Effects of Diet Modification During The Lactation and Finishing Periods On Performance and Nutrient Excretion for Swine Housed In Commercial Conditions

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted during the lactation and finishing phases to determine the effects of dietary manipulation on nutrient excretion. Diets fed included a control and a low nutrient excretion (LNE) diet with reductions in protein and phosphorus content and supplemental phytase. Experiment 2 also included additional LNE diets with increasing soybean hull inclusion. Feeding a LNE diet during lactation reduced nitrogen excretion by 10% and decreased phosphorus excretion by 28% compared to a more traditional diet. The LNE diet did not affect sow or litter performance.Finishing LNE diets reduced phosphorus and nitrogen excretion by 29 and 28%, respectively. In addition, soybean hulls included in these diets at rates as high as 15% did not negatively influence performance. Inclusion of soybean hulls influenced the form of nitrogen excreted, reducing the NH4-N:TN linearly with increasing soybean hull inclusion. Furthermore, soybean hulls lowered slurry pH and potentially decreased ammonia emissions.