Januart 16, 2008

Hybrid cereal, triticale, to enhance weaned pig diets

Nutritional research in Canada on the use of triticale in weaner diets was found to offer performance advantages, cost savings and environmental benefits during the latter end of nursery production.

The studies, conducted by scientists Omogbenigun and Beltranena of Alberta Agriculture and other Canadian institutions indicate that diets including triticale can boost feed efficiency and absorption of key nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus.

Around 280 crossbred piglets were used in a 28-day growth performance and digestibility trial.

The researchers wanted to know the effect of the dietary replacement of either CPS or HRS wheat with Western Canadian triticale varieties in nursery diets for weaner pigs. The varieties included AC Ultima, Pronghorn, Bobcat and Pika.

Once the study was completed, the scientists noted that any of the four triticale varieties may substitute CPS or HRS wheat in late nursery diets without adverse effect on pig performance.

Feeding triticale to weaned pigs was also found to lower feed cost due to improved nutrient digestibility and retention.

Improved feed conversion efficiency combined with higher grain yield of triticale compared to wheat indicates more pork produced per unit of land.