Abstract
ABSTRACT Two experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the inclusion of a biofermented semi-arid plant mix in diets of piglets in the initial weaning phase. In the first trial, the nutritional value and digestibility of nutrients and the digestible and metabolizable energy values of the bio-fermented plants mix were evaluated. To do so, eight piglets with an initial average weight of 15.2 ± 2.7 kg were used, housed in metabolic cages, and using the total collection of feces and urine. The bio-fermented plant mix diet presented 80.40% and 68.18% as digestibility coefficients for dry matter and crude fiber, respectively; 10.08% crude protein and 2,865 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy. In the second trial, the inclusion of 0, 3, 6 and 9% of bio-fermented plant mix was evaluated on performance, diarrhea incidence, plasma components, weight, and length of digestive organs of piglets in the initial weaning phase. To do so, 40 piglets with an initial average weight of 12.6 ± 3.5 kg were used, distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments, five replicates, and two animals per experimental unit. The inclusion of different levels of bio-fermented plant mix did not affect (P>0.05) the performance, weight, and length of digestive organs or serum parameters. However, the inclusion of bio-fermented plant reduced (P<0.01) the diarrhea incidence. It is concluded that bio-fermented plants adapted to the semi-arid region has the potential to be used in diets for pigs in the initial weaning phase.
Highlights
Corn is the main energetic food used in pig feed, regardless of the breeding stage
Cassava and forage palm are cultivated by producers throughout the year in the northeastern semi-arid region in Brazil for human and animal feed
The major drawback of these forages is the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as tannin (Costa et al, 2007), which compromise the nutritional values of these ingredients
Summary
Corn is the main energetic food used in pig feed, regardless of the breeding stage. In places where the supply of this grain is insufficient, as is the case in Northeast Brazil, production costs are generally higher. The use of fodder and other roughage as an energy source to replace corn in pig feed can reduce production costs and competition with human food. Some ingredients such as manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz), maniçoba (Manihot Pseudoglaziovii Pax and Hoffman) and forage palm (Opuntia fícus-indica) can be presented as feeding alternatives for pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and the inclusion of different biofermented levels based on plants adapted to the semi-arid region in piglet diets in the initial weaning phase on performance, diarrhea incidence, serum parameters, weight and digestive organ length
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