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Prairie Swine Centre is grateful for the assistance of the George Morris Centre in developing the economics portion of Pork Insight.
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Phosphorus utilization in starter pigs fed high-moisture corn-based liquid diets steeped with phytase
Posted in: Environment, Production by admin on August 12, 2011 | No Comments
The application of phytase in conventional dry swine diets has been shown to improve P availability and utilization. The effectiveness of phytase may be further improved by steeping feedstuffs with phytase before feeding. A study was conducted to determine the value of steeping high-moisture corn (HMC) with phytase in P-deficient liquid diets for starter pigs. A total of 384 pigs were weaned at 19 to 23 d of age and 6.7 kg of BW. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens, with 8 barrows and 8 gilts per pen and 5 pens per dietary treatment (only 4 pens for the control treatment). The 5 dietary treatments (all HMC-based 3-phase feeding programs) were 1) negative control with no added phytase, 2 and 3) negative control with phytase added to the HMC to achieve 62.5 or 125 phytase units (FTU)/kg of HMC (DM basis) of phytase added to the HMC and allowed to steep for 24 h before feeding, and 4 and 5) negative control with the same amount of phytase added to the base mix without steeping before feeding. Total P content (88% DM basis) averaged 0.49% in phase I and 0.37% in phase II and III diets. Individual pig BW and per pen ADFI were measured on a weekly basis. Apparent total tract digestibility of DM, OM, CP, P, and Ca were measured using titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker in phase III diets. At the end of the study (7 wk postweaning), 4 pigs from each pen were killed for assessment of body composition, breaking strength and mineral content of metacarpals, total and soluble P content in duodenal digesta, and urinary P content. There was no effect of added phytase on ADG, ADFI, or G:F. The soluble P:total P ratio in duodenal digesta was increased with the addition of phytase. Steeping HMC with phytase resulted in greater digestibility of DM and CP. A trend toward increased digestibility of Ca with added phytase was observed, but there was no effect of dietary treatment on P digestibility. Urinary P content was considerably greater in pigs fed diets with exogenous phytase. Additional phytase resulted in increased P and Ca content in the empty body. Metacarpal content of P and Ca and breaking strength were improved with added phytase. Despite a lack of effect on P digestibility, added phytase improved retention of Ca and P in starter pigs fed P-deficient HMC-based liquid diets. There was little benefit from steeping HMC with phytase before feeding.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/
Oral administration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii reduces mortality associated with immune and cortisol responses to Escherichia coli endotoxin in pigs
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The effects of active dry yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii (Scb), on the immune/cortisol response and subsequent mortality to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration were evaluated in newly weaned piglets (26.1 d of age). Barrows were assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: with (Scb; n = 15) and without (control; n = 15) the in-feed inclusion of Scb (200 g/t) for 16 d. On d 16, all piglets were dosed via indwelling jugular catheters with LPS (25 μg/kg of BW) at 0 h. Serial blood samples were collected at 30-min intervals from −1 to 6 h and then at 24 h. Differential blood cell populations were enumerated hourly from 0 to 6 h and at 24 h. Serum cortisol, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) concentrations were determined via porcine-specific ELISA at all time points. In Scb-treated piglets, cumulative ADG increased by 39.9% and LPS-induced piglet mortality was reduced 20% compared with control piglets. White blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were increased in Scb-treated animals before LPS dosing compared with control piglets before being equally suppressed from baseline in both treatments after LPS dosing with a return to baseline by 24 h. Suppression of circulating cortisol concentrations was observed in Scb-treated piglets from −1 h to 1 h relative to LPS dosing compared with control animals before both peaked equally and subsequently returned to baseline. Peak production of IL-1β and IL-6 was less in Scb-treated piglets after LPS administration compared with controls before both equally returned to baseline. Peak TNF-α production in Scb-treated animals was accelerated 0.5 h and was greater than peak production in control piglets, after which both equally returned to baseline. The peak production of IFN-γ was greater and had increased amplitude persistence for 3 h in Scb-treated animals compared with control piglets before both equally returned to baseline. These results highlight the previously unidentified effects of Scb administration on immune and cortisol responses and the subsequent impact on growth and endotoxin induced mortality in weaned piglets.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/
