BIBLIOGRAPHY LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013. Growth Performance of Growing-
Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed Additives. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Myrna B.Walsiyen, MSc.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at the BSU, Experimental Piggery, La Trinidad, Benguet
from November 2012 to February 2013 to determine the growth performance of growing-
finishing pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additives.
A total of 8 pigs, belonging to one litter and were 60 days old, were grouped into
two treatments following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The two treatments
were as follows: 50 % commercial feeds and chopped sweet potato leaves and vines (To)
and 50% commercial feeds and chopped sweet potato leaves and vines with activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The parameters measured were initial and final weights, gains in weight, feed
consumption, feed conversion ratio, and returns on investment. Statistical analysis revealed
that the performance of the pigs fed without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
was comparable to those pigs fed with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
This was proven by the non significant differences in terms of body weights, total and
average daily gains in weight, total feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio.
Though the ROI was not subjected to statistical analysis, results of the study
revealed that the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
liquid had a higher ROI of 7.71% compared to the pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar liquid had an ROI of 2.23%, respectively.
Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that studies should be
conducted to include more numbers of treatments, higher levels of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar higher than 2% level and its effect on the fecal odor.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Swine raising is one of the agriculture’s best sources of income and a very good
source of protein. The Philippines swine industry is dominated by backyard raisers, which
claims 76% of the total stocks while 24% come from commercial farms. The swine industry
contributed 80% of the Philippine livestock output in 2004 (Abuel-Ang and Miller, 2005)
Science and technology have brought about various discoveries contributing to
increase in productivity in livestock industries. Among these discoveries are feed additives
which are now successfully manufactured commercially and consequently enhancing the
populatory of the industries throughout the country.
Good performance of the animals depends on how we give them the proper
nutrition, healthcare, and good management practices. Feed additives are added to the basic
feed mix of the animals by swine raisers to improved feed efficiency, improved animal
health, promote faster gains, or in short improve the overall production efficiency of the
animals.
Nowadays, consumers are conscious with their health and food to eat. They prefer
food derived from organically produced animals of farms animals. These are at least free
of antibiotics or chemical residues.
To meet the above demand, some swine raisers are now shifting to organic farming
or use of feed additives that result to the production of meat free from chemical residues.
Recently one of these feed additives developed for animals is activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar and this is what the researcher wants to find out in the study.
Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is one of the recommended feed
additives approved by the Japanese Government. Activated charcoal containing wood
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
vinegar is a product by mixing activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar) that
contains organic acids. The activated charcoal containing mokusaku (wood vinegar) are
both obtained from the bark of the evergreen oak (Castanopsis cuspidate and Quercus
acuta) by carbonization. It has been reported that activated charcoal is useful for the
removal of bacteria and bacterial toxins in vitro and in vivo (Gardiner et al., 1993) as cited
by Watarai and Tana, 2005.
This was to find out if activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is effective to
the growth performance of swine. The study also intended to give information to the swine
raisers by using organic base such as activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The result of the study, if found satisfactory, will benefit not only the researcher
herself but also other researchers and swine raisers themselves. This can help them in
increasing the production of animal products. It can also serve as a guide or basis of the
people for the successful piggery operation either backyard or commercial farms. And to
other researchers, it can serve as a reference in making follow-up studies.
Generally, the study aimed to determine the effect on the growth performance of
growing-finishing pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar liquid as feed
additives.
Specifically, it aimed to: (1) determine the gain weight of the pigs given activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additives, (2) know the feed consumption of the
animals, (3) determine the feed conversion ratio, (4) morbidity and mortality, and (5)
determine the profitability of raising swine given activated charcoal and wood vinegar.
The study was conducted at Benguet State University experimental piggery, La
Trinidad, Benguet from November to Febuary 2013.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Feed additives
Antimicrobial agents are commonly added to the swine diets to improve the weight
gain, feed conversion efficiency, and reproduction. These additives reduce morbidity and
mortality in pigs (PCARRD, 2005).
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar Liquid
Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is obtained by combining charcoal and
mokusaku (wood vinegar) from the evergreen broadleaf tree bark using “biomass
transformation technology”. Tree bark is full of energy. Mokusaku from the bark contains
a number of useful substances. The product of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
is for animal medication, feed mix, and soil-mix fertilizer (Watarai, 2011).
Activated charcoal and wood vinegar has effects on microorganisms in intestinal
organs. This improves the intestinal environment. Soft charcoal adsorp Pathogenic
Microorganism (PthMio) and control propagation of lactobacillus (probiotics) and control
the pathogenic microorganism (Koiwa and Watarai, 2011).
