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Feeding regime and management of local Lao pigs in Central Lao PDR

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A Publisher’s Erratum to this article was published on 22 February 2014

Abstract

A survey was carried out in smallholder farming systems in the districts of Borrikun, Khamkeuth, and Pakkading, in central Lao People's Democratic Republic, to assess the feeding regime and health status of local Lao pigs. In total, 216 farmers, 72 in each district, were interviewed using a questionnaire. Feed samples were collected for nutrient analysis and pen soil samples for mineral content determination. Farmers kept sows of native breeds such as Moo Lath, Moo Chid, and Moo Hmong. The number of sows per household was low (1.1 ± 0.1, 1.1 ± 0.1, and 1.2 ± 0.1 in Borrikun, Khamkeuth, and Pakkading, respectively) and pigs were mainly fed with rice bran and fresh cassava roots. Daily protein and mineral (Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium) allowances were lower than requirements. In all districts, the number of piglets at birth was around seven and pre-weaning piglet mortality was around 20 %. The most common causes of piglet death, before weaning, were diarrhea, runts, and squashed piglets. Most piglets were weaned after 4 months of age, but in the Borrikun and Pakkading districts, 11–16 % of households were weaned at <4 months. In all districts, pig management was mainly women's responsibility (around 90 %) and most farmers spent less than 1 h per day on pig management. A feasible and cheap way to increase nutrient supply to local pigs in central Lao People's Democratic Republic would be to include more fresh plant material (e.g., thick head, taro) and salt in the diet. Information and education on improving pig management should be targeted towards women.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the MEKARN project supported by Swedish International Development Agency, Department for Research Cooperation (Sida/SAREC) for the financial support of this study. We also gratefully acknowledge PAFO and DAFO of Borrikhamxay province for their help. Special thanks to Mr. Fongsamonth Southammavong for his supervision and practical advice, and to Mr. Soulinthone, Vongphet, and Xiengma for their excellent assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Laos, P. O. Box 7322, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

    Malavanh Chittavong

  2. Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P. O. Box 7024, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

    Jan Erik Lindberg & Anna Jansson

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  1. Malavanh Chittavong
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  2. Jan Erik Lindberg
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  3. Anna Jansson
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Correspondence to Jan Erik Lindberg.

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An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-014-0555-z.

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Chittavong, M., Lindberg, J.E. & Jansson, A. Feeding regime and management of local Lao pigs in Central Lao PDR. Trop Anim Health Prod 45, 149–155 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0186-1

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