Lecithin addition to starter pig diets with and without added fat and whey

Abstract

A total of 316 crossbred weanling pigs were used in two studies to evaluate the effect of the addition of edible-grade, unbleached soy lecithin on growth in starter pig diets with and without added fat and/or dried whey. Addition of fat to a corn-soybean meal diet improved (P<.05) feed efficiency but addition of lecithin did not affect performance. When lecithin and fat were added in combination, average daily gain was less (P<.05) than for diets without added fat. This may be due to a high level of undigestible fat having a limiting effect on intake and consequently decreasing gains. A low level of lecithin (1.5%) in diets without whey gave approximately the same response as a 4% fat diet without whey thus making lecithin a possible fat substitute should, it be economically feasible.