title: Fiber source and inclusion level affects characteristics of excreta from growing pigs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the study was to determine the influence of varying fibrous diets on fecal characteristics of growing pigs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 104 pigs (initial weight 18±2.0 kg) were used in the study. They were housed in individual pens and fed on diets containing maize cob, grass hay, lucerne hay, maize stover, and sunflower husk. These fibers were included at 0, 80, 160, 240, 320 and 400 g/kg. Fecal and urine samples were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fecal output was largest amongst pigs fed on diets containing grass hay and maize stover (p<0.05). Nitrogen content was highest in feces from pigs fed on sunflower husk (p< 0.05). Pigs fed on diets containing maize stover and maize cobs produced the largest concentrations of short chain fatty acids. Acetate concentration was high in feces of pigs fed maize stover than those fed grass hay and lucerne hay (p<0.05). As the level of fiber inclusion increased, fecal consistency and nitrogen content increased linearly (p<0.05). Urea nitrogen decreased as the inclusion level increased across all the fibers (p<0.05), with maize cobs containing the largest content of urea nitrogen. As dietary fiber content increased, fecal nitrogen content also increased (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was concluded that different fiber sources influence fecal characteristics, thereby having different implications on pig waste management. It is vital to monitor fiber inclusion thresholds so as to easily manage environmental pollutants such as butyrate that contribute to odors.
authors.affiliation: Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Conference Thando
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-4375-1600
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Mpendulo
authors.affiliation: Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-3244-0444
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chimonyo
authors.affiliation: Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Saymore Petros
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Ndou
authors.affiliation: Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Archibold Garikayi
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Bakare
keywords: Dietary Fiber; Fecal Nitrogen; Pig Excreta