Feeding value of an enzymatically digested protein for early-weaned pigs

Weanling pigs were used in a series of studies to determine the feeding val ue of an enzymatically digested protein product developed from a blend of s wine and poultry abattoir by-products. The initial study used 156 pigs wean ed at approximately 22 d of age to compare the product with menhaden fish m eal in Phase II diets. The product supported equal growth rate, and there w as no preference for diet exhibited based on inclusion level of the enzymat ically digested protein product. The second study used 100 pigs weaned at a pproximately 21 d of age to compare the product with spray-dried animal blo od cells in Phase II diets. The product supported a growth rate equal to th at with the blood cells, and the combination of products enhanced growth ra te (P <.05). The third study used 265 pigs to compare the product with spra y-dried porcine plasma in a slope ratio growth assay. Results demonstrated a relative feeding value of 91% for the product over a 4-wk feeding period. The fourth study used 290 pigs to compare the product with spray-dried por cine plasma in Phase II diets; results demonstrated comparable growth perfo rmance. The final study used 180 pigs to compare the product with spray-dri ed porcine plasma in Phase I diets; results demonstrated comparable growth performance. These data indicate that the enzymatically digested abattoir b y-product is a high-quality protein source for weanling pigs.