Effect of supplementation of methionine chelated trace minerals on growth, nutrient utilization and blood profiles in crossbred (Hampshire X Ghungroo) finisher pigs

Abstract

The study was conducted to find out the effect of supplementation of chelated and non-chelated trace minerals on performance of crossbred finisher pigs for a period of 171 days. Eighteen crossbred (Hampshire x Ghungroo) finisher pigs (about 5 months old, 38.5 + 0.27 to 39.7+0.12 kg BW) of either sex were divided into three groups of six each in a randomized block design. Methionine chelated trace mineral mixture was supplemented to the basal diet @ 0 level, low level (Cu-M: 6 ppm, Zn-M: 46 ppm, Co-M: 1.6 ppm, Fe-M: 75 ppm) and high level (Cu-M: 9 ppm, Zn-M: 70 ppm, Co-M: 3.5 ppm, Fe-M: 90 ppm) and designated as Tt T2 and T3 groups, respectively. Dry matter intake (kg/d) was 1.467+0.07, 1.384+0.109 and 1.324 + 0.159, respectively, in Tt, T2 and T3 groups. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber were increased non significantly in chelated trace mineral supplemented groups, while nitrogen free extracts did not follow any pattern. There was no significant difference on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio among the groups. The cost (Rs/kg gain) of production per kg live weight was reduced non significantly by Rs.8.2 and Rs.14.5 in T2 and T3 groups in comparison to control group. The WBC, granulocyte and monocytes levels increased (P<0.05) in supplemented groups. It is concluded that supplementation of chelated trace minerals namely Cu-methinonine, Zn-methionine, Co-methionine and Fe-methionine at 9, 70, 3.5 and 90 ppm beneficially effect the production performances in finisher crossbred (Hampshire x Ghungroo) pigs.