Effects of a Hatchery Byproduct Mixture on Growth Performance and Digestible Energy of Various Hatchery Byproduct Mixtures in Nursery Pigs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: There is limited information on the optimal inclusion rate of a hatchery byproduct mixture and digestible energy concentrations in different hatchery byproduct mixtures in nursery pigs. The objectives of this study were to determine effects of a hatchery byproduct mixture on growth performance and to determine digestible energy concentrations of hatchery byproduct mixtures in nursery pigs. Growth performance of pigs fed a hatchery byproduct mixture up to 10% was not different from pigs fed a control diet. Digestible energy concentrations differed among hatchery byproduct mixtures. Based on the current results, the hatchery byproduct mixture can be used in nursery pig diets and different energy values should be applied to different hatchery byproduct mixtures. ABSTRACT: The objectives were to determine effects of a hatchery byproduct mixture (HBM) on growth performance and to measure digestible energy concentrations in various HBM. In the growth performance experiment, 96 pigs (initial body weight = 9.6 ± 0.8 kg) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 blocks. Each treatment consisted of 6 replicate pens with 4 pigs comprising 2 barrows and 2 gilts. Pigs were fed graded concentrations of HBM at 0%, 3.33%, 6.67%, and 10.00% for 14 days. In the energy digestibility experiment, 10 barrows (initial body weight = 11.5 ± 0.4 kg) were employed to determine digestible energy in HBM. A basal diet based on corn and soybean meal and 4 additional diets containing 25% of 4 different HBM were prepared. The marker-to-marker method was employed for total collection and the experimental design was a replicated 5 × 4 Latins square design. Growth performance was not compromised as the inclusion rate of HBM increased up to 10%. Digestible energy of HBM ranged from 2772 to 3887 kcal/kg as-is basis. In conclusion, HBM can be used in nursery pig diets and different energy values should be used for each HBM.