Evaluación del uso suero de leche con probiótico en la producción de cerdos en la etapa de destete en la Finca Tigrillo de la Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí Extensión Chone, periodo 2023 - 2024.

Abstract

This research was conducted at the Tigrillo Experimental Farm of Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Chone Extension. The objective was to evaluate the effect of whey combined with probiotics on pig production during the weaning stage. Methods such as analysis-synthesis, induction-deduction, descriptive, and bibliographic were applied, documenting growth and performance metrics of piglets under different feeding treatments. The study involved four piglets aged 40 days, adapted to a semi-rigid system until they reached 50 days. Subsequently, two piglets received a diet based on whey combined with probiotics, while the other two were fed commercial feed and water. The doses were administered weekly for 28 days. The whey used had a pH between 5.5 and 6.6 and was produced on the same day of application. Feeding was provided ad libitum, with adjustments made progressively according to the piglets' age. Results showed that piglets fed with whey and probiotics achieved higher weight gains compared to those fed commercial feed. Notably, the pig treated with whey exhibited the best performance, demonstrating the efficiency of this alternative compared to conventional feed. This strategy optimizes growth during the weaning stage and represents a sustainable and economical option for pig production.