Technology Validation of Leguminous Plants Enzyme-based Formulated Feeds for Hog Industries

Developments in animal feed formulations are coinciding with a major shift in the global livestock business. To improve the health, productivity and general performance of livestock, there is a greater emphasis on maximizing the nutritional content of animal feeds as the demand for meat, dairy and other animal products rise globally.
       
As of March 31, 2023, the country’s total hog population was projected 10.18 million heads. This represents a 4.2% increase over the 9.77 million heads accounted in 2022. (PSA, 2023).
       
The local industry market is confident in its hog products since Filipino consumers favor warm and fresh pork over frozen one (Barroga, 2014). High input costs, especially for feeds, are considered a serious problem by most hog or pig farmers. This problem of the hog farmers is affecting their business substantially (Galano, 2020). Leguminous plants are vital to sustainable agriculture because they can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, improving the soil and lowering the need for artificial fertilizers (Saikia et al., 2020).
       
Crossbred grower pigs can tolerate up to 20% dietary substitution of maize with banana pseudostem in the ration without compromising their growth (Baruah et al., 2024). Sweet potato meal similarly to indigofera and flemingia containing high in fiber can be used in place of 75% of the concentrate combination in the ration of native-growing pigs without negatively affecting their ability to grow and use nutrients (Malsawmthangi et al., 2016). Our industries and local farmer-raisers have not been able to meet the high demand for pork, which is 940 tons per year in Eastern Visayas (Bollido et al., 2022) and Pigs are very much suitable to the small pig farmers with low input production system for livelihood and sustainable pig farming. 
       
The utilization of plant fiber feed for hogs can be improved by using various techniques and may be improved by breeding for enhanced fiber utilization (Lindberg, 2014). Pig hindgut bacteria have the ability to ferment and digest dietary fibre in the intestines of pigs, improving the structure of intestinal microflora, lowering the incidence of intestinal illnesses and promoting the healthy growth of pigs (Hussein et al., 2021), but Kambashi et al., (2014), however, disagreed, arguing that pigs’ capacity to recover nutrients from fiber is hampered by their caecotrophic behaviour and lack of foregut fermentation. Poor growth performance in pigs is caused by nutritionally imbalanced diets.
       
Fed with legume-based diets may contribute to reduced cholesterol levels, improved cardiovascular health and lowered risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers (Long et al., 2020). Commercial feeds contain growth hormones, people who engage in organic farming appear to enjoy the best possible health and have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases (Gopalakrishnan, 2019; Hurtado-Barroso et al., 2019).
       
Processed pork should be considered carcinogenic to humans, the development of colorectal cancer (Lippi et al., 2016; Johnson, 2017; Qamar and Raza, 2012). A better comprehension of the risks that such drugs pose to human health is essential for regulatory decisions and programs that support the responsible nonhuman use of hormonal drugs and antibiotics (Jeong et al., 2010).
       
This study aims to validate LPEBFF nutrient content; comparative analysis of LPEBFF versus commercial feeds; growth performance; cost of feeds; meat quality and to determine the significant difference among hogs in terms of growth performance, quality of meat and feed cost.

Research design
 
The study utilized an experimental and descriptive research design on a quantitative research method conducted in Northwest Samar State University, San Jorge Campus, Philippinbes, on Febuary 2024. The pre-experimental of the study was the construction of a hog house. The individual pigpen measured 0.5 meters by 1.20 meters with 1.10 meters in height. Nine pigpens were constructed for the reserch study. A total of nine (9) large white breed female hogs, weaned at 45 days after farrowing, with an average initial body weight of 6-10 kgs were assigned and placed randomly into three (3) treatments with three (3) replications for the laboratory scale of the study.
       
The preparation of legume grasses began with the collection of fresh leaves, chopped into medium pieces, stocked them within the container, adding molasses to the chopped leaves and applying of fungus Trichoderma harzianum that produced enzyme that was proven good and active in degrading fiber. Pathogenicity of T. harzianum under laboratory conditions using potato, agar, dextrose powder and distilled water as media, in 7-day cultures were added with sterile water and carefully scraped with a sterile wire loop.
       
The stock spores’ suspensions were placed in sterile beakers with 300 ml water dilution, with the total spore’s concentration estimated to 8.0 x 10⁹ using a hemacytometer and mixed with 15 kgs of fresh and shopped legume leaves. The mixture was sealed in the container to avoid air entrance and curing the mixture for 15 days. While the legumes were under curing process, samples of these were collected and subjected to nutrient laboratory analysis at the Department of Agriculture Laboratory Center.
 
Feeding management
 
Hogs were given feeds using restricted type of feeding with LPEBFF and CF everyone morning and afternoon. The animals were fed within 90 days after weaning. After the duration of the study, pigs were slaughtered. Feeding followed a scheme using the commercial feeding from hog pre-starter with 0.50 kg per day in 10 days, hog starter with 1.25 kg per 20 days, hog grower with 1.75 kg per day in 40 days and hog finisher with 2.30 kg per day in 20 days.
 
