Fattening Pigs with Tannin-Rich Source (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and High Doses of Vitamin E: Effects on Growth Performance, Economics, Digestibility, Physiology, and Behaviour

This study aimed to assess the impact on growth, economic results, apparent nutrient digestibility (CTTAD), physiological variables, and animal behaviour when 214 fattening pigs (78 ± 8.5 kg of initial body weight and 130 ± 4.5 days of age) of both sexes (gilts and boars) were fed two levels of carob pulp (Cp, 0 vs. 20%) and two doses of vitamin E (Vit E, 30 vs. 300 IU/kg) for 40 days. No interaction effects between factors studied (Cp, Vit E, and sex) were observed on the variables. Most productive traits were unaffected by Cp or Vit E inclusion. However, the Cp increased the feed conversion ratio during the first 20 days. The Cp group showed a higher CTTAD of ether extract and hemicellulose but lower CTTAD of crude protein. Pigs fed Cp had a lower plasmatic urea content than the control group. The high Vit E doses increased the CTTAD of every nutrient and the plasmatic α-tocopherol content. The pigs fed Cp tended to spend more time eating in the early morning, likely to mitigate tannins’ astringent effects. Dietary inclusion of 20% Cp in finishing high-conformation pigs is possible without affecting overall performance though it reduces nutrient CTTAD and increases feeding cost. Supra-nutritional doses of Vit E do not affect pig performance but increase the α-tocopherol deposition with potential antioxidant effects.

Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido

Fil: Bottegal, Diego Nicolas. Universitat de Lleida. Departament de Ciència Animal; España

Fil: Bottegal, Diego Nicolas. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido; Argentina

Fil: Latorre, María Ángeles. Universidad de Zaragoza. Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos; España

Fil: Latorre, María Ángeles. Universidad de Zaragoza. Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón; España

Fil: Lobón Ascaso, Sandra. Universidad de Zaragoza. Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón; España

Fil: Lobón Ascaso, Sandra. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón. Departamento de Ciencia Animal; España

Fil: Verdú, Marçal. BonÀrea Agrupa. Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Industry; España

Fil: Álvarez-Rodríguez, Javier. Universitat de Lleida. Departament de Ciència Animal; España