Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station Lafayette, Indiana
Mimeo AS-270 February, 1960
FORTIFICATION AND FEEDING OF CORN-SOYBEAN MEAL RATIONS FOR GROWING-FINISHING SWINE IN CONFINEMENT
J. H. Conrad and W. M. Beeson Department of Animal Science
Research results presented at the 1959 Purdue Swine Bay as well as past reports from the University of Illinois have shown that corn-soybean meal rations, when properly fortified, will produce results equal to or better than rations that are supplemented with various other sources of protein.
Corn is considered the major source of energy for swine, and soybean meal has been considered the major source of protein. The trend toward the use of more and more soybean meal in protein supplements has been going on for many years. The discovery that vitamin Bp£ was one of the major differences between soybean meal and animal protein speeded the trend toward the use of more soybean meal in swine ration. Many other factors also speeded this trend, such as cost per unit of protein, balance of amino acids, availability of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace minerals) and the availability of high-quality soybean meal. It would appear that from a feeding and nutritional viewpoint, we have finally arrived at the place where we can, if we so desire, feed a corn-soybean meal ration to growing-finishing swine with excellent results, provided the proper fortification is added.
Soybean Meal in Complete Mixed Ration
Soybean meal can be used to furnish all the protein required to balance corn for growing-finishing swine. Results of a recent experiment (Mimeo AS-258) showed that additions of two percent of dehydrated alfalfa meal, corn distillers dried solubles, condensed fish solubles and meat and bone scraps alone or in combination failed to increase gains or improve feed efficiency of growing-finishing pigs which were raised on concrete from birth to market. Pigs fed the corn-soybean meal ration fortified with vitamins, trace minerals, decalcium phosphate, limestone, salt and antibiotics gained 1.71 pounds daily and had a feed efficiency of 326 pounds of feed per 100 pounds of gain during the growing-finishing period (from 39 pounds to 206 pounds). However, two ingredients, corn and soybean meal, do not make a nutritionally balanced ration, since these two ingredients are good sources of only energy (calories) and protein (amino acids). Corn-soybean meal diets for swine must be properly fortified with minerals, trace minerals, vitamins and growth stimulants (antibiotics and/or arsenicals) for optimum performance. Formulas of rations which include the proper fortifications are given in Table 1. These rations are based on research results and the nutritional requirements of the growingfinishing pig.
Soybean Meal in Protein Supplements
Protein supplements have long been the method by which not only protein but vitamins, minerals and feed additives are added to swine rations. When maximum amounts (75 percent to 85 percent) of soybean meal are added to protein supplements, the supplements become extremely palatable. The most successful way to feed a palatable soybean meal supplement is to use it in the making of a complete mixed ration. However, soybean meal supplements have been fed free choice with limited success. Either the addition of 10$ dehydrated alfalfa meal (this will add 2.5percent fiber) or the addition of extra salt (up to 7.5 percent) will reduce the palatability of soy supplements.