Effect of a Proprietary Blend of Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Functional Components (OutPace®), a Yeast-Based Product, or Their Combination, on Weaned Pig Performance

A study was conducted to determine the impact of 2 feed additives, alone or in combination, on the performance of weaned pigs in a 46-d nursery trial. Pigs (PIC genetics; n = 1728) were weaned at approximately 21 d of age (5.9 ± 0.2 kg), blocked by BW, and allotted (mixed-sexed pens) in a randomized complete block design to 1 of 4 treatments (27 pigs/pen; 16 replicates/treatment). Treatments were 1) Control diet (CON), 2) CON + yeast-based product (YBP; 0.1% inclusion), 3) CON + blend of medium chain fatty acids and functional extracts (OutPace®, PMI Nutritional Additives, Shoreview, MN; OTP; 0.2% Phase 1 and 2, 0.1% Phase 3 and 4 inclusion), and 4) CON + yeast-based product + Outpace (CYO; inclusion same as in individual treatments). Pigs were fed a corn and SBM based diet in 4 phases with a budget of 0.9, 3.4, and 4.5 kg in Phase 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and ad libitum Phase 4. All diets contained a Lactobacillus based probiotic and organic acids. Pigs were weighed at weaning, and BW and feed intake were measured on d 7, 14, 21, and 46. Average daily gain and ADFI were highest in OTP compared to CON and YBP, with CYO intermediate from d 0 to 7 (P < 0.03). Additionally, OTP had increased ADG compared to CON and YBP during d 7 to 14 (P < 0.03), and increased ADFI compared to CYO during d 14 to 21 (P < 0.03). During the overall study period, there was a tendency for OTP to have higher ADG and ADFI than CON or YBP, with CYO intermediate (P < 0.10). Final BW was higher in OTP compared to CON and YBP, with CYO intermediate (26.6, 26.4, 27.4, and 26.9 kg for CON, YBP, OTP, and CYO, respectively; P < 0.03). In summary, OTP improved ADG, ADFI, and final BW compared to CON and YBP. Thus, the inclusion of OTP in nursery diets was an effective option to improve growth performance of weaned pigs in this study.