Two experiments were carried out to evaluate partial substitution of soybean meal (SM) by texturized soybean protein (TSP) in the pre-starter diet, for piglets weaned at 21 days of age. Four levels (0, 25, 50 and 75% and 0, 20, 40 and 60%, respectively) of replacement of SM by TSP were compared in each experiment. In the first experiment, the replacement of SM by TST showed a feed: gain (FG) linear decrease in the fed period of the diets and reduction the incidence of diarrhea and in the average height of the intestinal mucous (HIM) with the increase of TSP levels. In the second experiment, there was a cubic effect on the daily weight gain (DGW) and on the body weight at the end of the nursery phase (BW35) as the result of partial replacement of SM by TSP. It was impracticable to estimate the best level of replacement of SM by TSP. It was concluded that, partial replacement of SM by TSP in the diets for piglets weaned at 21 days of age improved the performance of piglets at the initial post-weaning period, however, this effect may not to be extended until the end of the nursery phase. The partial substitution of SM by TSP leaded to a decrease in the incidence and length of diarrhea after the weaning, and leaded to a reduction in the intestinal mucous morphology alterations.
performance; diarrhea; intestinal morphology; soybean byproducts