Similarly, the experimental hogs were fed with the LPEBFF proportional to the amount of commercial feeds as stated in the research experimental design.
 
Data gathering procedure
 
Fresh flemingia and Indigofera were collected. Leaves were removed from twigs, chopped into small pieces and put the chopped legume leaves in the container.
       
After the experimental period of 90 days significant data were gathered in terms of  nutrient content enzyme evaluation; comparative analysis of LPEBFF versus commercial feeds; growth performance of hogs; cost of feeds; meat quality produced in terms of tenderness, color, appearance (fat thickness) and flavor. The LPEBFF was subjected to laboratory analysis for crude fiber, crude protien, crude fat, calium and phosphorus using the filter bag technique, AOCS approved procedures Ba6a-05 by the Department of Agriculture Laboratory Division, while CF was based on the nutritional facts provided by manufacturer.
 
Statistical treatment of data
 
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The researcher also used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research (STAR). Treatment means with significant or highly significant differences were compared using Bonferroni analysis at a 5% level of significance.

Validation of LPEBFF
                                                                               
Table 1 shows fluctuations in key parameters such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus. Notably, indigofera and flemingia, displayed a significant crude protein content, emphasizing its potential as a valuable nutrient source. Additionally, the gradual decrease in crude fiber content in subsequent samples suggests a refining process in the production of fungi as enzymes, indicating an improvement in the feed’s digestibility over time. All samples further exhibited a consistent reduction in crude fiber, reinforcing the efficacy of the processing method.


       
The data in Table 1 underscores the dynamic nature of the production process, revealing trends that align with the optimization of nutrient content in the Leguminous Plants Enzyme Based Formulated Feeds (LPEBFF). The progressive increase in crude protein, coupled with a reduction in crude fiber, suggests an enhancement in the feed’s nutritional quality. The variations in calcium and phosphorus content also reflect the formulation adjustments made during the production stages. 
       
As cited in previous research on feed optimization, these trends align with the principles of refining feed formulations to achieve desirable nutritional outcomes for livestock (Lancheros et al., 2022). This variability in nutrient content within the Leguminous Plants Enzyme Based Formulated Feeds was consistent with the findings of Taye and Etefa (2020), which highlight the influence of feed enzymes and forage quality on nutrient digestibility and growth performance in hogs.
       
An essential component of nutrition and animal husbandry is the relationship between nutrients and animal growth. Optimizing production and maintaining animal welfare requires an understanding of how various nutrients support an animal’s growth and development (Table 2).

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The indigofera and flemingia legume plants was subject to laboratory analysis (Table 2) for crude fiber using the filter bag technique, AOCS approved procedures Ba6a-05 and the results marked a tangible decrease in the fiber content of different samples as revealed in Table 4. This proves that the fungus T. harzianum has the capability of degrading fiber in legume grasses. The crude fiber in T0 was brought to 5.50% lower than T1 with 11.73 and T2 with 17.96%.
       
The main trend illustrated throughout the experimental data is a sharp initial fall in the total fiber content and a gradual rate of degradation. This process of degradation was hastened by the presence of T. harzianum as enzymes or microbes that were involved in fiber degradation. This is supported by the study of Crucello (2015) which provides new perspectives regarding the use of this species in biomass degradation processes and was found that T. harzianum secretes a number of biomass-degrading enzymes, including cellulases and hemicellulases.
       
A diet rich in fiber has the potential to enhance growth performance, preserve gut health or the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system and optimize digestive function (Jin et al., 2022). The digestive tract to continue operating normally, fiber must be a part of the diet (Lindberg, 2014). 
       
In this study, the LPEBFF contains high crude protein content but low crude fiber content.  this is correlated with the study of Galassi et al., (2010) that pigs fed with high-fiber diets expelled more nitrogen from their faces. In comparison to normal diets and high-fiber diets, urinary nitrogen is lower in the low-protein diets. Lowering the amount of protein in the diet while increasing the amount of fiber decreases nitrogen excretion.
       
In the same nutrient results, LPEBFF contains high fiber which is important for the animal body to absorb calcium for skeletal development correlates to the study of Whisner et al., (2016) showed that a high-fiber diet, that is, 85%, evidently improves the body’s ability to absorb calcium which may be important for maintaining bone health during a period of rapid bone growth. The overall trend observed in the experimental data shows an evident decline of the total crude fiber content, through a gradual decrease of fiber degradation rate in the subsequent treatment.
       
Table 3 shows the growth performance of hogs across different feeding groups. The initial weights show a decreasing trend from T0 to T2, with mean weights of 9.45 kg, 8.39 kg and 7.84 kg, respectively. Similarly, the final weights exhibit the same pattern, with T0 hogs achieving the highest mean weight of 60.32 kg, followed by T1 36.44 kg and T2 19.31 kg.

