The Influence of by-Products on the Production Parameters and Nutrient Digestibility in Fattening Pigs Diet (60-100 Kg)

The study was conducted in order to determine the effects of the dietary flax and grape seeds meals and of the pumpkin waste in pig diets (60-100 kg) on the production parameters and nutrient digestibility. The 40-day feeding trial used 9 pigs assigned to 3 groups (C, E1, E2), housed in individual metabolic cages. The average initial body weights of the pigs were 65.25±14.49 kg (C), 65.33±3.78 kg (E1) and 65±10.03 kg (E2). Group C diet (19.59% crude protein; 7.16% fibre and 3232 kcal metabolisable energy/kg) was conventional, with corn meal, wheat and soybean meal. Differently from group C formulation, the E1 diet included 5% flax meal and 1% grape seeds meal, while E2 diet included 5% pumpkin waste. The average daily feed intake was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in group E2 (3.394±0.36 kg feed/pig/day) compared to groups C (3.034±0.44 kg feed/pig/day) and E1 (3.332±0.36 kg feed/pig/day). There were no significant (P≥ 0.05) differences in the feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg gain). Fibre absorption coefficient was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in group E2 (pumpkin waste), by 24.83% compared to group C and by 17.60% compared to group E1.