Corn-soybean Meal-based Basal Diet Research Articles

Increasing digesta viscosity altered nutrient transporter gene expression and decreased nutrient utilisation in Eimeria-challenged birds

ABSTRACT 1. Two experiments were conducted, the first was to investigate the effect of increasing digesta viscosity by dietary carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the growth performance and intestinal morphology and characteristics of healthy birds. The second experiment evaluated the impact of increased digesta viscosity in birds during an Eimeria spp. challenge. 2. In experiment 1, a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet was supplemented with 0, 10 or 20 g/kg CMC at the expense of cornstarch and offered to seven birds in each of eight replicate cages per diet from d 8 to 22 post hatching. 3. Increasing digesta viscosity due to dietary CMC linearly reduced (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) gain and the apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients. The relative lengths of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum linearly increased (p < 0.01) with dietary CMC inclusion. 4. In experiment 2, on d 14, 256 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to eight replicate cages in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two CMC concentrations (0 or 10 g CMC/kg of diet), with or without an Eimeria challenge. On d 15, birds in the challenge groups were orally gavaged with a 1 ml solution containing 25,000, 25,000 or 125,000 oocysts of E. maxima, E. tenella and E. acervulina; or 1% PBS, respectively. 5. Increasing digesta viscosity in Eimeria-challenged birds decreased the total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy (p < 0.05). The ileal gene expression of glucose transporters was upregulated (p < 0.05) in challenged birds that received the CMC-supplemented diet. 6. In summary, increased digesta viscosity induced changes in the expression of nutrient transporter genes and decreased nutrient utilisation in Eimeria-challenged birds.

Predicting energetic values of cereal grains and byproducts using a computer-controlled simulated digestion system for growing pigs

The objective of this study was to predict the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME) of cereals and byproducts using an in vitro digestion procedure automatically progressed in a computer-controlled simulated digestion system (CCSDS) for growing pigs. In in vivo test to determine the ATTD of GE, DE and ME of feed ingredients, 15 barrows (30.2 ± 2.4 kg of initial body weight) were allotted to a 15 × 6 Youden square design with 15 experimental diets in 6 periods to give 6 replicates per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and 14 test diets formulated with 14 samples of cereals and byproducts. The in vitro digestible energy (IVDE) and IVDE/GE were determined using CCSDS with 5 replicates for each sample. Principal components analysis showed that similar positions of samples were observed on a two-dimensional plot of PC1 and PC2 extracted from chemical composition and each of DE, ME, or IVDE. The ratios of IVDE to DE or ME among 14 samples ranged from 87.7–110.4 % and 91.1–112.9 %, but ranged from 97.8–103.5 % or 100.2–105.7 % when both paddy rice and wheat shorts were excluded in consideration of lever effect. Models to predict DE and ME from IVDE were DE = 0.7428 × IVDE + 945 (R² = 0.71, root mean square error (RMSE) = 157 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01), ME = 0.7465 × IVDE + 839 (R² = 0.76, RMSE=139 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01) when 14 samples were included, but regression equations were DE = 0.6924 × IVDE + 1173 (R² = 0.91, RMSE = 49 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01) and ME = 0.6876 × IVDE + 1098 (R² = 0.95, RMSE = 34 kcal/kg DM, P < 0.01) when paddy rice and wheat shorts were excluded. Our results indicate that IVDE determined with a novel CCSDS can precisely predict the DE and ME of cereals and byproducts with lower fiber content (ADF < 6.01 % DM) for growing pigs.

Effects of quercetin and genistein on egg quality, lipid profiles, and immunity in laying hens.

After the peak laying stage, laying hens become susceptible to lipid accumulation and inflammatory reactions. The objective of this experiment was to examine the impact of quercetin and genistein on egg quality and lipid profiles in laying hens. A total of 240 Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments. Each treatment had eight replicates, with ten hens in each replicate, and the hens were aged between 46 and 56 weeks. The test diets consisted of a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet, a basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg-1 quercetin, and a basal diet supplemented with 300 mg kg-1 quercetin and 40 mg kg-1 genistein. Results showed that, separately, supplemental quercetin significantly improved egg quality (eggshell strength, albumen height, and Haugh unit, P < 0.05) and reduced the deposition of abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Our findings also showed that, separately or as a combination, supplemental quercetin and genistein significantly increased eggshell thickness (P < 0.05), decreased the levels of lipids in serum (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and non-esterified fatty acids, P < 0.05) and significantly increased serum immunoglobulins A and G (P < 0.05), and promoted the expression of splenic immune-related genes (IgA and IL-4, P < 0.05). This study confirmed that supplemental quercetin and genistein, either separately or in combination, can enhance eggshell thickness, lipid profiles, and immune function in aging hens. Moreover, both quercetin alone and quercetin + genistein exhibited similar abilities to lower lipid levels and improve immune function. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of dietary supplementation of taurine on productive performance, egg quality, and liver health in aged laying hens

