Phytogenic feed additive’s efficacy in a protein-reduced diet in growing/finishing pigs

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on body weight gain, carcass composition and quality of 72 finishing pigs [(Large White x Landrace) x Pi train)].

Animals were distributed into 3 treatment groups considering litter, live weight and sex. The 3 treatment groups were control group (CON), phytogenic group 1 (PFA+normal) and phytogenic group 2 (PFA+low). The diet was based on corn, barley and soybean meal. CON and PFA+normal (Digestarom Finish 150 ppm, BIOMIN Phytogenics GmbH, Germany) received a diet containing 17% and 15% CP in the growing and finishing period, respectively. PFA+low (Digestarom Finish 150 ppm, BIOMIN Phytogenics GmbH, Germany) received a ration with a reduced protein content (-0.4% CP) throughout the whole growing and finishing period. Feed and water was provided ad libitum. At 73.2±0.6 kg body weight, feed changed from growing to finishing diet. Body weight was measured weekly and individual feed intake was recorded daily. Pigs were slaughtered at 117.5±0.2 kg and carcass composition and quality were evaluated. Data were analyzed with procedure GLM (SAS 9.4) and a multiple comparison was conducted with Tukey’s range test.

Results for the whole finishing period showed a significantly shorter finishing period (p)

Overall, the supplementation of a PFA improved the performance of pigs and a protein reduction has been compensated efficiently through the supplementation of PFA.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.