Effects of Probiotics
Probiotics improve micro-organism balance in intestines of host as stated by Koiwa
and Watarai (2011), have favourable effects on host: (a) prevent propagation of intestinal
PthMio; (b) prevent PthMio infections to intestines, enhance immunity.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganism added to the rations to improve the
intestinal microbial balance of animal (PCARRD, 2000). In addition, Watarai and Tana
(2005), stated that probiotics, (microbes that beneficially effect the host by improving its
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
intestinal microbial balance) such as Bifidobacteria and Lastic acid bacteria are useful in
treating and preventing various intestinal infections and diarrhea caused by pathogenic
bacteria.
They also stated that the effects of probiotic on the body of animals are: (1) fortify
animal health; (2) reduce intestinal odor (reduce odor, improve animal quality); (3) enhance
digestion (improve feeding efficiency).
Mokusaku (Wood Vinegar)
Mokusaku is a liquid obtained from oil, juices, sap and other liquid content of
organic material such as wood, coconut shell, bamboo, grass, and other plants after being
heated in a chamber. It is composed of a lot of organic chemical substances. Studies in
Japan had shown that there could be more than 300 chemical substances. However, content
of these substances are dependent on the materials to be heated as well as burning
carbonization process and the time collecting cooled steam from the tube. This is used for
animals even human beings. However, it must be really purified by long sedimentation and
distillation process (Yokomori, 2011).
On the other hand, Watarai and Tana (2005) stated that wood vinegar have two
effects against intestinal bacteria; (1) an inhibitory effect on the growth of pathogenic
bacteria such as S. enteriditis; (2) a stimulatory effect on the growth of normal bacterial
flora which act as probiotics such as E. faecium and B. thermophilum in the intestinal.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is known as a universal adsorbent because it can bind with
variety of molecules. In addition, it has a high absorptive capacity although it tends to be
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
non selective. However, the adsorptive capacity having large pores is needed, whereas
small substances need small pores (Chandy and Sharma, 1998) as cited by Watarai and
Tana (2008). According to them, activated charcoal has its capacity to bind normal
bacterial flora in the intestines.
Watarai and Tana (2005) stated that activated charcoal from the bark given orally
could be able to function as an agent for reducing intestinal S. enteridis carriage and to
minimize the removal of normal bacterial flora in the intestinal tract.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are products produced by microorganism, which are added in the mixed
feed at sub therapeutic level. These materials increase growth rate and feed conversion in
animals, but are potentially harmful when improperly used (PCARRD, 2000).
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Materials
The materials used in the study were eight crossbred pigs (Large white x Landrace)
that were two months old, belonging to the same litter, sweet potato leaves and vines
(Fig.1), rice bran (D1), activated charcoal containing wood vinegar (Fig.2), weighing scale,
pig pen, feeding troughs, drinking nipples, disinfectants, stick broom, and recording
materials.
Methodology
Preparation of the pens. Two weeks before the start of the study, the pig pens were,
cleaned thoroughly including the surrounding areas. These were sprayed with disinfectants
to minimize or even kill the microorganisms.
Preparation of the sweet potato leaves and vines. The sweet potato was collected at
Palina, Kibungan, Benguet and these were washed thoroughly. These were chopped into
small pieces at about one inch long and were not cooked. These were fed together with the
commercial feeds and rice bran from the last month of the study. These were weighed based
on the specific amount per treatment before giving to the pigs.
Experimental design
and treatments. The eight pigs were distributed at random into two treatments following
the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times with
one pig per replication. The individual weights of the experimental pigs were taken first
and were recorded before placing them into their respective pens.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
The two treatments were as follows:
T0- Without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
T1- With activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
Care and management of the pigs. All the pigs were subjected to the same care and
management. The only difference was in the diets offered to them. The control pigs were
fed with chopped sweet potato leaves and vines and commercial feeds. The pigs under
treatment 1 were fed with chopped sweet potato leaves and vines and commercial feeds
plus activated charcoal containing wood vinegar. Rice bran was added in the last month of
the study. From the first two months, 50% commercial feeds and 50% chopped sweet
potato leaves and vines were given to the pigs. However, at the last of the study, the diets
given were 50% of chopped sweet potato leaves and vines, two thirds rice bran, and one
third commercial feeds (Fig.3). Feeding was done two times a day from 7:00-8:30 in the
morning and 4:00-5:30 in the afternoon. Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar liquid
was added at the level of 20 grams for every kilogram of chopped sweet potato leaves and
vines and commercial feeds mixture.
Clean and fresh water was always available for the experimental animals. Cleaning
of the pig pens was done every day.
Data Gathered
The data gathered were as follows:
1. Initial weight (kg). This was determined by weighing the pigs at the start of the
study which was at 60 days old.
2. Final weight (kg). This was taken by weighing the pigs at the end of the
experiment or after a feeding period of 12 weeks.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
Figure 1. Chopped sweet potato leaves and vines
Figure 2. Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
Figure 3. Mixture of chopped sweet potato leaves and vines, commercial feeds, rice bran
with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
3. Amount of feed offered (kg). This was determined by weighing the feed offered
to the swine from the start until the end of the experimental period.
