The Thiamine Requirement of the Baby Pig

Abstract

Fifty-five baby pigs were used in a triplicated experiment to determine the thiamine requirement. Following a depletionadjustment period on a thiamine-free, synthetic-milk diet, the pigs were individually fed diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg of thiamine per kilogram of solids. Data on individual growth response and dietary intake are presented. Analysis of the data indicates that the minimum thiamine requirement of the baby pig for optimum growth and feed efficiency approximates 1.5 mg per kilogram of dietary solids (10% fat) intake. External, gross and microscopic lesions were present in all pigs receiving less than 1.0 mg per kilogram of solids. Blood thiamine levels were positively related to dietary thiamine intake. Good gaining ability was rapidly restored to deficient animals which received thiamine injections.