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing supplementation of taurine in diets on productive performance, egg quality, and liver health in aged laying hens. A total of three hundred twenty 75-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates and 10 hens per replicate in a 12-week feeding trial. A corn-soybean meal-based basal diet was formulated and feed-grade taurine was then supplemented to the basal diet at the supplemental levels of 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 g/kg. Results indicated that increasing supplementation of taurine in diets decreased (linear, P < 0.05) egg weight, egg mass, and feed intake in aged laying hens. Moreover, increasing supplementation of taurine in diets exhibited a quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) with broken and shell-less egg production. However, hen-day egg production and feed conversion ratio were not affected by increasing supplementation of taurine in diets. Increasing supplementation of taurine in diets decreased (linear, P < 0.01) egg yolk color, but tended to increase eggshell strength (linear, P = 0.08). The hepatic malondialdehyde concentrations were decreased (linear, P < 0.01) by increasing supplementation of taurine in diets. However, expression levels of genes related to hepatic taurine metabolism were not affected by increasing supplementation of taurine in diets. In conclusion, increasing supplementation of taurine in diets decreases egg weight and egg yolk color, but improves eggshell strength in aged laying hens. Increasing supplementation of taurine in diets may have positive effects on the liver health, particularly by decreasing oxidative stress in aged laying hens.

Effects of β-glucan with vitamin E supplementation on the growth performance, blood profiles, immune response, pork quality, pork flavor, and economic benefit in growing and finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of β-glucan with vitamin E supplementation on the growth performance, blood profiles, immune response, pork quality, pork flavor, and economic benefit in growing and finishing pigs. A total of 140 growing pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) were assigned to five treatments considering sex and initial body weight (BW) in 4 replications with 7 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet with or without 0.05% or 0.1% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E. The pigs were fed the diets for 12 weeks (phase I, 0 to 3; phase II, 3 to 6; phase III, 6 to 9; phase IV, 9 to 12). The BW and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. Blood samples were collected at the end of each phase. Four pigs from each treatment were selected and slaughtered for meat quality. Economic benefit was calculated considering the total feed intake and feed price. Pork flavor was analyzed through inosine monophosphate analysis. The average daily gain and feed efficiency were improved compared to the control when β-glucan or vitamin E was added. Supplementing 0.05% β-glucan significantly increased the lymphocyte concentration compared to the addition of 0.1% β-glucan and the content of vitamin E in the blood increased when 0.02% vitamin E was added. The treatment with 0.1% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E showed the most economic effect because it had the shortest days to market weight and the lowest total feed cost. The addition of β-glucan or vitamin E had a positive role in improving the flavor of pork when considering that the content of inosine monophosphate was increased. However, carcass traits and meat quality were not affected by β-glucan or vitamin E. The addition of 0.1% β-glucan with 0.02% vitamin E in growing and finishing pig diets showed great growth performance and economic effects by supplying vitamin E efficiently and by improving the health condition of pigs due to β-glucan.

Effects of β-glucan and vitamin E diet supplementation on the physiological response, litter performance, blood profiles, immune response, and milk composition of lactating sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of β-glucan and vitamin E diet supplementation on the physiological response, litter performance, blood profiles, immune response, and milk composition of lactating sows. A total of 50 multiparous F1 sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) with an average body weight (BW) of 233.6 ± 4.30 kg and an average parity of 4.00 ± 0.307 and their litters were used in this experiment. All sows were allotted one of five treatments, taking into consideration BW, backfat thickness, and parity in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates. The experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet with or without 0.1% or 0.2% β-glucan and 110 IU vitamin E/kg diet. All treatments added with β-glucan or vitamin E were statistically higher in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) measurement of lactating sows compared to those of the control (Diet, p<0.01). Additionally, the ADFI of lactating sows was significantly higher in the groups supplemented with 0.1% β-glucan compared to 0.2% β-glucan (BG, p<0.01). There was an increasing trend in piglet weight at weaning (BG, p=0.07), litter weight at the 21st day of lactation (BG, p=0.07) and litter weight gain (BG, p=0.08) in groups supplemented with 0.1% β-glucan. The addition of 110 IU vitamin E/kg diet increased vitamin E concentration significantly in lactating sows (VE, p<0.01) and exhibited a trend for higher concentrations of vitamin E (VE, p=0.09) in piglets. Adding 0.1% β-glucan compared to 0.2% β-glucan induced a decrease in the concentration of TNF-α in lactating sows (BG, p=0.06) and in piglets (BG, p=0.09) on the 21st day of lactation. There were no significant differences in the milk composition of sows. Adding 0.1% β-glucan and 110 IU vitamin E/kg to a lactating sow's diet was beneficial to the growth performance of piglets by leading to an increase in the feed intake of sows and efficiently supplying vitamin E to both the sows and piglets.

Effects of dietary supplementation of diacylglycerol on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emission, and hematology parameters in weaned piglets

A total of 120 21-day-old weaned piglets ((Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc) were used to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of diacylglycerol (DAG) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emission, and hematology parameters in a 42-day experiment. All pigs were randomly assigned to three groups based on the initial body weight (6.47 ± 0.45 kg). There were eight replicate pens per treatment and five pigs (three barrows and two gilts) per pen. The DAG in the levels of 0%, 0.05%, or 0.10% was used as supplement to the corn–soybean meal-based basal diet. Piglets fed the diet supplemented with graded levels of DAG linearly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during days 22–42 ( P = 0.027) and 1–42 ( P = 0.048). In addition, a tendency in the linear reduction of fecal ammonia ( P = 0.095), hydrogen sulfide ( P = 0.078), and methyl mercaptan ( P = 0.085) emission was observed by increasing the DAG levels in the diet. However, feeding pigs with DAG-containing diet had no significant effects on the nutrient digestibility and hematology parameters. Therefore, the suitable dose of DAG used in the diet of weaned piglets was at 0.10% to improve ADG and reduce fecal gas emission.

Effects of β-glucan with vitamin E supplementation on the growth performance, blood profiles, immune response, fecal microbiota, fecal score, and nutrient digestibility in weaning pigs.

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of β-glucan with vitamin E supplementation on the growth performance, blood profiles, immune response, fecal microbiota, fecal score, and nutrient digestibility in weaning pigs. A total of 200 weaning pigs with an average body weight (BW) of 7.64±0.741 kg were allotted to five treatment groups and were divided based on sex and initial BW in four replicates with ten pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets included a corn‒soybean meal-based basal diet with or without 0.1% or 0.2% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E. The pigs were fed the diets for 6 weeks. A total of 15 barrows were used to evaluate the nutrient digestibility by the total collection method. The BW and feed intake were measured at the end of each phase. Blood samples were collected at the end of each phase, and fecal samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The addition of β-glucan with vitamin E to weaning pig feed increased BW, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake. A significant decrease in yeast and mold and Proteobacteria and a tendency for Lactobacillus to increase compared to the control was shown when 0.1% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E were added. The fecal score in weaning pigs was lower in the treatments supplemented with 0.1% or 0.2% β-glucan and 0.02% vitamin E compared to the control. In addition, vitamin E was better supplied to weaning pigs by increasing the concentration of α-tocopherol in the blood of weaning pigs when 0.02% vitamin E was supplemented. However, there was no significant difference in either the immune response or nutrient digestibility. Inclusion of 0.1% β-Glucan with 0.02% vitamin E in a weaning pig's diet were beneficial to the growth performance of weaning pigs by improving intestinal microbiota and reducing the incidence of diarrhea.

