Research Report: Apple Cider Vinegar Supplementation in Feeder Pigs
Apple cider vinegar is held to being a health tonic that promotes beneficial gut bacteria, improves digestion of feedstuffs, enhances performance, and helps decrease parasite load. PFI cooperator, Tom Frantzen, supplemented three groups of pigs with apple cider vinegar and measured feed intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency and return over feed costs compared to pigs not supplemented.
Tom stands next to the split feeder used to feed two groups pigs. One group was fed apple cider vinegar and the other group was not.
Key findings
- Pigs supplemented with apple cider vinegar were observed to have a sleeker coat, improved vitality and looked healthier than those not receiving apple cider vinegar.
- Pigs supplemented with apple cider vinegar tended towards increased feed intake and average daily gains, higher carcass yields, better feed efficiency, and higher profits.
Average daily gains for each rep as well as the mean for pigs fed Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and those not (No ACV).
Costs and profits incurred from pigs supplemented with ACV and those not supplemented.
Keep you eye out for more apple cider vinegar feeding trials in 2016! If you’re interested in feeding vinegar and/or conducting a trial with your livestock, contact Meghan Filbert at 515-232-5661.