Philippine E-Journals

β-GALACTOMANNANASE SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVES PROTEIN DIGESTIBILITY ANDGROWTH PERFORMANCE INGROWING PIGS FED DIETS CONTAINING HIGH LEVELS OF COPRA MEAL

Christine B. Adiova | Sonia P. Acda | Elpidio M. Agbisit Jr. | Florinia E. Merca | Edwin S. Luis

 

Abstract:

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of β-galactomannanase supplementation of diets containing high levels of copra meal on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of growing pigs. A total of 120 pigs (Landrace X Large White X Duroc crossbreds; initial BW: 49 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments following a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The factors were level of copra meal (20 and 25%) and β-galactomannanase supplementation. A commercial enzyme preparation containing β-galactomannanase with a minimum activity of 1000 units/g was added at the recommended inclusion rate of 5 g/kg of copra meal incorporated in the diet. Two weeks after the start of the experiment, 4 pigs from each treatment were randomly selected and were used in the digestibility trial. There were no copra meal level × enzyme interaction observed for all the parameters measured in the study. Apparent total tract digestibility (% ATTD) of DM, crude fiber, ether extract, and GE were not affected by copra meal level and β-galactomannanase supplementation. However, increasing copra meal level in the diet reduced (P<0.05) the ATTD of CP. The addition of β-galactomannanase to the diet increased (P<0.05) ATTD of CP. Increasing the copra meal level in the diet did not affect growth performance; however, ADG and F:G of growing pigs were improved (P<0.05) by βgalactomannanase supplementation. In conclusion, the inclusion of copra meal can be raised up to 25% in growing pig diets, provided that diets are supplemented with β-galactomannanase.