Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2021
Since the 1970's, many studies have been performed to estimate ileal digesibility using different methods for digesta collection. The methods frequently applied for quantitative collection are re-entrant cannulation or ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). Methods involving the use of a marker include the post- valve “T” caecal (PVTC) and simple ileal “T” cannula. Recent studies showed that PVTC has a number of advantages over the simple “T” cannulation methods (van Leeuwen et al, 1991; McCracken et al, 1996). The present study afforded the opportunity to (1) compare the PVTC with the IRA method, (2) compare the use of Cr2O3 and TiO2 as indigestible markers (3) evaluate the PVTC method for quantitative collection of digesta, using a range of diets of different fibre content.
The PVTC experiment was performed in Belfast. Twelve pigs, approximately 20kg, fitted with post valve “T” caecal cannulae according to the procedure introduced by van Leeuwen et al(1991), were randomized to 4 diets based on wheat (W, 760 g wheat/kg), wheat/middlings (WM, 380g wheat, 380 g middlings/kg), wheat/bran (WB,380 g wheat, 380 g bran/kg) or recombined wheat (WR,570 g flour, 130 g middlings, 60 g bran/kg) using a four period cross-over design.