Effects of high energy feed in growing-finishing pig diets

Effects on animal husbandry and the environment were studied using high energy feeds. The diets corresponded or did not correspond with CORPEN recommendations. A total of 288 growing-fattening pigs from 3 batches were used. However, this benefit covers only 17 to 23 % of biggest diet’s costs. The increase in energy feed level induced, irrespective of season, an increase in average daily gain (+35 g/d), a decrease in: lean meat percentage (-1.4 %), feed to gain ratio (-0.2 %) and the nitrogen and phosphorus content of slurry (-19 and -24 % respectively). The reduction in the nitrogen and phosphorus content of slurry by high energy feeds, could to a certain extent, offer an alternative to slurry processing. However, as expected carcass fat quality was affected by this type of diet and it should be taken into account.