Validation of a New Resource-Efficient Feeding System for Fattening Pigs Using Increased Crude Fiber Concentrations in Diets: Feed Intake and Ammonia Emissions

Animals

Cornelia Schwennen¹  Karl-Heinz Waldmann¹  Richard Hölscher²  Christian Visscher³  Bernd Reckels³  Wolfgang Büscher⁴  Alexandra Lengling⁴ 

[1] Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, 30173 Hanover, Germany;Hoelscher + Leuschner GmbH and Co. KG, 48488 Emsbueren, Germany;Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation, 30173 Hanover, Germany;Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany;

关键词: feeding technology;    roughage-based diet;    animal welfare;    environmental impacts;    liquid feeding system;    body composition evaluation;    sorting gate;    sustainability;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ani10030497

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The housing of fattening pigs, their feeding, and the emissions associated with this process are subjects of criticism. In order to reduce emissions and ensure resource efficiency, new paths must be taken; animals must be fed closer to their actual needs. In a pig fattening farm, 655 animals were grouped according their body weight and their body composition, consisting of weight and muscle-fat-ratio, which was determined by ultrasound examinations. The influence of different concentrations of triticale whole plant silage (WPS) (from 2.5% to 10%) on the feed intake capacity (3.88 kg to 2.71 kg (88% dry matter (DM))) of each group and the ability to control it was determined. Ammonia emissions were measured and the pens floor pollution was assessed. The animals could be distinguished significantly from each other by ultrasound examinations. The crude fiber influenced the level of daily feed intake. Ammonia emissions were not negatively influenced and could be partly reduced. There was no negative impact on surface contamination due to the increased use of crude fiber. The amount of daily feed intake was controlled by crude fiber rich diets. If these findings are adapted to certain types of pigs, a reduction of emissions and an increased resource efficiency can be expected.

【 授权许可】

Unknown