Commercial Pig Feed Research Articles

Improved long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae by dietary fish oil supplementation

The nutritional values of sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL) reared on mixed plant-based diets (ground sago palm trunk (GS), cornmeal, rice bran, soybean, and perilla seed), containing different levels of dietary fish oil (FO) were compared to those reared on commercial pig feed (PF) and GS. Increased FO content resulted in an increase in ω-3 fatty acids (FA) in SPWL (p < 0.05), especially α-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. When fed FO-fortified diets instead of PF, the health-promoting indices of the SPWL lipid improved significantly (e.g., decreased ω-6/ω-3 ratio, thrombogenicity index, and hypercholesterolemic FA with increased PUFA content). The lipid, protein, and mineral contents of SPWL were increased while growth performance was maintained on a 1.5% FO-fortified diet. Higher FO levels (3–5%) had a negative impact on the nutritional values and growth performance of the SPWL. Thus, there was a reasonable chance of developing a high-nutrient alternative insect for human consumption.

Insights into the effects of dietary supplements on the nutritional composition and growth performance of sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae

Nutritional composition and growth performance of sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL) fed with ground sago palm trunk mixed with different supplements including commercial pig feed, rice bran, cornmeal, soybean meal, and perilla seed were evaluated. SPWL fed with supplemented diets were richer in protein, lipid, and mineral contents (p < 0.05). Marked increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids (10.75-fold) and omega-3 fatty acids (25.42-fold) with the lowest n-6:n-3 ratio, atherogenicity index, and thrombogenicity index were found in SPWL fed with perilla seed (p < 0.05). Perilla seed, cornmeal, and soybean meal improved essential amino acid content and essential amino acid index of SPWL. Growth performance varied, depending on feed compositions, where a comparable or even greater effect was observed in SPWL fed with supplemented diets compared to control. Therefore, plant-based supplements, especially perilla seed, efficiently improved nutritional quality of SPWL, making them more attractive in terms of nutritional and economical value.

Using nontargeted LC-MS metabolomics to identify the Association of Biomarkers in pig feces with feed efficiency

BackgroundImproving feed efficiency is economically and environmentally beneficial in the pig industry. A deeper understanding of feed efficiency is essential on many levels for its highly complex nature. The aim of this project is to explore the relationship between fecal metabolites and feed efficiency-related traits, thereby identifying metabolites that may assist in the screening of the feed efficiency of pigs.ResultsWe performed fecal metabolomics analysis on 50 individuals selected from 225 Duroc x (Landrace x Yorkshire) (DLY) commercial pigs, 25 with an extremely high feed efficiency and 25 with an extremely low feed efficiency. A total of 6749 and 5644 m/z features were detected in positive and negative ionization modes by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Regrettably, the PCA could not classify the the samples accurately. To improve the classification, OPLS-DA was introduced. However, the predictive ability of the OPLS-DA model did not perform well. Then, through weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), we found that one module in each positive and negative mode was related to residual feed intake (RFI), and six and three metabolites were further identified. The nine metabolites were found to be involved in multiple metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism (primary bile acid synthesis, linoleic acid metabolism), vitamin D, glucose metabolism, and others. Then, Lasso regression analysis was used to evaluate the importance of nine metabolites obtained by the annotation process.ConclusionsAltogether, this study provides new insights for the subsequent evaluation of commercial pig feed efficiency through small molecule metabolites, but also provide a reference for the development of new feed additives.

Black soldier fly larval meal in feed enhances growth performance, carcass yield and meat quality of finishing pigs

Using black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae as a novel protein source substituting fishmeal (FM) in animal feeds is globally gaining momentum. BSF can be reared on agro-industrial residues. However, incorporating BSF larval meal (BSFLM) into finisher pig diets has received inadequate attention. This study evaluated the effects of replacing dietary FM with BSFLM on growth, carcass traits and meat quality of finisher pigs. A control diet (including FM: 0% BSFLM) was compared with four dietary levels of replacement of FM with BSFLM at 25, 50, 75 or 100%. Forty hybrid pigs (crossbreeds of purebred Large White and Landrace) were randomly allocated to the five different dietary treatments. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured. After 98 days of feeding, all pigs were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass and nutritional content of the organ and muscle tissues. Diet significantly affected pig growth performance. Carcass weight of pigs fed diets with BSFLM replacing FM by 50, 75 or 100% (w/w) was higher than for pigs fed control diet with 100% FM as protein source. Crude protein content of pork tissues was high (65-93% on dry-matter basis) across all dietary groups. Therefore, BSFLM can replace FM in pig feed. This is relevant for commercial pig feed production and provides for the first time a nutritional analysis of pork derived from pigs raised on BSFLM.

