EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION AND LOW PROTEIN LEVEL ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING PIGS

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of ration levels and protein levels on feeding patterns of weaned pigs ensuring good health and productivity. Material and methods: An experiment with 56 weaned Danube White pigs divided into 4 groups of 14 was carried out in Agricultural Institute – Shumen. The experiment started at 8,364 - 8,457 kg live weight and finished at 30,786 - 31,714 kg live weight, with a duration period of 56 days. During the first 14 days after weaning, the pigs from the third and fourth group were fed with limited ration – 20% less from that of first and second group. After that period, the reduced ration for the previous period was raised for the pigs from third and fourth group. Throughout the entire test period, pigs from the first and third groups received a compound feed of 18,50% protein and those from the second and fourth groups with 16,50%. Results: The limited ration provides up to lower growth rate in the first 14 days as feed conversion ratio is the same as that of animals fed ad libitum. Animals fed restricted and ad libitum with 16.50% protein in the compound feed had a similar average daily increase but did not achieve the growth rate of high-protein-fed pigs (18.50%) over the whole experimental period. Better daily gain and feed conversion ratio was found in pigs fed ad libitum with a high protein level (18.50%) in their compound feeds. Conclusions: The obtained results can find applications in solving various practical problems.