Effects of enzyme products in the diet on growth, dressing-out percent and organ weights of light pigs fed copra-meal-based diets

Abstract

The effect of different enzyme products on the utilisation of high copra meal (CPM)-based diets by growing pigs was investigated in two experiments (1 and 2). Four diets containing 0, 150, 300 and 450 g CPM/kg were fed in Experiment 1. Feed intake and bodyweight gain were depressed (P < 0.05) above 150 g/kg inclusion but final bodyweight was maintained (P > 0.05) up to 300 g/kg dietary CPM. Dressing percentage improved (P < 0.05) on 150 compared with the control and 450 g/kg diets. In Experiment 2, four diets based on 300 g CPM/kg unsupplemented/supplemented with Allzyme, β-mannanase or their combinations were fed. Feed intake reduced on the control compared with Allzyme supplementation (P < 0.05). Bodyweight gain was improved with Allzyme supplementation. Pigs fed diets supplemented with Allzyme and mannanase converted their feed into weight better (P < 0.05). Growth rates decreased when CPM was included in the diet at levels greater than 150 g/kg, but at 300 g/kg the decrease in growth rate was much less when supplemented with Allzyme or β-mannanase.