Toan et al.; 2010. Livest. Res. Rural Dev., 22 (8)

Formal and informal interviews and survey activities were conducted to compile data on the varieties of Taro  the farmers used for pigs in Thua Thien Hue, their characteristics, seasonal availability, variation through the year, and how to use them for pig feeding; Trials were set up to determine biomass productivity according to the rainy and dry season, and re-growth capacity after harvest of the vegetative parts. Chemical composition was determined and a feeding trial conducted with 12 cross-breed pigs to determine effects of feeding the leaves and stem fresh, cooked or as silage. Re-growth capacity of Taro reached the level of 65-95% compared to the first harvest depending on species and season as well as harvest times. In the dry season, the re-growth capacity was higher than in the wet season and harvest intervals (30-40 days) were also shorter than in the wet season (40-50 days). Annual biomass yields ranged from 250 to 370 tonnes/ha. In the feeding trial, the Taro  leaves and stems provided about 20% of the diet DM and about 25% of the dietary crude protein. Feed intake, rate of live weight gain and feed conversion were best when the combined Taro leaves and stems were ensiled. Poorest responses were when the Taro  leaves and stem were fed fresh, with intermediate values for processing by cooking. It is concluded that the ensiled foliage (leaves and stems) of Taro species has high potential as a protein source to balance pig diets based on rice byproducts.