Effect of nutritionally fortified tortillas on growth and physical development in the pig

The physical development of muscle, bone, and blood in pigs fed diets containing different forms of tortillas was evaluated. The tortilla products included corn tortillas (TN), TN with a mixture of 0.15% vitamins and minerals (TNV), TN with 4% (as is) defatted soy paste (TNS), corn flour tortillas (TH), TH with vitamins (THV), and TH with soy paste (THS). The femur weight of pigs fed the TNS and THS diets was higher (P > .05) than those of pigs fed TN, TNV, TH, and THV diets. Calcium in femurs was lower for the TN and TH diets compared with TNV, THV, TNS, and THS diets. Blood analysis showed that the hematocrit, hemoglobin, and erythrocytes values were optimal in pigs fed TNS and THS. Tortilla fortification with soy may have important nutritional benefits based on the evaluation in the pig growth and development model.