PSVI-11 Non-GMO beet pulp and canola meal corn-soybean meal diet has comparable effects as that of GMO corn-soybean meal diet on the performance of sows and piglets

Abstract

Abstract Consumers are concerned about the safety of livestock feed stuff with the increasing use of genetically modified organisms (GMO).The objective of the present experiment was to compare the effect of non-GMO sugar-beet pulp (SBP) and canola meal (CM) in the diet with GMO corn-soybean meal basal diets on reproduction performance in gestation-lactation sows and the performance of their litters. A total of 16 lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, Parity = 2.4), were randomly allotted to 1 of 2 treatments with 8 sows per treatment starting from the last 4 weeks of gestation to 21 day of lactation. Treatments consisted of GMO diet (CON) and non-GMO diet (NO). Sows were individually fed gestation and lactation diets that were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) recommendations for all nutrients. The amount of feed consumed during the lactation periods was recorded and used to calculate the average daily feed intake (ADFI). Number of piglets born and piglets weaned were also recorded to calculate the survival rate. Individual piglet body weight (BW) and litter weights were assessed on days 0, and 26 to calculate average daily gain (ADG). All data were subjected to the GLM procedures of SAS in a randomized complete block design. The variability in the data was expressed as standard error of means (SEM). A probability level of P< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. In the current study, NO treatment diets showed comparable effects on the BW, ADFI, backfat thickness, body condition score, and estrus interval of sows as that of basal diet. In addition, there was also no significant difference in growth performance of piglets fed NO treatment diets compared with CON diet (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated the utilization of non-GMO beet pulp, and canola meals do not have any adverse effect on the performance of sows and their litters.