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Effect of Particle Size and Physical Form of Sun-Cured Alfalfa on Digestibility for Gravid Swine¹

Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506

Abstract

Sixteen gravid crossbred sows (second parity) were employed in a digestion trial to evaluate the effect of particle size and physical form of sun-cured alfalfa. Treatments consisted of 6.25-mm meal, 6.25-mm pelleted, 12.5-mm meal and 12.5-mm pelleted. Utilization of dry matter (DM), digestible energy (DE), cellulose, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased (P<.05) with the 6.25-mm particle size compared with 12.5 mm. Nitrogen utilization was not affected by the two particle sizes. Cellulose digestibility increased (P<.05) when alfalfa was pelleted, but other digestion coefficients were not affected. During the third trimester of gestation, digestibility of DM, energy and fiber components increased (P<.05) compared with the first trimester. Apparent N digestibility increased (P<.07) in the third trimester but N balance and N retention decreased. The results of this study indicate that alfalfa is equally digested as meal or pellets and increased utilization by gestating sows can be expected with decreased particle size.

¹ Contribution No. 82-644-j, Dept. of Anim. Sci and Ind. and Grain Sci. and Ind., Kansas State Exp. Sta., Manhattan 66502.

² Dept. of Anim. Sci. and Ind.

³ Dept. of Grain Sci. and Ind.