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Archives (2001)
Trichantera: cheaper
feed substitute to soybean oil meal
by Rita T. dela Cruz |
January-March
2001
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One problem among local hog raisers is the high
cost of feed production. Costly commercial-mixed feeds such
as the soybean oil meal (SBOM) contribute substantially to
the high cost of feed ingredients, as they have to be imported
in the country as part of the protein requirement in pig ration.
The necessity, therefore, to find cheaper substitutes to lower
the production cost of both feeds and finisher pigs to attain
higher returns has been imperative.
Attempts have been made to look for an alternative
source of protein to partially substitute SBOM in the diets
of pigs, particularly the potentials of a fodder tree, which
is abundantly growing in the country---the Trichantera
gigantea. T. gigantea, also known as nacedero or
madre de agua is a non-legume species that grows well with
repeated cutting and without fertilizer input. This promising
fodder tree, which was introduced into the country some years
ago from Latin America (Columbia and Venezuela) adapts well
in local tropical conditions. It can be planted to a wide
range of soil types and elevations up to 1800 meters above
sea level and can be planted at low densities of 20, 000 plants
per hectare. It grows easily between plantation crops and
produces 40-60 tons per hectare of fresh foliage. A potential
source of protein, its leaves contain 18-22% crude protein
in dry matter form.
The potential use of this fodder tree was observed
and investigated through a preliminary study conducted by
researchers from the National Swine and Poultry Research and
Development Center (NSPRDC) of the Bureau of Animal Industry
(BAI). After a preliminary feeding trial, whereby SBOM was
replaced with T. gigantea leaf meal at 25%, 50% and 100% in
starter, grower and finisher rations, respectively, the pigs
showed a comparable average daily gain of 602 grams. Furthermore,
it was noted that using T. gigantea in pig ratio, a farmer's
income increased to about 50%.
Although it can be given to pigs in fresh form,
researchers advised that T. gigantea be given to pigs as processed
feed meal or mixed with commercial feeds to replace a portion
of the total daily feed requirement. 
(This was based on the study entitled, 'Trichantera gigantea:
A Potential Protein Substitute in Pig Ration.' For more information,
please contact Mr. Frank A. Moog, Research Division Chief,
Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, Diliman,
Quezon City or call at telefax no. (02) 920-5053.)
More Articles:
Vol. 3 No. 1
January-March 2001
»»
P15M high impact projects approved for livestock and poultry RDE network
»» Montemayor
bans UK meat imports
»» LDPs of
the DA: an analysis
»» Renewed
role of orivate sector valuable in livestock R&D - study reveals
»» Botanicals
effective against ectoparasites
»» Trichantera:
cheaper feed substitute to soybean oil meal
»» ELISA effective
in FMD diagnosis
»» National
integrated RDE agenda and program for livestock and fisheries
»» Mad cow
disease: know the risks
»»
The livestock and poultry industry: an overview
»» Scientists
find twinning technology in dairy cattle successful
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2001 Articles]
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