Effects of fiber, a direct-fed microbial, and feeding duration on digestibility of energy and nutrients by pigs

Dr. Neil Jaworski, a recent Ph. D. recipient from the Stein Monogastric Nutrition Lab, reports on an experiment to determine the effects of fiber, direct fed microbial (DFM) addition, and feeding duration on energy and nutrient digestibility. Among other findings, Jaworski's data show that a five day adaptation period to high fiber diets is sufficient when determining concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in diets fed to pigs; and that high fiber diets reduce ileal and total tract digestibility of nutrients and energy, which is not ameliorated by addition of DFM. Adapted from a presentation at the 2016 ASAS Midwestern Section meeting, Des Moines, IA, March 14-16.