Comparison between titanium dioxide as an inert marker and total collection in the determination of digestibility of components in diets fed to pigs

Nutritional studies with pigs have most commonly used chromic oxide as an inert marker, (Low, 1982) although there are various problems associated with its use. Continued experimentation to validate the use of other substances as inert markers has led to titanium dioxide becoming more popular. In an evaluation of markers using a single dietary treatment, (Jagger et al. 1992) it was concluded that titanium dioxide at a rate of 1g/kg feed was the most suitable marker of those tested. More recent work using ten dietary treatments, (Thompson and Wiseman, 1998) found titanium dioxide to be a valid inert marker in the determination of energy digestibility of diets which varied in content of fat and fibre. The objective of the current experiment was to evaluate titanium dioxide as a marker in the determination of digestibility of components in diets based on a range of raw materials.

Comparison between titanium dioxide as an inert marker and total collection in the determination of digestible energy of diets fed to pigs

Different inert markers have been employed in nutritional studies, (Kotb and Luckey, 1972). The most commonly found marker in studies involving pigs is chromic oxide (Low, 1982) although it is now apparent that many problems are associated with its use. Other metal oxides, particularly titanium dioxide, may prove to be superior alternatives but further validation of their use as markers is required, (Kotb and Luckey, 1972). In an evaluation of inert markers, (Jagger et al. 1992) it was found that, for the determination of ileal and faecal apparent digestibility values in the pig, titanium dioxide at a rate of lg/kg feed was the most suitable of those tested. However, this conclusion was drawn from results obtained from one dietary treatment only. A crucial assumption of the use of inert markers is that they move in phase with the digesta which might not be the case if components vary widely in physical characteristics, leading possibly to differential adsorption of marker. Accordingly the objective of the current experiment was an evaluation of titanium dioxide in diets representing likely extremes of levels of fat or fibrous raw materials.

Comparison between titanium dioxide as an inert marker and total collection in the determination of digestible energy of diets fed to pigs

Different inert markers have been employed in nutritional studies, (Kotb and Luckey, 1972). The most commonly found marker in studies involving pigs is chromic oxide (Low, 1982) although it is now apparent that many problems are associated with its use. Other metal oxides, particularly titanium dioxide, may prove to be superior alternatives but further validation of their use as markers is required, (Kotb and Luckey, 1972). In an evaluation of inert markers, (Jagger et al. 1992) it was found that, for the determination of ileal and faecal apparent digestibility values in the pig, titanium dioxide at a rate of lg/kg feed was the most suitable of those tested. However, this conclusion was drawn from results obtained from one dietary treatment only. A crucial assumption of the use of inert markers is that they move in phase with the digesta which might not be the case if components vary widely in physical characteristics, leading possibly to differential adsorption of marker. Accordingly the objective of the current experiment was an evaluation of titanium dioxide in diets representing likely extremes of levels of fat or fibrous raw materials.