Evaluation of the feed resources and analysis of body condition scores of local pigs in a semi-arid smallholder farming area of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to characterise the types, seasonal distribution, and nutritive value of feed resources and growth performance of local pigs in Chinyuni ward,Chirumanzu district. Pig herd sizes were (mean ± sd) 3.3 ± 2.73, with 90% of pigs being scavengers. Consumption of pigs accounted for 98 %, sales (91%), manure production (98%) and social functions (11%) of the production objectives. The major feed resources were brewers’ dried grain (BDG) (36%), kitchen waste (34 %), watermelons (27 %), Commelina benghalensis (30 %) and Richardia brasiliensis (16 %). Commelina benghalensis had the highest CP concentration of 234.4 g/kg; R. brasiliensis had 134.7 g/kg of CP while BDG had a better amino acid profile. There were differences (P < 0.05) in the body condition scores of pigs and between months for each sex. Females had an average BCS (mean ± sd) of 2.5 ± 0.86, whilst that for males was 3.1 ± 0.80. The major constraints to pig production were inadequate feed (99 %), lack of technical assistance (69 %), and shortage of building materials (40 %). The results indicate that pig production plays an important role in giving rural people access to food; however, productivity of pigs in Chirumanzu was low.