BIBLIOGRAPHY CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013. The Growth Performance
of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and Activated Charcoal
Containing Wood Vinegar. 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 to February 2013 to compare the growth performance of growing-finishing
pigs fed with commercial feeds supplemented with activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar to those fed with pure commercial feeds only.
A total of 60 days old crossbred (Landrace x Large white) pigs were used as
experimental animals. The pigs were grouped into two treatments and were replicated four
times following the completely randomized design (CRD). The two treatments were as
follows: pure commercial feeds and commercial feeds + activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar given at the level of 20g/ kg feed.
Statistical analysis revealed that the performance of pigs that were not given
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was similar to those pigs fed with activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar. This result showed that activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar at the rate of 20g/ kg feed did not significantly affect the final weight, total
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
and daily gains in weight, total and daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and the returns
on investment (ROI).
While there was no improvement on the growth performance of the pigs, it is
interesting to note that during the experiment, lesser fecal odor was observed from the pigs
given feeds with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar. It is then recommended that
studies be conducted towards this effect and to include more treatments.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
INTRODUCTION
The Swine Industry is one of the most important among the local animal industries
in the country. It contributed about 98% of the country’s total pork supply. Pork represents
more than 50% of the total animal meat consumed by Filipinos (PCARRD, 2005).
Nutrition is very important in the improvement of swine production. It is required
that supplemental feeds should be sufficiently appetizing to ensure an intake adequate for
the purpose desired. Supplying feeds, as a source of nutrients, is a major concern in the
profitability of animal production since feed cost accounts for 70-80% of the total
production cost. Therefore, the nutrient composition of the diet will determine the
performance of the animals or simply, the success or failure of the animal project.
Most individuals are very concerned about their health. They prefer to eat meat
which has fewer chemicals added to avoid sickness. In order to meet this demand, one of
organic feed additives which were approved by the Japanese Government is activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar. It signifies thermo-chemistry which intended to convey
message of “bringing prosperity through thermo-chemistry”. Recently, some researchers
found out that activated charcoal containing wood vinegar can be used for animal
medication and feed mix. Therefore, it is being recommended to mix with swine diets.
Mixed activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar liquid) contains organic
acids. The activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar liquid) are both obtained from
the bark of evergreen oak by the process of carbonization. Activated charcoal is known as
the universal adsorbent because it can bind with variety of molecules. It is also useful for
the removal of bacteria and bacterial toxins, both in vivo and in vitro. Organic acids also
inhibit the growth of enteropathogenic bacteria. These mixture compounds have a
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
significant impact on controlling contamination of the environment and potential
waterborne spread of diseases (Watarai and Tana, 2008).
The result of the study if found feasible will contribute to the improvement of
raising swine. Informations that will be obtained from the study can be used by the swine
raisers to improve their production. It will serve also as a guide or additional knowledge to
researchers and students who want to work on problems related to this study.
Generally, this study was conducted to determine the effect of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar on the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.
Specifically, it aimed to:
1. determine gain in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and the
morbidity and mortality rates of the growing-finishing pigs when given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar: and
2. determine the profitability of raising pigs when given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar as feed additives.
The study was conducted at the Benguet State University experimental piggery, La
Trinidad, Benguet from October to February, 2013.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Feed Additives
Antimicrobial agents are commonly added to swine diets to improve the weight
gains, feed conversion efficiency and reproduction. Recent findings show the danger of
indiscriminate use of additives to animal or human health. Therefore, their use should be
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any concerned agency
(PCARRD, 2005). Currently, used additives include antibiotics, arsenicals and nitrofuran
compounds, all of which have been shown to improve animal performance such as growth,
feed utilization and some other production function (Pond and Pond, 2000).
Probiotics
The term probiotic was proposed for the very first time. The definition of probiotics
has been modified several times over the intervening years, but was revised recently so as
to indicate the necessity that the microbial cells be viable. Probiotics are live
microorganisms that when administered the digestive route, are favorable to the host’s
health (Gulliot, 2000) as cited by Cayomba (2002).
Pond and Pond (2000) said that probiotics are beneficial microorganism added to
rations to improve the intestinal microbial of the animal. These microorganisms exert their
beneficial effects through “competitive exclusion” and lactic acid production.
Effects of probiotic on the living body as reported by Koiwa and Watarai (2011)
are as follows: (1) immunity is fortified (resistant to infections); (2) it can remove harmful
substances produced by bad bacteria; (3) it inhibits propagation of pathogenic bacteria; (4)
it normalize intestinal movement and prevent constipation. They also added that probiotics
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
can fortify animal health, reduce intestinal odor so it helps in improving meat quality and
it enhance digestion to improve feeding efficiency.
