Department of Animal Science

 

Date of this Version

January 2003

Comments

Published in 2003 Nebraska Swine Report, compiled by Duane Reese, Extension Swine Specialist, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Published by Cooperative Extension Division, Agricultural Research Division, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to assess the responsiveness of weanling pigs to an antibiotic-like compound (Mecadox®) and vitamin B12. Pigs (initial weight 11.3 lb) were fed one of four diets for a total of 35 days: 1) Negative control, common nursery diet with no added Mecadox® or vitamin12; 2) Mecadox®, common nursery diet with 50 g/ton added Mecadox®; 3)B12 common nursery diet with 36.28 µg/lb added vitamin B12. Pig weights and feed disappearance were measured weekly to determine average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (ADG/ADFI). Pigs were visually scored to assess any potential vitamin B12 deficiencies on d 14, 21, 28, and 35. No Mecadox® x vitamin B12 interactions were observed. During Phase I, pigs fed Mecadox® had greater (P<0.02) ADG and a greater ADFI (P<0.003) compared to pigs not fed Mecadox®. During Phase II and overall, pigs fed vitamin B12 had a greater ADG (P<0.003), ADFI (P<0.04), and improved feed efficiency (P<0.02 and P<0.03, respectively) compared to pigs not fed diets containing B12. During Phase II, pigs fed Mecadox® had a greater ADFI (P<0.02) compared to pigs not fed Mecadox®. For the overall experimental period, pigs fed Mecadox® had a greater (P<0.02) ADG and ADFI (P<0.04) versus pigs which were not fed Mecadox®. During Phase II and the overall experimental period, pigs fed Mecadox® had lower feed efficiencies (P<0.02 and P<0.04, respectively) than those not fed diets containing supplemental Mecadox®. There were no differences among groups for visual assessment of B-vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin B12 may be a partial alternative to Mecadox® for 22- to 44-lb pigs. The vitamin B12 requirement of the 22- to 44-lb pig may be greater than the current NRC requirement recommendation.

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