A preliminary evaluation on mixed probiotics as an antimicrobial spraying agent in growing pig barn

The purpose of this study is to examine whether spraying an anti-microbial agent into the slurry pit will reduce the noxious odor substances from piggery barns. For this, a total of 200 crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) growing pigs with an initial average body weight (BW) of 23.58 ± 1.47 kg were selected and housed in two different rooms, i.e. control (CON) and treatment (TRT). Each room has 100 pigs (60 gilts and 40 borrows). For a period of 42 days, all pigs were fed with corn-soybean meal-based basal diet. Later the noxious odor substances were measured by the following methods. First, fecal samples were randomly collected and stored in sealed and unsealed containers, and sprayed with the non-anti-microbial agent (NAMA) (saline water) and multi-bacterial spraying (MBS) agent (200 :1, mixing ratio-fecal sample : probiotic), Second, the slurry pit of CON and TRT rooms were directly sprayed with NAMA and MBS, respectively. The fecal sample that was stored in sealed and un-sealed containers and sprayed with MBS significantly reduced NH3 and CO2 concentration at the end of day 7. However, at the end of day 42, the fecal sample showed a lower H2S, methyl mercaptans, acetic acid, and CO2 concentration compared to the unsealed container. Moreover, at the end of days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 compared to the CON room and TRT room slurry pit emits lower concentrations of NH3, acetic acid, H2S, and methyl mercaptans, and CO2 into the atmosphere. Based on the current findings, we infer that spraying anti-microbial agents on pig dung would be one of the better approaches to suppress the odor emission from the barn in the future.

PSXIII-16 Effects of Clay Mineral ‘Illite’ on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Meat-Carcass Grade Quality in Growing-Finishing Pigs

Abstract Clays are crystalline, hydrated aluminosilicate molecules composed of alkali and alkaline earth cations along with small amounts of various other elements. The best-known are montmorillonite, smectite, illite, kaolinite, biotite and clinoptilolite. Such illite was used in this present study to investigate its effects on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat-carcass grade quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 150 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc); weighted 25.42 ± 3.23kg, were selected and randomly allocated to 2 treatments with 15 replicates per group and 5 pigs per replicates according to initial body weight and sex. The experimental treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based basal diet (CON) and basal diet supplemented with 0.5% illite (IL). The experiment period lasted for 126 days. Pigs fed IL supplemented diet had greater (P&amp;lt;0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI) and reduction in G:F during 43 to 70 and 99- 126 days compared with pigs fed CON diet. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) was greater during day 42 and 126 in pigs receiving IL supplemented diet compared with CON diet. The inclusion of IL in the diet of the pigs had increased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) backfat thickness (BFT) during day 98 while drip loss was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on day 7 and showed tendency (P=0.088) to increase the meat firmness. Therefore, we concluded that supplementation of 0.5% of IL in diets could improve growth performance, total tract digestibility of dry matter, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs

Determination of non-phytate phosphorus requirement for slow-growing feather-frizzled broilers from 1 to 21 days of age

The influence of dietary non-phytate phosphorous (NPP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, bone quality and serum parameters were investigated to determine the NPP requirement of slow-growing feather-frizzled broilers aged from 1 to 21 days. A total of 480 1-day-old indigenous slow-growing male feather-frizzled broilers were assigned to 1 of 6 treatments with 8 cage replicates of 10 birds each using a completely randomized design. They were fed with corn-soybean meal-based basal diet (containing 0.13 % of NPP) supplemented with 0.00 %, 0.08 %, 0.16 %, 0.24 %, 0.32 %, and 0.40 % of inorganic phosphorus (CaHPO4.2 H2O), respectively. The experimental diets contained a constant 0.90% calcium. Results showed that body weight gain, feed intake, eviscerated carcass ratio, tibia breaking strength, tibia and toe ash or phosphorous concentrations, femoral strength and serum inorganic phosphorous concentration were affected (P < 0.010) by dietary NPP level, and showed significant quadratic responses (P < 0.030) to dietary NPP levels. The estimates of dietary NPP requirements were 0.25–0.36 % based on the best fitted broken-line or quadratic models (P < 0.029) of the above performance, serum and bone parameters. In conclusion, the NPP requirements would be about 0.25 % to obtain the optimum growth performance and carcass yield, and 0.36 % to meet bone development and P metabolism for such slow-growing feather-frizzled broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21 days of age.

