A performance trial was carried out to evaluate sugar cane yeast, (Saccharomyces spp.) dried by spray-dryer (SCYSD), on growing-finishing pigs feeding. Thirty-two crossbreed growing pigs, half of each sex, with an average initial live weight of 26.1 kg. The piglets were fed ad libitum, with diets at increasing levels (0, 7, 14 and 21%) of SCYSD. A randomized blocks experimental design was used, and four levels of inclusion and four replications, with two-pigs/experimental unit. Inclusion of SCYSD in the growth phase (26.1-59.7 kg) decreased the feed:gain ratio, with no effects on feed intake and daily weight gain. In the finishing phase (59.7-86.0 kg) and in total trial phase (26.1-86.0 kg), no performance characteristics were affected. Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) decreases linearly with the increase of SCYSD level in both phases. A quadratic effect on thickness backfat and a linear improvement on meat:fat ratio were observed with increasing levels of SCYSD in the diets. Results suggest that SCYSD may be used up to 21% on growing-finishing pig diets, without impairing their daily weight gain.
dried yeast; feeding; growing and finishing pigs; protein source
