Effects of conditioners (standard, long term, and expander) on pellet quality and growth performance in nursery pigs

Abstract

In our first experiment, digestibilities for DM, N, and GE were greater and F/G was better for pigs fed pelleted diets than for pigs fed meal diets. However, we observed no advantages in ADG or F/G with long-term conditioning. In a second experiment, pelleting once again improved nutrient digestibility and F/G. Expander conditioning improved digestibilities of DM, N, and GE but not growth performance compared to standard conditioning.