GIANT TARO (Alocasia macrorrhizos Linn.) MEAL: EFFECTS ON HOG GROWTH AND FEED EFFICIENCY

Abstract

This comprehensive study investigates the effects of substituting commercial feeds with Giant Taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos Linn.) meal on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and meat quality of hogs, accompanied by an economic and nutritional analysis. The experiment utilized a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) involving 12 pig weanlings assigned to four distinct treatment groups, each replicated three times. The treatments comprised a control group receiving 100% commercial feeds and three experimental groups with 11%, 15%, and 19% Giant Taro Meal (GTM) substituted for commercial feeds. Over a 90-day feeding period, metrics such as weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and backfat thickness were meticulously monitored. Additionally, a sensory evaluation of meat quality was conducted with a panel of 27 untrained tasters. Economic assessments, including net income and Return Above Feed and Treatment Cost (RAFTC), were also computed to evaluate the viability of GTM as a feed alternative. The results indicated a decline in feed conversion efficiency and economic returns with increased GTM levels, despite the meat quality parameters remaining unaffected. This study concludes that while GTM presents a potential cost-saving alternative, its economic and nutritional trade-offs may limit its use in large-scale commercial operations.