Valorization of palm kernel fibre in the diet of weaned piglets in Bénin

Abstract

Fibres are recognised for their nutritional value and beneficial effects on intestinal health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of palm kernel fibre (PKF) in the diet of weaned piglets. Forty-eight hybrid piglets aged 42 to 63 days, including 24 females and 24 males, were divided into four dietary treatments of 12 animals per treatment, with three replicates of four piglets per replicate. The animals in each treatment group were fed ad libitum with a control diet (0% PF) and three experimental diets containing 5%, 10% and 15% PF, respectively. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using R software version 3.6.2 (R Core Team, 2019). The results showed that feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost were significantly (P < 0.05) different in favour to T10 (10%PF). Live body weight and weight gain were similar in all treatments, but piglets in the T10 had the highest live body weight and weight gain. Palm kernel fibre can therefore be used in growing pig feed at 10%. The use of palm kernel fibre can be a suitable bio-economic and environmental strategy to balance fibre types and support the health of the piglets' maturing digestive system.