GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF T&D(TAMWORTH X DESI)PIGS AT EARLY WEANING UNDER AGRO CLIMATIC CONDITION OF ASSAM

G. KALITA¹*, R. ROYCHOUDHURY², D. KALITA³, B.N. SAIKIA⁴, J. SAHARIA⁵, M. BORA⁶, L. BORA⁷, D.J. TALUKDAR^8
1Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Selesih, Aizawl, 796014, Mizoram
²Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 781022, Assam
³AICRP on Pig, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 781022, Assam
⁴Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 781022, Assam
⁵Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 781022, Assam
⁶Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 781022, Assam
⁷Department of VEE, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 781022, Assam
⁸Department of ARGO, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Selesih, Aizawl, 796014, Mizoram
* Corresponding Author : gkgirin69@gmail.com

Received : 17-08-2016     Accepted : 04-09-2016     Published : 30-10-2016
Volume : 8     Issue : 52       Pages : 2524 - 2527
Int J Agr Sci 8.52 (2016):2524-2527

Keywords : Weaning, T&D pigs, Body weight, Average daily gain, Feed conversion efficiency
Academic Editor : Dr Deepak Deka
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : The authors are highly thankful to AICRP on pig for financial help and the Dean, College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-22, Assam for providing the facilities to carry out the research work.
Author Contribution : None declared

The experiment was carried out on 182 T&D (Tamworth x Desi) crossbred piglets born to 20 sows of 2nd and 3rd parity at AICRP on Pig, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Assam, India. The 20 sows along with their piglets were divided to four groups (T1-28 days, T2,-35 days, T3 -42 days and T4-56 days weaning age), in a manner that each group was represented by almost similar litter size at birth and of similar parity sows. To randomize sire effect, litters belonging to same sire were distributed in all the four groups. Piglets of all the weaning groups were individually identified at birth and reared up to 13 weeks of age and daily feed intake and weekly body weights were recorded. The results revealed that body weights at 13 weeks of age and average daily gain from birth to 13 weeks of age were significantly (P<0.05) higher for the piglets weaned at 28 and 35 days of age with better feed conversion efficiency and average daily feed intake compared to piglets weaned at 42 and 56 days of age. In conclusion, the weaning management at 28 or 35 days of age with quality pre-starter and starter ration for piglets might be advantageous as compared to weaning management at 42 or 56 days of age.