 and T4). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) when the MCH and MCHC of T1 and T3 were compared with that of T2 and T4 but no statistical difference (P>0.05) between T1 and T3 or between T2 and T4. In the same vein, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in MCV among all the treatments. All the haematological parameters fell within the normal physiological values. The above results showed that replacement of maize with up to 40% of cassava peels has no significant detrimental effect on pigs.