Effect of potential multimicrobe probiotic product processed by high drying temperature and antibiotic on performance of weanling pigs
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In this study, the effect of a potential multimicrobe probiotic subjected to high-temperature drying was investigated. Potential multimicrobe probiotics produced by solid substrate fermentation were dried at low (LT, 40°C for 72 h) or high (HT, 70°C for 36 h) temperature. In Exp. 1, 288 weaned pigs (BW, 6.43 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments on the basis of BW (4 pens per treatment with 18 pigs in each pen). Dietary treatments were negative control (NC; basal diet without any antimicrobial), positive control (PC; basal diet + 0.1% chlortetracycline), basal diet with 0.3% probiotic LT, and basal diet with 0.3% probiotic HT. Diets were fed in 2 phases, phase I (d 0 to 14) and phase II (d 15 to 28); and growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD, d 28), and fecal microflora (d 14 and 28) were evaluated. Over the 28-d trial, pigs fed PC and probiotic diets had greater ADG, ADFI, and G:F than pigs fed NC diet. The ATTD of DM and GE was greater in pigs fed probiotic diets when compared with pigs fed the NC diet. At d 28, fewer Clostridia were identified in the feces of pigs fed PC and probiotic diets than pigs fed the NC diet. However, the performance, ATTD of DM and GE, and fecal Clostridia population were similar among pigs fed probiotic LT and HT diets. In Exp. 2, 288 weaned pigs (initial BW, 5.84 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement on the basis of BW. The effects of 2 levels of probiotic HT (0.30 or 0.60%), each with or without antibiotic (chlortetracycline, 0 or 0.1%), on performance, ATTD, intestinal morphology, and fecal and intestinal microflora were investigated. Feeding of 0.60% probiotic HT diet improved overall ADG, ATTD of DM and GE, and Lactobacillus population in the feces and intestine, and reduced the population of Clostridium and coliforms in feces (d 14) and ileum. Inclusion of antibiotic improved the overall ADG, ADFI, and ATTD of DM at d 14 and reduced fecal Clostridium population at d 28. Increased villus height at jejunum and ileum, and villus height:crypt depth at the ileum was noticed in pigs fed 0.60% probiotic HT and antibiotic diets. In conclusion, high drying temperature had no effect on the efficacy of potential multimicrobe probiotic product. However, the probiotic product dried at high temperature was more effective at 0.60% inclusion, whereas inclusion of an antibiotic improved pig performance but did not show any interaction with probiotics.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/
Soybean-derived β-conglycinin affects proteome expression in pig intestinal cells in vivo and in vitro
Posted in: Production by admin on August 11, 2011 | No Comments
It is well known that β-conglycinin, a soybean allergen, induces allergies and causes intestinal damage in fetuses and neonates. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the adverse effects of β-conglycinin remain elusive. In particular, it is unknown whether or not this dietary substance causes direct damage affecting the proliferation and integrity of intestinal cells. This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of β-conglycinin (0 to 1,500 g/mL) and the duration of culture (48 or 72 h) on the proliferation and proteome of porcine intestinal epithelial cells. Eight individually housed piglets (10 d old; initial BW, 3.79 kg) were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 4) and challenged with or without β-conglycinin via oral administration d 10 through 28. After the last administration of β-conglycinin or PBS, piglets were killed and jejuna mucosal samples were collected for proteomic analysis. Supplementing β-conglycinin to either culture medium or weanling pigs increased the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, stress, and inflammation, but decreased the expression of proteins related to cytoskeleton and nucleus replication in intestinal cells. Further analysis confirmed an increase in caspase-3 expression in the cells exposed to β-conglycinin in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, these novel results indicate that β-conglycinin directly induces intestinal damage by depressing intestinal- cell growth, damaging the cytoskeleton, and causing apoptosis in the piglet intestine.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/
