Performance of Philippine Native Pig Fed with Ensiled Pongapong

Abstract

Native animals are regarded as an essential component of most agricultural production systems in rural settings. Amorphophallus campanulatus can be used as food and animal feed, however its application is limited due to its high oxalate concentration and low crude protein level. Fermentation with oxalolytic bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, which produces the oxalate decarboxylase enzyme, has been utilized to boost the nutritional value of pongapong.  This study aims to determine the growth performance of native pig fed with fermented pongapong as feed supplement. Specifically, to determine the effect of fermented/ensiled pongapong on the body weight-gain in weight, growth increment, feed conversion efficiency and feed conversion ratio on Philippine native pigs; determine the best level of silage pongapong to growth of Philippine Native pigs; determine the nutrient composition of fermented Amorphophalus campanulatus; and determine the economics of fermented pongapong as feed supplement for native pigs in one production cycle. The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was utilized in the study. The treatments were follows:T1=Formulated feeds ,T2=75% Formulated feeds + 25% silage AC ,T3=50% Formulated feeds 50% silage AC, T4=25% Formulated feeds + 75% silage AC, T5= Pure ensiled AC.  Based on the analysis of variance shows insignificant among the treatments as to the initial weight, feed conversion efficiency and growth rate. Also, there are significant differences in the body weight, gain weight and feed conversion ration while it shows highly significant feed consumption throughout the duration of the study. Thus, 75% formulated feeds and 25% fermented pongapong and 50% Formulated feeds + 50% fermented pongapong results to best growth. It demonstrates that feeding native pigs with formulated feed including fermented pongapong was employed as an alternative diet that is potentially cost effective and useful in native pig production in the province. This information could help growers reduce feed costs.