Evaluation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Scores in Weaning Pigs Fed Wheat Bran- or Beet Pulp-Based Diets

This study investigated the effects of wheat bran and beet pulp as fiber-containing ingredients on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal score in weaned piglets. A total of 105 [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] piglets, with an initial body weight of 6.65 ± 1.11 kg, were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design for 5 weeks. Each treatment has 7 replicates with 5 pigs per pen (two gilts and three barrows). The experimental period lasted 5 weeks and consisted of two feeding phases. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; TRT1, basal diet formulated with insoluble fiber (wheat bran); and TRT2, basal diet formulated with soluble fiber (beet pulp). Our results showed that pigs fed insoluble fiber (wheat bran-based diet) diet showed significantly increased average daily feed intake during weeks 3 to 5. However, neither insoluble nor soluble fiber affected nutrient digestibility or fecal score, indicating that the incorporation of these fiber sources at the tested levels did not impair digestive efficiency. In summary, the inclusion of insoluble fiber (wheat bran) in weaning diets enhance feed intake during the critical post-weaning adaptation period without compromising nutrient utilization or fecal consistency.