Evaluation of deep rice husk bedding and alternative diets in Landrace-Pietrain pigs for fattening

Abstract

Introduction: The use of the deep bedding system with different substrates and the inclusion of local by-products in the diet improve productive behavior and well-being in pig farming. Objective: Evaluate the productive behavior in the fattening of Landrace x Pietrain pigs housed in deep bedding rice husk, with alternative feeding based on banana (Musa paradisiaca L.). Method: Work was carried out on the “San Antonio” farm, belonging to the canton of Valencia, Quevedo – Ecuador. 36 Landrace x Pietrain pigs were evaluated with a completely randomized design with a 2x3 factorial arrangement, two types of housing (deep bedding with rice husk and concrete floor) and three levels of inclusion in the diet of cooked banana 0, 15 and twenty%. Results: Feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion turned out to be statistically similar between both types of accommodation and feeding levels. The carcass yield was higher in deep bedding, for animals fed with balanced feed. The thickness of the back fat was greater in the deep bedding with 17.67 mm and a homogeneous distribution. In the economic analysis, a better benefit-cost ratio was recorded (0.38USD) in the deep bedding system by including 15% cooked banana. Conclusion: The deep litter system of rice hulls and the inclusion of banana constitute sustainable alternatives in pig management and feeding, allowing a significant reduction in production costs, thus improving the benefit/cost.