Carbadox-pyrantel tartrate combination and elevated dietary protein: Effects on pig performance and body composition

Our objective was to determine if pigs fed carbadox (Carb)-pyrantel tartrate (PT) combination with elevated dietary protein during the early grower phase would respond with improved growth performance and increased lean tissue deposition compared with antibiotic-supplemented diets of lower protein concentration. Ninety-six crossbred weanling pigs averaging 8.03 ± 2.17 kg were used. Three pens of eight pigs were assigned to each of four dietary regimens: treatment (trt) 1 - chlortetracycline-sulfamethazine-penicillin (CSP; 110 ppm C, 110 ppm S, 55 ppm P), 18% crude protein (CP) to 18 kg body weight followed by CSP, 16% CP to 34 kg; trt 2 - Carb (55 ppm) - PT (106 ppm), 18% CP to 34 kg body weight; trt 3 - Carb-PT, 18% CP to 18 kg followed by CSP, 16% CP to 34 kg body weight; and trt 4 - PT, 18% CP to 34 kg body weight. All pigs received 16% CP diet from 34 kg to 57 kg and a 14% CP diet to 104 kg. Pigs were sacrificed at body weights of 34 (6/trt) and 104 kg (5/trt) for determination of whole body composition. Average daily gain and average daily feed intake to 34 kg were not different among trts 1, 2 or 3. Pigs receiving no antimicrobial (trt 4) displayed lower weight gain and feed intake compared with pigs receiving antimicrobials. Pen feed efficiency was not affected by dietary treatments. Body composition was not influenced by dietary treatments. We conclude that carbadox-pyrantel tartrate combination with elevated dietary protein through the early grower phase does not improve pig performance or lean tissue deposition compared with antibiotic-supplemented diets of lower protein concentration.