Effects of chronic exposure of diets with reduced concentrations of aflatoxin and deoxynivalenol on growth and immune status of pigs
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This study investigated the growth and immune responses of pigs fed diets containing reduced concentrations of aflatoxin (AF) and deoxynivalenol (DON) from naturally contaminated corn. Sixty gilts (13.9 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (5 replicate pens per treatment and 3 pigs per pen): A (a control diet without detectable AF and DON); B (a diet with 60 μg of AF/kg and 300 μg of DON/kg); C (a diet with 120 μg of AF/kg and 600 μg of DON/kg); and D (a diet with 180 μg of AF/kg and 900 μg of DON/kg). Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water for 33 d. Feed intake and BW were measured weekly and pigs were bled (8 mL) on d 33 to measure the numbers of blood cells, to conduct liver function tests, and to measure immunological variables including IgG, IgM, interferon γ, IL4, IL6, and tumor necrosis factor α. One pig representing the average BW of each pen was killed to obtain the liver, kidneys, and spleen for weight, tissue color measurement, and histological evaluation of tissue damage. When compared with A, pigs in C and D tended to have reduced ADG (0.52 vs. 0.43 and 0.41 kg/d, respectively) and ADFI (1.04 vs. 0.92 and 0.88 kg/d, respectively). White blood cell count of pigs in D (23.4 cells/μL) was greater than those in A, B, and C (18.4, 18.5, and 16.8 cells/μL, respectively. Serum tumor necrosis factor α concentration of pigs in D (335 pg/mL) differed from those in A and C (299 and 290 pg/mL, respectively). Pigs in B and D had greater fibrosis in liver tissues than those in A. Collectively, this study shows that diets containing both AF and DON greater than 60 and 300 μg/kg, respectively, may reduce growth and decrease feed intake, whereas diets containing 120 μg of AF/kg and 600 μg of DON/kg may result in altered immune health, systemic inflammation, and partial liver damage, causing further reduction in growth of pigs.
To view this complete article please visit: http://jas.fass.org/
The effect of nesting material on the nest-building and maternal behavior of domestic sows and piglet production
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Nest building is an important part of maternal behavior in domestic pigs. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of nesting material sawdust vs. straw on sow behavior 24 h before and after birth of the first piglet (BFP) and piglet production. Sows, housed in farrowing crates, were randomly divided into 2 treatments: sawdust (n = 12) and straw (n = 13). Sawdust and straw were provided during the pre- and parturient period; after parturition, straw was given to both experimental groups. The prepartum nesting period (the time interval between the first and last nest-building records, including all other activity and resting before BFP), the nesting records (number of nesting records), nesting duration (duration of all nesting records), the start and termination of nesting, and the frequency of prepartum postural changes were collected 24 h before BFP. After BFP, number of nesting records and time to first sucking of the litter were collected. Frequency of postural changes and duration of udder access were collected 24 h after BFP during 3 time periods (during parturition, from the end of parturition to 12 h after BFP, and 12 to 24 h after BFP) and the frequency of nursing during 2 time periods (from the end of parturition to 12 h after BFP, and 12 to 24 h after BFP). Piglet BW gain and mortality were estimated 24 h after BFP. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED and the probability of the piglet mortality using PROC GENMOD in SAS. Nesting material did not affect most of sow prepartum nesting behavior and had no effect on the prepartum frequency of postural changes. Sows from the sawdust treatment had a longer nesting period, and nest building tended to start sooner than in the straw treatment. Nesting material had only a small effect on later maternal behavior. Sows from the straw treatment tended to have more nesting records after BFP. The frequency of postural changes was affected by the interaction between treatments and time period: sow from the straw treatment had more postural changes during parturition compared with other time periods and sawdust treatment. No effect of the nesting material on piglet BW gain and mortality was found. The results suggest that sawdust compared with straw as nesting material provided to sows before and through parturition does not negatively affect maternal behavior during the 24 h before and after parturition or piglet production. Therefore, sawdust can be recommended as a suitable nesting material for farrowing sows when straw is not available.
