Gasol-treated barley for pigs

Authors

• Timo Alaviuhkola Agricultural Research Centre, Swine Research Station, SF-05840 HYVINKÄÄ 
• Matti Näsi University of Helsinki, Department of Animal Husbandry SF-00710 HELSINKI

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72210

Abstract

Moist barley (GB) preserved with Gasol additive (containing formaldehyde, acetic acid, isobutyric acid and lignosulphonates) was evaluated as pig feed. A digestibility trial was conducted as a 3 x 3 Latin square, in which dried barley (DB) was replaced with GB at two levels, 50 and 100 %. The performance and carcase properties were examined in a feeding trial with 48 growing pigs fed on either DB or GB supplemented with protein concentrate. Gasol barley showed no signs of deterioration during storage (DM 79 %, average application level 1.0 %). The lysine content was lower in GB than in DB, 2.3 vs. 3.9 g/16 g N and sulphuric amino acids and threonine were also lower. GB had lower digestibilities for OM, CP and NFE: 78.9, 68.8 and 86.9 % vs. 82.0, 75.6 and 88.6 in DB (P > 0.05). The amino acid digestibilities of the GB averaged 88 % of the values of the DB diet (P > 0.05). The estimated feed values for GB and DB were, respectively 1.05 and 1.09 FU/kg DM and 85 and 86 g DCP/FU. On the GB diet, the pigs gained significantly less (P < 0.01) than on the DB diet (589 vs. 703 g/d) and FCE was poorer, 3.46 vs. 2.89kg DM/kg gain (P < 0.01). The firmness of the fat and colour of the lean were inferior in the pigs fed on GB (P > 0.05). The results showed that Gasol is unsuitable for preserving grain intended for pig feed if the grain is uncontaminated, but moulded barley can be treated with Gasol to reduce the detrimental effects of the fungal toxins.