The effects of calcium benzoate in diets with or without organic acids on dietary buffering capacity, apparent digestibility, retention of nutrients,and manure characteristics in swine

Eight barrows (Yorkshire x [Finnish Landrace x Dutch Landrace]), initially 30 kg BW, were fitted with ileal cannulas to evaluate the effects of supple menting Ca benzoate (2.4%) and organic acids (OA) in the amount of 300 mEq acid/kg feed on dietary buffering capacity (BC), apparent digestibility and retention of nutrients, and manure characteristics. Swine were allotted in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments according to a cyclic (8 x 5) changeover design. Two tapioca-corn-soybean meal-based diets were formulate d without and with acidogenic Ca benzoate. Each diet was fed in combination with OA (none, formic, fumaric, or n-butyric acid). Daily rations were equ al to 2.8 x maintenance requirement (418 kJ ME/BW.75) and were given in two portions. Chromic oxide (.25 g/kg) was used as a marker. On average, Ca be nzoate lowered BC by 54 mEq/kg feed. This salt enhanced (P < .05) the ileal digestibility (ID) of DM, OM, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine , alanine, aspartic acid, and tyrosine (by up to 2.4 percentage units). Als o, the total tract digestibility (TD) of DM, ash, Ca and GE, and Ca retenti on (percentage of intake) was greater (P < .05) in swine fed Ca benzoate, w hereas N retention remained unaffected. Addition of all OA (formic and n-bu tyric acid, in particular) exerted a positive effect (P < .05) on the ID of amino acids (except for arginine, methionine, and cysteine). A similar eff ect (P < .05) was found for the TD of DM, OM, CP, Ca and total P and for th e retention of N and Ca. In swine fed Ca benzoate, urinary pH decreased by 1.6 units (P < .001). In conclusion, dietary OA have a beneficial effect on the apparent ileal/total tract nutrient digestibilities, and Ca benzoate i ncreased urine acidity, which could be effective against a rapid ammonia em mission from manure of swine.