Abstract

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of vegetable protein sources on growth and economic performance of nursery pigs in a commercial research environment. A total of 2,592 pigs (L337 × 1050, PIC; initial BW of 11.8 ± 0.11 lb) were used in a 42-d study. Pens of pigs were blocked by BW and weaning date and allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 27 pigs per pen and 16 replications per treatment across 2 rooms. Similar numbers of barrows and gilts were placed in each pen. There were six dietary treatments which included: 1) soybean meal control diet with no specialty vegetable protein source, and 5 diets containing either 2) soy protein concentrate 1; 3) soy protein concentrate 2; 4) enzymetreated soybean meal; 5) fermented soybean meal; and 6) high protein corn DDGS. Treatment diets were formulated in two dietary phases and fed at a rate of 5 lb/pig and 18 lb/pig, respectively, with a common phase 3 diet fed for the remainder of the study. During the experimental diet feeding period (d 0 to 21) or overall (d 0 to 42), there was no evidence of difference (P>0.05) for BW, ADG, ADFI, or F/G. Additionally, there was no evidence of significant difference (P>0.05) for total removals, removals, or mortality. For economic analysis, there was no evidence for significant difference (P>0.05) for any response criteria. In summary, no differences existed between soybean meal and the specialty vegetable protein sources used in this study.

Keywords: growth, nursery pig, specialty protein, soy protein concentrate

How to Cite:

Royall, R. Q., DeRouchey, J. M., Tokach, M. D., Woodworth, J. C., Goodband, R. D., Gebhardt, J. T. & Haydon, K. D., (2021) “Evaluation of Vegetable Protein Sources on Nursery Pig Performance in a Commercial Environment”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 7(11). doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.8191