Estimation of daily nutrient allowances for pigs fed with alternative feed resources in smallholder enterprises in Kenya.

This study estimated the daily nutrient allowances from conventional commercially compounded feed and alternative feeds resources in smallholder pig enterprises in Busia, Nakuru, and Kiambu counties in Kenya. Feeding data from 144 pig enterprises was used to compute the daily dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and metabolisable energy (ME) supplied to pigs per kilogram bodyweight. Analysis of variance of the mean values was computed using SPSS statistical software and SAS® systems with Tukey's test to separate the means. Results showed that the daily nutrient allowance provided by some alternative feed resources was generally very low; however, home-made feed formulations supplied reasonably sufficient dietary energy and CP. Swill was the most popular feed resource in Busia County; however, the amount of energy supplied from swill was very low (ME = 19.98 kcal/kg body weight). The daily CP allowance for pigs fed on swill, farm residue, and market waste was very low ranging between 1.1 and 3.6 g/kg body weight. The findings of this study indicate that there is need for capacity development for farmers with respect to feeding practices that have no capacity to supply sufficient nutrient allowances. Research should focus more improving supply of nutrients from viable alternative feed resources through use of technology.