Juice from silage in green bio refineries–a potential feed ingredient in liquid diets to weaned pigs

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate silage juice from green bio refineries in liquid diets to pigs and its’ effect on growth, cleanliness and health. Ninety-six (L × Y) × H organically raised pigs were fed either a control diet (C-diet) or a silage feed juice diet (SFJ-diet). The C-diet consisted of a commercial feed mixed with water prior to feeding. The SFJ-diet consisted of a lower ration of commercial feed mixed with silage feed juice (SFJ) instead of water, theoretically replacing 10% of the dietary crude protein content. All pigs consumed the juice and grew similarly, on average 0.48 kg/day. SFJ pigs were significantly dirtier on their back and head than C pigs (P < 0.001 for all), but cleanliness in the rectum area and in the pen did not differ. Silage juice had only minor effects on hygienic measures and could be a potential local feed ingredient to pigs.