Carcass Lean Percentage Research Articles

Dietary Soybean Oligosaccharides Addition Increases Growth Performance and Reduces Lipid Deposition by Altering Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids Composition in Growing Pigs

One hundred and twenty-eight boars and gilts of the Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire variety with an initial body weight (BW) of 52.49 ± 0.48 kg were used in a randomized complete block design for a 63-day experiment. The four treatment groups were: control diet (CON), CON + 0.2% soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS), CON + 0.4% SBOS, and CON + 0.8% SBOS. The results showed that the average daily weight gain (ADG) was significantly higher in the 0.8% SBOS group than in the CON group on days 0–63 (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, adding 0.8% SBOS to the diet significantly increased the carcass weight, dressing percentage, and carcass lean percentage, but decreased the average backfat depth of growing–finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Adding different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%) of SBOS to the diet can significantly increase the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in feces (p < 0.05). The activities of malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase in the 0.8% group were significantly lower than those in the 0.2% and CON groups (p < 0.05). In summary, 0.8% SBOS supplementation to growing–finishing pigs’ diets can reduce lipid deposition and increase ADG.

129 Effects of Standardized Ileal Digestible Lysine on Growth Performance of 12- to 136-kg PIC Line 800-Sired Pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate growth performance and economic return of PIC 800 × Camborough pigs fed increasing SID Lys from approximately 12- to 136-kg. Pens of pigs were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 26 pigs per pen and 16 pens per treatment. Pens were provided 1 of 5 dietary treatments with increasing SID Lys at 85, 93, 100, 107, and 115% of current (2021) PIC recommendations within 6 dietary phases as follows: phase 1 (1.09, 1.19, 1.28, 1.36, and 1.47%), phase 2 (0.97, 1.06, 1.14, 1.22, and 1.32%), phase 3 (0.87, 0.95, 1.02, 1.09, and 1.17%), phase 4 (0.75, 0.82, 0.88, 0.94, and 1.01%), phase 5 (0.66, 0.72, 0.77, 0.82, and 0.89%), and phase 6 (0.59, 0.64, 0.69, 0.74, and 0.79%). Two corn-soybean meal-based diets containing low and high Lys were blended to achieve target SID Lys levels for each treatment diet within phase. Overall (d 0 to 143), increasing SID Lys improved (linear, P ≤ 0.007) ADG and G:F, but did not impact ADFI (P > 0.10; Table). A tendency (linear, P = 0.067) for heavier hot carcass weights (HCW) was observed in pigs fed increasing SID Lys. However, there was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) in carcass yield, backfat depth, loin depth, or carcass lean percentage across treatments. The linear (LM) model served as the best fit for both growth and economic parameters. The LM model predicted maximum ADG and G:F at levels greater than 115% of PIC’s current recommendations. However, for income over feed cost (IOFC), the LM model predicted maximum profitability at or below 85% of the current Lys recommendations of PIC. In conclusion, the optimal SID Lys level for PIC 800 × Camborough pigs from 12- to 136- kg differed upon response criteria, with growth performance maximized at levels at or above 115% of the recommendation for SID Lys by PIC; however, maximal economic returns were observed at or below 85% of PIC’s current SID Lys recommendations.

Analysis of metabolome and transcriptome of longissimus thoracis and subcutaneous adipose tissues reveals the regulatory mechanism of meat quality in MSTN mutant castrated male finishing pigs

The underlying mechanism of myostatin (MSTN) gene mutation impact on porcine carcass and meat quality has not yet been fully understood. The meat quality trait testing of the second filial generation wild-type (WT) and homozygous MSTN mutant (MSTN−/−) castrated male finishing pigs, and RNA-seq and metabolomics on the longissimus thoracis (LT) and subcutaneous adipose tissues (SAT) were performed. Compared with WT pigs, MSTN−/− pigs had higher carcass lean percentage and lower backfat thickness (all P < 0.01), and also had lower shear force (P < 0.01) and meat redness (P < 0.05). The gene and metabolite expression profiles were different between two groups. Metabolites and genes related to purine metabolism (such as xanthine metabolite (P < 0.05), AMPD3 and XDH genes (all padj < 0.01)), PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway (such as Phe-Phe and Glu-Glu metabolites (all P < 0.05), WNT4 and AKT2 genes (all padj < 0.01)), antioxidant related pathway (such as GPX2, GPX3, and GPX7 genes (all padj < 0.01)), and extracellular matrix related pathway (such as COL1A1 and COL3A1 genes (all padj < 0.01)) were significantly altered in LT. While metabolites and genes associated to lipid metabolism (such as trans-elaidic acid and PE(18:1(9Z)/0:0) metabolites (all P < 0.05), ACOX1, ACAT1 and HADH genes (all padj < 0.01)) were significantly changed in SAT. This study revealed the biological mechanisms of homozygous MSTN mutation regulated porcine carcass and meat quality, such as lean meat percentage, fat deposition and tenderness, which provides reference for the utilization of MSTN−/− pigs.

