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Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) are discussed as performance enhancers and an additional tool to reduce NH3 emissions. Which suggested modes of action, include a direct binding of NH3 and the inhibition of urease activity. The present study evaluated the effects of two commercial PFAs on growth performance and emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide compared to a control. The two commercial PFAs contained either essential oils or a mixture of essential oils and dried herbs and spices. In addition, both PFAs delivered the same amount of Quillaja saponaria saponins to the final feed. The diets were fed to a total of 81 castrated male growing-finishing pigs (45–114 kg body weight) that were kept in nine gas-tight sealed chambers, each with three pens (three pigs per pen). The whole experiment lasted 72 days. Pigs were individually weighted and the feed consumption of pigs was recorded per pen at day 0, 24 and 72 of the experiment. From day 24 to day 72 emission measurement took place.
The inclusion of the PFAs significantly improved average daily feed intake and average daily gain of pigs over the whole trial period compared to the negative control. Pigs that were fed with the PFAs had 3.6% higher final body weight compared to the negative control. The inclusion of the PFAs reduced ammonia emissions per animal per day as well as per kg body weight gain of pigs on average by 21% and 26%, respectively, and tended to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per kg body weight gain by 9% compared to the negative control. In summary, it might be speculated that the observed increase in feed intake and consequently higher growth was mediated via flavoring properties of the PFAs, irrespective of differences in composition. The reduction of ammonia emissions may be explained by the inclusion of the quillaja saponins in the PFAs.
It can be concluded that the tested PFAs have a potential as performance enhancers and are useful tools to reduce ammonia emissions from pig barns.
Bartoš, P., Dolan, A., Smutný, L., Šístková, M., Celjak, I., Šoch, M., & Havelka, Z. (2016). Effects of phytogenic feed additives on growth performance and on ammonia and greenhouse gases emissions in growing-finishing pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 212, 143-148. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2015.11.003