to view this complete article please visit: http://jas.fass.org/
Effects of ad libitum and restricted feed intake on growth performance and body composition of Yorkshire pigs selected for reduced residual feed intake
Posted in: Production by admin on August 8, 2011 | No Comments
Residual feed intake (RFI), defined as the difference in the observed and expected feed intake while accounting for growth and backfat, has gained much attention, but little is known about why pigs selected for reduced RFI are more efficient. To this end, a line of Yorkshire pigs selected for reduced RFI was developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 5th generation of this select line against a randomly selected control line for performance, carcass and chemical carcass composition, and overall efficiency toward the later part of the growth phase. Eighty barrows, 40 from each line, were paired by age (~132 d) and BW (74.8 kg) and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 feeding treatments in 10 replicates: 1) ad libitum, 2) 75% of ad libitum, 55% of ad libitum, and BW stasis, with weekly adjustments in intake to keep BW constant for each pig. Pigs were individually penned (group housing was used for selection) and on treatment for 6 wk. Initial BW did not differ between the lines. The ad libitum select pigs consumed 10% less feed than the ad libitum control with no significant difference in BW and slight differences in carcass fat composition and backfat, which resulted in significantly less carcass energy. Under restricted feeding, the select line had an increase in BW while consuming the same ration of feed as the control line with no significant difference in chemical carcass composition and lighter visceral weights, which was significant for the 75% of ad libitum treatment. Under BW stasis feeding the select line consumed 7.6% less feed overall and 18% less feed at the end of the 6 wk, to maintain static BW with no significant difference in chemical carcass composition compared with the control line. Overall, the select line had lighter visceral weight and a greater dressing percentage compared with the control line. Using regression, the select line had reduced energy retention and feed energy utilization; however, the select line appeared to have reduced maintenance requirements. In conclusion, selection for reduced RFI decreases feed intake with no significant difference in growth performance, reduced backfat, increased dressing percentage, and reduced maintenance requirements. All of these traits are appealing to the producer and result in increased profits in the production setting.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/
Effect of feed withdrawal and dietary energy source on muscle glycolytic potential and blood acid-base responses to handling in slaughter-weight pigs
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The effects of dietary energy source and feed withdrawal on muscle glycolytic potential (GP) and blood acid-base responses to handling were investigated in slaughter-weight pigs (initial BW 94.7 kg). Crossbred pigs (n = 96; 48 barrows, 48 gilts) were used in a randomized complete block design with a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: l) diet [control, high fat (10% supplemental fat), lowdigestible carbohydrate (20% total starch), and highfat/ low-digestible carbohydrate (10% supplemental fat and 20% total starch)]; 2) feed withdrawal (0 and 36 h); and 3) sex (barrow and gilt). Diets were fed for 28 d before the feed withdrawal treatment was applied, at the end of which all pigs were individually moved through a 12.20-m-long × 0.91-m-wide passageway for 16 laps (195 m total distance), with the assistance of an electric goad (2 times per lap). Longissimus muscle biopsies were collected at the beginning of the feeding and feed withdrawal periods and immediately after and 4 h after the handling procedure. Venous blood was collected 2 h before and immediately after the handling procedure to measure acid-base responses. At the end of the feeding period, pigs fed the control and high-fat diets were heavier than those on the lowdigestible carbohydrate and the high-fat/low-digestible carbohydrate diets (129.8, 130.9, 114.0, and 122.1 kg, respectively; SEM 1.91). Diet, feed withdrawal, and sex did not affect blood acid-base responses to handling. Muscle GP at the end of the feeding period and 4 h posthandling was least for pigs fed the high-fat diet and similar for the other 3 diet treatments. Pigs subjected to 36 h compared with 0 h of feed withdrawal had less GP immediately after and 4 h after the handling procedure. There was an interaction between diet and feed withdrawal treatments for changes in GP from the start of feed withdrawal to 4 h posthandling. The reduction in GP was greater for fasted than for fed pigs receiving the control and high-fat diets, but was similar for fasted and fed pigs receiving the 2 low-digestible carbohydrate diets. In conclusion, neither dietary energy source nor fasting affected blood acid-base responses to handling; however, fasting-induced changes in LM GP were diet dependent.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/
