By:Mr Ignacio Obrero in the Philippines Ignacio says that many farmers believe that pigs will only

grow properly with co mmercial feeds.This is not true.In many areas where farmers cannot afford expens ive feeds they are using local plants as feed substitutes.And they are getting g ood results.One of these plants is cassava (Mannihot esculenta).It can be used t o replace maize or other grains.The farmers gather cassava tubers,leaves and the juicy parts of the stem.They boil them together in water.They add a little salt and a little amount of fish meal.The fish meal provided protein which is essent ial part of the pigs diet.So this becomes an easy,cheap feed for the pig.And to have a steady supply,some farmers plant cassava on a monthly basis.This way,they can harvest cassava any time of the year and use it as livestock feed.Remember that your animal needs a variety of different feeds.Give animals plenty of grain or a grain substitute,a source of protein,vitamins and minerals,and adequate wa ter at all times. Good Farming: