Effect of unconventional feeds on production cost, growth performance and expression of quantitative genes in growing pigs

This study examined the effects of unconventional feed on performance characteristics and candidate gene expression in growing pigs of 3-5months of age. A Total of forty-five (45) growing pigs were randomly allotted into five treatments consisted of whole maize (T1), brewer’s dried grain (T2), cassava peel meal (T3), plantain peel meal (T4), and corn husk meal (T5), at 35% inclusion rate. Performance data were collected for 12weeks, while duodenum and liver samples were collected after the experiment for gene expression analysis. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Diets significantly (p<0.05) affected growth performance with T2 showing the highest average of daily weight gain at 0.21±0.02; while T5 had the least value. Feed efficiency was highest for T1 and T2 (0.10±0.02) and lowest was T5 (0.07±0.17). Cost-benefit analysis were significantly different (p<0.05) with T4 showing the highest gross margin. Insulin-like growth factor1 and leptin gene were differentially expressed in tissues, while no significant differences (p>0.05) existed for growth hormone gene and ryanodine receptor1 gene. The results showed commendable gross margin, however, cognizance should be taken in the quantity of brewer’s dried grain fed to pigs since it increased the expression of ryanodine receptor 1 gene that leads to porcine malignant hypertermia and pale soft exudates pork.