DIGESTIBILITY OF RYE AND ITS VALUE IN PELLETED RATIONS FOR PIGS

Abstract

Digestibility and N-retention were determined with eight barrows fed rye and barley in a crossover experiment. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility coefficients for rye were higher than those for barley, but differences in N-retention were negligible. The coefficients obtained by indirect measurement were higher than those determined directly. Seventy-two pigs were used in a factorial experiment to determine the effect on production of feeding two grades of rye at 0, 30 and 60% of pelleted and non-pelleted finisher rations. Weight gains by barrows compared with gilts were affected less by the addition of rye to the rations. The growth rate of gilts was reduced by the inclusion of 30% rye in non-pelleted but not in pelleted rations. The use of No. 2 grade rye appeared to have restricted rate of gain less than did No. 3 grade rye. The feeding value of rye was improved by pelleting, since the daily gain of 0.75 kg obtained by feeding a 30% rye, pelleted ration equalled that from pigs fed a 0% rye, non-pelleted ration.