Abstract

FARIAS, L.A. et al. Addition of water to rations for growing pigs. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2013, vol.62, n.239, pp.391-397. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922013000300007.

In order to evaluate the effects of adding water to mash diets on nutrients and energy digestibility, performance, water intake and quality of pig excrement at the growing phase, 12 barrows with initial weight of 44.0 ± 3.1 kg were used. For the digestibility trial, the animals were distributed into a randomized block design based on their weight. For the performance test, 18 barrows and 18 females with initial weight of 33.0 ± 3.5 kg were distributed into a completely randomized design. All animals were hybrids lineage Agroceres Pic. Treatment one consisted of a diet formulated to meet the animals' requirement. Treatments two and three consisted the following of water:feed ration (kg:kg) 1:1 and 2:1. There was no statistical difference among treatments for the coefficients of dry matter digestibility, gross energy, ether extract, calcium and phosphorus, and for the variables of performance, moisture, and fecal nitrogen and phosphorus. In absolute terms, the reduction of fresh water intake and of phosphorus excretion for animals receiving liquid diet is 17.81 % and 15.40 %, respectively. The addition of water to pig diets at growing phase does not influence the nutrients digestibility and the performance of the animals when they are fed twice a day.

Keywords : Digestibility; Performance; Ration; Waste.

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