Fumaric and Citric Acid as Feed Additives in Starter Pig Nutrition

Abstract

One hundred ten crossbred pigs were weaned at 4 wk of age and fed diets containing either 0, 1 or 2% fumaric acid or citric acid. The diets were based on grains, dried skim milk, soybean meal and fish meal. During the 4-wk feeding trial, inclusion of fumaric or citric acid to the diets did not significantly affect daily feed intake. The average daily gain was 4 to 7% greater for pigs fed diets containing fumaric or citric acid. However, these differences were not significant. Feed conversion efficiency was improved (P<.05) approximately 5 to 10% by addition of either acid to the diet. There was no difference in feed to gain ratios of pigs fed either fumaric or citric acid-supplemented diets. Inclusion of fumaric or citric acid in the diets had no significant effect on apparent digestibility of protein and dry matter.