Effects of phytogenic feed additives on growth performance and on ammonia and greenhouse gases emissions in growing-finishing pigs

摘要

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two commercial phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on growth performance and emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide compared to an unsupplemented control. The two tested commercial PFAs contained either essential oils or a mixture of essential oils and dried herbs and spices. In addition, both PFAs delivered the same amount of Quillaja saponaria saponins to the final feed, although dosage of the products differed. The PFAs were included in cereal-based grower and finisher diets via premixes. For negative control diet a placebo premix was used. The diets were fed to a total of 81 castrated male growing-finishing pigs (45-114 kg body weight, 27 per treatment) that were kept in nine gas-tight sealed chambers, each with three pens with fully slatted floors (three pigs per pen). The whole experiment lasted 72 days. Pigs were individually weighted and the feed consumption of pigs was recorded per pen at day 0, 24 and 72 of the experiment. From day 24 to day 72 (48 days) emission measurement took place.