Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of total or partial replacement of animal and fish proteins with a fortified protein blend (PROPLEX MVP) on growth performance of nursery piglets. PROPLEX MVP is a blend of two distinct fermentation biomass streams, refined soybean products, select amino acids, and a NSP enzyme complex. A total of 306 barrows and gilts [(Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire), avg. 22 d age and BW 6.37 ± 1.24 kg)] were used in a randomized complete block design with three dietary treatments, each with 19 replicates (pens) of 5 piglets. Dietary treatments were: 1) Control diet (CONT) with animal and fish protein sources (Blood meal, Spray-dried Plasma, and Fish meal); 2) PROPLEX MVP (MVP): CONT with MVP replacing Fish meal; 3) PROPLEX MVP 100 (MVP100): CONT with MVP replacing 100% of animal and fish proteins. Pigs were fed a budgeted amount per head of the assigned experimental diets for the first three feeding phases (Phase 1: 2.3 kg/pig; Phase 2: 4.5 kg/pig; Phase 3: 6.8 kg/pig). A common diet was provided in Phase 4 until day 42 post-weaning. Pigs fed CONT had greater ADG (P < 0.05) compared to MVP100 pigs d 0-7 post-weaning. From d 7 to 14, pigs fed MVP and MVP100 had a significantly greater ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) than pigs fed CONT diet. For the remainder of the experimental period (d 14 to 42), no differences (P > 0.10) were observed among treatments. The use of MVP100 reduced (P < 0.05) the total nursery feed cost by US $1.03/pig and feed cost/kg of weight gain by 12%. In conclusion, MVP protein blend can effectively substitute for animal and fish proteins sources without compromising overall nursery pigs’ growth performance and results in significant feed cost savings.