The researchers, from Australia's International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (ICTA), aimed to promote high-protein legumes and grasses for livestock raised in villages. 

The research found that Stylo 184 (Stylosanthes guianensis) is a protein rich plant that grows well in the poor mountainous soil and can be fed directly to pigs without being cooked. More importantly, it is available early in the wet season when little rice bran, corn and cassava is available.

Researchers first identified problems faced by villagers raising pigs:  a slow growth rate, high mortality from disease of pigs, and the long periods collecting and preparing feeds.

Analyses of traditional material also showed that while some local greens are quite high quality and provide protein for pig growth, the amount available is generally inadequate to produce good growth rates.

In their research, pigs fed small amounts of fresh Stylo daily reached the desired 60kg in about six months. The hardiness of the plant meant it could be grown in mountainous areas which saved villagers the time needed to scavenge for it. 

Pigs fed the traditional feeds had a growth rate of about 100 grammes/day, but after adding Stylo, gained 200 to 250 grammes daily for virtually no extra cost.