Effect of Fenugreek (Trigonella-graecum L.) Seed Extract Supplementation on Fecal Gas Emission and Growth Performance of Pigs at Starter Phase
Junsay, CAL, Duminguez, JD, and Bautista, HNF

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Fenugreek seed extract (FSE) supplementation on fecal gas emission and growth performance of starter pigs. A total of 80 starter pigs with an average initial body weight of 16.83 ± 3.70 kg were used in a one-month experiment at the University Animal Farm-Institute of Animal Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna. Pigs were randomly allotted to two experimental diets: Control and FSE supplemented, with 4 replicate pens and 10 pigs per pen. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations in pens were collected thrice a day: 7am, 1pm and 7pm at ground level and 1-m height. Between ground and 1-meter fecal points, there is a significant difference (P<0.0001) in NH3 emission. 1pm ground fecal at high temperature showed that there is a significance (P=0.0042) in NH3 emission. The addition of FSE supplementation (5 ± 5) in the pig’s diet significantly decreased NH3 emission compared with the Control diet (10 ± 5). Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) significantly increased (P=0.010) by FSE supplementation compared with the Control diet. Addition of FSE supplementation reduced the concentration of ammonia present in swine manure and helped improve feed intake in starter pigs and is also economically efficient.

Keyword(s):

fecal emission, Fenugreek seed extract

Commodity:

Swine

Year:

2020

Discipline:

production