The utilization of wet feed by bacon pigs with special reference to pipe-line feeding

Abstract

SUMMARY: Experiments wore carried out to compare wet and dry feeding for bacon pigs and to study the effect of temperature of feed on the utilization of wet feed. There was no significant difference in growth rate between wet and dry feeding; food conversion ratios tended to be lower on wet feeding and were significantly lower in one experiment. There were no significant differences in growth rate or food conversion between wet feed given at 5 °C, 13 °C or 35 °C. None of the treatments had any significant effect on carcass characteristics. Nitrogen balance and digestibility studies confirmed the results of the production trials. There were no significant differences in the digestibility of dry matter or nitrogen between wet and dry feeding or between extreme temperatures of the feed.