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Report no. 724Christian Fink Hansen Anette Schäefer 14.12.2005
Influence of inulin in feed on odour and ammonia emissions from finishers
Abstract
The hypothesis was that increased fibre content in the feed would increase the microbial activity in the pig’s caecum and large intestine, and thereby affect the concentration of chemical substances that contribute to odour from pig facilities. The trial comprised two groups:
The trial was conducted in a climate laboratory consisting of three identical housing sections with three pens each. Twelve pigs were transferred to each pen, totalling 36 pigs per section and 108 pigs per trial round. Pigs were transferred over two times, ie. the trial included a total of 216 pigs. After each transfer of pigs, the pigs in one of the sections were given control feed and the pigs in the two remaining sections were given feed to which inulin was added. The pigs’ start weight averaged 58.7 kg and their finish weight averaged 109.5 kg. pH in the slurry decreased significantly the deeper down in the slurry measurements were made. pH measured in the slurry under the drained floor in the lying area was significantly lower than pH measured in the slurry under the dunging area. Under the dunging area, pH was furthermore significantly lower among the pigs given feed including inulin. However, pH measured in the slurry under the lying area was unaffected by the type of feed given to the pigs. The ammonia concentration measured in the ventilation funnel and the ammonia emission were significantly lower (33% and 34%, respectively) from the housing sections where the pigs had been given feed containing inulin. However, the odour concentration measured in the ventilation funnel and the odour emission were unaffected by the type of feed given to the pigs. Feeding with inulin did, however, cause changes in the concentration of the chemical substances that were discharged. Currently, it is not economically realistic to add inulin to pig feed due to the high price (DKK 16.80/kg). |
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