Consequences of the use of ensiled sugar beet-pulp in the diet of heavy pigs on performances, carcass characteristics and nitrogen balance: a review

Data deriving from several studies carried out, since 1988, at the facilities of the author's research staff on pressed beet pulp silage (PBPS) in the diet of heavy pigs (160 kg l.w.) are reviewed and discussed. The results can be summarised as follows. Large amounts of PBPS (50% on DM basis) are tolerated by pigs and determine a reduction of gastric lesions. PBPS can be used in practical heavy pig diets at the inclusion rate of 15-20% (on dry matter basis) without any adverse effect both on growing parameters and slaughtering performances. The use of PBPS does not modify the weight losses of raw hams (Parma ham) during their seasoning process (lasting for this typical product 12 months); similarly, the acidic composition of cured ham fat is not influenced by the dietary inclusion of beet pulps. From an "environmental" point of view, increasing levels (up to 24% DM) of PBPS can reduce nitrogen excretion with urine (N-balance trial in metabolic cages). The proved trophical effect on large intestine mucosa and the high quality of the PBPS fibrous fractions may explain the positive role of this by-product in pigs feeding and justify the possibility of partially replacing cereals (barley in these reserches) with PBPS in feed formulations.