Effects of Rations Containing Maggot Concentrate as a Fish Substitute on the Technical and Economic Performance of Large White’s Piglets in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of rations incorporating maggot concentrate (CA) as a substitute for fishmeal on growth performance and post-weaning piglet’s production costs. To do this, twenty-four (24) weanlings of large white breed were divided into 3 batches of 8 pigs each for a comparative rationing test in 2 phases. Four (04) experimental rations containing CA, two experimental rations (RI10 and RI5-5) for the 1st phase and two others (RII5 and RII10) for the 2nd phase were tested in comparison with 2 control rations RTI10 and RTII5 for the respective Phases I and II. The results show that in all phases piglet growth was continuous from the beginning to the end of each phase. In Phase I, the ADGs of piglets fed RI5-5 (138.64 g), RI10 (131.28 g) and RTI10 (104.78 g) were homogeneous (p > 0.05). The food production costs of one kg of live weight (FCkgLW) of the RI5-5 (671.39 CFAF) and RI10 (690.57 CFAF) rations were significantly lower than the RTI10 (1083.68 CFAF) ration (p < 0.05). In Phase II, the ADG of RII5 (249.85 g), RII10 (260.36 g), and RTII5 (248.00 g) were homogeneous (p > 0.05). The FCkgLWs of RII10 (506.73 FCFA), RII5 (583.43 FCFA) and RTII5 (815.53 FCFA) were homogeneous (p > 0.05). The maggot concentrate can be used as a source of animal protein in th e feeding of piglets in partial or total substitution for fish. The evaluation of the effects of its use on the quality of carcasses and meat will be necessary.