4. Amount of feed leftover (kg). This was determined by weighing the spilled or
refused feed.
5. Cost of inputs (Php). This was determined by recording all the expenses used in
the study.
6. Morbidity. This refers to the number of pigs that got sick during the experimental
period.
7. Mortality. This refers to the numbers of pigs that died during the study.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
From the data above, the following parameters were computed:
1. Total gain in weight (kg). This was determined by subtracting the initial weight
from the final weight.
2. Average daily gain in weight (kg). This was determined by dividing the total gain
in weight by the number of days of feeding the pigs.
3. Total feed consumption (kg). This was determined by adding the amount of feed
consumed by the pigs from the start to the end of the study.
4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR). This was determined by dividing the total feed
consumption by the total gain in weight.
5. Morbidity rate (%). This was obtained by dividing the number of pigs that got
sick by the total number of pigs at the start of the study multiplied by 100%.
6. Mortality rate (%). This was obtained by dividing the number of pigs that died
by the total number of pigs at the start of the study multiplied by 100%.
7. Return on Investment. This was determined by using the following formula:
ROI = Gross sales- Total Expenses X 100%
Total Expenses
Data Analysis
All data gathered were consolidated, tabulated and analyzed. Treatment means
were computed using the T-test.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Body Weights of the Pigs
The initial and final weights of the pigs used in the study are shown in Table 1.
Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the two treatments in the initial
weights of the pigs at 60 days of age. The average initial weight of the pigs given diets
without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was 15.063 kg while the pigs given
diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was 15 kg. This means that the
experimental animals were more or less of the same weights at the start of the study.
Likewise in the final weights, there was no significant difference observed between
the two treatment means. The mean final weight obtained from pigs given diets without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was 66.25 kg and 64.75 kg from the pigs given
diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The result of the study indicates that the final weights of the pigs in the treatments
were more or less the same. The mean final weight of the pigs ranged from 64.75 kg- 66.25
kg.
Table 1. Initial and final weights of pigs
TREATMENT INITIAL WEIGHT AT FINAL WEIGHT AT
60 DAYS OF AGE 144 DAYS OF AGE
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
15.063
66.250
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
15.000 64.750
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
Feed Consumptions of the Pigs
Presented in Table 2 are the total and daily feed consumptions of the pigs. Statistical
analysis revealed that no significant difference was observed on the feed consumptions of
the pigs. This implies that the addition of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar to
the pig’s diet did not improve nor reduce the appetite or feed consumption of the pigs. The
total feed consumption of the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar for a period of 84 days was 212.802 kg. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 211.862 kg.
On the dry matter basis, statistical analysis revealed that no significant difference
was observed. The pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
had a mean of 108.935 kg. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar had a mean of 108.471 kg.
Table 2. Total feed consumptions of pigs for 84 days
TREATMENT AS FED
AS DRY MATTER
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
212.802
108.935
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
211.862 108.471
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
Gains in Weight of the Pigs
The total and daily gains in weights of the pigs are shown in Table 3. Statistical
analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the two treatments. This
means that the gains in weight of the pigs were more or less the same. It is also reflected
that the ability of the animals to gain weight has not improved nor adversely affected by
the addition of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar in their rations. The overall
mean total gain and average daily gains in weight of the pigs was 50.469 kg and 0.601 kg,
respectively.
This study agrees to the findings of Kritas and Morrison (2010) as cited by Tindaan
(2012) who observed no difference in the average daily feed consumption of the weanlings
given probiotics.
Feed Conversion Ratio
Table 4 presents the feed conversion ratios (FCR) of the pigs. No significant
difference was observed between the two treatment means as revealed by the statistical
analysis. This is expected because both of the pigs given diets without and with activated
Table 3.Total and daily gains in weight of the pigs
TREATMENT TOTAL GAINS AVERAGE DAILY
IN WEIGHT GAINS IN WEIGHT
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
51.188
0.609
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
49.750 0.592
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
charcoal containing wood vinegar consumed almost the same amount of feeds and had
more or less the same gains in weight.
The pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had an
FCR of 4.147 while the pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
had an FCR of 4.287. This result indicates that activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
liquid added to swine diets did not improve nor decrease the efficiency of the swine to
convert nutrients in the feeds into a unit gain in weight. These was similar to the study of
Wang et al. (2011) that bamboo vinegar as an antibiotic will give no significant difference
in the feed intake and feed conversion ratio of weaned pigs.
On the dry matter basis, statistical analysis revealed also no significant difference
was observed between the two treatment mean. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a FCR of 2.135 and 2.194 for the pigs given with activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the pigs grown from 60 to 144 days
TREATMENT FCR
As Fed As Dry Matter
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
4.147 2.135
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
4.287 2.194
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
Returns on investment (ROI)
Table 5 shows the return on investment (ROI) per treatment though this was not
subjected to statistical analysis. The result revealed that the pigs given diets without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had a higher return on investment of 7.71 %.
The pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had an ROI of 2.23%.
Giving pigs with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar resulted in lower
return on investment because no improvement was observed in the growth rates or gains
in weight of the pigs and even their feed efficiency. The addition of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar was just an additional expense.
Other Observations
During the experiment, it was observed that the pigs given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar reduce the fecal odor compared to the pigs given diet without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar. In terms of their body conformation the pigs
given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is thin or slim compared to pigs not given
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Table 5. Returns on investment (ROI)
TREATMENT GROSS SALES TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME ROI
(Php) (Php (Php) (%)
Without activated
Charcoal containing
Wood Vinegar 31,900.00 29,617.60 2,282.40 7.71
With activated
Charcoal containing
Wood Vinegar 31,180.00 30,514.49 665.51 2.23
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the growth performance of growing-
finishing pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additives.
A total of 8 crossbred (Large white x Landrace) belonging to the same litter which
were 60 days old pigs were used in the study. These were grouped into two treatments
following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each of the treatments was
replicated four times with one pig per replication. The two treatments were: without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar (T0), and with activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar given at the level of 20g/kg of feed mixture (T1). The diets given to the pigs
were commercial feeds and sweet potato leaves and vines. The sweet potato leaves and
vines were washed thoroughly and chopped into small pieces before giving to the pigs.
Feeding was done twice a day.
Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences among
treatments in all the parameters namely; initial weight, final weight, gain in weight, total
feed consumption, and feed con version ratio.
The pigs in the two treatments had an overall mean initial weight of 15.032kg and
an overall mean final weight of 65.50 kg after 84 days of feeding.
As regards to the total gain in weight, the pigs given diets without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 51.188 kg and an ADG of 0.609 kg. On the other
hand, pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had a mean total
gain in weight of 49.75 kg and an ADG of 0.592 kg.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
From 60-144 days old, the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar had a mean feed consumption of 212.802 kg (as fed basis) or 108.935 kg
(DM basis). On the other hand, the pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar had a mean feed consumption of 211.862 kg (as fed basis) or 108.471 kg
(DM basis)
For the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the pigs given diets without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 4.147 (as fed basis) or 2.135 (DM basis), while the
pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had a mean of 4.287 (as
fed basis) or 2.194 (DM basis).
Finally, for the returns on return on investment (ROI), higher ROI was observed
from the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar which was
7.71%. The ROI realized from the pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
was only 2.23%.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that adding activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar into the diets of the pigs at the level of 20/kg feed mixture gives
no effect on the body weights, gain in weights, feed conversion ratio and the return on
investment.
Recommendations
Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that studies should be
conducted to include more numbers of treatments, higher levels of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar higher than 2% level and its effect on the fecal odor. It is also
recommended that studies should be conducted to include the digestibility trials and the
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
effect of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar on the waste management in animal
production.
LITERATURE CITED
ALBUEL- ANG, P. and D. MILLER. 2005. Philippines Livestock and Products Annual.
http;//www. Agribusiness week.com/ swine- raising- for- meat- production- in the
Philippines- part-1.
KOIWA, M. and H. WATARAI. 2011. Research Reports of Nekka- Rich. Miyazaki Midori
Pharms Co., LTD, Miyazaki. (power point presentation)
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT (PCARRD). 2000. The
Philippine Recommends for Livestock Feed Formulation. PCCARD/DOST.
PFIZER INC., Los Banos, Laguna. Recommends series no. 65-A. Pp. 20-23.
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT (PCARRD). 2005. The
Philippine Recommended for Pork Production. PCCARD/DOST. PFIZER INC.,
Los Banos, Laguna. Philippine Recommends series no. 13-B. P. 37.
TINDAAN, A. 2012. Verification on the Effect of Liquid Yeast Culture with Plant Herbal
Extracts as Feed Additive on the Growth Performance of Growing Swine Under
Highland Condition. BS Thesis (Unpub.) Benguet State University. La Trinidad,
Benguet. P. 14.
WANG, H. F. et al. 2011. Effect of Bamboo Vinegar as an Antibiotic Alternative on
Growth Performance and Fecal Bacterial Communities of Weaned piglets.
Livestock
Science
144
(2012)
173-180.
Journal
homepage:
www.elsevier.com.locate.livsci.
WATARAI, H. 2011. Effective Uses of Charcoal and Mokusaku. Miyazaki Midori Pharms
Co., LTD, Miyazaki.
WATARAI, S. and K. TANA. 2005. Eliminating the Carraige of Salmonella enteric
Serovar Enteritidis in Domestic Fowls by Feeding Activated charcoal from
containing from containing Wood Vinegar Liquid (NEKKA-RICH). Poult. Sci. 84:
515-521.
