Feeding silage to fattening pigs - effects on nitrogen utilization and ammonia losses from fresh manure

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of feeding silage to pigs on nitrogen (N) utilization and ammonia (NH3) volatilization. In total, 128 Yorkshire x Hampshire (30-110 kg) pigs were fed commercial feed (Control) or commercial feed mixed with dried, milled silage in pelleted form (Pellet-S), fresh, chopped silage (Silage-Ch) or intensively treated silage (Silage-Pr). Silage replaced 20% of the crude protein (g/kg). Diet affected daily N excretion, which was higher for pigs fed Silage-Ch and Silage-Pr than for pigs in the Pellet-S and Control treatments. Ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) content in the manure and NH3 volatilization from fresh manure were higher for Control pigs than for pigs in the other treatments. Overall, these results show that pre-treatment of silage influences N utilization and excretion. Furthermore, the results indicate that feeding silage to pigs can reduce NH3 volatilization from fresh manure.

Keywords

Finishing pig; silage; TMR; nitrogen; ammonia volatilization

Published in

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science
2023, volume: 72, number: 3-4, pages: 111-122
Publisher: TAYLOR AND FRANCIS AS

SLU Authors

• Friman, Johanna

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Åkerfeldt, Magdalena

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09064702.2023.2225517

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/122991