Effect of Diet Form and Emulsifying Agents on Fat Utilization by Young Pigs

Three experiments involving 212 pigs were conducted to study the effect of emulsifying agents, physical form of the diet and nutrient intake on fat utilization. In general, addition of fat to the diet decreased rate of gain and increased the feed or energy required per unit of gain. Addition of emulsifying agents did not improve fat utilization. Digestibility of fat increased from 25 to 43 days of age but the difference was not statistically significant. Although weight gain and feed efficiency were improved with liquid diets, incorporation of fat into a liquid diet did not improve fat utilization. Equalizing nutrient intake, other than energy intake, demonstrated that protein and other nutrient intake were not limiting efficient utilization of fat.