Effects of using plant protein feed as a fish meal replacer in the nutrition of weaned piglets

Abstract

The possibility of using plant protein feed as a fish meal replacer in the nutrition of weaned piglets was investigated. The results obtained showed that there were no significant differences in the weight gains of piglets. Piglets fed diets based on plant protein consumed 8.72% (P (lt) 0.01) more feed than piglets fed diets containing fish meal. Fish meal in the diet was responsible for a statistically significant (P (lt) 0.05) deterioration in the feed conversion ratio compared to plant protein diets. The coefficient of apparent digestibility obtained for total tract nutrients showed better feed utilization in piglets fed plant protein diets compared to piglets receiving fish meal diets. Despite the better feed conversion ratio, the cost of weight gain in weaned piglets fed plant protein diets was 6.60% higher than in piglets fed fish meal diets.