PSVII-15 The effects of feeding a fortified protein blend as a replacement for animal and fish proteins in nursery pig diets

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of total or partial replacement of animal and fish proteins with a fortified protein blend (PROPLEX MVP) on growth performance of nursery piglets. PROPLEX MVP is a blend of two distinct fermentation biomass streams, refined soybean products, select amino acids, and a NSP enzyme complex. A total of 306 barrows and gilts [(Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire), avg. 22 d age and BW 6.37 ± 1.24 kg)] were used in a randomized complete block design with three dietary treatments, each with 19 replicates (pens) of 5 piglets. Dietary treatments were: 1) Control diet (CONT) with animal and fish protein sources (Blood meal, Spray-dried Plasma, and Fish meal); 2) PROPLEX MVP (MVP): CONT with MVP replacing Fish meal; 3) PROPLEX MVP 100 (MVP100): CONT with MVP replacing 100% of animal and fish proteins. Pigs were fed a budgeted amount per head of the assigned experimental diets for the first three feeding phases (Phase 1: 2.3 kg/pig; Phase 2: 4.5 kg/pig; Phase 3: 6.8 kg/pig). A common diet was provided in Phase 4 until day 42 post-weaning. Pigs fed CONT had greater ADG (P < 0.05) compared to MVP100 pigs d 0-7 post-weaning. From d 7 to 14, pigs fed MVP and MVP100 had a significantly greater ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) than pigs fed CONT diet. For the remainder of the experimental period (d 14 to 42), no differences (P > 0.10) were observed among treatments. The use of MVP100 reduced (P < 0.05) the total nursery feed cost by US $1.03/pig and feed cost/kg of weight gain by 12%. In conclusion, MVP protein blend can effectively substitute for animal and fish proteins sources without compromising overall nursery pigs’ growth performance and results in significant feed cost savings.