The effect of dietary sodium humate supplementation on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

Abstract

A total of 16 crossbred (Large White × Landrace) castrated male pigs averaging 30.0 ± 2.5 kg were used in two trials (2 × 8 pigs) to determine apparent nutrient digestibility. The control group received feed mixture consisting of wheat and barley. In the experimental group, 3% proportion of wheat was replaced by sodium humate. The results of nutrient digestibility showed significantly lower (P < 0.01) digestibility of crude protein (82.2 ± 1.92 vs. 87.9 ± 2.05%) and crude fat (32.0 ± 2.81 vs. 49.3 ± 2.25%) in the control group compared to the experimental group. Nonsignificantly lower digestibility was found in dry matter (86.0 ± 3.20 vs. 89.2 ± 3.08%), crude fibre (34.3 ± 3.64 vs. 37.6 ± 2.86%) and ash (56.1 ± 2.49 vs. 58.1 ± 2.47%). The results confirmed sorption ability of humate fed to pigs. The decrease of coefficients of apparent digestibility in nitrogen substances can lead to decreased amounts of ammonia into the environment of the stables.