WATARAI, S. and K. TANA. 2008. Feeding Activated Charcoal from Bark Containing
Wood Vinegar Liquid (NEKKA-RICH) is Effective as Treatment for
Cryptosporidiosis in Calves. J. Dairy Sci. 91:1458-1463.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
YOKOMORI, M. 2011. Farmers in Benguet Practice Savers Technology. Rianella Printing
Press. Baguio City, Philippines. Pp. 1-7.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013. Growth Performance of Growing-
Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed Additives. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Myrna B.Walsiyen, MSc.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted at the BSU, Experimental Piggery, La Trinidad, Benguet
from November 2012 to February 2013 to determine the growth performance of growing-
finishing pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additives.
A total of 8 pigs, belonging to one litter and were 60 days old, were grouped into
two treatments following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The two treatments
were as follows: 50 % commercial feeds and chopped sweet potato leaves and vines (To)
and 50% commercial feeds and chopped sweet potato leaves and vines with activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The parameters measured were initial and final weights, gains in weight, feed
consumption, feed conversion ratio, and returns on investment. Statistical analysis revealed
that the performance of the pigs fed without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
was comparable to those pigs fed with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
This was proven by the non significant differences in terms of body weights, total and
average daily gains in weight, total feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio.
Though the ROI was not subjected to statistical analysis, results of the study
revealed that the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
liquid had a higher ROI of 7.71% compared to the pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar liquid had an ROI of 2.23%, respectively.
Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that studies should be
conducted to include more numbers of treatments, higher levels of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar higher than 2% level and its effect on the fecal odor.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
INTRODUCTION
Swine raising is one of the agriculture’s best sources of income and a very good
source of protein. The Philippines swine industry is dominated by backyard raisers, which
claims 76% of the total stocks while 24% come from commercial farms. The swine industry
contributed 80% of the Philippine livestock output in 2004 (Abuel-Ang and Miller, 2005)
Science and technology have brought about various discoveries contributing to
increase in productivity in livestock industries. Among these discoveries are feed additives
which are now successfully manufactured commercially and consequently enhancing the
populatory of the industries throughout the country.
Good performance of the animals depends on how we give them the proper
nutrition, healthcare, and good management practices. Feed additives are added to the basic
feed mix of the animals by swine raisers to improved feed efficiency, improved animal
health, promote faster gains, or in short improve the overall production efficiency of the
animals.
Nowadays, consumers are conscious with their health and food to eat. They prefer
food derived from organically produced animals of farms animals. These are at least free
of antibiotics or chemical residues.
To meet the above demand, some swine raisers are now shifting to organic farming
or use of feed additives that result to the production of meat free from chemical residues.
Recently one of these feed additives developed for animals is activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar and this is what the researcher wants to find out in the study.
Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is one of the recommended feed
additives approved by the Japanese Government. Activated charcoal containing wood
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
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Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
vinegar is a product by mixing activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar) that
contains organic acids. The activated charcoal containing mokusaku (wood vinegar) are
both obtained from the bark of the evergreen oak (Castanopsis cuspidate and Quercus
acuta) by carbonization. It has been reported that activated charcoal is useful for the
removal of bacteria and bacterial toxins in vitro and in vivo (Gardiner et al., 1993) as cited
by Watarai and Tana, 2005.
This was to find out if activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is effective to
the growth performance of swine. The study also intended to give information to the swine
raisers by using organic base such as activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The result of the study, if found satisfactory, will benefit not only the researcher
herself but also other researchers and swine raisers themselves. This can help them in
increasing the production of animal products. It can also serve as a guide or basis of the
people for the successful piggery operation either backyard or commercial farms. And to
other researchers, it can serve as a reference in making follow-up studies.
Generally, the study aimed to determine the effect on the growth performance of
growing-finishing pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar liquid as feed
additives.
Specifically, it aimed to: (1) determine the gain weight of the pigs given activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additives, (2) know the feed consumption of the
animals, (3) determine the feed conversion ratio, (4) morbidity and mortality, and (5)
determine the profitability of raising swine given activated charcoal and wood vinegar.
The study was conducted at Benguet State University experimental piggery, La
Trinidad, Benguet from November to Febuary 2013.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Feed additives
Antimicrobial agents are commonly added to the swine diets to improve the weight
gain, feed conversion efficiency, and reproduction. These additives reduce morbidity and
mortality in pigs (PCARRD, 2005).
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar Liquid
Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is obtained by combining charcoal and
mokusaku (wood vinegar) from the evergreen broadleaf tree bark using “biomass
transformation technology”. Tree bark is full of energy. Mokusaku from the bark contains
a number of useful substances. The product of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
is for animal medication, feed mix, and soil-mix fertilizer (Watarai, 2011).
Activated charcoal and wood vinegar has effects on microorganisms in intestinal
organs. This improves the intestinal environment. Soft charcoal adsorp Pathogenic
Microorganism (PthMio) and control propagation of lactobacillus (probiotics) and control
the pathogenic microorganism (Koiwa and Watarai, 2011).
