Cellulose for weaned piglets

• Grant number: 11/11625-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2011
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Nutrition and Feeding
• Principal Investigator: Maria Cristina Thomaz
• Grantee: Maria Cristina Thomaz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Daniela Junqueira Rodrigues ; Everton Daniel ; Fabricio Rogério Castelini ; Joel Alberto Prezzi ; Manuela Vantini Marujo ; Marco Monteiro Lima

Abstract

The aim is to evaluate the inclusion of purified cellulose as a source of fiber in the diet ofweaned piglets. Two experiments will be led using four treatments: DC - control diet based oncorn, soybean bran and lactose source; 1,5% CEL - diet based on corn, soybean meal, lactosesource and 1,5 % of purified cellulose; 3,5% CEL - diet based on corn, soybean bran, lactosesource and 3,5% of purified cellulose; 5,5% CEL - based on corn, soybean bran, lactosesource and 5,5% purified cellulose. In experiment I will be evaluated the performance,incidence of diarrhea and transit time of the diets in the digestive tract. The 72 animals willbe distributed in a randomized block design with nine replicates and two animals perexperimental unit of 21 days to 63 days of age. In experiment II will be evaluated pH andviscosity of digesta in the stomach, small intestine and cecum; the concentration of shortchain fatty acids in the cecum; morphology and microbiology of the intestinal mucosa; immunity and weight of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine empties, liver andpancreas of 32 barrows piglets weaned at 21 days old. This experiment will be divided intotwo stages: I - 21 to 35 days and II - from 36 to 50 days old. The animals will be grouped in arandomized block design to control differences in initial weight in a factorial 4x2, with fourexperimental diets and two slaughter ages, eight treatments, four replicates and one animalper experimental unit. During the experiment will be conducted two slaughters, one at 35 daysand another at 50 days old when the trial period will be finished. (AU)