How much plasma protein should be included in Starter-1 and -2 diets?
Spray-dried plasma protein from swine or cattle blood is equally effective and has been a major contribution to the success of early weaning programs. The product is, however, expensive, and its dietary level and length of feeding should be closely monitored. With extremely early (< 10 days) or lightweight (< 8 lb.) pigs, the diet should contain 5 to 7% plasma protein, whereas pigs from 18 to 21 days of age should have a diet that contains 3 to 5% plasma protein. Lower dietary inclusion levels of less than 3% are frequently used in an effort to reduce feed costs. When added at levels greater than 5%, other amino acids (e.g., methionine) may need to be added to the diet. Q. Are starter pigs sensitive to soybean meal? Raw soybeans or poorly processed soybean meal contains a protein ( conglycinin) that serves as an antigen (stimulates the immune system) in the intestinal tract. Younger animals are more sensitive to this soybean protein than older animals. Soybeans that have been processed
