To evaluate the effects of the dietary supplementation of maltodextrin in partial replacement of lactose and acidifiers on performance, digestibility and economical viability of weanling pigs, 144 Dalland piglets with initial weights of 6.0 ± 0.45 kg were used in trial 1, where more complex diets were used, and 5.8 ± 0.53 kg in trial 2. A completely randomized block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used for the treatments (absence or presence of maltodextrin <FONT FACE=Symbol>´</FONT> absence or presence of acidifiers). There was no maltodextrin <FONT FACE=Symbol>´</FONT> acidifiers interaction or acidifiers effects on piglet performance in both trials. Maltodextrin determined higher daily feed intake and average daily gain from 0 to 14 days of trial 1, however no effect on pig performance in the phase from 0 to 28 days and in the periods from 0 to 16 and 0 to 30 days of trial 2 was observed. There were no significant effects of either maltodextrin <FONT FACE=Symbol>´</FONT> acidifiers interaction or factors on nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients of the pre-starter diets of the trial 2. Diets containing maltodextrin and maltodextrin + acidifier mix provided best economical results. Neither maltodextrin nor acidifiers affected the nutritional value of the diets. Maltodextrin is an alternative to replace lactose sources in diets for weanling pigs.
carbohydrates; economical analysis; milk products; organic acids; swine
