Effect of replacing barley with tapioca meal at two different levels of feeding on the growth and health of early weaned pigs

The effects of barley and tapioca meal as the main source of carbohydrate — at two levels of feeding — on the growth and health of early weaned piglets were compared. The effects of the two carbohydrate sources on growth were not significantly different, but the tapioca ration caused a significantly higher incidence of digestive disturbances, even though it showed a better digestible energy in experiments with rats. Ad libitum feeding resulted in a significantly higher rate of growth than restricted feeding, but at the same time there was a significantly higher incidence of digestive disturbances and a lower utilization of energy. Restriction of feed was thus found to be an effective way of reducing the incidence of digestive disturbances and a lower utilization of energy. Restriction of feed was thus found to be an effective way of reducing the incidence of scouring. Tapioca meal appears to be a suitable source of carbohydrate, when balanced with other essential nutrients.