Original scientific paper
EFFECT OF ACIDIFICANTS IN FEED ON THE GROWTH PATTERN OF PIGS DURING THE PRE-FATTENING PERIOD
Maksimilijan Brus
; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenija
Patricija Smerdej
; Tanin Sevnica dd, Sevnica, Slovenia
Martina Novak
; Tanin Sevnica dd, Sevnica, Slovenia
Anita Antolin Felbar
; Panvita Group dd, Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Lijana Zdravec
; Tanin Sevnica dd, Sevnica, Slovenia
Marija Glavač Vnuk
; Tanin Sevnica dd, Sevnica, Slovenia
Dejan Židan
; Tanin Sevnica dd, Sevnica, Slovenia
Dajan Škorjanc
; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenija
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of two different acidificants on the growth pattern of piglets during the period from weaning until the attainment of 30 kg body weight. A total of 336 pigs were included in the study, divided in two equal groups (Fra Acid, n=168; Acidad Dry®, n=168). On the basis of weaning weight, piglets were divided into “light” (L = 6 kg) and “heavy” (H = 8 kg) groups. Two acidificants, which varied in organic acid content, were used in the piglet diets. Feed was supplemented with Fra Acid at a concentration of 0.65, 0.60 and 0.40 %. The second supplement, Acidad Dry®, was added at concentrations of 0.35, 0.30 and 0.20 %. Piglets were individually weighed at weaning, on the 23rd day of age and again each time the feed was changed (at days 35, 49 and 82 of age). The experimental groups did not differ significantly in body mass during the experimental period. Piglets with Acidad Dry® achieved higher daily gains than piglets fed with Fra Acid, but again, the relationship was not statistically significant. “Heavy” piglets in the Acidad Dry® supplemented treatment had significantly higher daily gains in the period from 49 to 82 days of age in comparison to those in the Fra Acid treatment (567 ± 80g; 507 ± 140 g, p=0.044).
Keywords
pigs; growth rate; organic acids; tannin
Hrčak ID:
26800
URI
Publication date:
15.11.2007.
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