PCARRD (2000) defined probiotic as live microbial supplements, these are
beneficial microorganisms (mainly lactic acid producing bacteria and yeast combinations)
added to rations to improve the intestinal microbial balance of the animal. Some of these
microorganisms are the Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has high adsorptive capacity although it tends to be non-
selective. However, adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal depends on its pore size.
Salmonella enteritidis was found to be more efficiently adsorbed by activated charcoal
from the bark of evergreen oak than Enterococcus faecium. This is because the pores of
activated charcoal which is used in the study has sufficient diameter for S. enteritidis but
not for E. faecium. This findings suggests that activated charcoal from bark given orally
could be able to function as an agent for reducing S. enteritidis carriage and to minimize
the removal of normal bacterial flora in the intestinal tract (Watarai and Tana, 2005).
More recently, Watarai and Tana (2008) found that activated charcoal possessed
pores of sufficient diameter for C. parvum oocysts. Therefore, they suggest that oral
administration of activated charcoal could reduce C. parvum oocysts.
Wood Vinegar Liquid (Mokusaku)
Wood vinegar liquid is composed of a lot of organic chemical substances. Studies
in Japan have shown that there could be more than 300 chemical substances that it contains.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Mokusaku is used for fertigation for it has two main effects, it controls pathogenic bacteria
and it serves as food for useful microorganisms (Yokomori, 2011).
Watarai and Tana (2005) suggested that wood vinegar liquid would have two
effects against intestinal bacteria: one would be an inhibitory effect on the growth of
pathogenic bacteria, such as S. enteritidis, the other would be a stimulatory effect on the
growth of bacterial flora, such as E. faecium and B. thermolin, in the intestines.
Furthermore, Watarai and Tana (2008) proved that wood vinegar liquid from the bark of
evergreen oak contains compounds with disinfectant activity against C. parvum oocysts.
Activated Charcoal & Mokusaku
Watarai (2011) stated that activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar liquid)
was obtained 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 can be used
for animal medication, feed mix, and soil-mix fertilizer.
Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar has effects on microorganisms in
intestinal organs. This improves the intestinal environment. Soft charcoal adsorp
Pathogenic Microorganism (PthMio) and control also propagation of PthMio (Koiwa and
Watarai, 2011).
Calgo and Walsi-en (2012) stated that the inclusion of activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar didn’t give effect to the gain in weights of pigs. After one hundred, sixty
nine (169) days of feeding, they found that the fatteners under the control which was not
given with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar have a mean gain in weight of
103kg, treatment 1 which was given with 10g activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
has a mean gain and weight of 97kg, and 99kg on treatment 2 which has given 50g activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar. The difference among the treatment means are close,
therefore it is not significant.
Bamboo Vinegar
Study on the effect of bamboo vinegar as an antibiotic alternative on the growth
performance and fecal bacterial communities of weaned pigs was observed. One hundred
and twenty weaned piglets (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) were randomly assigned into
three (3) treatments. At the end of the experiment, it was revealed that there was no
significant difference observed in the feed intake and feed conversion ratio among different
treatments (Wang et. al, 2011).
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials used in the study were eight 60 days old crossbred pigs (Largewhite
x Landrace) belonging to the same litter and were more or less of the same weight,
commercial feeds, activated charcoal containing wood vinegar (Fig. 1), weighing scale,
pigpens, feeding troughs, water, disinfectants, stick broom, and recording materials.
Methodology
Preparation of the pens. Two weeks before the start of the study, the pens were
prepared and cleaned thoroughly including the surrounding area. These were sprayed with
disinfectant kill the microorganisms present.
Experimental design and treatments. At the start of the study, 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 animals were taken first and were recorded before
placing them into their respective pens.
The treatments were as follows:
T0- without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
T1- with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Care and management of the pigs. All the experimental animals were subjected to
the same care and management except in the ration offered to them. The control pigs were
fed with pure commercial feeds (Fig. 2). The pigs under treatment two were fed with
commercial feeds plus activated charcoal containing wood vinegar given at the level of
20g/kg feed (Fig. 3). Feeding was done two times a day from 7:00- 7:30 in the morning
and 5:00-5:30 in the afternoon. The experimental animals were fed with starter feeds from
the first four weeks of the study, grower feeds for the next four weeks and then finisher
feeds for another four weeks or until the end of the study.
Clean and fresh water was always available for the experimental animals. To help
maintain the good health of the animals, cleaning of the pens was done every day.
Figure 1. Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Figure 2. Commercial feeds only
Figure 3. Commercial feeds mixed with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
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.
