Fecal N and P of Pigs at Final Growth Stage under Different Feeding Programs

  Objective  The N and P in the excretion of pigs at final growth stage fed under two different feeding programs were compared for forage utilization and ecological effect on the environment.

  Method  A total of 72 growing Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire pigs weighing 19.5±1.6 kg were randomly divided into two groups with 6 replicates of 6 pigs each. The groups were fed under two different programs:a 3-phase-feeding at 20-50 kg, 50-80 kg, and 80-120 kg pig weight stages or a 5-phase-feeding at 20-35 kg, 35-55 kg, 55-75 kg, 75-95 kg, and 95-120 kg pig weight stages. The fecal N and P of the pigs were determined for the analysis.

  Result  The variation on feeding program did not cause significant difference on the apparent N and P digestibility of the pigs. On the other hand, comparing to the 3-phase-feeding, the pigs under the 5-phase-feeding program showed significant reductions of 5.17% on total dietary N intake (P < 0.05) and of 8.79% on P (P < 0.05), as well as of 6.10% on fecal N (P < 0.05) and of 8.64% on fecal P (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Feeding the pigs at final growth stage on the 5-phase program reduced the forage consumption and also the N and P in excretion of the animals resulting in financial as well as ecological benefits.