PSIII-19 Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Pigs from Divergent Groups for Pork Loin Tenderness

Abstract Genetic selection for improved feed efficiency and lean growth in pigs has resulted in reduced intramuscular fat content. The aim of this study was to evaluate growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in genetically lean immunocastrated pigs grouped based on divergent Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) values. The WBSF values of the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle were obtained from a previous trial evaluating 4 diets, 6 replicates per diet, and 3 pigs per pen, summing up to 72 Large White immunocastrated male pigs. Pigs (initial BW = 28.44 ± 2.95 kg) were fed diets containing either 1.5% soybean oil (CON) or 3% soybean oil (SO), canola oil (CO), or fish oil (FO) in a 98-d study. The original dataset was used to segregate pigs into 2 treatments: high (5.4 to 4.3 kg) and low (3.8 to 2.8 kg) WBSF. The SO diet did not show extreme values for WBSF and was not included in the resulting dataset, which comprised 2 treatments (high- and low-WBSF), 3 blocks (CON, CO, and FO), and 6 replicates per treatment (12 experimental units). No significant differences were observed for growth performance between WBSF groups. When compared with low-WBSF pigs, high-WBSF pigs tended to have decreased (P = 0.07) backfat thickness and intramuscular fat content in the LL and greater (P = 0.09) carcass lean percentage and cooking losses. Oleic acid concentration was less (P = 0.05) in the LL intramuscular fat of high- than low-WBSF pigs. There were statistical tendencies for decreased (P = 0.06) total monounsaturated fatty acids and increased (P = 0.09) total polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations in the LL intramuscular fat of high- than low-WBSF pigs. In conclusion, immunocastrated male pigs with tender meat had improved nutritional attributes of pork, with no effects on feed efficiency and carcass traits.

Genome-wide association study identifying genetic variants associated with carcass backfat thickness, lean percentage and fat percentage in a four-way crossbred pig population using SLAF-seq technology

BackgroundCarcass backfat thickness (BFT), carcass lean percentage (CLP) and carcass fat percentage (CFP) are important to the commercial pig industry. Nevertheless, the genetic architecture of BFT, CLP and CFP is still elusive. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) to analyze seven fatness-related traits, including five BFTs, CLP, and CFP on 223 four-way crossbred pigs.ResultsA total of 227, 921 highly consistent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) evenly distributed throughout the genome were used to perform GWAS. Using the mixed linear model (MLM), a total of 20 SNP loci significantly related to these traits were identified on ten Sus scrofa chromosomes (SSC), of which 10 SNPs were located in previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions. On SSC7, two SNPs (SSC7:29,503,670 and rs1112937671) for average backfat thickness (ABFT) exceeded 1% and 10% Bonferroni genome-wide significance levels, respectively. These two SNP loci were located within an intron region of the COL21A1 gene, which was a protein-coding gene that played an important role in the porcine backfat deposition by affecting extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In addition, based on the other three significant SNPs on SSC7, five candidate genes, ZNF184, ZNF391, HMGA1, GRM4 and NUDT3 were proposed to influence BFT. On SSC9, two SNPs for backfat thickness at 6–7 ribs (67RBFT) and one SNP for CLP were in the same locus region (19 kb interval). These three SNPs were located in the PGM2L1 gene, which encoded a protein that played an indispensable role in glycogen metabolism, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis as a key enzyme. Finally, one significant SNP on SSC14 for CLP was located within the PLBD2 gene, which participated in the lipid catabolic process.ConclusionsA total of two regions on SSC7 and SSC9 and eight potential candidate genes were found for fatness-related traits in pigs. The results of this GWAS based on SLAF-seq will greatly advance our understanding of the genetic architecture of BFT, CLP, and CFP traits. These identified SNP loci and candidate genes might serve as a biological basis for improving the important fatness-related traits of pigs.

The Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Resveratrol on Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality, Blood Lipid Levels and Ruminal Microbiota in Fattening Goats.

This study investigated the effects of resveratrol (RES) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass and meat quality, blood lipid levels and ruminal bacterial microbiota of fattening goats. A total of forty castrated Nubian goats (28.25 ± 0.26 kg body weight) were randomly divided into four groups and provided with diets containing different levels of RES (0, 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) for 120 d. The results showed that RES increased redness and intramuscular fat content, whilst reducing shear force in the longissimus dorsi muscle of goats (p < 0.05). In addition, the final weight, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, net meat weight, carcass lean percentage and eye muscle area of goats were significantly increased in the 150 mg/kg RES group compared with the other three groups, while those in the 600 mg/kg RES group significantly decreased (p < 0.05). RES significantly decreased serum triacylglycerol and LDL-C contents (p < 0.05), and increased HDL-C content and the HDL-C/TC ratio (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 150 mg/kg RES also increased the proportion of Acetitomaculum and Moryella, genera comprising short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. The present study indicated that an appropriate supplemental level of RES could improve the growth performance, neat percentage, meat quality, ruminal microbiota and serum lipid levels of fattening goats.

