Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of a mash and/or crumble diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and back-fat thickness in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 120 ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) growing pigs with an average initial body weight of 26.65 ± 3.54 kg were selected at first. Based on BW and sex, pigs were randomly allocated into two groups, i.e., CON and Treatment (TRT). CON group pigs were offered a mash-form diet, while TRT group pigs were provided 50% mash + 50% crumble feed for 16 weeks. Each treatment has 12 replicates with five pigs (2 barrows and three gilts) per pen. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and back-fat thickness were measured at different time points. Pigs fed 50% mash + 50% crumble diet had significantly increased feed efficacy of growing-finishing pigs at the end of week 1 and tended to increase feed efficacy at the end of week 16. However, no difference was observed in pigs' body weight, daily gain, daily feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and back fat thickness throughout the trial. Based on the current outcome, we infer that providing growing-finishing pigs with mixed (mashed and crumble) feed instead of only mashed form would enhance their feed efficacy and reduce the feed cost.
Figures & Tables
Fig. 1. Effect of the mash vs crumble form feed on the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. (A) body weight, (B) average daily gain, (C) average daily feed intake, and (D) Gain to feed ratio. CON, mash form feed; TRT, mash form (50%) + crumble (50%) feed.
