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Illipe nut (Shorea stenoptera), native to Malaysia, is a nut rich in fat and possesses antioxidant properties, making it a valuable candidate for livestock feed. Despite its abundance, research on Illipe nut remains limited. Exploring its potential as a livestock feed ingredient could address pressing challenges in the industry, including high feed costs and the need for sustainable production methods. This study investigates the feasibility of partially substituting yellow maize with Illipe nut in pig diets and evaluates its effects on growth performance and meat quality, highlighting its potential to support more sustainable and cost-efficient pork production.
Methods: A 60-day feeding trial investigated the effects of replacing yellow maize with Illipe nut in pig diets on growth performance and meat quality. Twenty-four male pigs were divided into two groups: one fed a standard diet without Illipe nut (T1) and the other with 15% Illipe nut inclusion (T2). Key growth parameters, such as feed intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and backfat thickness, were monitored.
Results: At the end of the trial, pigs fed the illipe nut showed better growth performance, with higher final live weight and improved feed conversion efficiency. Carcass analysis revealed that 15% Illipe nut inclusion pork had higher hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and water-holding capacity, with lower thawing and cooking losses. The meat also exhibited better nutritional quality, with higher moisture content and a healthier fatty acid profile. 15% Illipe nut inclusion pork contained more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and fewer saturated fatty acids (SFAs), making it a heart-healthier choice.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that replacing 15% of maize with Illipe nut in pig diets not only boosts growth performance but also produces superior-quality, nutritionally beneficial pork.
Evelyn LLL, Abu Daud NH, Loh TC, Candyrine SCL. Replacing yellow maize with Illipe nut (Shorea stenoptera) improves growth performance and meat quality of porker pigs. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024; Dec 23;57(1):8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-024-04264-9