PSIII-9 Effects of a Specialty Energy Source on Growth Performance and Fecal Microbiota in Nursery Pigs

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a specialty energy source, which comprises of 28% fat and 55% corn-syrup solids (Solu-E; International Ingredient Corporation, Fenton, MO) on growth performance and fecal microbiota population of nursery pigs. Two hundred and eighty-eight (initial body weight = 5.91 kg) mixed gender pigs were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. There were 12 replicate pens per treatment with 6 pigs per pen. Experimental diets were fed in the first 2 phases (d 0 to 21) in pellet form followed by a common phase 3 (d 21 to 42) diet in mash form. Four levels of Solu-E (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%) were used to formulate 4 dietary treatments for phase 1 (d 0 to 7) and phase 2 (d 7 to 21) at the expense of poultry fat and corn to be isocaloric. There was no difference in average daily feed intake among four treatments during this experiment (Table 1). Average daily gain (ADG) in phase 1 linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion level of Solu-E in experimental diets (from 0.092 to 0.113 kg/d). Pigs fed diets with 8% Solu-E had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and feed efficiency compared with 4% and 12% Solu-E in phase 2, but no difference from 0% Solu-E. Pigs fed diets with 8% Solu-E had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and feed efficiency compared with 0%, 4%, and 12% Solu-E from d 0 to 21, which is consistent with the heavier (P < 0.05) body weight after 21 days of feeding 8% Solu-E diets than other diets. Real-time PCR assay for Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp., and Lawsonia intracellularis were performed on pooled fecal samples from each treatment collected on d 7. The effect of Solu-E on fecal microbiota was not observed in this study as the PCR assay results were negative for all four treatments. In summary, 8% Solu-E can be used as an excellent energy source to enhance growth performance in the first three weeks of nursery.