The Supplementary Value of Riboflavin, Calcium Pantothenate and Niacin in a Practical Mixed Animal and Plant Protein Ration Containing B12 and Aureomycin for Weanling Pigs in Dry Lot

Abstract

Weanling 30-lb. pigs were self-fed a basal ration of yellow corn, expeller soybean oil meal, fishmeal, meat and bone scraps, cottonseed meal, alfalfa meal, a B12-aureomycin feeding supplement, vitamin A and D oil, and a simple mineral mixture (free choice) on concrete floors. The simultaneous addition of 0.8 mg. riboflavin, 4.5 mg. calcium pantothenate, and 5.0 mg. niacin per lb. to the basal ration increased the average daily gain by 10 percent, reduced the feed per 100-lb. gain by 13 percent, and produced hogs for market about 9 days sooner. Single additions of either riboflavin or calcium pantothenate to the high quality pig ration failed to improve growth rate markedly and exerted only a slight favorable effect on feed efficiency. No diarrhea or any gross symptoms of a vitamin B-Complex deficiency were observed in any of the groups.