Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs Fed Diets Containing Yeast-Based High Protein DDGS as Alternative to Commonly Used Protein Sources in Nursery Diets

Abstract High protein yeast-based DDGS (HP-GDDY) products have similar amino acid and energy digestibility compared with the main ingredients used in commercial pig diets and could potentially be included as an alternative protein source in nursery diets. This study observed the effects of including HP-GDDY as alternative protein resource in nursery diets on growth performance of weaned pigs. A total of 594 weaned pigs were allotted to pens in a randomized complete block design at the SDSU Swine Research and Education Facility. Pens were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: Diet 1 (Control): a corn-SBM basal diet; Diet 2: diet 1 replacing 75% of SBM by GDDY; Diet 3: diet 1 without Fishmeal and HP300 + GDDY inclusion; Diet 4: diet 1 replacing 50% of SBM, Fishmeal, and HP300 by DDGY. Experimental diets were formulated (NRC, 2012) in meal form through 4 phases during the nursery period. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain:feed ratio (G:F) was determined on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 53. During first 14 d, dietary treatments had no significant effects (P < 0.05) on BW, ADG, and ADFI. From d 14 to d 53, the ADG and ADFI was greater (P < 0.05) in pigs from Diet 1 in comparison with those from Diet 2 and 4 but it was similar to pigs fed Diet 3. These data support the idea that weaned pigs fed diets containing HP-DDGY have similar performance in comparison with pigs fed regular commercial diets during the first 2 weeks post-weaning. However, it is necessary to adjust inclusion levels for the late nursery period, where performance can be compromised when inclusion levels exceed 20%. Overall, HP-GDDY is a valuable feedstuff to be included in nursery pig diets, especially during the first couple weeks after weaning.