Influence of benzoic acid in high fibre diets on nutrient digestibility and VFA production in growing/finishing pigs.
In a feeding trial with 32 crossbred gilts (13-108 kg bodyweight) the effect of benzoic acid (5 g/kg diet) in low (NDF: 150 g/kg DM) and high (NDF: 202 g/kg DM) fibre diets on performance and apparent nutrient digestibility was examined. The animals were restrictively fed one of four grower and finisher diets: low fibre diet without and with benzoic acid (LF- and LF+), and a high fibre diet without and with benzoic acid (HF- and HF+). At 56 kg bodyweight, four animals per diet were slaughtered to obtain data on volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in the gut. In the grower period, digestibility of nitrogen, energy and neutral detergent fibre was positively influenced by benzoic acid (p < 0.01) and reduced by fibre addition (p < 0.01). The concentration of butyric acid in caecum and colon was increased by benzoic acid (p < 0.05). Dietary fibre content did not influence VFA concentrations. It is concluded that the addition of benzoic acid helped animals to utilise high fibre diets better.
Bühler
Kathrin
K
Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Institute of Animal Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland. kathrin.buehler@inw.agrl.ethz.ch
Bucher
Benjamin
B
Wenk
Caspar
C
Broz
Jiri
J
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D019817:Benzoic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004063:Digestion; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000378:metabolism*; D006109:Poaceae; D012820:Silage; D013552:Swine / Q000254:growth & development*; D003313:Zea mays
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile; D019817:Benzoic Acid