Effect of Phlorotannins from Brown Seaweeds on the In Vitro Digestibility of Pig Feed.

Simple SummaryIn large-scale pig farming, alternative and safe antimicrobials are needed to enhance pig nutrition. Seaweed bioactives, and in particular phlorotannins, have been reported to have antimicrobial properties. However, their effect on the digestibility of pig feed is not well understood. This study investigates the effect of these phenolics on the in vitro dry matter digestibility of seaweed using an in vitro pig digestibility model. The effect of the phenolics when extracted into their purified phlorotannin form, and blended directly into pig feed, was also tested using the same model. The results found that, when added to the pig feed, purified phlorotannins had a more pronounced effect on digestibility than seaweeds containing phenolics. In addition, the results showed that given the seasonal variation within seaweeds, inclusion of whole seaweeds should be based on phenolic concentration as opposed to percentage inclusion of seaweeds.Phlorotannins have been reported to have positive effects on pig health, including improved gut health and digestibility. In this study, we investigate the effect of phenolics found in two brown seaweeds, Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus serratus, on in vitro dry matter digestibility of seaweeds and commercial pig feed. Phlorotannin extracts and whole seaweeds were supplemented into pig feed to test their effect on digestibility. Solid-phase extraction was used to purify the phenolics to phlorotannins. The results showed a slight decrease in the digestibility of pig feed that was found to be significant when phlorotannin extracts were added from either seaweed. However, when whole A. nodosum was added to the pig feed, the effect on digestibility was less pronounced. Specifically, no significant difference in digestibility was observed at inclusion rates up to 5%, and thereafter results varied. A difference in digestibility was also observed in the same species at the same inclusion rate, collected from different seasons. This suggests that other compounds, e.g., polysaccharides, are having an effect on digestibility when whole seaweeds are supplemented to animal feed. This research has also highlighted the need to base supplementation on phenolic concentration as opposed to a standardised percentage inclusion of seaweeds to ensure that digestibility is not adversely affected.

Prevalence and genomic characterization of Salmonella Weltevreden in commercial pig feed

Viet Nam is the world’s fifth largest producer of pork meat. Salmonella is frequently found at farm level; however, risk factors for Salmonella infection in pigs have not been thoroughly investigated in the production system. In the current study, 123 commercial feed samples were obtained from 103 small, medium and large-scale pig farms in Viet Nam and investigated for the presence of Salmonella in 25 g of feed using the ISO 6579:2002/Cor 1:2004 method. Salmonella was detected in five samples (4.1%; 95% CI 1.75–9.16%). All five samples were found to contain S. Weltevreden as the only serovar. The isolates were subjected to phenotypic and whole genome sequencing analysis for further characterization. They all belonged to ST365 and were sensitive to the 14 antimicrobials tested. Four strains were found to belong to the continental lineage of S. Weltevreden, while one isolate was of the island type. This isolate, contrary to the remaining four isolates contained a prophage homolog to the Vibrio prophage X-29. The findings of only S. Weltevreden, which is often isolated from fish and aquatic samples, suggests that fishmeal used in the feed preparation was a likely source of contamination.

Dietary lactoferrin supplementation to gilts during gestation and lactation improves pig production and immunity.

