Influence of benzoic acid in high fibre diets on nutrient digestibility and VFA production in growing/finishing pigs

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• pigs
• dietary carbohydrate
• fibre content
• digestibility
• volatile fatty acids
• benzoic acid

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Mr Leuenberger and all the caretakers of the research station “Chamau”, where the pigs were kept. This study was financially supported by DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Basel.