Neutral semi-purified glycerin in starting pigs feeding

Resumo

Glycerin is a major co-product resulting from biodiesel production, and it has been proposed as a highenergy source for use in swine diets. However, it is necessary to determine the nutritional value of neutral semi-purified glycerin (NSPG). In this study two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value, evaluated the performance and economic feasibility of starting piglets fed on neutral semi-purified glycerin. A digestibility trial (Experiment I) was conducted using 30 crossbred barrows with an initial average body weight of 42.91±1.58 kg. The glycerin levels used in the digestibility assay were 4, 8, 12 and 16% of the basal diet (corn + soybean meal based). The digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable (ME) energy values of glycerin were estimated by regression of DE and ME (kcal/kg) intake associated with glycerin vs. glycerin intake (kg). The values (as-fed-basis) of DE and ME (kcal/ kg) obtained were 3,298 and 2,531, respectively. In Experiment II, 100 piglets (50 gilts and 50 barrows) with BW = 15.14±0.06 to 30.28±0.65 were allotted in a randomized design using four inclusion levels (3.5, 7.0, 10.5 and 14%) of NSPG. There were ten replicates with two piglets per experimental unit. Additionally, a control diet containing no glycerin (0%) was formulated. The results show it is feasible to use up to 14% NSPG in piglet feed without impairing performance and plasma chemistry.