Performance of piglets of high weaning weight receiving different types of diets and levels of protein during the starter phase

An experiment using 36 crossbred piglets (Landrace x Large White) of 7.6 kg initial bodyweight (BW) was conducted to evaluate the effects of two types of starter diets (simple and semi-complex) with three protein levels (16, 18 and 20% CP), and also residual effects during the growing and finishing phases, and the number of days required to reach 90 kg BW (mean duration 145 days). The experimental design was randomized blocks (based on initial BW and sex), with a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (three protein levels and two types of diets), with six replications (three of males and three of females). During the starter phase the protein levels and types of diet did not affect (P>0.05) daily weight gain and daily feed intake, but the feed:gain ratio (FGR) was worse (P<0.05) for the 16% CP level than for the 20%. The type of diet did not affect FGR. During the growing, finishing and total periods there were no differences (P > 0.05) between treatments. In conclusion, a starter diet of 16% CP, whether simple or semi-complex, can be used without affecting animal performance during the final period of rearing