Effects of Organic acid Blend on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Concentration of Volatile Fatty Acids in the Faeces of Young Pigs

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a feeding diet containing a dry organic acid blend (lactic acid—ammonium formate—ammonium propionate—citrate—sorbate) in young pigs on their: performance, the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and the concentration of volatile fatty acids in their faeces. A total of 12 crossbred pigs (Slovakian White × Landrace) with an initial live weight of 12.78 ± 1.86 kg were divided into two dietary treatments. The experimental period lasted 28 days. Pigs were fed a control diet (control group) or a diet supplemented with a dry organic acid (OA) blend, 0.6 g per 100 g feed (experimental group). Compared with the control group, the average daily gain (ADG) was improved (P < 0.05) by OA blend over the period of the investigation (0—28 days). For the apparent total tract digestibility determination, ash which is insoluble in hydrochloric acid was used as a marker. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and total ash was improved (P < 0.05) by the OA blend in the experiment. Compared with the control group, the concentration of the total volatile fatty acid in the faeces increased (P < 0.05) in pigs supplemented with the OA blend. The concentration of butyric acid in the faeces tended to be higher (P < 0.01) in pigs supplemented with the OA blend compared with the control group. In conclusion, the addition of 0.6 g per 100 g feed had a positive effect on: growth performance, total tract digestibility of crude protein and the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the faeces of young pigs.