β-GALACTOMANNANASE SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVES PROTEIN DIGESTIBILITY AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN GROWING PIGS FED DIETS CONTAINING HIGH LEVELS OF COPRA MEAL

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of β-galactomannanase supplementation of diets containing high levels of copra meal on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of growing pigs. A total of 120 pigs (Landrace X Large White X Duroc crossbreds; initial BW: 49 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments following a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The factors were level of copra meal (20 and 25%) and β-galactomannanase supplementation. A commercial enzyme preparation containing β-galactomannanase with a minimum activity of 1000 units/g was added at the recommended inclusion rate of 5 g/kg of copra meal incorporated in the diet. Two weeks after the start of the experiment, 4 pigs from each treatment were randomly selected and were used in the digestibility trial. There were no copra meal level × enzyme interaction observed for all the parameters measured in the study. Apparent total tract digestibility (% ATTD) of DM, crude fiber, ether extract, and GE were not affected by copra meal level and β-galactomannanase supplementation. However, increasing copra meal level in the diet reduced (P<0.05) the ATTD of CP. The addition of β-galactomannanase to the diet increased (P<0.05) ATTD of CP. Increasing the copra meal level in the diet did not affect growth performance; however, ADG and F:G of growing pigs were improved (P<0.05) by β- galactomannanase supplementation. In conclusion, the inclusion of copra meal can be raised up to 25% in growing pig diets, provided that diets are supplemented with β-galactomannanase.