PSVIII-10 - Calcium Chloride Is a Better Calcium Source Rather Than Calcium Carbonate for Weaned Pigs

Abstract: This study investigated the effect of Ca source and level on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and bone characteristics of weaned pigs. The experiment was operated for 4 weeks in 2 phases (phase 1, d 0 to 14; and phase 2, d 15 to 28). Two hundred and forty pigs were assigned to four treatments including two Ca sources (CaCO₃ and CaCl₂), and two Ca levels (Phase 1: NC, normal Ca, 0.6% and 0.5% in phase 1 and 2, respectively; LC, low Ca, 0.5% and 0.4% in phase 1 and 2, respectively). The average daily gain (ADG) was improved in weaned pigs fed the NC or CaCl₂ diets, in phase 2. The overall result showed the greater ADG and gain to feed ratio in the NC and CaCl₂ treatments. The digestibility of crude protein, Ca, and P was increased in the NC and CaCl₂ treatments at phases 1 and 2. There was an interaction between Ca source and level, with the NC and CaCl₂ treatments increased blood chloride content in phase 1, and decreased HCO₃ and base excess content in phases 1 and 2. The concentration of blood chloride was increased in pigs fed the NC diet in phase 1. The hematocrit (phases 1 and 2) and electrolyte balance (phased 2) were decreased in the NC treatment compared with the LC. An increase in blood chloride content, and a decrease in HCO_3, base excess, and electrolyte balance were observed in pigs fed with CaCl₂ in phases 1 and 2. The bone-breaking strength, bone ash, Ca, and P were increased in pigs fed the NC or CaCl₂ diets. In conclusion, CaCl₂ can be an alternative for dietary CaCO₃ due to greater growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and bone health. Moreover, decreasing dietary Ca is not recommended for weaned pigs.