PSVIII-10 Calcium Chloride is a Better Calcium Source Rather Than Calcium Carbonate for Weaned Pigs

This study investigated the effect of Ca source and level on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and bone characteristics of weaned pigs. The experiment was operated for 4 weeks in 2 phases (phase 1, d 0 to 14; and phase 2, d 15 to 28). Two hundred and forty pigs were assigned to 4 treatments including 2 Ca sources (CaCO3 and CaCl2), and 2 Ca levels (Phase 1: NC, normal Ca, 0.6% and 0.5% in phase 1 and 2, respectively; LC, low Ca, 0.5% and 0.4% in phase 1 and 2, respectively). The average daily gain (ADG) was improved in weaned pigs fed the NC or CaCl2 diets, in phase 2. The overall result showed the greater ADG and gain to feed ratio in the NC and CaCl2 treatments. The digestibility of crude protein, Ca, and P was increased in the NC and CaCl2 treatments at phases 1 and 2. There was an interaction between Ca source and level, with the NC and CaCl2 treatments increased blood chloride content in phase 1, and decreased HCO3 and base excess content in phases 1 and 2. The concentration of blood chloride was increased in pigs fed the NC diet in phase 1. The hematocrit (phases 1 and 2) and electrolyte balance (phased 2) were decreased in the NC treatment compared with the LC. An increase in blood chloride content, and a decrease in HCO3, base excess, and electrolyte balance were observed in pigs fed with CaCl2 in phases 1 and 2. The bone-breaking strength, bone ash, Ca, and P were increased in pigs fed the NC or CaCl2 diets. In conclusion, CaCl2 can be an alternative for dietary CaCO3 due to greater growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and bone health. Moreover, decreasing dietary Ca is not recommended for weaned pigs.