Lactoferrin (LF), a sialylated iron-binding glycoprotein, performs multiple beneficial functions including modulating immunity and improves neurodevelopment, health and growth performance. Maternal LF intervention for gilts (first parity sows) on the performance of gilts and their offspring remains unknown. In the current study gilts were fed with a commercial pig feed supplemented with 1g LF /day (treatment group) or 1g milk casein/day (control group) from day 1 post mating throughout pregnancy and lactation for about 135 days. The milk production and body weight gain was monitored. The immunoglobulin concentrations in the serum of gilts and piglets were measured using ELISA. Our study showed that maternal LF supplementation to the gilt (1) significantly increased milk production at different time points (day 1, 3, 7 and 19) of lactation compared to the control (p<0.001); (2) significantly increased body weight gain of their piglets during the first 19 days of life compared to the control group (p<0.05); (3) tended to increase pregnancy rate, litter size and birth weight, number of piglets born alive, and decrease the number of dead and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) piglets; (4) significantly increased the concentration of serum IgA in gilt and serum sIgA in piglet (p<0.05). In summary, maternal Lf intervention in gilts can improve milk production, pig production and serum IgA and sIgA levels, and therefore plays a key role in shaping the performance of their progeny.

Supplementation of commercial pig feed with palm oil during pregnancy downregulates genes related to development and permeability in the offspring small intestine

The passage of microbes from the gut flora into the systemic circulation via increased intestinal permeability has been linked to inflammation of adipose tissue and the onset of obesity. A porcine model of a maternal high‐fat diet (mHF) consumed during pregnancy, compared to a control diet (mC) was used to test the hypothesis that a high‐fat diet during pregnancy will adversely affect offspring gut development.Expression of claudin‐4 (CLDN‐4), occludin (OCLN) and zonulin‐1 (ZO‐1) were used as markers of epithelial tight junction permeability. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) was used as a marker of intestinal development. mRNA expression was measured using qPCR. Tissue was taken at 7d, and offspring were grouped by maternal diet and birth weight: mC median (n=6), mC small (n=7), mHF median (n=8), mHF small (n=7).Offspring birth weights were not affected by maternal diet, but mHF offspring had a significantly increased fractional growth rate from 0–7d (p&lt;0.05). EGFr, CLDN‐4 and OCLN mRNA expression was 50% lower in mHF piglets (p&lt;0.05). ZO‐1 expression was unaffected by maternal diet.These findings show that a high‐fat diet during pregnancy may increase intestinal permeability in the offspring, and adversely affect intestinal development. These changes may predispose to the inflammation of adipose tissue and the onset of obesity.Funding sources: NSERC, University of Nottingham.

Determination of Sulfamethoxydiazine in Pig Feed Based on Transmittance near Infrared Spectra

A rapid method for the determination of sulfamethoxydiazine in pig feed was developed using transmittance near infrared spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares calibration. Sulfamethoxydiazine in pig feed was extracted with acetonitrile then the transmittance spectra were recorded directly on the extract. Various spectral pre-treatment methods, including derivative, orthogonal signal correction, multiplicative scatter correction and standard normal variate were compared. The forward interval partial least squares strategy was used to select the variables. Results showed that the suitable wavenumber ranges were 7289–6823 cm−1 combined with 5407–4940 cm−1 and the second derivative was the best pre-treatment method. The multivariable detection limit (MDL) and multivariable quantification limit (MQL) were analysed and utilised as indicators to select the proper calibration sample numbers and the concentration ranges. In accordance with these criteria, 24 samples were appropriate for the wide range of 16–560 mg kg−1 and the narrower calibration range of 16–152 mg kg−1 provided lower MDL and MQL:8.7 mg kg−1 and 28.8 mg kg−1 with α = 0.05, respectively. The 16–152 mg kg−1 model was tested by determining three different batches of commercial pig feed and relative residuals lower than 7% were obtained. It was found that the concentration range was a critical aspect and a narrow range with low levels was recommended for the determination of analyte at low level and the transmittance near infrared approach developed was fast and reliable, allowing a strict control of the sulfamethoxydiazine in pig feed.

An elemental diet fed, enteral or parenteral, does not support growth in young pigs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Young individuals with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) show growth reduction that can be reversed by dietary pancreatic enzyme supplementation. Here we investigated whether feeding an elemental diet could replace the growth-promoting effect of enzyme supplementation in EPI pigs. Weaned pigs with intact pancreas (control) or pancreatic duct-ligated (EPI pigs) were given a commercial pig feed, a fat-enriched diet, or an elemental diet, intragastrically and intravenously, with or without porcine pancreatin (Creon) supplementation for 1 week. Control pigs, irrespective of receiving pig feed or an elemental diet, increased their body weight by 13.4-20.1%, while EPI pigs showed negligible weight gain. Giving a fat-enriched diet did not improve growth of the EPI pigs. However, if the EPI pigs were supplemented with pancreatin in combination with fat-enriched feed or the elemental diet, i.v., their body weight increased by 16.6 %and 8.5%, respectively. Control pigs maintained normal growth, independently of the diet being given in polymeric or elemental form, while EPI pigs showed impaired growth when receiving the same diets without enzyme supplementation. Pancreatic juice and enzyme preparations, in addition to their digestive properties, also appear to affect nutrient assimilation and anabolism in young individuals.