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. Morbidity. This refers to the number of pigs that got sick during the experimental
period.
6. Mortality. This refers to the numbers of pigs that died during the study.
7. Cost of inputs (Php). This was determined by recording all the expenses used in
the study.
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.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR). This was determined by dividing the total feed
consumption by the total gain in weight.
5. Feed cost/kg gain (kg). This was determined by multiplying FCR by the cost of
one kilogram feed.
6. 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%.
7. 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%.
8. 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 by using T-test.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Body Weights
The initial and final weights of the pigs used in the study are shown in Table 1. In
terms of initial weight, statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference
between the two treatment means. This indicates that the pigs were more or less of the same
weights at the start of the study. The mean initial weight of pigs given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar was 13.469kg while the pigs given diets without activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar additive was 13.500kg.
In terms of final weight, no significant difference was also observed between the
two treatment means. This indicates that the final weights of the pigs in the two treatments
were more or less the same. The mean final weight obtained from the pigs given diets with
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar additive was 68.500kg and 69.250kg from the
pigs fed diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Table 1. Initial and final weights of the pigs
TREATMENT INITIAL WEIGHT FINAL WEIGHT
AT 60 DAYS OF AGE AT 144 DAYS OF AGE
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 13.500
69.250
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 13.438 68.500
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Total And Average Daily
Gain (ADG) in Weight
The total and average daily gains in weight of the experimental pigs after a feeding
period of 84 days are presented in Table 2. No significant difference between the two
treatments was observed according to statistical analysis. 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 been improved nor adversely affected by the addition of
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar in their rations. The overall mean total gain in
weight of the pigs in the two treatments was 55.405kg and the ADG was 0.6596kg.
The above result is similar to the findings of Calgo and Walsi-en (2012). In their
study, they found out that adding of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar at levels
of 10 and 50 grams per kg of feed didn’t give significant differences on the gains in weight
of fattener pigs after 169 days of feeding. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 55. 06kg and 0.66kg for the total and daily gains
in weight, respectively.
Table 2. Total and daily gains in weight of the pigs
TREATMENT
TOTAL GAIN
IN WEIGHTS
(kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 55.750
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 55.062
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Feed Consumption
The feed consumptions of the experimental animals in the two treatments are shown
in Table 3.
Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference was observed between the two
treatment means. This implies that the addition of activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar into the pig’s diet did not reduce nor improve the appetite or feed consumptions of
the animals. The mean feed consumption of the pigs after a feeding period of 84 days was
141.295kg for those given no activated charcoal and 139.705kg from those given activated
charcoal.
The above result is similar with the study of Wang et.al (2011), though it is in
bamboo, they found out that bamboo vinegar when given to weaned piglets did not give
significant differences in the feed consumption and feed conversion ratio.
Table 3. Total feed consumptions of the pigs
TREATMENT
TOTAL FEED
CONSUMPTION
FOR 84 DAYS (kg
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 141.295
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 139.705
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
The efficiency of pigs in converting feeds consumed into meat is shown in Table
4. Results revealed that supplementing the diets of the pigs with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar at the level of 20g/ kg feed did not improve nor decrease the
efficiency of the pigs to convert nutrients in the feeds into a unit gain in weight as revealed
by the statistical analysis. This is consistent with the findings for both the gains in weight
and feed consumptions of the animals where no significant differences were observed
between the two treatments, meaning the pigs in all the treatments had more or less the
same gain in weights and had consumed more or less the same amount of feeds. The mean
feed conversion ratio of the pigs was 2.537.
Feed Cost per Kilogram Gain in Weight
Table 5 shows the cost of feed to produce a kilogram gain in weight. The cost of
feeds per kilogram was based on the prevailing price during the conduct of the study.
Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the
two treatment means. The two treatments had almost the same feed cost to produce a
kilogram gain in weight.
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio of pigs
TREATMENT FEED CONVERSION RATIO
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 2.536
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 2.538
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
The feed cost obtained from the pigs given activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar was Php63.456 and those given no activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had
a mean feed cost of Php63.446.
Returns on Investment (ROI)
The returns on investment (ROI) realized in the two treatments after the experiment are
shown in Table 6 and the details of the cost production are presented in appendix Table 9.
Though this parameter was not subjected to statistical analysis, results revealed that a
higher ROI was obtained from the pigs fed with pure commercial feeds i.e. without
activated charcoal with wood vinegar which had an ROI of 4.02% compared to the ROI
realized from the pigs given commercial feeds with activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar which was only -1.50%.
