Abstract

CRUZ, Elizabeth; ALMAGUEL, Ramiro Ernesto; MEDEROS, Carmen María  and  LY, Julio. Use of deep litters for fattening pigs fed with sugar cane molasses. Zootecnia Trop. [online]. 2010, vol.28, n.2, pp.183-192. ISSN 0798-7269.

In order to evaluate the deep bedding technology as alternative for fattening pigs in the rural sector, in Cuba. Two rearing cycles of 106 days with 108 animals each (castrated males and females), YL (Camborough) cross, of approximately 21,0 kg live weight and 75 days average age were used. The pigs were distributed into a random block design with three treatments for each cycle: T1, deep bedding based on gramineous hay; T2, deep bedding based on dried sugar cane bagasse (80%) and gramineous hay (20%) and T3, solid concrete floor, with four repetitions by treatments. The animal performance traits (up to approximately 100 kg live weight) were studied. A chemical and microbiological evaluation of the bedding material was made. There were significant differences for the consumption and the alimentary conversion (P <0,05) to the pigs housed in hay bed, bagasse and hay bed and solid concrete floor: 2,53; 2,50; 2,74; 3,42; 3,38 y 3,60 respectively. Significant differences were obtained (P <0,01) for the nitrogen and the phosphorous in the bedding material at the end of the experience: 1,43 and 1,85, respectively. There was not presence of Salmonella sp and helmints eggs. It was saved 360 m3 of water. It was conclude that the deep bedding technology is an alternative that satisfies the current demands of the rural pig producers in Cuba.

Keywords : deep bedding; helmints; performance traits; Salmonella.

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