Evaluation of the Nutritional Content of Abattoir Waste, Agro By-Products and their Bioavailability to Weaner Pigs

This study evaluates the nutritional content and bioavailability of abattoir waste and agro-industrial by-products as alternative feed resources for weaner pigs. The experiment was conducted at the Swine Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, using fifteen crossbred pigs (Large White x Hampshire) with an average initial weight of 10.00 kg. Five experimental diets were formulated, incorporating different combinations of rumen content, bovine blood meal, palm kernel cake, wheat offal, and brewers' dried grain, replacing groundnut cake (GNC) as the primary protein source. Results from proximate analysis revealed significant differences in the nutrient composition of the diets, including variations in dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash, and nitrogen-free extract. Apparent nutrient digestibility trials demonstrated that the alternative feed ingredients were efficiently utilized by the pigs, with the PKC-BBM-based diet showing the highest digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. These findings suggest that abattoir waste and agro-industrial by-products can be effectively used as alternative protein sources in swine nutrition, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the high feed costs associated with conventional ingredients. The study highlights the potential for reducing environmental waste while improving the economic viability of pig production through the use of these non-traditional feed resources.