Effects of Probiotics
Probiotics improve micro-organism balance in intestines of host as stated by Koiwa
and Watarai (2011), have favourable effects on host: (a) prevent propagation of intestinal
PthMio; (b) prevent PthMio infections to intestines, enhance immunity.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganism added to the rations to improve the
intestinal microbial balance of animal (PCARRD, 2000). In addition, Watarai and Tana
(2005), stated that probiotics, (microbes that beneficially effect the host by improving its
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
intestinal microbial balance) such as Bifidobacteria and Lastic acid bacteria are useful in
treating and preventing various intestinal infections and diarrhea caused by pathogenic
bacteria.
They also stated that the effects of probiotic on the body of animals are: (1) fortify
animal health; (2) reduce intestinal odor (reduce odor, improve animal quality); (3) enhance
digestion (improve feeding efficiency).
Mokusaku (Wood Vinegar)
Mokusaku is a liquid obtained from oil, juices, sap and other liquid content of
organic material such as wood, coconut shell, bamboo, grass, and other plants after being
heated in a chamber. It is composed of a lot of organic chemical substances. Studies in
Japan had shown that there could be more than 300 chemical substances. However, content
of these substances are dependent on the materials to be heated as well as burning
carbonization process and the time collecting cooled steam from the tube. This is used for
animals even human beings. However, it must be really purified by long sedimentation and
distillation process (Yokomori, 2011).
On the other hand, Watarai and Tana (2005) stated that wood vinegar have two
effects against intestinal bacteria; (1) an inhibitory effect on the growth of pathogenic
bacteria such as S. enteriditis; (2) a stimulatory effect on the growth of normal bacterial
flora which act as probiotics such as E. faecium and B. thermophilum in the intestinal.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is known as a universal adsorbent because it can bind with
variety of molecules. In addition, it has a high absorptive capacity although it tends to be
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
non selective. However, the adsorptive capacity having large pores is needed, whereas
small substances need small pores (Chandy and Sharma, 1998) as cited by Watarai and
Tana (2008). According to them, activated charcoal has its capacity to bind normal
bacterial flora in the intestines.
Watarai and Tana (2005) stated that activated charcoal from the bark given orally
could be able to function as an agent for reducing intestinal S. enteridis carriage and to
minimize the removal of normal bacterial flora in the intestinal tract.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are products produced by microorganism, which are added in the mixed
feed at sub therapeutic level. These materials increase growth rate and feed conversion in
animals, but are potentially harmful when improperly used (PCARRD, 2000).
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
MATERIALS AND METHOD
Materials
The materials used in the study were eight crossbred pigs (Large white x Landrace)
that were two months old, belonging to the same litter, sweet potato leaves and vines
(Fig.1), rice bran (D1), activated charcoal containing wood vinegar (Fig.2), weighing scale,
pig pen, feeding troughs, drinking nipples, disinfectants, stick broom, and recording
materials.
Methodology
Preparation of the pens. Two weeks before the start of the study, the pig pens were,
cleaned thoroughly including the surrounding areas. These were sprayed with disinfectants
to minimize or even kill the microorganisms.
Preparation of the sweet potato leaves and vines. The sweet potato was collected at
Palina, Kibungan, Benguet and these were washed thoroughly. These were chopped into
small pieces at about one inch long and were not cooked. These were fed together with the
commercial feeds and rice bran from the last month of the study. These were weighed based
on the specific amount per treatment before giving to the pigs.
Experimental design
and treatments. The eight pigs were distributed at random into two treatments following
the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated four times with
one pig per replication. The individual weights of the experimental pigs were taken first
and were recorded before placing them into their respective pens.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
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The two treatments were as follows:
T0- Without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
T1- With activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
Care and management of the pigs. All the pigs were subjected to the same care and
management. The only difference was in the diets offered to them. The control pigs were
fed with chopped sweet potato leaves and vines and commercial feeds. The pigs under
treatment 1 were fed with chopped sweet potato leaves and vines and commercial feeds
plus activated charcoal containing wood vinegar. Rice bran was added in the last month of
the study. From the first two months, 50% commercial feeds and 50% chopped sweet
potato leaves and vines were given to the pigs. However, at the last of the study, the diets
given were 50% of chopped sweet potato leaves and vines, two thirds rice bran, and one
third commercial feeds (Fig.3). Feeding was done two times a day from 7:00-8:30 in the
morning and 4:00-5:30 in the afternoon. Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar liquid
was added at the level of 20 grams for every kilogram of chopped sweet potato leaves and
vines and commercial feeds mixture.
Clean and fresh water was always available for the experimental animals. Cleaning
of the pig pens was done every day.
Data Gathered
The data gathered were as follows:
1. Initial weight (kg). This was determined by weighing the pigs at the start of the
study which was at 60 days old.
