Performance and carcass characteristics of growing pigs fed diets containing cottonseed cake with and enzyme complex

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of cottonseed cake (CC) with enzyme complex in the diet of pigs in the growth phase and its effects on performance, carcass characteristics and economic viability. Thus, 20 barrows were distributed in a completely randomized block design, with initial body weight of 56.28±5.78kg and final weight of 79.79±7.32kg. The inclusion levels of CC were 0%, 8%, 16% and 24%. All diets had the requirement values of metabolizable energy, crude protein and phosphorus underestimated by 1.5% and were added to 300g/t enzyme complex. The performance parameters and carcass characteristics there was no difference between the levels of inclusion of cottonseed cake. The cottonseed cake can be used up to the 24% inclusion level with addition of enzyme complex in the growth phase II, without affecting performance and carcass characteristics, besides reducing the cost/kg of pig produced.