The difference was brought about by the additional expenses on activated charcoal
with wood vinegar which was mixed into the diets of the pigs in one of the two treatments.
No improvement had been observed on the gains in weight and feed conversion ratio,
hence, the inclusion of the activated charcoal into the diets of the pigs turned out to be just
an additional expense.
Table 5. Feed cost per kg gain in weight
TREATMENT FEED COST/KG
GAIN (Php)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 63.406
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 63.456
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Table 6. Returns on investment (ROI)
TREATMENT GROSS SALES TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME ROI
(Php) (Php) (Php) (%)
Without activated
Charcoal containing
Wood vinegar 33, 240.00 31, 952.562 1, 287.44 4.02
With activated
charcoal containing
wood vinegar 32, 880.00 33,379.39 -499.39 -1.50
Other Observations
While there was no improvement on the growth performance of the pigs, it is
interesting to note that during the experiment, lesser fecal odor was observed from the
pigs given feeds with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study aimed to compare the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs fed
with commercial feeds and activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
A total of 8 pigs that were about 60 days old were used in the experiment. These
were grouped into two treatments with four (4) replications in each treatment following the
completely randomized design (CRD). The two treatments were as follows: T0 (pure
commercial feeds), and T1 (commercial feeds plus activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar given at the level of 20g/ kg feed.
Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences observed
between the two treatments in all the parameters namely initial weight, final weight, gain
in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and feed cost to produce a kilogram
gain in body weight. The pigs in the two treatments had an overall mean initial weight of
13.47kg and a mean final weight of 68.875kg after 84 days of feeding.
In terms of gain in weight, the pigs in the control group had a mean of 55.75kg and
an average daily feed intake of 1.68kg. Feed conversion ratio was 2.536; feed cost per
kilogram gain in weight was Php63.41 and had a return on investment (ROI) of 4.02%.
On the other hand, pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
had a mean gain in weights of 55. 063kg and an average daily gain of 0.656kg. Their mean
feed consumption was 139.705kg and an average daily feed consumption of 1.663kg, feed
conversion ratio was 2.538, feed cost per kilogram gain in weight was Php63.456 and had
a return on investment (ROI) of -1.50%.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, it is therefore concluded that the inclusion of
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar into the pig’s diet at the rate of 20g/ kg feed
did not give effect in terms of their gains in weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion
efficiency as well as for the return on investment (ROI).
Recommendations
From the results giving activated charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additive
of swine have no effect on the performance. However, further studies should be conducted
using higher levels of activated charcoal and should involve more number of treatments. It
is also recommended that studies should be conducted to include the digestibility trials and
the effect of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar on waste management in animal
production.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
LITERATURE CITED
CAYOMBA, D. L. 2002. Performance of Broilers Given Probiotic Supplement during
the Brooding and Growing Periods. BS Thesis (Unpub.) Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet. P. 3.
CALGO, E. P. and M. B. WALSI-EN. 2012. Performance of Piglets/Fatteners and
Supplemented with Activated Charcoal Powder Wood Vinegar Compound.
Verification Research. Sto. Nino, Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet. (Powerpoint
presentation)
KOIWA, M. and H. WATARAI. 2011. Research Reports of Activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar. Miyazaki Midori Pharms.Co., LTD, Miyazaki.
(Powerpoint presentation)
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT. 2000. The Philippine Recommends for
Livestock Feed Formulation. PCCARD/DOST.PFIZER INC., Los Banos,
Laguna. Recommends Series no.65-A. P. 23.
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT. 2005. The Philippine Recommended for
Animal Health Care. PCCARD/DOST. PFIZERINC., Los Banos,Laguna.
Recommends Series No. 13-B Pp. iii & 37.
POND, K. R. and W. G. POND. 2000. Introduction to Animal Science. John Wiley and
Sons, INC., United States of America. P. 687.
WATARAI, S. and K. TANA. 2005. Eliminating the carriage of Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis in domestic fowls by feeding activated charcoal from bark
containing wood vinegar liquid. Poultry Science Association, Inc. 84:515-521.
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, S. and K. TANA.2008. Feeding activated charcoal from bark containing
wood vinegar liquid (Nekka-Rich) is effective as treatment for Cryptosporidiosis
in calves. American Dairy Science Association. 1458-1463.
WATARAI, H. 2011. Effective Uses of Charcoal and Mokusaku.Miyazaki Midori
Pharms.Co., LTD, Miyazaki. (Powerpoint presentation).
YOKOMORI, M. 2011. Farmers in Benguet Practice Savers Technology. Rianella
Printing Press. Baguio City, Philippines. Pp. 1-7.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013. The Growth Performance
of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and Activated Charcoal
Containing Wood Vinegar. 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 to February 2013 to compare the growth performance of growing-finishing
pigs fed with commercial feeds supplemented with activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar to those fed with pure commercial feeds only.
