The use of condensed whey as a food for fattening pigs

Abstract

A trial with fattening pigs is reported concerning the feeding value of condensed whey (60% D.M. content) when fed in conjunction with different fixed quantities of meal. The results of a preliminary trial indicated that it was unnecessary to dilute condensed whey before feeding when drinking water was provided. In a subsequent trial, three rations containing fixed daily meal allowances of 2 lb, 1 lb, and 1/2 lb plus condensed whey were compared with an all-meal ration over the live-weight range 53-110 lb. For the overall trial period condensed whey constituted 40%, 69%, and 82% of total D.M. intake respectively of the groups receiving 2 lb, 1 lb, and lb meal daily. No scouring occurred on any treatment. Relative to that of the control group, growth rates of the whey groups arranged in descending order of meal allowances were 99%, 80%, and 72% respectively. The corresponding figures for efficiency of food utilisation were 94%, 79%, and 72%. In respect of both growth rate and food economy, the all-meal and 2 lb meal rations were significantly superior to the two lower meal levels (P < .01). Although comparing unfavourably with the all-meal group, condensed whey supplemented with only 1/2 lb meal daily permitted a weekly gain of 6.1 lb, which is very satisfactory by New Zealand standards for fresh whey feeding. Estimates of the amount of condensed whey required to replace 1 lb barley meal varied from 1.5 lb to approximately 2 lb, depending on the level of supplemental meal. The economics of whey concentration under New Zealand conditions are discussed briefly in relation to these results.