| Full text | |
| Author(s): Show less - |
Li Kao Junior, Heng
;
Alves, Laya Kannan Silva
;
Carnino, Bruno Braga
;
dos Santos, Fernanda Mariane
;
de Oliveira, Ana Clara Rodrigues
;
Gomes, Nadia de Almeida Ciriaco
;
Carnevale, Rafaella Fernandes
;
Muro, Bruno Bracco Donatelli
;
Pairis-Garcia, Monique Danielle
;
Schinckel, Allan Paul
;
Garbossa, Cesar Augusto Pospissil
Total Authors: 11
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION; v. 57, n. 6, p. 10-pg., 2025-07-01. |
| Abstract | |
This study evaluates the effects of complex versus simple diets on post-weaning performance, feeding behavior, and economic outcomes in piglets during the nursery phase. A total of 192 piglets (21 days old, 5.45 +/- 0.95 kg) were assigned to either a simple or a complex diet in a randomized block design. The trial lasted 42 days and included pre-starter 1 (days 0-7), pre-starter 2 (days 8-28), and starter (days 29-42) phases. Piglets fed the complex diet demonstrated significantly better performance across all phases. In the pre-starter 1 phase, they had greater body weight (7.73%, P = 0.001), average daily gain (47.97%, P = 0.001), and improved feed conversion ratio (22.09% better, P = 0.001). Similar trends were observed in the pre-starter 2 and starter phases. Cumulatively, complex diet-fed piglets achieved 15.20% greater average daily gain (P < 0.0001), 6.99% higher average daily feed intake (P = 0.039), and 7.00% better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001). Complex diets also improved fecal consistency during the pre-starter 2 phase, with a higher frequency of firm feces compared to the simple diet group (19.24%, P = 0.006). Economic analysis revealed higher feed costs (18.42%, P < 0.0001), but greater total revenue (11.22%, P < 0.0001) and profitability (gross margin + 12.58%, P = 0.002) for complex-diet groups. Behavioral observations indicated longer eating times for complex diet-fed piglets during the first week post-weaning (59.80%, P = 0.0001). Overall, complex diets enhanced growth, feed efficiency and economic returns, making them a strategic option for improving post-weaning piglet performance. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 24/10939-7 - Chlorhexidine Nanoparticles: A New Molecule for Improving Performance and Intestinal Health of Piglets in the Nursery Phase |
| Grantee: | Ana Clara Rodrigues de Oliveira |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| FAPESP's process: | 23/07961-8 - Economic implications of swine welfare legislations: a study of normative instruction 113 in Brazil and Proposition 12 in United States |
| Grantee: | Laya Kannan Silva Alves |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/04983-5 - Effect of flavor additives on nursery performance of piglets |
| Grantee: | Heng Li Kao Junior |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation |
| FAPESP's process: | 23/18259-2 - Different calcium-phosphorus ratios associated with the use of vitamin D in the diet of growing-finishing pigs |
| Grantee: | Fernanda Mariane dos Santos |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| FAPESP's process: | 22/07694-7 - Effects of a protease on gut health and performance of piglets weaned at 28 days with different diet complexities |
| Grantee: | Bruno Braga Carnino |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |
| FAPESP's process: | 21/08217-5 - Ensuring proper euthanasia within the swine production systems |
| Grantee: | Laya Kannan Silva Alves |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |