Effects of liquid whey supplement on the productivity of pigs in a commercial pig farm

Abstract

The productivity of pigs given commercial formula feed supplemented with liquid whey, which was discharged from a dairy factory, was examined. A total of 66 weaned piglets from 9 litters were divided into the group of pigs given commercial formula feed supplemented with liquid whey (Whey) and the group given commercial formula feed alone (CN), considering possible hereditary interference. A total of 267 L of liquid whey was given per animal. Body weight was measured periodically. The blood sample was taken to compare innate immune function between the Whey group and CN group immediately before shipment of pigs. Mean body weight at ages of 65 days and 173 days was significantly higher in the Whey group than in the CN group (P < 0.05). Daily weight gain was significantly higher in the Whey group at ages from 29 to 65 days (P < 0.01) and from 105 to 173 days (P < 0.05), as compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in carcass traits of meat quality or innate immune function between the Whey group and the CN group. These results showed that liquid whey supplement allows acceleration of age at slaughter without affecting carcass traits or meat quality and is useful in improving the productivity of pigs.