133 Effects of methionine source and zinc level on growth performance of nursery pigs

Abstract

Abstract A 44-d experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Met source and Zn level on growth performance of nursery pigs. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure with main effects of Met source (DL-Met or MHA-Ca) and added Zn level (100 or 3,000 mg/kg). A total of 1,008 pigs (PIC 337 × Camborough), initially 5.6 kg, were used, with 9 replicates per treatment. The basal Zn level of 100 mg/kg was from organic source, while the added level of 2,900 mg/kg was from Zn oxide. The different added Zn levels were fed from d 0 to 20, whereas the different Met sources were fed throughout the experimental period (d 0 to 44). Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Data were analyzed with SAS MIXED procedure. There was no evidence (P > 0.10) for Met × Zn interactive effects. From d 0 to 20, pigs fed DL-Met had a tendency (P < 0.10) for higher ADG and BW. Pigs fed 3,000 mg/kg added Zn had higher (P < 0.05) ADFI, ADG, and BW. From d 20 to 44, there was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) between Met source. Pigs previously fed 100 mg/kg added Zn had improved (P < 0.05) ADFI and ADG. Overall (d 0 to 44), pigs fed DL-Met had a tendency (P < 0.10) for higher ADG and final BW. No evidence for differences (P > 0.10) was observed between pigs fed 100 or 3,000 mg/kg added Zn. In conclusion, pigs fed DL-Met tended to have improved performance. Feeding 3,000 mg/kg added Zn improved performance until d 20, but no differences were observed in the overall nursery period.