Trichantera gigantea as Feed Supplement for Swine

WHAT IS TRICHANTERA GIGANTEA?

Trichantera gigantea, a fodder tree, also known as Nacedero or Madre de Agua. It was introduced into the country some years ago from Latin America (Columbia and Venezuela) and adapts well in local tropical conditions. It can be planted to a wide range of soil types and elevations up to 1800 meters above sea level. It can be planted at low density at 6,700 cuttings per hectare. It grows well easily between plantation crops and produces 40-60 tons per hectare.

WHAT IS THE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF TRICHANTERA GIGANTEA?

The leaves of trichantera is a potential source of protein, varying from 18-22 in dry matter form and apparently most of this protein are truie protein and has a good amino acid balance (Rosales, et.al, 1989). It has 2.8% Crude Fat, 13.4% Crude Fiber,19.7% Ash, and 37.0% NFE.

HOW IS TRICHANTERA GIGANTEAN PROPAGATED?

Propagation may be done through cuttings. The cuttings measuring 6-8 inches with 2 nodes are ideal as planting materials. Cuttings can be grown in a plastic bag ( 10 inches x 6 inches) and allowed to grow in three (3) months before it can be transplanted to the field. However, it can be directly planted to the prepared field.

HOW IS IT FED TO PIGS?

Young leaves can be offered to the pigs in fresh form. It can also be processed into leaf meal and use of ingredients in mash.

HOW MUCH CAN BE FED TO PIGS AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR COMMERCIAL FEEDS?

Trichantera leaves can replace about 20-30% of the commercial diet of growing-finishing pigs. Six (6) kilograms of fresh leaves consumed by pigs per day is equivalent to 1 kg of mixed feeds saved.

CAN IT BE GIVEN TO OTHER ANIMALS ASIDE FROM PIGS?

Yes. It can be mixed to poultry diets (ducks, hens, quails, rabbits, and even to large (cattle and carabaos) and small ruminants (sheep and goats) feeds.

WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM SUBSTITUTING TRICHANTERA LEAVES TO COMMERCIAL RATION?

Partial replacement of mixed feeds with Trichantera gigantea give almost the same results in terms of weight gain, meat quality and income with those pigs given sole mixed feeds.

For more information, please contact:

Alfredo M. Cayabyab, DRDev.
Chief, Research Division/RIARC Manager
DA-SMIARC, Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 293-0109 or (082) 293-0136
E-mail : smiarc@yahoo.com

Reference:
Trichantera Gigantea Publication
Bureau of Animal Industry
Department of Agriculture, Dilliman, Quezon City

Produced by:
Knowledge Management-Farmer Information andTechnology
Service (KMFITS) Center
DA-SMIARC, Bago Oshiro, Mintal, Tugbok Dist., Davao City

Source and Photo: davao.da.gov.ph

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