Growth Performance Data Research Articles

Growth, physiological responses, and meat quality of feedlot-finished Bonsmara steers offered unprocessed Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal with or without conventional and green zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Feedlot finishing of beef cattle on commercial nutrient-dense diets based on expensive corn (maize), soybean meal (SBM) and other commonly used protein-rich ingredients is economically unsustainable, especially for smallholder farmers. Rich in energy and proteins, Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) could replace corn and protein-rich ingredients in beef cattle diets provided its problems of antinutritional factors (ANFs) and high fiber content that compromise animal growth performance are resolved. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the effects of incorporation of conventional (C-Nano-ZnO) versus green (G-Nano-ZnO) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in the diets of feedlot-finished Bonsmara steers supplemented with 20% MSM (dry matter basis). In a completely randomized design, 28 Bonsmara steers were randomly allocated to 4 experimental diets [i.e., Control diet without MSM (C); C with 20% MSM replacing corn (partially) and the common protein-rich ingredients (CM); CM with 25mg/kg C-Nano-ZnO (CM-C); and CM with 25mg/kg G-Nano-ZnO (CM-G)] each with seven replicates for 98 days. Performance variables, carcass traits, hemato-biochemistry, and meat quality were then measured. All data were analyzed with SAS using one-way ANOVA applying the GLM procedure, with diet as the independent variable, except for growth performance data that were analyzed as repeated measures. Results showed that while dietary MSM did not affect (P > 0.05) meat quality and serum biochemistry, it decreased body weight gain (BWG; P < 0.01), feed intake (FI; P = 0.001), feed conversion efficiency (FCE; P < 0.01), carcass fatness (P = 0.05), hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.05), cold carcass weight (CCW; P = 0.05), blood MCV (P < 0.05), MCH (P < 0.01), and neutrophils (P < 0.01) as it increased blood lymphocytes (P < 0.001). Interestingly, the harmful effects of MSM were attenuated by C-Nano-ZnO and worsened by G-Nano-ZnO. In conclusion, feeding of high dietary unprocessed MSM did not affect Bonsmara beef meat quality and serum biochemistry but compromised their growth performance, carcass traits, and some hematology responses, and these were alleviated by C-Nano-ZnO and deteriorated by G-Nano-ZnO incorporation. We recommend feeding commercial diets supplemented with 20% MSM, replacing corn and commonly used protein-rich ingredients, plus 25mg/kg of C-Nano-ZnO to feedlot-finishing beef cattle.

Transcriptome analysis revealed the mechanism of skeletal muscle growth and development in different hybrid sheep.

To analyze the molecular mechanism of heterosis in East Friesian sheep × Hu sheep (EH) hybrid sheep and Suffolk × EH (SHE) hybrid sheep (Ovis aries). In this research, the growth performance data of Hu sheep (H), EH and SHE from birth to 8 months of age were analyzed. Three 8-month-old sheep of each of the three strains (9 sheep in total) were chosen and their longissimus dorsi muscles were collected for transcriptome sequencing. We verified the expression of seven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by RT-qPCR. The results showed: (1) body weight and chest circumference of EH were significantly greater than H (p<0.05), except at 4 months of age. Body weight and chest circumference of SHE was significantly higher than EH (p<0.05), except at 6 months of age. (2) 310 DEGs were screened in the EH and H, GO and KEGG showed DEGs were mainly concentrate on the categories of actin cytoskeleton, calcium binding, cGMP-PKG and MAPK signaling pathway, which correlating the development of skeletal muscle and energy metabolism. 329 DEGs were screened in the SHE and EH. DEGs were mainly enriched in ECM-receptor interactions and cell adhesion molecules. (3) PPI screening yielded five (MYL2, TNNI1, TNNI3, MYH11, TNNC1) and three (SOX10, COL2A1, MPZ) pivotal DEGs regulating muscle development in EH and SHE. (4) RT-qPCR test results were consistent with transcriptome sequencing. This study provides candidate genes for improving sheep growth traits. It provides a theoretical basis for analyzing the mechanism of muscle development in crossbred sheep.

Analysing the effects of feeding black soldier fly on broiler growth performance: a meta-analysis

Context The black soldier fly has been found to be a rich protein source, containing high amounts of protein and lipids, making them a valuable and sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources, such as fish and soybean meals, for broilers, which has also been demonstrated by multiple studies. Aims A meta-analysis was conducted using peer-reviewed published research on the use of black soldier flies in poultry diets to test the hypothesis that it enhances growth performance as a sustainable alternative to plant-based protein sources. Methods To this end, we used publicly available databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Embase) to identify peer-reviewed papers. Retrieved articles were screened for relevance and quality using established criteria. The studies were largely rejected due to non-reporting of variance measures or reporting pooled measures of variance that could not be used. As a result, eight studies were used to extract data for growth performance, including body weight gain. Key results The meta-analysis showed that the effect of feeding black soldier fly meals on body weight gain was non-significant. However, the subgroup analysis showed that utilisation of the frozen form of the black soldier fly lowers body weight gain compared with the birds fed basal diets. Furthermore, the feed intake was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced when the broilers were fed with diets containing black soldier fly meals. The feed conversion ratio showed non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences with the supplementation. Conclusions The inclusion level of black soldier fly larvae meal in any form was seen to be safe up to 10%, and the effective duration of the supplementation was ≤35 days. Implications The utilisation of black soldier fly as a sustainable protein source should be encouraged to facilitate farmers in terms of being less dependent on soybean meal, as well as to reduce the competition between humans and animals for plant protein sources.