Effects of Feeding Increasing Standardized Ileal Digestible Lysine on Growth Performance of 26- to 300-lb PIC Line 800-Sired Pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and economic returns of PIC 800 × 1050 pigs fed increasing SID Lys from approximately 26 to 300 lb. Pens of pigs were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 26 pigs per pen and 16 pens per treatment. Pens were provided 1 of 5 dietary treatments with increasing SID Lys at 85, 93, 100, 107, and 115% of current PIC recommendations within 6 different phases. Two base diets containing low Lys and high Lys were blended to meet target SID Lys levels for each treatment diet within phase. For the overall experimental period (d 0 to 143), feeding increasing SID Lys improved (linear, P ≤ 0.007) ADG and F/G, but did not impact ADFI (P > 0.10). For carcass characteristics, a tendency (linear, P = 0.067) for increased HCW of pigs that were provided increasing SID Lys was observed. However, there was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) across treatments in carcass yield, backfat depth, loin depth, or carcass lean percentage. Increasing SID Lys of the diets increased (linear, P < 0.001) feed cost and feed cost per lb of gain. There was no evidence of difference (P > 0.10) in revenue for either ingredient price scenario, thus, feeding increasing levels of SID Lys reduced (linear, P < 0.001) income over feed cost (IOFC) in both scenarios. The linear model (LM) served as the best fit for both growth and economic parameters. The LM model predicted maximum ADG and minimal F/G at levels greater than 115% of PIC’s current SID Lys recommendations. For IOFC, the LM model predicted maximum profitability at or below 85% of PIC’s current Lys recommendations. In conclusion, the optimal SID Lys level for PIC 800 × 1050 pigs from 26- to 300-lb depends upon the response criteria, with growth performance maximized at levels at or above 115% of PIC’s recommendation for SID Lys; however, economic responses were maximized at or below 85% of PIC’s current SID Lys recommendations.

202 Determining the effects of increasing dietary standardized ileal digestible lysine levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs from 29- to 129-kg

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of increasing standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 1,013 barrows and gilts (PIC337×Camborough, initially 29.2±0.21 kg) were used in a 112-d growth trial with 25 or 26 pigs per pen and 13 pens per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Diets were corn-soybean meal (SBM)-dried distillers grains with solubles-based, and treatments were achieved through the inclusion of SBM at the expense of corn. Diets were fed in 6 phases and formulated to be iso-caloric within each phase. Treatments consisted of: 1) Low Lys: overall dietary SID Lys levels as 87% of PIC2016 Lys requirement; 2) Medium Lys: overall dietary SID Lys levels as 97% of PIC2016 Lys requirement; 3) High Lys: overall dietary SID Lys levels as 106% of PIC2016 Lys requirement. Experimental data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with pen as the experimental unit. Pigs fed High or Medium Lys had greater (P&amp;lt; 0.01) average daily gain compared to pigs fed Low Lys. There was no evidence (P &amp;gt;0.10) for the difference between treatments for average daily feed intake. Pigs fed High Lys had the greatest (P&amp;lt; 0.01) feed efficiency (G:F) followed by Medium Lys, with pigs fed Low Lys with the lowest G:F. Pigs fed High or Medium Lys had greater (P&amp;lt; 0.01) hot carcass weight, loin depth, and lean percentage compared to pigs fed Low Lys. There was no evidence (P &amp;gt;0.10) for treatment effect on carcass yield and backfat. Pigs fed Low Lys had greater removal and mortality rate than those fed High or Medium Lys (P&amp;lt; 0.01). In conclusion, increasing SID Lys over PIC2016 recommendations through increasing SBM levels resulted in increased growth performance and carcass characteristics, and reduced removal and mortality rate of 29- to- 129 kg pigs.

