Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate silage juice from green bio refineries in liquid diets to pigs and its’ effect on growth, cleanliness and health. Ninety-six (L × Y) × H organically raised pigs were fed either a control diet (C-diet) or a silage feed juice diet (SFJ-diet). The C-diet consisted of a commercial feed mixed with water prior to feeding. The SFJ-diet consisted of a lower ration of commercial feed mixed with silage feed juice (SFJ) instead of water, theoretically replacing 10% of the dietary crude protein content. All pigs consumed the juice and grew similarly, on average 0.48 kg/day. SFJ pigs were significantly dirtier on their back and head than C pigs (P < 0.001 for all), but cleanliness in the rectum area and in the pen did not differ. Silage juice had only minor effects on hygienic measures and could be a potential local feed ingredient to pigs.

Keywords

bio-refinery; silage juice; growing pig; liquid feed; growth; cleanliness

Published in

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science
2022,

Authors' information