Productivity and slaughter performance of pigs using a mineral feed additive

Abstract

For the organization of pork production, it is necessary to create a strong fodder base that would provide the physiological needs of pigs in accordance with a reasonable level of productivity. The main method of growth stimulation and realization of the genetic endowments of animals is the use of biologically active feed additives in their feeding. The study of mineral nutrition of animals deserves special attention. Therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the influence of the mineral supplement “Mintrex Cu” on productivity and slaughter performance in pigs. Mineral feed supplement “Mintrex Cu” is a copper chelate of methionine hydroxy analog with a well-defined chemical structure, which contains 18 % copper and 79.5 % methionine activity. The protocol and procedures used in this study were ethically compliant with Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Protection of Animals, as well as the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty”. The experiment lasted 55 days. 24 heads of large white pigs were selected for the experiment. Formed two similar groups of 12 goals each. During the formation of groups, live weight, growth, age, sex and breed were taken into account. Animals were kept in group pens of 12 heads, according to the number of experimental groups, in a typical piggery for raising young animals. A control group of pigs was fed compound feed that provided their nutritional needs. The experimental group additionally consumed the mineral supplement “Mintrex Cu” in a dose of 280 g/t of feed. It was found that the additional use of the mineral feed additive “Mintrex Cu” increases the live weight of pigs of the 2nd experimental group by 4.8 % (Р ˂ 0.05), compared to the control group. In addition, it was recorded that the preservation of pigs increased in the 2nd experimental group by 2.0 % against the control. The use of a mineral supplement in the feeding of pigs of the 2nd group, feed consumption per 1 kg of growth is reduced by 14.2 % compared to the control group. It was established that the pigs of the 2nd group, which consumed the mineral supplement “Mintrex Cu” had a higher pre-slaughter live weight by 5.6 % (Р ˂ 0.05) and slaughter weight by 6.5 % (Р ˂ 0.05) and carcass weight by 8.2 % (Р ˂ 0.05) compared to the control indicator.