Effect of Weaning Age on Carcass Characteristics of Crossbred Piglets Reared under Intensive System and Slaughtered at 70 Kilogram Body Weight

This study investigated the effect of weaning age on carcass characteristics of crossbred piglets reared up to 70 kg body weight (BW) under intensive system. A total of 24 piglets were used in a completely randomized design. The experiment comprised three treatments: piglets weaned at 21, 28, and 35 days of age with four replicates each with two piglets (castrate and female). At 70 kg BW two piglets (castrate and female) were randomly selected from each replicate and sacrificed for carcass evaluation. Hot carcass weight (HCW) was measured and thereafter dressing out percentage was calculated. Carcasses were chilled at 7 0C for 24 hours to determine cold dressed weight (CDW). Carcasses were cut into the left and right halves along the median line. The left half of the carcass was used to measure carcass length (CRLTH), average backfat depth and longissimus muscle area (LMA) at the 10th rib, while the right half of the carcass was physically dissected into bone, muscle and fat and thereafter tissue ratios calculated. Longissimus muscle was removed at the 10th and 11th ribs from the left half of the carcass for chemical composition analysis. Data were analysed using General Linear Model. Weaning age had no influence (p &gt; 0.05) on HCW, dressing percentage, CDW, CRLTH, average backfat thickness, average backfat depth, LMA and carcass lean percentage. No significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were observed on average percentages of bone, muscle and fat tissue and their tissue ratios. Weaning age did not influence (p &gt; 0.05) moisture, protein, fat and ash contents of the meat. In addition, weaning age had no (p &gt; 0.05) effect on carcass characteristics, physical and chemical body composition of meat. These results indicate that piglets can be weaned at 21, 28 and 35 days of age without detrimental effects on carcass characteristics, physical and chemical body composition of pork.

Protective effects of taurine against muscle damage induced by diquat in 35\u2009days weaned piglets

BackgroundOxidative stress is a key factor that influences piglets’ health. Taurine plays an imperative role in keeping the biological system from damage. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of taurine against muscle injury due to the secondary effect of diquat toxicity.ResultsOur study found that taurine effectively and dose-dependently alleviated the diquat toxicity induced rise of feed/gain, with a concurrent improvement of carcass lean percentage. The plasma content of taurine was considerably increased in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, dietary taurine efficiently improved the activity of plasma antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, taurine attenuated muscle damage by restoring mitochondrial micromorphology, suppressing protein degradation and reducing the percentage of apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle. Taurine supplementation also suppressed the genes expression levels of the antioxidant-, mitochondrial biogenesis-, and muscle atrophy-related genes in the skeletal muscle of piglets with oxidative stress.ConclusionsThese results showed that the dose of 0.60% taurine supplementation in the diet could attenuate skeletal muscle injury induced by diquat toxicity. It is suggested that taurine could be a potential nutritional intervention strategy to improve growth performance.

Nutritional effects pre-weaning on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of pigs

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of nutritional restriction during the suckling period on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of fattening pigs. A one-way experimental design was used. In total, 24 male pigs of normal birthweight (1.54 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly allocated at 7 days of age to three groups: control, fed ad libitum; 30% nutritional restriction (Re30%); and 60% nutritional restriction (Re60%). The Re30% and Re60% groups showed decreased average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio from Day 7 to Day 28. After Day 28, differences in these parameters were observed only in the Re60% group relative to the control. With regard to hormone levels, the Re60% group showed decreased serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 at Day 28 and increased serum concentration of growth hormone at Day 147. Furthermore, the Re60% group had decreased carcass weight, ham weight and dressing percentage, and increased carcass lean percentage relative to the control, as well as lower cross-sectional area and myofibre diameter of muscle. The Re60% group had lower levels of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) IIx and MyHC IIb mRNA and a higher percentage of MyHC I and MyHC IIa mRNA in longissimus dorsi muscle than the Re30% group. In conclusion, nutritional restriction during the suckling period decreased weaning weight, with post-weaning growth performance, carcass traits and myofibre type affected in the Re60% group rather than Re30% group.

Genetic parameters of backfat fatty acids and carcass traits in Large White pigs

Subcutaneous fat thickness and fatty acid composition (FAC) play an important role on seasoning loss and organoleptic characteristics of seasoned hams. Dry-cured ham industry prefers meats with low contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) because these negatively affect fat firmness and ham quality, whereas consumers require higher contents in those fatty acids (FA) for their positive effect on human health. A population of 950 Italian Large White pigs from the Italian National Sib Test Selection Programme was investigated with the aim to estimate heritabilities, genetic and phenotypic correlations of backfat FAC, Semimembranosus muscle intramuscular fat (IMF) content and other carcass traits. The pigs were reared in controlled environmental condition at the same central testing station and were slaughtered at reaching 150 kg live weight. Backfat samples were collected to analyze FAC by gas chromatography. Carcass traits showed heritability levels from 0.087 for estimated carcass lean percentage to 0.361 for hot carcass weight. Heritability values of FA classes were low-to-moderate, all in the range 0.245 for n-3 PUFA to 0.264 for monounsaturated FA (MUFA). Polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a significant genetic correlation with loin thickness (0.128), backfat thickness (−0.124 for backfat measured by Fat-O-Meat’er and −0.175 for backfat measured by calibre) and IMF (−0.102). Obviously, C18:2(n-6) shows similar genetic correlations with the same traits (0.211 with loin thickness, −0.206 with backfat measured by Fat-O-Meat’er, −0.291 with backfat measured by calibre and −0.171 with IMF). Monounsaturated FA, except with the backfat measured by calibre (0.068; P<0.01), do not show genetic correlations with carcass characteristics, whereas a negative genetic correlation was found between MUFA and saturated FA (SFA; −0.339; P<0.001). These results suggest that MUFA/SFA ratio could be increased without interfering with carcass traits. The level of genetic correlations between FA and carcass traits should be taken into account in dealing with the development of selection schemes addressed to modify carcass composition and/or backfat FAC.

