Different creep compound feed formulations for new born piglets: influence on growth performance and health parameters.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of different compositions of creep compound feed (CCF) (C-I - control group; TG-II - a CCF containing wheat bran extruded and fermented with ; TG-III - a creep compound feed containing sugar beet pulp) on the piglets' growth performance, blood parameters, fecal microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, the fecal volatile compound (VC) profile was analyzed as a possible chemical marker related to changes in the fecal microbial profile and physicochemical characteristics. A 21-day experiment was conducted using 1-day-old 300 Large White/Norwegian Landrace piglets. The highest body weight (at the 21st day) was found in piglets of the TG-III group, and both treated groups showed lower feed conversion ratios. At the end of the experiment, significantly higher counts in the feces of both treated groups were found, and a correlation between fecal textural hardness and the count was established ( = 0.475). Significant correlations of piglets' individual fecal VC with microbiological parameters and fecal pH were established [ with 3-n-nonadecanol-1; enterobacteria with butyric acid <2-methyl->; pentanoic acid, 4-methyl-; eicosene(E)-, etc.]. It can be concluded that local material could be successfully incorporated into CCF preparation without impairing animal metabolism.