PSI-33 Effect of conditioning temperature and pellet diameter on nursery pig growth performance

Abstract

Abstract A total of 350 nursery pigs (initially 7.6 kg BW) were used in a 28-d trial to evaluate the effects of conditioning temperature and pellet diameter on nursery pig performance. Pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 treatments with 10 pens/treatment and 5 pigs/pen. The 7 treatments were arranged in a 2×3 factorial design plus a mash control, with the factors of pellet diameter (4.0 mm vs. 4.8 mm), and conditioning temperature (low, medium, vs. high). Phase 1 conditioning temperatures were 54°C, 66°C, and 77°C, while phase 2 conditioning temperatures were 54°C, 71°C, and 88°C for low, medium, and high, respectively. Pigs were fed phase 1 from d 0 to 14, which contained 10% spray dried whey, while phase 2 was fed from d 14 to 28, which did not contain milk products. Pig weights and feed disappearance were recorded weekly to determine ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. Pellet diameter did not impact (P > 0.05) nursery pig growth performance. Pigs fed pelleted diets had greater (P < 0.05) G:F than those fed mash diets. During phase 1 and overall, there were no significant (P > 0.05) interactive or main effects. However, conditioning phase 2 diets at lower temperatures improved (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F than medium and high conditioning temperatures. In conclusion, pelleting improves nursery pig feed efficiency. To maximize nursery pig feed efficiency, phase 2 diets should be conditioned at relatively low temperatures.