Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Gut Morphometry of Pigs Fed Single Cell Protein Incorporated Diets

The effect of single cell protein (SCP), produced from Methylococcus species, as a soybean meal (SBM) substitute on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut morphometry of pigs was assessed. Eighteen weaned piglets were randomly distributed into three groups of six animals each. Control diet was prepared using corn and SBM, and two test diets were prepared by incorporating SCP at 5 or 10% replacing SBM. All the diets were made iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric for starter (7-11 kg), grower 1 (11-25 kg), grower 2 (25-50 kg) and finisher phase (50-75 kg body weight). Each animal was offered with respective diet daily at 4% of body weight for 28 weeks. The body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of pigs fed 5 and 10% SCP diets were comparable with control group during all phases and cumulatively. The dry matter digestibility was highest (P<0.01) in control diet followed by 5% SCP diet and lowest (P<0.01) in 10% SCP diet. The crude protein and nitrogen free extract digestibility was highest (P<0.01) in 5% SCP diet and control diet, respectively. The ether extract digestibility was lowest (P<0.01) in 10% SCP diet. Further, the inclusion of SCP at 5 and 10% in the diets has no significant (P>0.05) effect on duodenum, jejunum and ileum villi length, crypt depth and their ratios among different groups. It was concluded that SCP can incorporated up to 10 % in pig diets without affecting the growth performance and gut health in pigs.