Effect of peptide addition to milk replacer on weight performance and blood conditions of colostrum-free piglets by artificial nursing.

摘要

The effect of peptide (derived from cow milk casein) addition to milk substitutes on performance and blood parameters of colostrum-free piglets was examined from birth to 7 days of age. 11 piglets from 1 litter were divided into a control (n=5) anda test group (n=6). Both groups were offered milk substitutes 60 g (CP 28.7% as ADM (air-dried matter)) with 0 or 3.7% peptide (CP 86.8% as ADM) per head daily. The peptide used was derived from cow milk casein. Blood samples were taken at birth, 12, 24and 72 h, and 7 days of age. Serum protein in both groups increased from birth to 72 h, and then decreased slightly. Serum albumin increased linearly in the peptide-supplemented group as time progressed and was higher than that of the control group at 24and 72 h after birth (P<0.05). Body weights of control and peptide-supplemented groups increased from 1.25 and 1.24 kg at birth to 1.82 and 1.96 kg at 1 week, respectively. Average daily gain (102 g) of the peptide-supplemented group was higher than that (81.4 g) of the control group (P<0.05). The results indicate that peptides are efficiently utilised for body protein synthesis and improve weight performance in colostrum-free, artificially nursed piglets.