PSVI-13 Sequential feeding with diets varying in amino acid content improves body composition in growing-finishing pigs

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of conventional (CONV) and sequential feeding (SEQ) programs with diets varying in amino acid content over the day on body composition in growing-finishing pig. Sixty-eight 25-kg (±2.04) BW barrows were assigned to the following feeding programs: 1) CONV in which pigs received 100% of standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA recommendations for the entire day; 2) SEQ providing 80% SID AA recommendations from 2400 to 1159 h and 120% from 1200 to 2359 h (SEQ80-120); 3) SEQ providing 70% SID AA recommendations from 2400 to 1159 h and 130% from 1200 to 2359 h (SEQ70-130); and 4) SEQ providing 60% SID AA recommendations from 2400 to 1159 h and 140% from 1200 to 2359 h (SEQ60-140). The experimental period lasted 82 days. At days 0, 28, 54 and 82 body lean mass, fat and minerals were measured using a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Pigs fed SEQ80-120 had body composition variables similar to CONV pigs (P >0.05). Whereas, pigs fed SEQ70-130 had greater (P< 0.05) body fat mass (5.27 vs 4.48 kg), bone mineral content (0.656 vs 0.605 kg), fat mass gain (0.100 vs 0.073 kg/d) and bone mineral gain (6.92 vs 5.16 g/d) than CONV pigs during phase 1. Still during phase 1, SEQ60-140 fed pigs had greater (P< 0.05) bone mineral content (0.655 vs 0.605 kg), lean mass gain (0.436 vs 0.374 kg/d) and bone mineral gain (7.48 vs 5.16 g/d) than CONV pigs. During phase 3, bone mineral content was higher (P< 0.05) for SEQ70-130 than CONV (1.408 vs 1.269 kg). During the entire experimental period, body composition variables were not affected by SEQ (P >0.05). According to our results, sequential feeding program improves body composition of pigs at the beginning of the growth period.