Granulometria e processamento em dietas para leitões dos 23 aos 71 dias de idade

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets with different granulometry and processing on performance and economic viability of piglets, using 120 animals, with an initial weight of 6.65 ± 0.20 kg, from 23 to 71 days, distributed in a completely randomized design with a 2x2 factorial arrangement, two physical forms (mash and pellets) and two granulometries (1.2mm and 2.5mm) totaling four treatments and six replications. The treatments consisted of FM (finely mashed meal at 1.2mm), CM (coarsely mashed at 2.5mm), FP (pellets finely mashed at 1.2mm) and CP (pellets coarsely mashed at 2.5mm). The treatment promoted significant effects (P 0.05) in the other parameters. The particle size (1.2mm x 2.5mm), as well as its interaction with the processing, did not affect the performance parameters in any of the evaluated periods. The cost/kg per animal produced in the period from 23 to 37 days was influenced (P 0.05) over the other periods, being found an average cost of R$ 2.46, R$ 1.41 and R$ 1.89 per kg per animal produced in the periods from 37 to 51 days, 51 to 71 days and 23 to 71 days, respectively. It is concluded that processed diets obtained better performance results in up to 51 days, regardless of particle size. The processing only allowed a reduction in the cost/kg per animal produced in the first stage.