A total of 60 days old crossbred (Landrace x Large white) pigs were used as
experimental animals. The pigs were grouped into two treatments and were replicated four
times following the completely randomized design (CRD). The two treatments were as
follows: pure commercial feeds and commercial feeds + activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar given at the level of 20g/ kg feed.
Statistical analysis revealed that the performance of pigs that were not given
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar was similar to those pigs fed with activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar. This result showed that activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar at the rate of 20g/ kg feed did not significantly affect the final weight, total
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
and daily gains in weight, total and daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and the returns
on investment (ROI).
While there was no improvement on the growth performance of the pigs, it is
interesting to note that during the experiment, lesser fecal odor was observed from the pigs
given feeds with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar. It is then recommended that
studies be conducted towards this effect and to include more treatments.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
INTRODUCTION
The Swine Industry is one of the most important among the local animal industries
in the country. It contributed about 98% of the country’s total pork supply. Pork represents
more than 50% of the total animal meat consumed by Filipinos (PCARRD, 2005).
Nutrition is very important in the improvement of swine production. It is required
that supplemental feeds should be sufficiently appetizing to ensure an intake adequate for
the purpose desired. Supplying feeds, as a source of nutrients, is a major concern in the
profitability of animal production since feed cost accounts for 70-80% of the total
production cost. Therefore, the nutrient composition of the diet will determine the
performance of the animals or simply, the success or failure of the animal project.
Most individuals are very concerned about their health. They prefer to eat meat
which has fewer chemicals added to avoid sickness. In order to meet this demand, one of
organic feed additives which were approved by the Japanese Government is activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar. It signifies thermo-chemistry which intended to convey
message of “bringing prosperity through thermo-chemistry”. Recently, some researchers
found out that activated charcoal containing wood vinegar can be used for animal
medication and feed mix. Therefore, it is being recommended to mix with swine diets.
Mixed activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar liquid) contains organic
acids. The activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar liquid) are both obtained from
the bark of evergreen oak by the process of carbonization. Activated charcoal is known as
the universal adsorbent because it can bind with variety of molecules. It is also useful for
the removal of bacteria and bacterial toxins, both in vivo and in vitro. Organic acids also
inhibit the growth of enteropathogenic bacteria. These mixture compounds have a
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
significant impact on controlling contamination of the environment and potential
waterborne spread of diseases (Watarai and Tana, 2008).
The result of the study if found feasible will contribute to the improvement of
raising swine. Informations that will be obtained from the study can be used by the swine
raisers to improve their production. It will serve also as a guide or additional knowledge to
researchers and students who want to work on problems related to this study.
Generally, this study was conducted to determine the effect of activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar on the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.
Specifically, it aimed to:
1. determine gain in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and the
morbidity and mortality rates of the growing-finishing pigs when given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar: and
2. determine the profitability of raising pigs when given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar as feed additives.
The study was conducted at the Benguet State University experimental piggery, La
Trinidad, Benguet from October to February, 2013.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Feed Additives
Antimicrobial agents are commonly added to swine diets to improve the weight
gains, feed conversion efficiency and reproduction. Recent findings show the danger of
indiscriminate use of additives to animal or human health. Therefore, their use should be
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any concerned agency
(PCARRD, 2005). Currently, used additives include antibiotics, arsenicals and nitrofuran
compounds, all of which have been shown to improve animal performance such as growth,
feed utilization and some other production function (Pond and Pond, 2000).
Probiotics
The term probiotic was proposed for the very first time. The definition of probiotics
has been modified several times over the intervening years, but was revised recently so as
to indicate the necessity that the microbial cells be viable. Probiotics are live
microorganisms that when administered the digestive route, are favorable to the host’s
health (Gulliot, 2000) as cited by Cayomba (2002).
Pond and Pond (2000) said that probiotics are beneficial microorganism added to
rations to improve the intestinal microbial of the animal. These microorganisms exert their
beneficial effects through “competitive exclusion” and lactic acid production.
Effects of probiotic on the living body as reported by Koiwa and Watarai (2011)
are as follows: (1) immunity is fortified (resistant to infections); (2) it can remove harmful
substances produced by bad bacteria; (3) it inhibits propagation of pathogenic bacteria; (4)
it normalize intestinal movement and prevent constipation. They also added that probiotics
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
can fortify animal health, reduce intestinal odor so it helps in improving meat quality and
it enhance digestion to improve feeding efficiency.
