Warmth stress negatively impacts pig welfare, well being, and manufacturing. Osmolytes and antioxidants are thought of potential mitigators of warmth stress-induced harm. Modification of feed composition, particularly decrease crude protein, additionally goals to scale back inside metabolic warmth manufacturing.
Goal: The goal of this examine was to research the impact of an enriched or energy-dense (E-dense) weight loss plan on 192 heat-stressed fattening pigs.
Strategies: Dietary remedies have been administered when pigs reached ± 80 kg. The management weight loss plan comprised 15% CP, 3.6% crude fats, 9.1 MJ/kg web power, 0.4 mg/kg inorganic selenium (Se), and 100 ppm vitamin E; the enriched weight loss plan contained the identical chemical composition however was supplemented with 0.2 mg/kg inorganic Se, 0.2 mg/kg selenomethionine, 200 ppm vitamin E, 200 ppm vitamin C and 0.1% betaine; the E-dense weight loss plan featured 13.6% CP, 6.6% crude fats, and elevated power (9.7 MJ/kg) and lysine content material. The lysine:power ratio of all three diets was the identical. A 1-week warmth wave (± 30 °C and Temperature – Humidity Index of ± 78.4) was induced 2 instances when pigs have been 20 and 22 weeks previous. Physiological parameters and efficiency parameters have been assessed weekly. On the finish of the trial, carcass and meat high quality have been evaluated.
Outcomes: Additive enrichment of the weight loss plan resulted in a numerically elevated each day achieve over the 6-week trial in comparison with the management group. The E-dense group had a better improve in rectal temperature throughout warmth load in comparison with the management group. Over all the trial, the E-dense group had a better feed conversion ratio than the management group. Carcass traits revealed elevated fats thickness of 0.9 mm within the E-dense group, together with decrease lean meat content material. The meat of the enriched group displayed elevated vitamin E and Se ranges, which can be helpful for the patron.
Conclusion: The dietary methods didn’t stop physiological warmth stress or improve efficiency, however the supplementation of antioxidants and osmolytes tended to ameliorate each day achieve over all the trial.
De Prekel L, Maes D, Van den Broeke A, & Aluwé M. Impact of antioxidant and osmolyte enriched or energy-dense weight loss plan on warmth careworn fattening pigs. Animal. 2025; 101514.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2025.101514