Novel approaches in measuring the antioxidative potential of animal feeds: the FRAP and DPPH methods

AbstractTwo methods were adapted and optimized for evaluating the antioxidative potential of animal feeds. In the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, the neutralization of the stable radical DPPH• by antioxidants present in animal feeds was measured. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method was used to measure the reducing capacity of feeds. To optimize both methods regarding to the type of solvent, the time of extraction and the volume of solvent needed, a commercial pig feed was used. Of the different solvents used, methanol showed superior results to chloroform, water, ethanol, acetone and chloroform–methanol (1:1, v/v). The time of extraction was also examined. The antioxidative potential of the extract of a first extraction step did not change with extraction time after 3 h of extraction. The need for a second extraction step was also investigated, but this could be reduced to a wash step. In a last phase, the volume of the extraction solvent was optimized. It seemed that 25 mL of methanol was sufficient to give a repeatable extraction yield from 2 g of feed. Both methods gave reproducible results with a high recovery for the tested feed. Therefore, it can be concluded that using methanol as the extraction solvent, the DPPH and FRAP methods are useful techniques for monitoring the total antioxidative potential of animal feeds. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

Application of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Compositional Analysis of Commercial Pig Feed Mixes

Abstract Official samples of commercial pig feed mixes taken for routine inspection were analyzed by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Separate calibrations were established for pre-starting pig, starting pig, growing pig, finishing pig, and lactating sow feeds. Mean correlation coefficients and standard errors of calibration, respectively, obtained by comparing NIRS values with conventional chemical analysis values, were as follows: calibration set (about 35 samples per category)-moisture 0.87,0.44%; protein 0.90,0.75%; fiber 0.8b, 0.49%; analytical set (about 15 samples per category)—moisture 0.73, 0.42%; protein 0.90, 0.72%; fiber 0.83, 0.40%. Mean coefficients of variation for NIRS were moisture 3.9%, protein 4.2%, and fiber 14.8%; those for conventional analyses were moisture 2.7%, protein 1.1%, and fiber 11.7%. The results indicated that for moisture, protein, and fiber determinations in commercial pig feed mix products with various and unknown formulations, successful rapid NIRS analysis could be achieved by using a filter-type spectrometer and advanced mathematical data treatments. Among 246 samples inspected, protein content in 70% of them exceeded by 1-8% the legal minimum protein level. Application of NIRS provides an accurate and prompt on-line technique for feed mix analysis during the formulation process and can be beneficial to the operation of feed mills. For official inspection, the technique might serve as a preliminary screening method.

Nephropathy and edema syndrome induced in miniature swine by corn cultures of Penicillium viridicatum.

Nephropathy and a syndrome of edema were produced in miniature swine by cultures of Penicillium viridicatum grown on autoclaved corn. The dried and ground cultures were mixed at a 50% concentration with a commercial pig feed. After a few days of feeding, the pigs became depressed, developed anorexia, posterior paresis, elevated blood urea nitrogen levels, proteinuria, and glycosuria. Gross lesions included subcutaneous edema, ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, and mesenteric edema. Perirenal edema with accumulation of variable amounts of bloody fluid between renal capsule and parenchyma was a remarkable feature of the toxicosis. Microscopic lesions included edema of various tissues and degenerative changes in the kidney.

Some Aspects on the Metabolic Effect of Amino Supplementation of Pig Diets

Three series of feeding experiments in pigs are reported. It was found that supplementation of groats or commercial pig feed with L-lysine.HCL and DL-methionine improved growth rate, feed efficiency and meat/fat ratio. At the same time adaptive changes in some enzyme systems of liver and skeletal muscle occurred. The female animals ovulated earlier on the amino acid supplemented feed. The results are discussed in relation to modern views in nutrition.