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The overall mean weight indicates that T0 receiving 100% commercial feeds had the highest average weight gain at 50.87 kg. This outcome implies that hogs fed with 100% commercial feeds exhibit superior growth compared to those receiving LPEBFF in varying proportions. The observed trend aligns with the findings of Van Mierlo​ et al., (2021) emphasizing the importance of farm characteristics and compositions of commercial feeds on the environmental impact and high productivity of hog production.
       
A comprehensive breakdown of the cost of feeds, income, profit and return of investment associated with different treatments throughout the study (Table 4). The expenses per head include costs for feeds, labor and piglets. Notably, T0 shows the highest total expenses, amounting to 11,452.66, as compared to T1 8,956.33 and T2 6,463.33.

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On the other hand, the sales of slaughtered hogs significantly contribute to the total income, with T0 gaining the highest income of 11,275.00, followed by T1 amounting to 8,404.17  and T2 with 7,204.17. Interestingly, the profit, was positive for T2 with 740.84, suggesting a potential financial benefit. In contrast, both T0 (-177.66) and T1 (-552.16) show negative profits, indicating financial losses. The return on investment (ROI) metric further highlights the economic viability of T2. This resonates with studies emphasizing the economic benefits of innovative feed formulations and technologies in the livestock industry (Gatune, 2018).
 
Evaluation of the meat quality
 
The meat quality produced was evaluated in terms of the following: tenderness, color, flavor, appearance and fat thickness. The pork sensory evaluations were performed in the food technology laboratory room with 27 panelists who had determined the overview of the meat quality parameters that include tenderness, color, flavor and general acceptability, assessed in terms of description and acceptability (Table 5). Tenderness, a crucial aspect of meat quality, shows a slight fluctuation throughout treatments, with T1 presenting a peak mean tenderness score of 3.11.

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The acceptability of tenderness, on the other hand, exhibits an increasing trend, reaching 5.78 in T2, signifying an improvement in the overall tenderness of the meat. Color description and acceptability follow a similar pattern, with scores gradually increasing across the treatments. Flavor parameters also demonstrate an upward trend, indicating a positive impact on the sensory characteristics of the meat. The general acceptability scores consistently rise from T0 to T2, culminating in a mean score of 5.96 in T2 signifying a favorable overall evaluation.
       
The observed improvements in meat quality align with findings from related studies. For instance, research on alternative feed sources for pigs by Renaudeau et al., (2022) emphasizes the potential impact of dietary components on meat quality attributes.
 
Appearance and fat thickness
 
The average meat thickness in T0 was higher compared to the meat of T1 and T2. Conversely, similar findings were revealed in terms of fat thickness of the pork in treatments 0, 1 and 2 respectively (Fig 1). The results of this study correlate with the study of Zmudzinska,  et al. (2020), which showed that the fattening hogs fed with legume plants had significantly reduced fatness compared to the control hogs. While on the fat thickness recorded from five measurements, significant differences were found among the animals that were fed with the soybean meal diet.


       
As reflected in Table 6, a comparison of the weight of hogs between 100% commercial feeds and LPEBFF with a p-value of <0.001 was obtained. The correlation is significant since the p-value is <0.05 significance level. So, the hypothesis that there is no significant difference among growth performance of hogs, is rejected.


       
A comparative analysis of the financial aspects between LPEBFF and CF for hog raising under different treatments (Table 7). In Treatment 0 with 100% CF were used, the expenses per head exceeded the income resulted to a negative profit of -177.66 and a return on investment (ROI) of -1.55%. This suggests an unfavorable economic outcome, potentially indicating inefficiencies in the use of commercial feeds alone.

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In Treatment 1, a mixture of 50% CF and 50% LPEBFF was employed. Due to higher expenses because of  inclusion of commercial feeds, the income generated led to a more significant negative profit of -552.16, with an ROI of -6.17%.
       
Treatment 2, exclusively using LPEBFF, demonstrated a more favorable financial outcome. With lower feed expenses and higher income, there was a positive profit of 740.80, yielding an ROI of 11.46%. This indicates the economic viability of adopting LPEBFF, particularly when used exclusively. The finding aligns with studies emphasizing the economic benefits of incorporating alternative and sustainable feed sources in livestock farming as noted by Michalk et al., (2019).

The introduction of LPEBFF showed promising results in terms of meat quality, with improvements observed in tenderness, color, flavor and general acceptability.
       
The economic analysis, comparing LPEBFF with commercial feeds, emphasizes the favorable financial outcome associated with the exclusive use of LPEBFF, suggesting its potential to contribute positively to the financial sustainability of hog-raising operations. LPEBFF has the potential to offer a holistic solution in the hog industry, providing healthier, economical, valuable and affordable locally-formulated feeds to enhance hogs’ growth and meat quality.

I wish to express my heartfelt thanks and profound gratitude to Samar State University Graduate School faculty and staff who have extended utmost cooperation, wholehearted support.

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.