Supplementing Oregano Essential Oil in a Reduced-Protein Diet Improves Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility by Modulating Intestinal Bacteria, Intestinal Morphology, and Antioxidative Capacity of Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Simple SummarySerious nitrogen pollution and shortage of protein feed resources have constrained the rapid development of the pig industry. Thus, the strategy of using a reduced-protein diet supplemented with amino acids in pig production has been widely accepted. Additionally, antibiotic growth promoters have been widely used in pig production for many years. However, their enormous and uncontrolled use has promoted bacterial resistance, leading to less effective treatment for animal diseases. Accordingly, this study investigated the effects of inclusion of oregano essential oil in a reduced-protein, amino acid-supplemented diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs as an alternative to antibiotics. Our results suggested that adding oregano essential oil to a reduced-protein diet improved the growth performance and carcass lean percentage of pigs. In addition, long-term supplementation of oregano essential oil to a reduced-protein diet improved the intestinal bacteria, intestinal morphology, and antioxidative capacity of pigs. This study provides theoretical guidance for application of low-protein diet to guide the production of antibiotic-free feed for growing–finishing pigs.This study investigated the effects of supplementing oregano essential oil (OEO) to a reduced-protein diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal bacteria, intestinal morphology, and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs. Forty-eight barrows were randomly allotted to four treatments including normal-protein diet (NPD), reduced-protein, amino acid-supplemented diet (RPD), the same RPD supplemented with chlortetracycline (RPA), and RPD supplemented with OEO (RPO). The data showed that dietary OEO supplementation increased the average daily gain of pigs compared with NPD and RPD. The gain:feed in RPO- and NPD-fed pigs was higher than those in RPD- and RPA-fed pigs. Increased average daily feed intake and 10th-rib backfat thickness were detected in RPA-fed pigs. Pigs fed the RPO had higher apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein than those fed the other diets. The RPD and RPA treatments showed reduced counts of Lactobacillus spp. in ileal digesta of pigs. The RPA and RPO treatments also showed lower Escherichia coli counts in ileal digesta than the NPD and RPD treatments. Dietary OEO supplementation increased villous height of the jejunum and the ileal and plasma total antioxidative capacity of pigs. In conclusion, dietary OEO supplementation could improve the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of pigs by modulating intestinal bacteria, intestinal morphology, and antioxidative capacity.

Influence of feeding thermally peroxidized soybean oil to finishing pigs on carcass characteristics, loin quality, and shelf life of loin chops.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding soybean oil (SO) with varying levels of peroxidation on carcass traits and shelf life of loins. Fifty-six barrows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets containing 10% fresh SO (22.5 °C) or thermally processed SO (45 °C for 288 h, 90 °C for 72 h, or 180 °C for 6 h), each infused with air at a rate of 15 liter/min. Individually housed pigs were provided ad libitum access to feed for 81 d. At 82 d, pigs were slaughtered and hot carcass weight and liver weights were recorded. Carcass characteristics and fresh loin quality were evaluated 1 d postmortem. Loin chops from each carcass were overwrap-packaged and subjected to a 10-d simulated retail display. Daily measurements of L*, a*, b*, reflectance, and visual discoloration were conducted, evaluation of cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was conducted on chops stored 0, 5, and 10 d, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were evaluated on chops stored 0 and 10 d. Shelf life-related data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with repeated measures in time, with storage location (shelf) as a random effect. Carcasses of 90 °C pigs weighed 6.0, 8.6, and 6.9 kg less (P < 0.03) than 22.5 °C, 45 °C, and 180 °C carcasses, respectively. Livers of 90 °C and 180 °C pigs were 14.3% and 11.7%, respectively, heavier (P ≤ 0.02) than those from pigs fed 22.5 °C SO, with livers of 45 °C being intermediate. Livers of 90 °C pigs represented 0.12 percentage units less (P = 0.02) of ending live weight than livers of 180 °C pigs, and 180 °C livers were 0.12 percentage units less (P < 0.01) of ending live weight than those from pigs fed 22.5 °C SO, with 45 °C being intermediate. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.19) in back fat depth, loin muscle area, or estimated carcass lean percentage among SO treatments, nor was there an effect (P ≥ 0.13) of SO on any early post-mortem loin quality traits or loin composition. There was no effect (P > 0.14) of SO on cooking loss, WBSF, L*, a*, b*, hue angle, reflectance, discoloration, or TBARS; however, there was a tendency (P = 0.09) for chops of 45 °C pigs to have greater (P < 0.04) chroma than either 22.5 °C or 180 °C, with 90 °C being intermediate. Overall, feeding SO cooked at 90 °C for 72 h resulted in reduced carcass weight and dressing percentage; however, there was no evidence that feeding peroxidized SO was detrimental to shelf life of loin chops.

