Effect of micronization of peas and enzyme supplementation on nutrient excretion and manure volume in growing pigs

Zhang, Z., Nyachoti, C. M., Arntfield, S., Guenter, W. and Cenkowski, S. 2003. Effect of micronization of peas and enzyme supplementation on nutrient excretion and manure volume in growing pigs. Can. J. Anim Sci. 83: 749-754. The effect of micronization of peas and enzyme supplementation on performance, nitrogen and phosphorus excretion as well as manure output was investigated in a study with 12 Cotswold gilts (26.9 +- 3.6 kg initial body weight). Three diets based on barley-raw peas (control), barley-micronized peas, or barley-micronized peas plus a multi-enzyme blend were used. The study was conducted in two blocks and within a block; each diet was randomly assigned to four pigs to give a total of eight observations per diet. Pigs fed micronized peas and micronized peas plus enzyme diets had higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion than the control. Compared with the control, micronization of peas reduced (P < 0.05) wet and dry fecal output by 33 and 25%, respectively. Urine volume was not influenced (P > 0.05) by dietary treatment. Total fecal phosphorus excretion was lower (P < 0.001) in gilts fed the micronized peas or micronized peas plus enzyme diets compared with the control. Micronization of peas reduced (P < 0.05) total nitrogen excretion in pig manure by 21.5% (17.39 vs. 13.65 g d^-1). In conclusion, formulating pig grower diets with micronized peas improves nitrogen and phosphorus utilization and reduces total manure volume.