Effects of Non-Fermented Red Ginseng Marc in a Commercial Liquid Feeding System on Growth Performance, Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Blood Profiles, and Pork Quality in Growing Finishing Pigs

This study evaluates the effects of non-fermented red ginseng marc (RGM) in a commercial liquid feeding system on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and pork quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 480 crossbred pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with an average body weight of 32.64 ± 0.12 kg were used in a 12-week feeding trial. Experimental pigs were allotted to one of four treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicate pens per treatment and 40 pigs per pen based on body weight and sex. Dietary red ginseng marc (0, 2%, 3%, 6%) was added to each experimental diet via a liquid feeding system. Final body weight decreased linearly with increasing dietary RGM (p < 0.05). Average daily gain during weeks 10–12 showed both linear and quadratic responses (p < 0.05), and overall average daily gain during weeks 0–12 decreased linearly (p < 0.05). Average daily feed intake decreased linearly during weeks 4–6, 7–9, 10–12, and overall (p < 0.05). During weeks 7–9, fecal acetate and butyrate increased linearly (p < 0.05), whereas during weeks 10–12, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA were reduced at the highest inclusion level. Blood urea nitrogen decreased linearly at measured points (p < 0.05). Glucose increased linearly at weeks 9 and 12 (p < 0.05), and total cholesterol decreased linearly at week 12 (p < 0.05). Under the present commercial liquid feeding conditions, supplemental non-fermented RGM at 2% or 3% of the basal diet could be considered practical inclusion levels, whereas 6% inclusion reduced feed intake and growth performance during the finishing period (weeks 7–12).