Substituição do milho seco por silagem de grão de milho sob diferentes formas de reidratação em dietas para leitões na fase de creche

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the performance and economic viability of completely replacing dry corn with rehydrated corn silage in the feeding of piglets during the nursery phase. Thirty-two weaned piglets, with an average age of 21 days, were used, distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments: feed with ground corn (MIGM); feed with rehydrated corn silage with water (SGRA); feed with rehydrated corn silage with whey (SGRS); and feed with rehydrated corn silage with forage palm (SGRP). Daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and the occurrence of diarrhea were evaluated during the periods of 21 to 34; 21 to 47; and 21 to 62 days of age. Between 21 and 34 days of age, animals fed a diet containing rehydrated corn silage with whey showed similar daily feed intake and daily weight gain, and better feed conversion compared to animals fed a diet with ground corn. However, between 21 and 47 and 21 and 62 days of age, animals fed a diet containing ground corn showed higher feed intake and daily weight gain compared to the other treatments. The occurrence of diarrhea did not differ between treatments in any of the evaluated periods. In the period from 21 to 34 days of age, no differences were observed in the cost per kilogram of weight gain among the treatments, whereas in the subsequent periods, piglets fed diets containing ground corn grain showed a lower cost per kilogram of weight gain, statistically differing from the other treatments. It is concluded that the total replacement of dry ground corn with rehydrated corn grain silage using water, whey, or forage cactus is not recommended for piglets during the nursery phase.