Comparison of low-glycoalkaloid potato protein and fish meal as protein sources for weaner piglets

Abstract

A total of 32 weaner piglets (Landrace×Yorkshire) with an average initial body weight of 9.6±1.2 kg, and 29.8±2.7 days of age, were used in a 28-day growth assay to compare low-glycoalkaloid potato protein with fish meal as the main protein source. The piglets were housed pair-wise in pens and were fed semi-ad libitum. During feeding the piglets were separated allowing individual feeding within the pen. Four diets were tested with varying proportions of a high quality fish meal (F) and low-glycoalkaloid potato protein (P): diet A (10% F); diet B (5% F and 5% P); diet C (2.5% F and 7.5% P) and diet D (10% P). On average, in weeks 1–4, the piglets on diets C and D had higher feed intakes (17%; P<0.01) and daily weight gains (18%; P<0.05) than the piglets on diets A and B. There was no effect of diet (P>0.05) on feed conversion. It can be concluded from the present study that low-glycoalkaloid potato protein can completely replace high quality fish meal in diets for weaner pigs. The improved feed intake and daily gain with increasing inclusion suggests that low-glycoalkaloid potato protein may be superior to fish meal as a protein source for weaner pigs.

Keywords:

• feed intake
• performance
• protein feed
• weaner piglets

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Avebe, The Netherlands, for providing the potato protein used in the study and for financial support. The authors wish also to thank Dr. Sigvard Thomke for constructive criticism of the manuscript.

Notes

Pedersen, C. and Lindberg, J.E. (Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7024, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden). Comparison of low-glycoalkaloid potato protein and fish meal as protein sources for weaner piglets.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

C. Pedersen

Pedersen, C. and Lindberg, J.E. (Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7024, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden). Comparison of low-glycoalkaloid potato protein and fish meal as protein sources for weaner piglets.