Evaluación de dietas para cerdos en etapa de engorde, en la parroquia Puerto Limón, prov. Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.

Abstract

Pork production is a key sector in food security and the economy of Ecuador, particularly in regions such as the Puerto Limón parish, in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. This study evaluated the impact of different diets on weight gain and feed efficiency of Landrace pigs during the fattening stage, a breed recognized for its excellent feed conversion and high-quality lean meat. Pigs were selected on different farms, assigning them to groups according to specific diets: commercial feed, waste from the banana industry mixed with whey, and artisanal feed. During the research period, body weight and food consumption were measured weekly, allowing the relationship between diets and frequency of food supply to be compared, as well as the production costs of each treatment. The results provide a basis to improve the sustainability and profitability of pork production, reduce feed costs and increase the competitiveness of local producers in national and international markets. This analysis not only provides practical solutions to the food and management challenges in Puerto Limón, but also sets a precedent for future research in swine nutrition, strengthening agricultural development in regions with a humid tropical climate with natural resources suitable for this activity.