EQUATIONS TO PREDICT THE METABOLIZABLE ENERGY OF MEAT AND BONE MEAL FOR GROWING PIGS

ABSTRACT The prediction of metabolizable energy (ME) of meat and bone meal (MBM) for pigs is an interesting tool, however, used models to predict these values must be validated in order to garantee higher precision. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and energetic composition of different types of MBM for pigs and to adjust and validate models to better predict the ME based on the chemical composition. Thirty-two barrows, averaging an initial weight of 26.75 ± 1.45 kg, were individually allotted in a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments consisted of seven types of MBM that replaced 20% of the basal diet. A stepwise procedure was the statistical procedure used to adjust the prediction equations and the ME was the dependent parameter. The validation of the adjusted models was performed using an independent databank of chemical and energetic composition of theBrazilian and international MBM. The metabolizable energy of different meat and bone meals ranged from 1645 to 2645 kcal kg-1. The equations that provide a good prediction of metabolizable energy of meat and bone meal for swine in Brazil are EM1 = -4233.58 + 0.4134GE + 72CP + 89.62ash - 159.06Ca; EM2 = 2087.49 + 0.3446GE + 31.82ash - 189.18Ca; EM3 = 2140.13 + 0.3845GE - 112.33Ca; EM4 = -346.58 + 0.656GE; EM5 = 3221.27 + 178.96fat - 76.55ash; and EM6 = 5356.45 - 84.75ash