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Effects of Nitrates and Nitrites in Feed on the Utilization of Carotene in Swine¹

University of Kentucky, Lexington

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of adding nitrate (KNO₃) and nitrite (KNO₂) to the diets of pigs on the utilization of dietary carotene. Feeding of 3% NO₃ (from KNO₃) significantly (P<.01) depressed gains. However, a reduction in average daily feed consumption was only observed in pigs receiving 3% NO₃ supplemented with beta-carotene. No adverse effects of the nitrate treatments were observed on liver vitamin A stores, serum vitamin A values or methemoglobin levels. Serum vitamin A values were significantly (P<.01) reduced when 0.3% NO₂ was included in the diet, regardless of the source of supplemental vitamin A fed. Adding potassium nitrite to the diet gave measurable increases in methemoglobin at the higher levels of nitrite. A definite trend toward a decrease in liver vitamin A stores was observed when the nitrite level in the diet increased. However, none of the nitrite treatments significantly reduced liver vitamin A stores of the pigs. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values remained relatively constant throughout both experiments.

¹ The investigation reported in this paper (No. 67-5-25) is in connection with a project of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and is published with approval of the Director.