Extruded Corn and β‐Mannanase Addition Reveal Comparable Growth Rate, Nutrient Utilization and Reduced Fecal Score in Growing Pigs

The objective of the present experiments was to investigate the comparative effect of β-mannanase and extruded corn on growing pigs' performance. A total of 84 [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] pigs with a mean body weight of 29.20 kg were used in 42-day trial. Pigs were randomly allotted to 3 treatment groups and the test diets were as follows: CON (corn soybean basal diet, non-extruded), TRT1 (CON plus 0.1% β-mannanase), and TRT2 (6% extruded corn). There were seven replicates/trt with four pigs (two gilts and two barrows)/pen. TRT 1 and TRT 2 group pigs showed significantly higher body weight (BW) at day 42, additionally showed increased daily gain and gain to feed ratio compared to CON at the end of day 5, 42, and the overall experimental period. Moreover, TRT 2 group pigs showed significantly increased nutrient digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen and less diarrhea score compared to CON and TRT 1. In summary, β-mannanase supplement and corn extrusion both are expensive. Balancing the improved efficiency and health outcomes with the associated costs we believe that extrusion corn-based diet could be more effective and economically viable for sustainable livestock production.