Abstract:
The study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project in Bektey, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet from January to April 2016 to find out if native pigs raised under partial outdoor rearing system have better growth performance than pigs raised under the indoor rearing system.
A total of 12 pigs which are 112 days old and not belonging to the same litter were used in the study. These were distributed into two treatments, namely: T1= Indoor rearing system and T2= Partial outdoor rearing system. The pigs were fed a ration containing 15 % crude protein, at an average amount of 1.0 kg per day during the duration of the study which lasted for 3 months or 84 days of feeding.
The mean initial weight of experimental pigs was 12.59 kg at 112 days of age. However, the final weight of pigs raised on partial outdoor rearing system was higher (P<0.01) mean total gain of 23.67 kg (0.28 kg ADG) for 84 days of experiment than those pigs raised under indoor rearing system with a means of 9.67 (0.12 kg ADG). The FCR of pigs reared in the partial outdoor rearing system (3.45) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than indoor pigs (9.84). Feed cost per unit gain in weight was higher among indoor pigs (Php 413.07) than pigs under partial outdoor rearing system (Php 144.9). Vegetable refuse which were additional feed under partial outdoor rearing system were brought and given freely at the study area by the farmers.
The common parasites present in the fecal samples of both groups of pig at the start and end of the study is the Strongyloides ransomi and Ascaris suum and Oesophagostomum dentatum. Balantidium coli were found in the partial outdoor pigs only. However, the fecal egg count result showed low level of parasitic infection in both groups of experimental pigs at the start of the study. After the study, the fecal egg count in indoor pigs indicated no significant level of infection while pigs under partial outdoor rearing system were found to have moderate infection level. All pigs were dewormed with piperazine dihydrochloride (Wormbuster at the start and Pidro Powder 7 days after).
Partial outdoor housing system which allows expressing natural behaviors is recommended as a better way of raising and managing for native pigs. This pig rearing or housing strategy can be very important in organic pig production and may be one way of fulfilling the Animal Welfare Act. Regular deworming is also recommended for pigs, especially those with access to outdoor situations.
