Comparison of two feeding methods on a moderate and higher energy density diet

Abstract

A liveweight-based scale derived from feed intakes of pigs fed twice daily wet (2.5 1 water/kg feed added immediately before feeding) to a daily maximum of 2.95 kg meal/pig, is used in growing pig experiments at Shinfield. The objectives of this 2x2 factorial experiment were to compare the intakes and performance on this method of feeding with ad libitum dry pellet feeding (feed available 24 h/day) with water available ad libitum, and to ascertain the effects of diet energy density under these two feeding methods on performance and carcass composition. The diets fed throughout were based on barley and soyabean meal with wheat and fat being added to the higher energy diets. The moderate and higher energy diets contained approximately (crude protein g/kg and lysine %) 178 & 0.9 and 193 & 1.0, respectively, and were compounded to provide comparable amounts of major nutrients/MJ DE. Diet energy densities calculated from determined gross energies were 12.8 and 13.7 MJ DE/kg feed. Determined digestible energies will be available when the balance data are completed (see later). There were 9 intact male and 9 female LW x Landrace pigs on each treatment on experiment from 15 to 80 kg liveweight. The pigs were housed in individual pens in a building maintained in winter at a temperature of 18°C. Each pig was placed in a metabolic crate, at a liveweight of approximately 50 kg, for 7 days during which it underwent a 5-day total balance. Sample analyses from these 72 balance periods are not yet completed.