Effects of a matrix-coated organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids blend on performance, and in vitro fecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs fed in-feed antibiotic-free diets

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of a matrix-coated organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids blend (MCOFA) in growing pigs. Ninety six pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 47.71 ± 3.73 kg were used in a 6 wk experiment. Pigs were allotted to diets containing 0 or 2 g kg−1 of MCOFA, and 0 or 2.5 g kg−1 of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Pigs fed diets supplemented with MCOFA had improved growth efficiency compared with those fed a diet without MCOFA (P < 0.05). Pigs receiving the diets supplemented with both AGP and MCOFA had higher apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, dry matter, fat, and gross energy (P < 0.05). Pigs fed AGP × MCOFA diet had increased serum urea nitrogen (P < 0.05). Pigs fed diets supplemented with AGP had reduced fecal ammonia (NH3) gas emissions compared with those fed without AGP (P < 0.05). Moreover, pigs fed diets supplemented with MCOFA had reduced fecal NH3 and acetic acid gas emissions compared with those fed without MCOFA (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MCOFA improved performance in growing pigs.