Digestibility of Rations Containing Different Sources of Supplementary Protein by Young Pigs

The apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein, ether extract and energy was determined with young pigs fed rations containing either soybean meal, peanut meal, fish meal or dried skim milk as the source of supplementary protein. Digestibility determinations were preformed during the time when the pigs were 3–4, 5–6 and 7–8 weeks of age. Digestibility of all ration fractions studied remained relatively constant throughout the three periods when peanut meal supplied the protein. With the other protein sources, maximum digestion occured during the 7th–8th week. During the first two periods, digestibility of all fractions except ether extract was higher with the dried skim milk ration than either the soybean or fish meal rations; ether extract digestibility during these periods was similar for the milk and fish meal rations. No significant differences in nutrient digestibility among protein sources were observed when the pigs were 7–8 weeks of age.