Effects of choice white grease and soybean oil on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat quality of growing-finishing pigs
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A total of 144 barrows and gilts (initial BW = 44 kg) were used in an 82-d experiment to evaluate the effects of dietary fat source and duration of feeding fat on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat quality. Dietary treatments were a cornsoybean meal control diet with no added fat and a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments with 5% choice white grease (CWG) or soybean oil (SBO) fed from d 0 to 26, 54, 68, or 82. At the conclusion of the study (d 82), pigs were slaughtered, carcass characteristics were measured, and backfat and jowl fat samples were collected. Fatty acid analysis was performed, and iodine value (IV) was calculated for all backfat and jowl fat samples. Pigs fed SBO tended to have increased ADG compared with pigs fed CWG. For pigs fed SBO, increasing feeding duration increased (quadratic) ADG and G:F. For pigs fed CWG, increasing feeding duration improved (quadratic) G:F. For pigs fed SBO or CWG, increasing feeding duration increased carcass yield (quadratic) and HCW (quadratic). Dietary fat source and feeding duration did not affect backfat depth, loin depth, or lean percentage. As expected, barrows had greater ADG and ADFI and poorer G:F than gilts. Barrows also had greater last-rib and 10th-rib backfat and reduced loin depth and lean percentage compared with gilts. Increasing feeding duration of CWG or SBO increased C18:2n-6, PUFA, PUFA:SFA ratio, and IV in jowl fat and backfat. Pigs fed SBO had greater C18:2n-6, PUFA, PUFA:SFA ratio, and IV but decreased C18:1 cis-9, C16:0, SFA, and MUFA concentrations compared with pigs fed CWG in jowl fat and backfat. Barrows had decreased IV in jowl fat and backfat compared with gilts. In summary, adding SBO or CWG increased the amount of unsaturated fat deposited. Increasing feeding duration of dietary fat increases the amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which leads to softer carcass fat.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/
Effects of dietary iodine value product on growth performance and carcass fat quality of finishing pigs
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A total of 120 barrows (initial BW = 47.9 kg; PIC 1050) were used in an 83-d study to determine the effects of dietary iodine value (IV) product (IVP) on growth performance and fat quality. Pigs were blocked by BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 treatments with 2 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were fed in 3 phases and formulated to 3 IVP concentrations (low, medium, and high) in each phase. Treatments were 1) corn-soybean meal control diet with no added fat (low IVP), 2) corn-extruded expelled soybean meal (EESM) diet with no added fat (medium IVP), 3) corn-soybean meal diet with 15% distillers dried grains with solubles and choice white grease (DDGS + CWG; medium IVP), 4) corn-soybean meal diet with low CWG (medium IVP), 5) corn-EESM diet with 15% DDGS (high IVP), and 6) corn-soybean meal diet with high CWG (high IVP) On d 83, pigs were slaughtered and backfat and jowl fat samples were collected and analyzed. The calculated and analyzed dietary IVP values were highly correlated (r2 = 0.86). Pigs fed the control diet, EESM, or high CWG had greater ADG than pigs fed EESM + DDGS. Pigs fed the control diet had greater ADFI than pigs fed all other diets. Pigs fed EESM + DDGS and high CWG had improved G:F compared with pigs fed the control diet or DDGS + CWG. Pigs fed diets with DDGS had greater backfat and jowl fat IV, C18:2n-6, and PUFA and less SFA than pigs fed all other treatments. Pigs fed EESM had greater backfat and jowl fat IV, C18:2n-6, and PUFA than pigs fed the control diet, low CWG, or high CWG. Pigs fed low CWG or high CWG had greater jowl fat IV than control pigs. Feeding ingredients high in unsaturated fatty acids, such as DDGS and EESM, had a greater impact on fat IV than CWG, even when diet IVP was similar. Therefore, IVP was a poor predictor of carcass fat IV in pigs fed diets with different fat sources and amounts of unsaturated fats formulated with similar IVP. Dietary C18:2n-6 content was a better predictor of carcass fat IV than diet IVP.
For more information the full article can be found at http://jas.fass.org/