0
To achieve the objective ten crossbred barrows (50 kg weight) were studied for two experimental periods and each period were fed one of the two experimental diets, in a change-over design. Experimental treatments consisted in a synchronous supply of protein and starch (SYN), or an asynchronous supply of protein and starch (ASYN), being the daily supply of nutrients and ingredients similar between the two experimental treatments. The pigs assigned to SYN received the same diet two times a day (8h and 16h), while those assigned to ASYN treatment received 95% of the daily protein and 0% of the daily starch at 8h and 5% of daily protein and 100% of daily starch at 16h. During the experimental period, it was measured the average feed intake, and the average gain. Faecal apparent digestibility of dietary components was studied, and nitrogen and energy balances were carried out. Also, the nutrient utilization was studied by controlling the gas exchange.
Average feed intake and average gain were not different between the treatments. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and energy was lower in ASYN treatment compared to SYN treatment, due to the increased digestibility of non-starch polysaccharides in the SYN treatment. The nitrogen retention and the efficiency of utilisation of digestible protein for protein gain were lower for ASYN than for SYN. Respiratory quotients obtained showed that animals fed in the ASYN treatment had a higher oxidation of fat and aminoacids, specially after the morning meal, due to the lack of glucose. Heat production was higher in the ASYN diet, indicating that a substantial part of the increased quantity of amino acids was oxidised.
Van den Borne, J. J. G. C., Schrama, J. W., Heetkamp, M. J. W., Verstegen, M. W. A., Gerrits, W. J. J. (2007) Animal 1: 666-674
