The effect of dry matter concentration of liquid diets on the growth performance of grower-finisher pigs

Abstract

There is a considerable body of information on the voluntary feed intake of pigs fed on dry diets. However, there is a paucity of information on the factors affecting feed intake of pigs fed liquid diets. Pigs have a limit to their volumetric intake and will normally maximise dry matter intake when fed dry diets, ad libitum. For pigs fed dry feed the requirement for water per unit of dry matter will be dependent upon the composition of the feed and the requirement for renal clearance of nitrogen and minerals. What is not clear, is whether presenting the feed mixed with water results in excessive water intake that produces a point loading of the stomach, which in turn limits voluntary feed intake, i.e. whether physical bulk limitations override the normal homeostatic control. Therefore, it is not possible to extrapolate from data generated with dry fed pigs and anticipate voluntary intake of pigs fed dilute liquid diets. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dry matter concentration of liquid feed on feed intake and growth performance of grower-finisher pigs.