초기 육계 사료 내 미세조류(Tetradesmus sp.) 첨가에 따른 장관환경 변화

This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary microalgae <i>(Tetradesmus sp.</i> (TO)) on intestinal immunity and microbiota of pre-starter broilers. One hundred and twenty 1-day-old birds (Ross 308) were allocated to two dietary treatment groups with six blocks in a randomized complete block design. The two experimental diets consisted of a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and a diet with 0.5% TO powder instead of cornstarch in the basal diet. After feeding the experimental diets for ten days, all birds’ body weight and feed intake were measured, and representative eight birds were selected from each treatment group. Small intestinal lamina propria cells were isolated using flow cytometry to examine the frequency of immune cells. Cecal feces were harvested for 16s rRNA gut microbiota analysis and fecal IgA levels. Here, we found that 0.5% TO supplementation increased CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cells in the small intestine, but decreased CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells in the small intestine. Gut microbial analysis showed that TO supplementation significantly increased the alpha diversity of the gut microbiome. Taxonomic analysis showed that TO treatment increased the abundance of Firmicutes and decreased that of Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. The distribution of <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> containing many harmful bacteria at the family level, was lower in the TO group. In the LEfSe analysis, the TO group had a significantly enriched abundance of <i>Agathobaculum</i> at the genus level. Overall, results show that <i>Tetradesmus sp.</i> supplementation influences intestinal T-cell immunity and induces the expansion of beneficial gut microbes in pre-starter broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation of zinc proteinate on performance, egg quality, blood biochemical parameters, and egg zinc content in White Leghorn layers.

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc proteinate (Zn-P) on laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant indices, and egg zinc content in laying hens from 38 to 49weeks of age. A total of 150 White Leghorn layers were randomly assigned to five treatments, each with six replicates with five birds per replication. Dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet with no zinc addition and basal diet supplemented with Zn-P at 40, 80, 120, or 160mg/kg of feed for 12weeks. The analyzed zinc concentrations of the five diets were 29.5, 70.8, 110.2, 147.5, and 187.5mg Zn/kg, respectively. Dietary Zn-P supplementation had no effect on feed intake and egg production. However, raising the zinc level improved egg weight (P < 0.01) and egg mass (P < 0.05) and lowered the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) during the later (46-49weeks) period. The Zn-P supplementation also significantly (P < 0.05) increased Haugh units, egg shell strength, and shell thickness and had no influence on other egg quality parameters. Increasing zinc levels in the diet resulted in increase in egg zinc contents and serum zinc level. The serum triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in Zn-P-supplemented groups. Supplementation of Zn-P significantly (P < 0.05) increased serum Cu-Zn-SOD activity and reduced MDA concentration. It could be concluded that dietary supplementation of higher levels of Zn-P, more than 80mg/kg diet, significantly improved the egg zinc content, some egg quality traits, antioxidant activity, and serum zinc levels.

Sows fed with synergistic blend of short- and medium chain organic acid has a carryover effect on post-weaning growth rate.

This study investigated the effect of a synergistic blend of free and buffered organic acid (FMP) on the performance of piglets born to sows supplemented with a blend of short- and medium-chain organic acids (SGG) during the late gestation and lactation period. A total of 150 multiparous sows (n = 50/treatment, Landrace × Yorkshire) were blocked (2.4 parity) and assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: CON - corn-soybean meal-based basal diet, SGG-Low − CON+ 1.5 kg/ton SGG, and SGG-High − CON + 3kg/ton SGG. During weaning, 600 piglets (6.72 ± 0.5kg) which weaned from sows supplemented with 3 levels of SGG were allocated to 2 weaner diets (Control and FMP - 3kg/ton) following 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Supplemental effects on performance were measured at d0–d21 and d 21–42, and the entire period. Pigs fed with FMP and born to sows supplemented with SGG-High gained more weight and ate more (p < 0.05) compared with those in the CON group in both phases, and with SGG-Low in the second phase. Over the entire post-weaning period, piglets born to sows supplemented with SGG-Low and SGG-High had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) (p < 0.05). Regardless of sow treatment, pigs fed with an FMP diet had higher ADG (p < 0.001), BW (p = 0.045), and a lower feed conversion ratio (p = 0.033). Also, feeding FMP diets reduced the fecal Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens counts at d42. The current study indicates that sows fed SGG supplement had a positive carry-over effect on the post-weaning growth rate, and FMP supplement enhances the growth performance and reduced the number of C. perfringens and E. coli. Thus, the application of 3 kg/ton of SGG in sows’ diet and subsequent feeding of piglets with FMP would be an effective strategy to improve growth rate and reduce pathogenic bacteria in post-weaned piglets.

Hydrolyzed Yeast Supplementation to Newly Weaned Piglets: Growth Performance, Gut Health, and Microbial Fermentation.

