Abstract

This study investigated the effects of ring die parameters and dietary mold inhibitor DMX - 7 on pellet feed quality and the growth performance of weaned piglets. A total of 600 weaned piglets (28-day-old) were randomly assigned to three groups, which differed in die hole length-to-diameter ratios (L/D=6:1, L/D= 12:1) and DMX-7 supplementation: T1 (L/D=6:1, basal diet), T2 (L/D=12:1, basal diet) and T3 (L/D=12:1, basal diet+0.15% DMX-7+1.3% water). The trial lasted for 30 days. Results showed that the T3 group’s feed pellets exhibited superior surface smoothness, compactness and the least severe Maillard reaction. Significantly higher moisture content, starch gelatinization degree and Pellet Durability Index (PDI) were observed in T3 compared to T1 and T2. Moreover, piglets in the T3 group demonstrated increased final body weight, Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), accompanied by a reduced Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) when compared to the T1 group. In conclusion, a higher die L/D ratio improved pellet quality and DMX-7 supplementation further enhanced both feed pellet processing quality and piglet growth performance.

Keywords:Weaned piglets; Ring die parameters; Mold inhibitor; Pellet feed processing quality; Growth performance