Reconstitution of UCP1 using CRISPR/Cas9 in the white adipose tissue of pigs decreases fat deposition and improves thermogenic capacity

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is localized on the inner mitochondrial membrane and generates heat by uncoupling ATP synthesis from proton transit across the inner membrane. UCP1 is a key element of nonshivering thermogenesis and is most likely important in the regulation of body adiposity. Pigs (Artiodactyl family Suidae) lack a functional UCP1 gene, resulting in poor thermoregulation and susceptibility to cold, which is an economic and pig welfare issue owing to neonatal mortality. Pigs also have a tendency toward fat accumulation, which may be linked to their lack of UCP1, and thus influences the efficiency of pig production. Here, we report application of a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated, homologous recombination (HR)-independent approach to efficiently insert mouse adiponectin-UCP1 into the porcine endogenous UCP1 locus. The resultant UCP1 knock-in (KI) pigs showed an improved ability to maintain body temperature during acute cold exposure, but they did not have alterations in physical activity levels or total daily energy expenditure (DEE). Furthermore, ectopic UCP1 expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) dramatically decreased fat deposition by 4.89% (P < 0.01), consequently increasing carcass lean percentage (CLP; P < 0.05). Mechanism studies indicated that the loss of fat upon UCP1 activation in WAT was linked to elevated lipolysis. UCP1 KI pigs are a potentially valuable resource for agricultural production through their combination of cold adaptation, which improves pig welfare and reduces economic losses, with reduced fat deposition and increased lean meat production.

Effect of combined xylanase and phytase on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, and carcass characteristics in growing pigs fed corn-based diets containing high-fiber coproducts1

Phytate has been shown to be an antinutrient, and the feeding of high levels of phytase can break down phytate to improve nutrient utilization and pig performance. Dietary xylanase targets arabinoxylan breakdown, thereby improving energy utilization in pigs. However, the effects of simultaneous supplementation have not been clearly determined. Crossbred pigs ( = 45; mean initial weight, 26.4 ± 0.2 kg) were allotted to 1 of 9 treatments to evaluate the effects of both xylanase (endo-1,4-β xylanase [EC 3.2.1.8]) and phytase (6-phytase [EC 3.1.3.26]) supplementation as follows: 1) positive control (PC), a corn-soybean meal-based diet with 15% corn distillers dried grains with solubles, 15% wheat middlings, and 13% corn germ meal; 2) negative control (NC), ME was reduced by 103 kcal/kg from the PC diet by replacement of fat with corn starch; 3) NC + phytase (500 phytase units (FTU)/kg diet); 4) NC + phytase (1,000 FTU/kg diet); 5) NC + phytase (2,000 FTU/kg diet); 6) NC + xylanase (24,000 xylanase units [BXU]/kg diet); 7) NC + phytase (500 FTU/kg diet) + xylanase (24,000 BXU/kg diet); 8) NC + phytase (1,000 FTU/kg diet) + xylanase (24,000 BXU/kg diet); and 9) NC + phytase (2,000 FTU/kg diet) + xylanase (24,000 BXU/kg diet). All diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements before phytase and xylanase addition to the diets. There were no significant interactions between xylanase and phytase supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). The ADG ( < 0.01, quadratic) and G:F ( < 0.05, linear) for the overall period increased as phytase level increased. The ATTD of P increased as phytase supplementation level increased ( < 0.05, linear and quadratic). The ATTD of DM, NDF, ether extract ( < 0.05), and hemicellulose ( = 0.05) increased quadratically as phytase level increased. Estimated carcass lean percentage and lean gain increased ( < 0.05, linear) as phytase level increased. Xylanase supplementation had no effect on growth performance, ATTD, and carcass characteristics. The results demonstrated an improved nutrient digestibility, performance, and carcass response to phytase supplementation beyond P provision because all diets exceeded current P requirement estimates based on standardized total tract digestible P.

