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Abstract - This study was carried out to determine the effects of feed additives on pig growth and nutrient utilization of a diet based on the whole cassava plant. Three feed additives (Bakers' Yeast, Oxytetracycline and Avizyme 1500+ were compared. The cassava plant products provided 60% of the diet in the ratio of 4:1:1 of root flour, peels and leaves plus tender stems (DM basis).

Weight gains over the range 13 to 35-45 kg were increased by all the additives with the most marked effect produced by the Brewers' Yeast. Apparent digestibility of all cell wall components was increased by yeast supplementation.

The results suggest that the inclusion of Bakers' Yeast in cassava-based diets for young growing pigs can have beneficial effects on fibre utilization and on growth rate. Further research is needed to test if the positive effect of the yeast is manifested mainly on diets based on cassava plant products fed to pigs.

Key words : Cassava, feed additives, growth, pigs, tropics, yeast.

Reference : Akinfala E O and Tewe O O 2004: Supplemental effects of feed additives on the utilization of whole cassava plant by growing pigs in the tropics; Livestock Research for Rural Development. Vol. 16, Art. #82. Retrieved October 9, 104, from http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd16/10/akin16082.htm