Análisis del tamaño de partícula y determinación de la digestibilidad in vitro de dietas para cerdas gestantes y lactantes

Abstract

Particle size and dry matter digestibility directly influence digestive efficiency and fermentative processes in diets formulated for sows at different physiological stages. The objective of this study was to evaluate particle size and in vitro dry matter digestibility of diets for gestating and lactating sows. The study was conducted under in vitro conditions. Diets formulated for gestating and lactating sows were evaluated, using a finishing pig diet as a comparative reference. Particle size distribution was determined by vibratory sieving. In vitro dry matter digestibility was assessed at both ileal and total levels. Additionally, cecal fermentation was simulated using an in vitro gas production system. The diets showed differences in particle size distribution. In vitro ileal dry matter digestibility was 58% in the gestation and finishing diets and 54% in the lactation diet, whereas total dry matter digestibility reached values of 65% and 73% for the gestation and lactation, respectively. Ileal pH remained close to 7 across all diets, while fecal pH ranged from 6 to 7. Potential gas production was 153 mL and 197 mL for the gestation and lactation, respectively, with lag times of 1.05 h and 0.92 h. Effective dry matter degradability at a passage rate of 6% showed similar values among diets, ranging from 42 to 43%. In conclusion, the evaluated diets exhibited physical and fermentative differences associated with their formulation while maintaining comparable in vitro dry matter digestibility values, suggesting adequate nutrient availability for gestating and lactating sows under controlled fermentation conditions.