PSXIII-10 - Association of Fatty Acids, Prebiotics and Zinc Proteinate to Support Weaned Piglet Growth in Antibiotic Growth Promoter Free Diets

Abstract: To evaluate the association of fatty acids, prebiotics and zinc proteinate (Viligen NE) in weaned piglet diets without AGP, 80 piglets averaging 6.69±0.19 kg (21-days old) were distributed in randomized blocks design. Eight replicates of one male and one female were used for each of five treatments: positive control (an antibiotic growth promoter; 0.02% Halquinol 60%), negative control (no additive) and 3 levels of Viligen NE (0.10, 0.14 and 0.18%). Daily feed intake (DFI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) were determined from 21 to 35 and 36 to 49 days of age. At the end of the experiment, jejunum content was collected to evaluate Lactobacillus sp and Enterobacteria sp counts, and cecum content for Bifidobacterium sp and Clostridium perfringens counts. The negative control had the worst ADG (P=0.0004) and FC (P=0.0357) from 21 to 35 days and ADG (P=0.0196) from 21 to 49 days. All levels of Viligen NE showed the same performance as 0.02% Halquinol, for both portions of the feeding period. The optimal Viligen NE levels for ADG, estimated by quadratic and broken line models, were 0.137 and 0.100%, respectively. Significant linear relationships were found between Viligen NE and FC (negative from 21 to 35 days) and ADG (positive from 21 to 46 days). Jejunal Lactobacillus count was least for Halquinol (P=0.0001). Cecal Bifidobacterium count was greater (P=0.0063) for the negative control and 0.18% Viligen NE, while Clostridium count was less (P=0.0008) for 0.10 and 0.18% Viligen NE. Quadratic and broken line models estimated less jejunal Enterobacteria sp count with 0.110 and 0.070% of Viligen NE, respectively, less cecal Clostridium count was estimated at 0,096 and 0,079% of Viligen NE, respectively. Under the conditions of this experiment, Viligen NE in weaned piglet diets at 0.10% or greater supported growth without detrimental effects on intestinal microbiota populations.