Effects of adding minimally refined cottonseed oil or crude glycerol to diets containing 40% corn distiller's dried grains with solubles on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and pork fat firmness of growing-finishing pigs.

Diets containing more than 20% distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) reduce fat firmness in pork, but supplementation of cottonseed oil or crude glycerol may improve fat firmness. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of feeding minimally refined cottonseed oil or crude glycerol on growth performance, carcass composition, and fat quality of growing-finishing pigs. Mixed sex pigs ( = 216; 24 ± 4 kg initial BW) were blocked by BW and allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a basal corn-soybean meal diet with 40% DDGS (CON), 2) CON diet plus 5% minimally refined cottonseed oil added throughout the experiment (COT), or 3) CON fed during the first 8 wk and CON + 8% crude glycerol fed during the last 6 wk of the experiment (GLY). Although diets were not isocaloric, total AA-to-ME ratios were calculated to be equal among diets. Carcass composition was estimated using real-time ultrasound 2 d before harvest. Gilts (16/treatment) closest to the mean BW of each pen were harvested (115 ± 8 kg BW), and bellies were retrieved for in-depth analysis of fat quality. Belly fat was sampled and analyzed for fatty acid composition. Overall, ADFI of pigs fed COT (2.30 kg/d) was less ( < 0.01) than that of pigs fed CON or GLY (2.47 and 2.49 kg/d, respectively). Pigs fed COT (0.93 kg/d) had greater ( < 0.01) ADG compared with pigs fed CON or GLY (0.88 and 0.87 kg/d, respectively). Greater ( < 0.01) G:F was observed for pigs fed COT (0.41) than for pigs fed CON or GLY diets (0.36 and 0.35, respectively). Final BW of pigs fed COT (124.3 kg) was greater ( < 0.01) than that of pigs fed CON or GLY (118.9 and 118.6 kg, respectively). Pigs fed COT had greater ( < 0.01) HCW (94.9 kg) compared with pigs fed CON or GLY (89.9 and 89.2 kg, respectively). No differences were observed for dressing percentage (75.7, 76.3, and 75.3%), fat-free carcass lean percentage (50.5, 49.7, and 50.0%), and belly flop angle (6.21, 8.57, and 6.06°) for CON, COT, and GLY, respectively. Pigs assigned to COT had higher ( < 0.01) melting point of belly fat compared with pigs assigned to CON or GLY (30.4 vs. 26.3 and 25.3°C, respectively). Pigs fed COT had increased ( < 0.05) SFA, PUFA, and iodine value (IV) compared with CON-fed pigs. Glycerol supplementation had no influence on SFA, MUFA, and PUFA concentrations or IV of belly, jowl, and back fat compared with CON. In conclusion, COT diets improved growth performance due to greater energy density, but carcass composition was not affected by treatments. In this experiment, feeding neither COT nor GLY improved fat firmness of pigs fed diets containing 40% DDGS.

Effect of combined xylanase and phytase on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, and carcass characteristics in growing pigs fed corn-based diets containing high-fiber coproducts.

Phytate has been shown to be an antinutrient, and the feeding of high levels of phytase can break down phytate to improve nutrient utilization and pig performance. Dietary xylanase targets arabinoxylan breakdown, thereby improving energy utilization in pigs. However, the effects of simultaneous supplementation have not been clearly determined. Crossbred pigs ( = 45; mean initial weight, 26.4 ± 0.2 kg) were allotted to 1 of 9 treatments to evaluate the effects of both xylanase (endo-1,4-β xylanase [EC 3.2.1.8]) and phytase (6-phytase [EC 3.1.3.26]) supplementation as follows: 1) positive control (PC), a corn-soybean meal-based diet with 15% corn distillers dried grains with solubles, 15% wheat middlings, and 13% corn germ meal; 2) negative control (NC), ME was reduced by 103 kcal/kg from the PC diet by replacement of fat with corn starch; 3) NC + phytase (500 phytase units (FTU)/kg diet); 4) NC + phytase (1,000 FTU/kg diet); 5) NC + phytase (2,000 FTU/kg diet); 6) NC + xylanase (24,000 xylanase units [BXU]/kg diet); 7) NC + phytase (500 FTU/kg diet) + xylanase (24,000 BXU/kg diet); 8) NC + phytase (1,000 FTU/kg diet) + xylanase (24,000 BXU/kg diet); and 9) NC + phytase (2,000 FTU/kg diet) + xylanase (24,000 BXU/kg diet). All diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirements before phytase and xylanase addition to the diets. There were no significant interactions between xylanase and phytase supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). The ADG ( < 0.01, quadratic) and G:F ( < 0.05, linear) for the overall period increased as phytase level increased. The ATTD of P increased as phytase supplementation level increased ( < 0.05, linear and quadratic). The ATTD of DM, NDF, ether extract ( < 0.05), and hemicellulose ( = 0.05) increased quadratically as phytase level increased. Estimated carcass lean percentage and lean gain increased ( < 0.05, linear) as phytase level increased. Xylanase supplementation had no effect on growth performance, ATTD, and carcass characteristics. The results demonstrated an improved nutrient digestibility, performance, and carcass response to phytase supplementation beyond P provision because all diets exceeded current P requirement estimates based on standardized total tract digestible P.

