EFFECT OF WHEAT BRAN IN PRACTICAL DIETS ON MINERAL ABSORPTION BY PIGS AT TWO AGES

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Abstract
Twenty-four pigs were individually housed and fed diets containing either 0, 10 or 20% wheat bran. Digestion trials (chromic oxide indicator) were conducted when the pigs had been fed the diets for 14 days (period 1) and again after 80 days (period 2). Addition of 20% wheat bran reduced (P < 0.01) dry matter and crude fiber digestibility. Fe absorption was nonsignificantly depressed by wheat bran during period 1 but increased (P < 0.05) during period 2 while Cu absorption was depressed (P < 0.01) during period 1 but not period 2. Zn absorption was nonsignificantly depressed for the 20% wheat bran diet during period 1 but was significantly depressed (P < 0.05) for both bran diets during period 2. Apparent P absorption was increased (P < 0.01) with both bran diets. An indigestible bran fraction recovered from feces indicated that bran fiber accumulated Ca, Cu, Sr, Al and B to some extent, and Fe and Zn to a great extent. In younger animals, Fe and Cu may be the elements of greatest concern while in older animals this may be limited to the availability of Zn. Key words: Trace minerals, iron, copper, zinc