Etude préliminaire d'une lignocellulose transformée thermo-mécaniquement incorporée dans l’aliment destiné aux porcelets sevrés

Preliminary study of a thermomechanically processed lignocellulose incorporated into a weaned piglet feed The first weeks after weaning are intensively stressful for the piglets. Therefore this period is crucial in pig production. Many fibre sources can help the adaptation of piglets at weaning, improving the growth, physiology and gut mucosal function and integrity. In this preliminary study the effects of an insoluble lignocellulose (Arbocel® RC Fine) on growth performance and diarrhoea incidence in weaned piglets were evaluated. A total of 108 crossbred Duroc x (Large White x Landrace) piglets weaned at 30 days of age were divided in two groups. From day 0 to day 21 after weaning, piglets were fed with a standard diet (CONTROL group) or supplemented diet with 1% of lignocellulose (CFC group). From 52 days of age to the end of the experimental period (64 days of age), the same standard diet was fed to both groups. From 31 to 52 days, CFC group showed a higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.01), average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.01) and feed efficiency (P < 0.01) compared to the CONTROL diet. The CFC diet increased the overall ADG (347 vs. 275 g/j, P < 0.01), final body weight (19.4 vs. 17.3 kg, P < 0.01) and the overall feed efficiency (P < 0.01). These findings show that the CFC addition in piglet diet can counteract the low feed intake that occurs in the immediate post weaning period and allow to enhance growth performance in piglets.