Supplementation of Pig Starters with Thyroprotein

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Abstract
Two experiments were conducted with 220 early-weaned baby pigs to evaluate thyroprotein as a metabolic stimulant for baby pigs. Thyroprotein, when fed at levels of 10, 20, and 40 mg. per lb. of ration, was most effective in stimulating gains and increasing feed efficiency when fed at the 20-mg. level. Gains were increased approximately 18% with both a soybean oil meal and a dried skimmilk basal diet. Feed efficiency (feed per pound of gain) was improved approximately 9%. The abrupt withdrawal of thyroprotein from the diet did not adversely affect subsequent pig performance. In addition to level, mode of administration of thyroxine may be of significance as evidenced by a reduction in the gains and feed efficiency of pigs implanted in the ear with a 20-mg. pellet of sodium-1-thyroxine. Copyright © . .