Effect of alpha-monolaurin on perfomance of fattening pigs under industrial conditions

Abstract

Relevance. Monoglycerides of organic acids are considered as a promising replacement for feed antibiotics in the diets of pigs and poultry, as they have pronounced bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Alpha-monolaurin is a one of the most promising compound, which has a significant antibacterial effect on gram-positive microorganisms. Methods. The experiment was carried out at one of the pig farms of the Rostov region on September 5–27, 2020 on fattening pigs weighing from 36 kg and up to achievinga live weight of 75 kg. Piglets of the experimental group received 0.4 kg/t of alpha-monolaurin as part of the premix for compound feed CK-5. In the conditions of the production site, control weighing was carried out before the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Weight gain, feed consumption, survival rate and feed conversion were recorded. Results. The possibility of using alpha-monoglyceride lauric acid (GML, glycerol monolaurate) in the ration of pigs of the first period of fattening under the industrial conditions of an operating pig farm has been studied. It has been found that alphamonolaurin improves feed conversion, reduces feed intake, and also increases the survival rate of fattening pigs. The use of alpha-monolaurin led to an increase in the economic efficiency of raising pigs by 37.63 rubles/head, or 1:2.38 ROI.