PCARRD (2000) defined probiotic as live microbial supplements, these are
beneficial microorganisms (mainly lactic acid producing bacteria and yeast combinations)
added to rations to improve the intestinal microbial balance of the animal. Some of these
microorganisms are the Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has high adsorptive capacity although it tends to be non-
selective. However, adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal depends on its pore size.
Salmonella enteritidis was found to be more efficiently adsorbed by activated charcoal
from the bark of evergreen oak than Enterococcus faecium. This is because the pores of
activated charcoal which is used in the study has sufficient diameter for S. enteritidis but
not for E. faecium. This findings suggests that activated charcoal from bark given orally
could be able to function as an agent for reducing S. enteritidis carriage and to minimize
the removal of normal bacterial flora in the intestinal tract (Watarai and Tana, 2005).
More recently, Watarai and Tana (2008) found that activated charcoal possessed
pores of sufficient diameter for C. parvum oocysts. Therefore, they suggest that oral
administration of activated charcoal could reduce C. parvum oocysts.
Wood Vinegar Liquid (Mokusaku)
Wood vinegar liquid is composed of a lot of organic chemical substances. Studies
in Japan have shown that there could be more than 300 chemical substances that it contains.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Mokusaku is used for fertigation for it has two main effects, it controls pathogenic bacteria
and it serves as food for useful microorganisms (Yokomori, 2011).
Watarai and Tana (2005) suggested that wood vinegar liquid would have two
effects against intestinal bacteria: one would be an inhibitory effect on the growth of
pathogenic bacteria, such as S. enteritidis, the other would be a stimulatory effect on the
growth of bacterial flora, such as E. faecium and B. thermolin, in the intestines.
Furthermore, Watarai and Tana (2008) proved that wood vinegar liquid from the bark of
evergreen oak contains compounds with disinfectant activity against C. parvum oocysts.
Activated Charcoal & Mokusaku
Watarai (2011) stated that activated charcoal and mokusaku (wood vinegar liquid)
was obtained 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 can be used
for animal medication, feed mix, and soil-mix fertilizer.
Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar has effects on microorganisms in
intestinal organs. This improves the intestinal environment. Soft charcoal adsorp
Pathogenic Microorganism (PthMio) and control also propagation of PthMio (Koiwa and
Watarai, 2011).
Calgo and Walsi-en (2012) stated that the inclusion of activated charcoal containing
wood vinegar didn’t give effect to the gain in weights of pigs. After one hundred, sixty
nine (169) days of feeding, they found that the fatteners under the control which was not
given with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar have a mean gain in weight of
103kg, treatment 1 which was given with 10g activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
has a mean gain and weight of 97kg, and 99kg on treatment 2 which has given 50g activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar. The difference among the treatment means are close,
therefore it is not significant.
Bamboo Vinegar
Study on the effect of bamboo vinegar as an antibiotic alternative on the growth
performance and fecal bacterial communities of weaned pigs was observed. One hundred
and twenty weaned piglets (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) were randomly assigned into
three (3) treatments. At the end of the experiment, it was revealed that there was no
significant difference observed in the feed intake and feed conversion ratio among different
treatments (Wang et. al, 2011).
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials used in the study were eight 60 days old crossbred pigs (Largewhite
x Landrace) belonging to the same litter and were more or less of the same weight,
commercial feeds, activated charcoal containing wood vinegar (Fig. 1), weighing scale,
pigpens, feeding troughs, water, disinfectants, stick broom, and recording materials.
Methodology
Preparation of the pens. Two weeks before the start of the study, the pens were
prepared and cleaned thoroughly including the surrounding area. These were sprayed with
disinfectant kill the microorganisms present.
Experimental design and treatments. At the start of the study, 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 animals were taken first and were recorded before
placing them into their respective pens.
The treatments were as follows:
T0- without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
T1- with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Care and management of the pigs. All the experimental animals were subjected to
the same care and management except in the ration offered to them. The control pigs were
fed with pure commercial feeds (Fig. 2). The pigs under treatment two were fed with
commercial feeds plus activated charcoal containing wood vinegar given at the level of
20g/kg feed (Fig. 3). Feeding was done two times a day from 7:00- 7:30 in the morning
and 5:00-5:30 in the afternoon. The experimental animals were fed with starter feeds from
the first four weeks of the study, grower feeds for the next four weeks and then finisher
feeds for another four weeks or until the end of the study.
Clean and fresh water was always available for the experimental animals. To help
maintain the good health of the animals, cleaning of the pens was done every day.
Figure 1. Activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Figure 2. Commercial feeds only
Figure 3. Commercial feeds mixed with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
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.