2. Final weight (kg). This was taken by weighing the pigs at the end of the
experiment or after a feeding period of 12 weeks.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
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Figure 1. Chopped sweet potato leaves and vines
Figure 2. Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
Figure 3. Mixture of chopped sweet potato leaves and vines, commercial feeds, rice bran
with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
3. Amount of feed offered (kg). This was determined by weighing the feed offered
to the swine from the start until the end of the experimental period.
4. Amount of feed leftover (kg). This was determined by weighing the spilled or
refused feed.
5. Cost of inputs (Php). This was determined by recording all the expenses used in
the study.
6. Morbidity. This refers to the number of pigs that got sick during the experimental
period.
7. Mortality. This refers to the numbers of pigs that died during the study.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
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From the data above, the following parameters were computed:
1. Total gain in weight (kg). This was determined by subtracting the initial weight
from the final weight.
2. Average daily gain in weight (kg). This was determined by dividing the total gain
in weight by the number of days of feeding the pigs.
3. Total feed consumption (kg). This was determined by adding the amount of feed
consumed by the pigs from the start to the end of the study.
4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR). This was determined by dividing the total feed
consumption by the total gain in weight.
5. Morbidity rate (%). This was obtained by dividing the number of pigs that got
sick by the total number of pigs at the start of the study multiplied by 100%.
6. Mortality rate (%). This was obtained by dividing the number of pigs that died
by the total number of pigs at the start of the study multiplied by 100%.
7. Return on Investment. This was determined by using the following formula:
ROI = Gross sales- Total Expenses X 100%
Total Expenses
Data Analysis
All data gathered were consolidated, tabulated and analyzed. Treatment means
were computed using the T-test.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
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Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Body Weights of the Pigs
The initial and final weights of the pigs used in the study are shown in Table 1.
Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the two treatments in the initial
weights of the pigs at 60 days of age. The average initial weight of the pigs given diets
without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was 15.063 kg while the pigs given
diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was 15 kg. This means that the
experimental animals were more or less of the same weights at the start of the study.
Likewise in the final weights, there was no significant difference observed between
the two treatment means. The mean final weight obtained from pigs given diets without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was 66.25 kg and 64.75 kg from the pigs given
diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The result of the study indicates that the final weights of the pigs in the treatments
were more or less the same. The mean final weight of the pigs ranged from 64.75 kg- 66.25
kg.
Table 1. Initial and final weights of pigs
TREATMENT INITIAL WEIGHT AT FINAL WEIGHT AT
60 DAYS OF AGE 144 DAYS OF AGE
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
15.063
66.250
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
15.000 64.750
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
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Feed Consumptions of the Pigs
Presented in Table 2 are the total and daily feed consumptions of the pigs. Statistical
analysis revealed that no significant difference was observed on the feed consumptions of
the pigs. This implies that the addition of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar to
the pig’s diet did not improve nor reduce the appetite or feed consumption of the pigs. The
total feed consumption of the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar for a period of 84 days was 212.802 kg. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 211.862 kg.
On the dry matter basis, statistical analysis revealed that no significant difference
was observed. The pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
had a mean of 108.935 kg. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar had a mean of 108.471 kg.
Table 2. Total feed consumptions of pigs for 84 days
TREATMENT AS FED
AS DRY MATTER
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
212.802
108.935
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
211.862 108.471
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
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Gains in Weight of the Pigs
The total and daily gains in weights of the pigs are shown in Table 3. Statistical
analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the two treatments. This
means that the gains in weight of the pigs were more or less the same. It is also reflected
that the ability of the animals to gain weight has not improved nor adversely affected by
the addition of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar in their rations. The overall
mean total gain and average daily gains in weight of the pigs was 50.469 kg and 0.601 kg,
respectively.
This study agrees to the findings of Kritas and Morrison (2010) as cited by Tindaan
(2012) who observed no difference in the average daily feed consumption of the weanlings
given probiotics.
Feed Conversion Ratio
Table 4 presents the feed conversion ratios (FCR) of the pigs. No significant
difference was observed between the two treatment means as revealed by the statistical
analysis. This is expected because both of the pigs given diets without and with activated
Table 3.Total and daily gains in weight of the pigs
TREATMENT TOTAL GAINS AVERAGE DAILY
IN WEIGHT GAINS IN WEIGHT
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
51.188
0.609
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
49.750 0.592
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
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Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
charcoal containing wood vinegar consumed almost the same amount of feeds and had
more or less the same gains in weight.
The pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had an
FCR of 4.147 while the pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
had an FCR of 4.287. This result indicates that activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
liquid added to swine diets did not improve nor decrease the efficiency of the swine to
convert nutrients in the feeds into a unit gain in weight. These was similar to the study of
Wang et al. (2011) that bamboo vinegar as an antibiotic will give no significant difference
in the feed intake and feed conversion ratio of weaned pigs.
