Comparison of low-glycoalkaloid potato protein and fish meal as protein sources for weaner piglets

A total of 32 weaner piglets (Landrace×Yorkshire) with an average initial body weight of 9.6±1.2 kg, and 29.8±2.7 days of age, were used in a 28-day growth assay to compare low-glycoalkaloid potato protein with fish meal as the main protein source. The piglets were housed pair-wise in pens and were fed semi-ad libitum. During feeding the piglets were separated allowing individual feeding within the pen. Four diets were tested with varying proportions of a high quality fish meal (F) and low-glycoalkaloid potato protein (P): diet A (10% F); diet B (5% F and 5% P); diet C (2.5% F and 7.5% P) and diet D (10% P). On average, in weeks 1–4, the piglets on diets C and D had higher feed intakes (17%; P<0.01) and daily weight gains (18%; P<0.05) than the piglets on diets A and B. There was no effect of diet (P>0.05) on feed conversion. It can be concluded from the present study that low-glycoalkaloid potato protein can completely replace high quality fish meal in diets for weaner pigs. The improved feed intake and daily gain with increasing inclusion suggests that low-glycoalkaloid potato protein may be superior to fish meal as a protein source for weaner pigs.