<b>Methods of feces collection and mineral balance of pigs fed diets supplemented or not with probiotic</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i4.999

Abstract

Two metabolism assays were conducted, with eight growing castrated male crossbred pigs in each assay. In the first assay, the levels of DM, CP, GE, EE, MM and NDF were compared in feces, collected through two different methods: directly from the animal’s rectum or from a collection tray, collected simultaneously from each pig. The second assay evaluated the animals’ mineral balance. For this study, the animals were submitted to two treatments: T₁ - basal feed and T₂ - basal feed + 200ppm of probiotic. The nutrients levels were similar in the feces collected through both methods, with the exception of DM. There was no observable difference (p > 0.05) in mineral balance between the animals fed diets containing or not probiotic. Both collection methods can be undertaken simultaneously in mineral balance assays.