On the dry matter basis, statistical analysis revealed also no significant difference
was observed between the two treatment mean. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a FCR of 2.135 and 2.194 for the pigs given with activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the pigs grown from 60 to 144 days
TREATMENT FCR
As Fed As Dry Matter
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
4.147 2.135
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar
4.287 2.194
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
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Returns on investment (ROI)
Table 5 shows the return on investment (ROI) per treatment though this was not
subjected to statistical analysis. The result revealed that the pigs given diets without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had a higher return on investment of 7.71 %.
The pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had an ROI of 2.23%.
Giving pigs with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar resulted in lower
return on investment because no improvement was observed in the growth rates or gains
in weight of the pigs and even their feed efficiency. The addition of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar was just an additional expense.
Other Observations
During the experiment, it was observed that the pigs given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar reduce the fecal odor compared to the pigs given diet without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar. In terms of their body conformation the pigs
given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar is thin or slim compared to pigs not given
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Table 5. Returns on investment (ROI)
TREATMENT GROSS SALES TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME ROI
(Php) (Php (Php) (%)
Without activated
Charcoal containing
Wood Vinegar 31,900.00 29,617.60 2,282.40 7.71
With activated
Charcoal containing
Wood Vinegar 31,180.00 30,514.49 665.51 2.23
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted to determine the growth performance of growing-
finishing pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additives.
A total of 8 crossbred (Large white x Landrace) belonging to the same litter which
were 60 days old pigs were used in the study. These were grouped into two treatments
following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each of the treatments was
replicated four times with one pig per replication. The two treatments were: without
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar (T0), and with activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar given at the level of 20g/kg of feed mixture (T1). The diets given to the pigs
were commercial feeds and sweet potato leaves and vines. The sweet potato leaves and
vines were washed thoroughly and chopped into small pieces before giving to the pigs.
Feeding was done twice a day.
Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences among
treatments in all the parameters namely; initial weight, final weight, gain in weight, total
feed consumption, and feed con version ratio.
The pigs in the two treatments had an overall mean initial weight of 15.032kg and
an overall mean final weight of 65.50 kg after 84 days of feeding.
As regards to the total gain in weight, the pigs given diets without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 51.188 kg and an ADG of 0.609 kg. On the other
hand, pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had a mean total
gain in weight of 49.75 kg and an ADG of 0.592 kg.
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
From 60-144 days old, the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar had a mean feed consumption of 212.802 kg (as fed basis) or 108.935 kg
(DM basis). On the other hand, the pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar had a mean feed consumption of 211.862 kg (as fed basis) or 108.471 kg
(DM basis)
For the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the pigs given diets without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 4.147 (as fed basis) or 2.135 (DM basis), while the
pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had a mean of 4.287 (as
fed basis) or 2.194 (DM basis).
Finally, for the returns on return on investment (ROI), higher ROI was observed
from the pigs given diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar which was
7.71%. The ROI realized from the pigs given activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
was only 2.23%.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that adding activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar into the diets of the pigs at the level of 20/kg feed mixture gives
no effect on the body weights, gain in weights, feed conversion ratio and the return on
investment.
Recommendations
Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that studies should be
conducted to include more numbers of treatments, higher levels of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar higher than 2% level and its effect on the fecal odor. It is also
recommended that studies should be conducted to include the digestibility trials and the
Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Given Commercial Feeds & Chopped
Sweet Potato Leaves and Vines and Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar as Feed
Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
effect of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar on the waste management in animal
production.
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KOIWA, M. and H. WATARAI. 2011. Research Reports of Nekka- Rich. Miyazaki Midori
Pharms Co., LTD, Miyazaki. (power point presentation)
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT (PCARRD). 2000. The
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PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
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Highland Condition. BS Thesis (Unpub.) Benguet State University. La Trinidad,
Benguet. P. 14.
WANG, H. F. et al. 2011. Effect of Bamboo Vinegar as an Antibiotic Alternative on
Growth Performance and Fecal Bacterial Communities of Weaned piglets.
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homepage:
www.elsevier.com.locate.livsci.
WATARAI, H. 2011. Effective Uses of Charcoal and Mokusaku. Miyazaki Midori Pharms
Co., LTD, Miyazaki.
WATARAI, S. and K. TANA. 2005. Eliminating the Carraige of Salmonella enteric
Serovar Enteritidis in Domestic Fowls by Feeding Activated charcoal from
containing from containing Wood Vinegar Liquid (NEKKA-RICH). Poult. Sci. 84:
515-521.
WATARAI, S. and K. TANA. 2008. Feeding Activated Charcoal from Bark Containing
Wood Vinegar Liquid (NEKKA-RICH) is Effective as Treatment for
Cryptosporidiosis in Calves. J. Dairy Sci. 91:1458-1463.
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Additives | LOPEZ, JUNALYN CEK-OPEN. APRIL 2013
YOKOMORI, M. 2011. Farmers in Benguet Practice Savers Technology. Rianella Printing
Press. Baguio City, Philippines. Pp. 1-7.
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