Effect of arapaima meal supplementation on the performance of piglets in the nursery phase

Pig farming has developed a role of great relevance in the economic and social scenarios of the world. The use of agro-industrial waste is an alternative for more sustainable production and better economic viability. Considering this, the present study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of fish meal derived from the industrial waste of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) filleting and the effects of dietary supplementation on the growth performance of piglets and to characterize the thermal environment in the Amazon region. A total of 12 piglets (9.38 ± 1.4 kg BW castrated males, 10.13 ± 0.7 kg BW females, 21 days old) were distributed in a randomized block design with two dietary treatments: control diet (CD) and CD with the addition of 5% whole arapaima meal. The experimental period with the piglets lasted 43 days and was divided into three phases: pre-starter I and II, and starter. The inclusion of 5% pirarucu meal resulted in increased weight gain for piglets during Phase I and maintained average daily feed intake throughout the experimental period. Additionally, it positively influenced behavioral aspects, such as an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in agonistic behavior. These findings underscore the multifaceted advantages of incorporating pirarucu meal into piglet diets, manteining not only physical growth but also positive behavioral outcomes. Overall, the pirarucu meal may be an effective feed supplement in piglets nutrition.