Contribution of semen trait selection, artificial insemination technique, and semen dose to the profitability of pig production systems: A simulation study

The economic impact of selection for semen traits on pig production systems and potential interaction with artificial insemination (AI) technique and semen dose remains partially understood. The objectives of this study were to compare the financial indicators (gross return, net profit, cost) in a three-tier pig production system under one of two selection strategies: a traditional strategy including nine paternal and maternal traits (S9) and an advanced strategy that adds four semen traits (S13). Maternal traits included the number of pigs born alive, litter birth weight, adjusted 21-day litter weight, and the number of pigs at 21 days, and paternal traits included days to 113.5 kg, back fat, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and carcass lean percentage. The four semen traits included volume, concentration, progressive motility of spermatozoa, and abnormal spermatozoa. Simultaneously, the impact of two AI techniques and a range of fresh refrigerated semen doses including cervical AI with 3 × 109 (CAI3) and 2 × 109 (CAI2) sperm cells/dose, and intrauterine AI with 1.5 × 109 (IUI1.5), 0.75 × 109 (IUI0.75), and 0.5 × 109 (IUI0.5) sperm cells/dose were evaluated. These factors were also evaluated using a range of farrowing rates (60%–90%), litter sizes (8–14 live-born pigs), and a selected semen collection frequency. The financial impact of the factors was assessed through simulation of a three-way crossbreeding system (maternal nucleus lines A and B and paternal nucleus line C) using ZPLAN. The highest return on investment (profit/cost) of boars was observed at 2.33 collections/wk (three periods of 24 hours between collections). Under this schedule, a significant (P < 0.0001) interaction between the selection strategy and the AI technique–dose combination was identified for the gross return; meanwhile, significant (P < 0.0001) additive effects of the selection strategy and AI technique–dose combination were observed for the net profit. The highest gross return was obtained under S13 with IUI0.75 and IUI0.5. The net profit of S13 was 34.37% higher than the traditional S9 (P < 0.0001). The net profit favored IUI0.5 with relative differences of 4.13%, 2.41%, 1.72%, and 0.43% compared to CAI3, CAI2, IUI1.5, and IUI0.75, respectively. The advanced selection strategy proposed including four semen traits is recommended on the basis of the higher profitability relative to the traditional strategy.

Compensatory growth response and carcass quality after a period of lysine restriction in lean meat type barrows

Because research indicates that responses on dietary restrictions may depend on the gender of pigs, we examined the interaction between the lysine level in different feeding periods and the performance and carcass quality of barrows in a 2 × 2 factorial trial. In total 192 barrows were divided over 32 pens of six animals, and each pen was assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (1) high lysine levels in the growing (25–42 kg body weight [BW]), early finishing (42–73 kg BW) and in the late finishing period (73–110 kg BW) (Group HH); (2) high lysine levels in the growing and early finishing period, and low lysine level in the late finishing period (Group HL); (3) low lysine levels in the growing and early finishing period, and high lysine level in the late finishing period (Group LH); and (4) low lysine levels in all periods (Group LL). To obtain the high lysine diets, L-lysine, as well as L-threonine, DL-methionine and L-tryptophan, were added to the low-lysine diets. The low-lysine diets contained 20% (in growing) or 30% (in finishing) lysine less than the high-lysine diets. Feeding Diet LH increased the daily gain and decreased the feed-to-gain ratio in the subsequent late finishing phase (p < 0.05). Between start and slaughter, Group LL showed lower daily gain and a higher feed-to-gain ratio than the three other groups (p < 0.05). Carcass yield and lean meat percentage depended on sufficient amino acid (AA) provision in the late finishing feed (p < 0.05). Lowering the AA concentrations in the diet decreased the amount of lysine needed per kg gain and per kg lean gain (p < 0.05). An interaction between AA levels in the different phases and lean gain was observed, with Group LL showing lower lean gain than the other three groups (p < 0.05). This study shows that strategic provision of a sufficient amount of AAs either in the growing and early finishing period or in the late finishing period largely counteracts the negative effects of AA restriction in other feeding phases. Barrows can show compensatory growth after a period of AA restriction. The results of the present study show that a sufficient level of lysine in the late finishing feed rather than in the growing and early finishing feed is important for obtaining good carcass quality.