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. Morbidity. This refers to the number of pigs that got sick during the experimental
period.
6. Mortality. This refers to the numbers of pigs that died during the study.
7. Cost of inputs (Php). This was determined by recording all the expenses used in
the study.
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.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR). This was determined by dividing the total feed
consumption by the total gain in weight.
5. Feed cost/kg gain (kg). This was determined by multiplying FCR by the cost of
one kilogram feed.
6. 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%.
7. 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%.
8. 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 by using T-test.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Body Weights
The initial and final weights of the pigs used in the study are shown in Table 1. In
terms of initial weight, statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference
between the two treatment means. This indicates that the pigs were more or less of the same
weights at the start of the study. The mean initial weight of pigs given activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar was 13.469kg while the pigs given diets without activated
charcoal containing wood vinegar additive was 13.500kg.
In terms of final weight, no significant difference was also observed between the
two treatment means. This indicates that the final weights of the pigs in the two treatments
were more or less the same. The mean final weight obtained from the pigs given diets with
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar additive was 68.500kg and 69.250kg from the
pigs fed diets without activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
Table 1. Initial and final weights of the pigs
TREATMENT INITIAL WEIGHT FINAL WEIGHT
AT 60 DAYS OF AGE AT 144 DAYS OF AGE
(kg) (kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 13.500
69.250
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 13.438 68.500
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Total And Average Daily
Gain (ADG) in Weight
The total and average daily gains in weight of the experimental pigs after a feeding
period of 84 days are presented in Table 2. No significant difference between the two
treatments was observed according to statistical analysis. 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 been improved nor adversely affected by the addition of
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar in their rations. The overall mean total gain in
weight of the pigs in the two treatments was 55.405kg and the ADG was 0.6596kg.
The above result is similar to the findings of Calgo and Walsi-en (2012). In their
study, they found out that adding of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar at levels
of 10 and 50 grams per kg of feed didn’t give significant differences on the gains in weight
of fattener pigs after 169 days of feeding. The pigs given diets with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar had a mean of 55. 06kg and 0.66kg for the total and daily gains
in weight, respectively.
Table 2. Total and daily gains in weight of the pigs
TREATMENT
TOTAL GAIN
IN WEIGHTS
(kg)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 55.750
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 55.062
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Feed Consumption
The feed consumptions of the experimental animals in the two treatments are shown
in Table 3.
Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference was observed between the two
treatment means. This implies that the addition of activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar into the pig’s diet did not reduce nor improve the appetite or feed consumptions of
the animals. The mean feed consumption of the pigs after a feeding period of 84 days was
141.295kg for those given no activated charcoal and 139.705kg from those given activated
charcoal.
The above result is similar with the study of Wang et.al (2011), though it is in
bamboo, they found out that bamboo vinegar when given to weaned piglets did not give
significant differences in the feed consumption and feed conversion ratio.
Table 3. Total feed consumptions of the pigs
TREATMENT
TOTAL FEED
CONSUMPTION
FOR 84 DAYS (kg
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 141.295
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 139.705
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
The efficiency of pigs in converting feeds consumed into meat is shown in Table
4. Results revealed that supplementing the diets of the pigs with activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar at the level of 20g/ kg feed did not improve nor decrease the
efficiency of the pigs to convert nutrients in the feeds into a unit gain in weight as revealed
by the statistical analysis. This is consistent with the findings for both the gains in weight
and feed consumptions of the animals where no significant differences were observed
between the two treatments, meaning the pigs in all the treatments had more or less the
same gain in weights and had consumed more or less the same amount of feeds. The mean
feed conversion ratio of the pigs was 2.537.
Feed Cost per Kilogram Gain in Weight
Table 5 shows the cost of feed to produce a kilogram gain in weight. The cost of
feeds per kilogram was based on the prevailing price during the conduct of the study.
Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the
two treatment means. The two treatments had almost the same feed cost to produce a
kilogram gain in weight.
Table 4. Feed conversion ratio of pigs
TREATMENT FEED CONVERSION RATIO
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 2.536
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 2.538
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
The feed cost obtained from the pigs given activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar was Php63.456 and those given no activated charcoal containing wood vinegar had
a mean feed cost of Php63.446.
Returns on Investment (ROI)
The returns on investment (ROI) realized in the two treatments after the experiment are
shown in Table 6 and the details of the cost production are presented in appendix Table 9.
Though this parameter was not subjected to statistical analysis, results revealed that a
higher ROI was obtained from the pigs fed with pure commercial feeds i.e. without
activated charcoal with wood vinegar which had an ROI of 4.02% compared to the ROI
realized from the pigs given commercial feeds with activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar which was only -1.50%.
