MVSc

The productivity and feasibility of pig production systems were studied in
the rural sector of Kerala. The study on feasibility of pig production and problems
and prospects associated with pig farming was conducted in Kaiparambu and
Kuzhoor Panchayaths in Thrissur district of Kerala. The performance of Large
White Yorkshire pigs in organized farms and field units was compared.
Majority of the pig farmers were having higher educational and economic
status and were equipped with potential and facilities for economic pig
production. The management practices were cost effective and suited well for pig
production in rural sector. Problems and constraints faced by the pig farmers
were minimum in two Panchayaths.
It was observed that the feasibility of the pig production was higher in two
Panchayaths studied. The resource utilization efficiency of the existing pig
production was only 40.95per cent and 19.53per cent, respectively in Kaiparambu
and Kuzhoor Panchayaths.
In the comparative study between pigs in the organized farm and field
units, the pigs reared in small field unit on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per
cent restaurant waste recorded a significantly higher (P 73.66 ± 3. I 5kg than that of 60.00 ± 2.79kg in pigs reared on hostel food waste in
the farm. In the case of body measurements, pigs in small field unit

group recorded maximum values. The feed efficiency (3.221 ± 0.15) was better in
pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste. The mean
daily dry matter intake was a maximum of 1.41 7 ± 0.19g in pigs reared on
concentrate ration. The average daily weight gain was highest in pigs fed on
40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste (367 .13 ± 16.64g) and
lowest in hostel food waste fed pigs (287.96 ± 15.23g).
Pigs fed on 40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste were
recorded a maximum value for dressing percentage (75.52 ± 0.41). Pigs fed on
.concentrate ration attained a maximum of 19.36 ± 2.2cm2 for loin eye area and a
minimum of 28.0 ± 0.22mm for back fat thickness. Meat bone ratio was the
lowest in pigs fed on hostel food waste (3.53 ± 0.19). Hot carcass weight
(55.66 ± 2.49kg) and carcass length (65.00 ± 0.83cm) was more in pigs fed on
40per cent chicken offal and 60per cent restaurant waste in T4 group.
In proximate analysis chicken offal was recorded a crude protein content
of 35.63 ± 2.77per cent and ether extract of 30.9 ± 2.31 per cent. Concentrate,
restaurant waste and hostel waste were recorded a higher NFE content.
Cost of production per kilogram live weight of pigs was the highest in
concentrate fed group (Rs 54.66) and the lowest in small field unit (Rs 12.64).