engleski

Effect of sodium alginate, a feed additive, on the microclimate and pig health in fattening units

A number of biologic preparations added to feed, drinking water or litter are known to improve the housing micro climatic conditions, and consequentially the health and productivity of animals. In the present study, the effect of a feed additive obtained ftom brown seaweed ( Ascophillum nodosum) , on the reduction of air pollution with gases, primarily ammonia, in a pig fattening unit was assessed. The preparation was added to feed in the form of granules, in a very small amount of 0.5 kg per 1000 kg feed. The action of the additive is based on ion exchange and the capacity to condense and gelatinize, thus influencing the biologic and physiologic characteristic of excrements. During the 3-month study, the micro climatic parameters and ammonia concentration in the air were simultaneously monitored in the experimental and control unit. At the same time, follow-up of the animal health was performed, with special reference to respiratory disorders, bronchopneumonia and pleuropnemonia in particular. The results obtained showed a significant decrease in the ammonia concentration ftom 10.5 &plusmn ; t 1.3 ppm in the control housing air to 3.5 &plusmn ; t 1.1 ppm in the experimental housing air, which resulted in a reduced death rate due to the aforementioned respiratory disorders by about 50%. In addition, the feed additive was founQ to improve the overall feed utilization and to reduce the fattening period. Accordingly, the use of sodium alginate as a feed additive appears to improve the housing microclimate and animal health, and to reduce the animal mortality rate.

microclimate; pig; sodium alginate

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