The difference was brought about by the additional expenses on activated charcoal
with wood vinegar which was mixed into the diets of the pigs in one of the two treatments.
No improvement had been observed on the gains in weight and feed conversion ratio,
hence, the inclusion of the activated charcoal into the diets of the pigs turned out to be just
an additional expense.
Table 5. Feed cost per kg gain in weight
TREATMENT FEED COST/KG
GAIN (Php)
Without activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 63.406
With activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar 63.456
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Table 6. Returns on investment (ROI)
TREATMENT GROSS SALES TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME ROI
(Php) (Php) (Php) (%)
Without activated
Charcoal containing
Wood vinegar 33, 240.00 31, 952.562 1, 287.44 4.02
With activated
charcoal containing
wood vinegar 32, 880.00 33,379.39 -499.39 -1.50
Other Observations
While there was no improvement on the growth performance of the pigs, it is
interesting to note that during the experiment, lesser fecal odor was observed from the
pigs given feeds with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study aimed to compare the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs fed
with commercial feeds and activated charcoal containing wood vinegar.
A total of 8 pigs that were about 60 days old were used in the experiment. These
were grouped into two treatments with four (4) replications in each treatment following the
completely randomized design (CRD). The two treatments were as follows: T0 (pure
commercial feeds), and T1 (commercial feeds plus activated charcoal containing wood
vinegar given at the level of 20g/ kg feed.
Statistical analysis revealed that there were no significant differences observed
between the two treatments in all the parameters namely initial weight, final weight, gain
in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and feed cost to produce a kilogram
gain in body weight. The pigs in the two treatments had an overall mean initial weight of
13.47kg and a mean final weight of 68.875kg after 84 days of feeding.
In terms of gain in weight, the pigs in the control group had a mean of 55.75kg and
an average daily feed intake of 1.68kg. Feed conversion ratio was 2.536; feed cost per
kilogram gain in weight was Php63.41 and had a return on investment (ROI) of 4.02%.
On the other hand, pigs given diets with activated charcoal containing wood vinegar
had a mean gain in weights of 55. 063kg and an average daily gain of 0.656kg. Their mean
feed consumption was 139.705kg and an average daily feed consumption of 1.663kg, feed
conversion ratio was 2.538, feed cost per kilogram gain in weight was Php63.456 and had
a return on investment (ROI) of -1.50%.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, it is therefore concluded that the inclusion of
activated charcoal containing wood vinegar into the pig’s diet at the rate of 20g/ kg feed
did not give effect in terms of their gains in weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion
efficiency as well as for the return on investment (ROI).
Recommendations
From the results giving activated charcoal containing wood vinegar as feed additive
of swine have no effect on the performance. However, further studies should be conducted
using higher levels of activated charcoal and should involve more number of treatments. It
is also recommended that studies should be conducted to include the digestibility trials and
the effect of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar on waste management in animal
production.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
LITERATURE CITED
CAYOMBA, D. L. 2002. Performance of Broilers Given Probiotic Supplement during
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CALGO, E. P. and M. B. WALSI-EN. 2012. Performance of Piglets/Fatteners and
Supplemented with Activated Charcoal Powder Wood Vinegar Compound.
Verification Research. Sto. Nino, Ambassador, Tublay, Benguet. (Powerpoint
presentation)
KOIWA, M. and H. WATARAI. 2011. Research Reports of Activated charcoal
containing wood vinegar. Miyazaki Midori Pharms.Co., LTD, Miyazaki.
(Powerpoint presentation)
PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT. 2000. The Philippine Recommends for
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POND, K. R. and W. G. POND. 2000. Introduction to Animal Science. John Wiley and
Sons, INC., United States of America. P. 687.
WATARAI, S. and K. TANA. 2005. Eliminating the carriage of Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis in domestic fowls by feeding activated charcoal from bark
containing wood vinegar liquid. Poultry Science Association, Inc. 84:515-521.
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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173-180.
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homepage:
www.elsevier.com.locate.livsci
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. American Dairy Science Association. 1458-1463.
WATARAI, H. 2011. Effective Uses of Charcoal and Mokusaku.Miyazaki Midori
Pharms.Co., LTD, Miyazaki. (Powerpoint presentation).
YOKOMORI, M. 2011. Farmers in Benguet Practice Savers Technology. Rianella
Printing Press. Baguio City, Philippines. Pp. 1-7.
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013
The Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs Fed with Commercial Feeds and
Activated Charcoal Containing Wood Vinegar
CORNELIO, MARLYN BANDIWAN. MARCH 2013