Simple SummaryEarly-weaning in piglets has negative effects on growth performance and gut health, which may cause economic losses in the swine production worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of a highly digestible protein ingredient from hydrolyzed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, and microbial fermentation in early-weaned piglets. Our study found that supplementing hydrolyzed yeast increased growth performance, crude protein digestibility, villus height, villus height-to-crypt ratio, and immunity and decreased inflammation and fecal pathogen count compared with those fed a diet with no addition of hydrolyzed yeast. These research outcomes indicate that supplementation of hydrolyzed yeast has the potential to enhance the growth performance and gut health of early-weaned piglets.Hydrolyzed yeast (HY)-derived protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a high digestible protein content and nucleotides and is a sweetener immunostimulatory substance. This could be used in nursery diets to minimize diarrhea and improve the growth rate and gut health of early-weaned piglets. This research was conducted with the objective of examining the effect of the inclusion level of HY as a potential protein ingredient for early-weaned piglets. A total of 72 crossbred weaned piglets [(Landrace × Large White) × Duroc] were assigned to three dietary treatments in six replicates with four pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were: (i) control (CON), piglets weaned at 18 days; (ii) CON diet with 5% HY inclusion (HY5); and (iii) CON diet with 10% HY inclusion (HY10) in a corn–soybean meal-based basal diet. Increasing HY levels positively improved body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake (linear effect, p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a linear increase in N-retention, albumin, jejunal villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, immunoglobulin A, acetate and propionate production, and Lactobacillus spp. count proportional to the dose of the HY-supplemented diet (p < 0.05). It also observed a decrease in diarrheal rate, jejunal crypt depth, blood urea nitrogen, pro-inflammatory cytokines, branched amino acids, and E. coli corresponding to the HY-supplemented levels (p < 0.05). However, the changes in the apparent total tract digestibility (dry matter, crude ash, and crude fat), blood glucose, butyrate, and Salmonella spp. were unaffected by the dietary HY level. Therefore, the supplementation of HY in the diet for early-weaned pigs not only supported the growth rate and immune function but also activated the beneficial bacterial growth of the early-weaned piglets.

Achyranthes Japonica Nakai root extract supplementation improves apparent nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, and excreta gas emission in broiler chicks

This study investigated the effects of supplementing Achyranthes Japonica Nakai (AJN) root extract to the diet of broiler chicks on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, excreta gas emission, and relative weight of organs. A total of 270 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (42.11 ± 0.18 g) were randomly allotted into three dietary treatments according to the initial body weight. Each treatment had five replicate cages with 18 birds per cage. The experimental period was 35 d (starter, days 1–7; grower, days 8–21; finisher, days 22–35). Dietary treatments were a corn–soybean meal-based basal diet supplemented with 0.000%, 0.015%, or 0.030% AJN root extract. The apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen (P = 0.025) increased linearly with the increase of the dosage of AJN root extract, while the counts of Escherichia coli in the caecum (P = 0.038) and excreta ammonia emission (P = 0.003) decreased linearly. However, the growth performance (P &gt; 0.05) and the relative weight of organs (P &gt; 0.05) did not differ among the dietary groups. In conclusion, AJN root extract could increase the nutrient digestibility and reduce the noxious gas emission by reducing the caecum harmful microbiota in a dose-dependent manner.

Soy isoflavones supplementation improves reproductive performance and serum antioxidant status of sows and the growth performance of their offspring.

A total of 60sows (Landrace×Yorkshire, average parity was 1.39) were used to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones (ISO) supplementation on reproductive performance, serum antioxidant enzyme parameters, and milk compositions of sows, and the growth performance of offspring. Sows were randomly assigned to 4groups based on the parity. There were 15 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and supplemented with 0, 10, 20, or 40mg/kg ISO. With the increase of the ISO dosage, average daily feed intake of sows increased linearly; oestrus interval decreased linearly and quadratically. In addition, on day 10 of lactation, linear increases in serum superoxide dismutase levels, linear and quadratic increases in serum total antioxidant capacity, and linear decreases in serum malondialdehyde levels were observed in increasing ISO dosage in the diet of sows. The body weight on day 10 and 21 and the average daily gain during days 3-10 and 3-21 of offspring increased linearly at graduated doses of ISO increased. Therefore, feeding sows with graded levels of ISO containing diet during late-gestation and lactation periods improved the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of their offspring in a dose-dependent manner.

