Effects of independent supplementation of sodium and chlorine in starter pig diets

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary levels of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) on performance and blood electrolyte concentration of starter pigs. The treatments consisted of diets based on corn and soybean meal containing 0.12 or 0.18% Na and 0.04; 0.12 or 0.20% Cl in a factorial arrangement. Six weaning pigs were housed in each of 12 pens in a complete randomized block design with 2 replicates per treatment. The average initial weight was 7.5 kg and the trial was conducted for 4 weeks. Sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride were the sources of Na and Cl, respectively. Plasma determinations of Na, Cl, Ca and P were performed at the end of the trial. Sodium did not affect performance of the piglets (P >;.10). The lower Cl level (.04% Cl) resulted in less weight gain and feed efficiency (P < .01), than the other two higher Cl levels. The lower dietary Cl also reduced plasma Cl and P (P < .01), but did not affect plasma Ca and Na. It is concluded that combinations of dietary levels of 0.12 or 0.18% Na and 0.12 or 0.20% Cl resulted in normal performance of starter pigs.