PSVII-6 Hindgut disappearance of nutrients in a diet containing sugar beet pulp was greater than that in a diet containing corn cob with no effect of feed intake in growing pigs

Abstract The objective was to determine the influence of feed intake (FI) and fiber source on hindgut disappearance of energy and nutrients in pigs. Ten canulated barrows with an initial body weight (BW) of 38.3 ± 5.4 kg were allotted to a replicated 5 × 4 Latin square design with 5 treatments and 4 periods. A corn-soybean meal-based basal diet (BD) and 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement with 2 amounts of FI (9.0 and 4.5% × BW0.75) and 2 fiber sources of sugar beet pulp (SBP) and corn cob were used. Three diets were 1) a BD, 2) a diet replacing 30% of corn and soybean meal in BD with SBP as a source of soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and 3) a diet replacing 15% of corn and soybean meal in BD with corn cobs as a source of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) to obtain a similar IDF concentration as in the SBP diet. Each period consisted of 7-d adaptation, 2-d fecal collection, and 2-d ileal collection. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of energy, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) in SBP diet was less (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than that in corn cob diet, whereas AID of neutral detergent fiber in SBP were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than in corn cob diet. Hindgut disappearance of energy, DM, OM, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber in SBP diet was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that in corn cob diet. However, no interaction between FI and fiber source on the AID, apparent total tract digestibility, and hindgut disappearance of nutrients was observed. Overall, hindgut disappearance of nutrients in sugar beet pulp diet was greater than that in corn cob diet. However, the influence of feed intake or the interaction between feed intake and fiber source was not observed.

PSVII-5 Influences of feed intake and fiber source on energy and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

Abstract The objective was to determine the influence of feed intake (FI) and fiber source on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and nutrients in pigs. Twelve barrows with an initial body weight (BW) of 34.0 ± 2.6 kg were allotted to a replicated 6 × 4 Latin square design with 6 treatments and 4 periods. The 6 treatments were consisted of a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 2 amounts of FI (9.0 and 4.5% × BW0.75) and 3 dietary fiber sources. Three diets were 1) a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet (BD), 2) a diet replacing 30% of corn and soybean meal in BD with sugar beet pulp (SBP) as a source of soluble dietary fiber (SDF), and 3) a diet replacing 15% of corn and soybean meal in BD with corn cobs as a source of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) to obtain a similar IDF concentration as in the SBP diet. Following a 6-d adaptation, feces were collected for 5 d. The ATTD of GE, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in diets was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for pigs fed at 4.5% of BW0.75 compared with those fed at 9.0% of BW0.75. The ATTD of GE, DM, OM, NDF, and ADF in SBP diet was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) than that in corn cob diet. However, there was no interaction between FI and fiber source on energy and nutrient digestibility. The ATTD of GE, DM, OM, protein, NDF, and ADF in SBP was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) than that in corn cobs. In conclusion, energy and nutrient digestibility values were increased by reduced feed intake and were greater in sugar beet pulp than in corn cobs without interaction between feed intake and fiber source.

Dietary supplementation of Aspergillus niger-expressed glucose oxidase ameliorates weaning stress and improves growth performance in weaning pigs.

Weaning is one of the most stressful events in the pig's life, which disrupts physiological balance and leads to oxidative stress. It is reported that glucose oxidase supplementation could alleviate oxidative stress in animals by increasing the concentration of antioxidant enzymes in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Aspergillus niger-expressed glucose oxidase (AN-GOX) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbiota, faecal gas emission and serum antioxidant enzyme parameters in weaning pigs. A total of 120 21-day-old weaning pigs [(Yorkshire ×Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 6.54±0.55kg were used in a 21-day experiment (phase 1, days 1-7; phase 2, days 8-21) with a completely randomized block design. Pigs were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 5 pigs per pen (2 barrows and 3 gilts). Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.01, 0.03 or 0.05% AN-GOX (1000unit/g). The results of this study showed that average daily gain during days 1-7 and 1-21 and the concentrations of serum glutathione peroxidase and glutathione increased linearly at graduated doses of AN-GOX increased in the diet. However, dietary supplementation of AN-GOX had no effects on the apparent nutrient digestibility, faecal microbiota and faecal gas emission. In conclusion, supplementing AN-GOX to the diet of weaning pigs ameliorated weaning stress, which manifested as the increase in serum antioxidant enzyme levels, thus improving growth performance. The suitable dosage of AN-GOX used in the diet of weaning pigs was 0.05%.