PSLBI-21 Interactive effects of dietary betaine supplementation and soybean hulls inclusion on growth performance and carcass composition of young growing pigs

Abstract Growing barrow pigs [n = 24; Large White x Landrace x Duroc; 29.51 ± 3.24 kg initial body weight (BW)] were assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design to evaluate the synergistic effects of dietary levels of betaine (BET; 0 and 0.1%) and soybean hulls (SBH; 0 and 15%) on growth performance and carcass composition. Pigs were blocked by initial BW and housed in individual pens with ad libitum access to feed and water for a 28-d feeding period. Pigs were weighed and feed intake was recorded at 14-d intervals. Real-time ultrasonic (RTU) measurements of the 10th-rib longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and off-midline backfat thickness (BF) were obtained initially and on d 28 for all pigs. Prediction equations were used to estimate total fat tissue (TOFAT) and fat-free total lean (FFTOLN) from the measurements. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS software. Growth performance data were analyzed as repeated measures on time and carcass data were analyzed as single measures with the respective baseline values used as covariate in the statistical model. There were no SBH x BET interactions for growth response variables. Pig growth was not affected by dietary BET supplementation. During the first 14 d of the study, pigs fed 15% SBH had decreased average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.02), and feed efficiency [gain:fee; (G:F;P = 0.04)] when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH. From d 15 to 28, dietary addition of 15% SBH reduced ADFI (P = 0.01), whereas no significant effects on the other growth performance variables were observed. Overall, when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH, pigs fed diets with 15% SBH had reduced feed intake (P = 0.01) and ADG (P = 0.04), which resulted in lighter pigs (P = 0.03) at the completion of the feeding trial. A SBH x BET interaction (P = 0.04) was observed for LMA, with decreased values (P &amp;lt; 0.05) detected for BET-supplemented pigs only when SBH was not included in the diet. No additional carcass composition traits were altered by BET supplementation. Including 15% SBH to the diet decreased BF (P = 0.05) and TOFAT (P = 0.04) in growing pigs. Neither BET supplementation nor SBH inclusion affected FFTOLN. In conclusion, adding supplemental BET to diets with SBH did not synergistically alter nutrient partitioning of young growing pigs. Although no beneficial effects of BET supplementation on growth and carcass composition traits were observed, feeding pigs diets containing 15% SBH resulted in slower growth rates with less fat deposition.

PSVII-29 Integrating hybrid rye into organic pig production to reduce feed and bedding costs

Abstract An obstacle to profitable organic swine production is the high cost of feed and bedding. We evaluated whether growing hybrid rye for organic feed and bedding for pigs was economically viable by replacing corn with hybrid rye and evaluating pig growth performance and feed and bedding costs. Hybrid rye was grown on certified organic land at WCROC in 2022 and 2023. Rye grain and straw were used in a feeding trial with pigs raised according to the National Organic Standards. The animal trial consisted of three replicates. Each replicate included 100 pigs in two pens (Control vs. Rye, 50 pigs/pen) in a bedded hoop barn. Control pigs were fed corn soybean meal-based diets and Rye pigs were fed diets with 50% of corn in the control diets replaced by hybrid rye. Each replicate lasted for about 12 wk until pigs reached market weight (120 kg). Pigs were weighed individually at the beginning, every 4 wk thereafter, and at the conclusion of the study. Feed disappearance was recorded on a pen basis at the time of weighing pigs. Growth performance[average daily gain(ADG), average daily daily feed intake (ADFI), and Gain: Feed] was calculated for each weigh period. Carcass weight was recorded at harvest and dressing percent was calculated for each pig. Bedding usage was recorded for each pen (Control pen = wheat straw, Rye pen = rye straw) and average usage for each pig was calculated. Growth performance and bedding usage data were analyzed using the Proc Glimmix Procedures of SAS, with dietary treatment as the fixed effect, replicate as the random effect, and pen as the experimental unit. Production costs were set at $239/ha for organic rye grain and $20/ha for rye straw baling according to the FINBIN Database, and the unit costs ($/kg) were calculated based on yield for each year. Prices for organic corn, soybean meal, base mix, wheat straw, and market pigs were based on market prices (Table 1). Yield of organic hybrid rye grain at WCROC was 1,070 and 712 kg/ha in 2022 and 2023, respectively, with corresponding rye straw yield being 661 and 367 kg/ha. The reduction in rye yield in 2023 was considered due to drought. No difference was detected in growth performance, dressing percent, or bedding usage between Control and Rye pigs (all P &amp;gt; 0.19; Table 1). Replacing 50% of corn with hybrid rye saved $9.6/pig in 2022, but cost $7.20/pig more for feed in 2023, due to changes in hybrid rye grain yield. Savings on bedding were $15.40 and $13.20/pig for 2022 and 2023, respectively. Results indicate that replacing 50% of corn with hybrid rye in feed did not negatively affect growth performance of pigs raised organically, but the economic viability of integrating hybrid rye into organic pig production may depend on crop yield.

330 Growth performance, incidence of scours, and plasma metabolites in beef × dairy crossbred calves transported at 2, 4, 8 and 14 d of age

Abstract Transportation can compromise health and production performance in young calves. Although widely accepted that the younger calves are, the greater the probability of negative outcomes, there still is a lack of evidence-based recommendations on the minimum age at transportation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of transport age on growth performance, incidence of scours, and plasma metabolites over the first 28 d post-transport in Charolais × Holstein crossbred calves. Calves (n = 36) ages 2, 4, 8 and 14-d old were transported in summer from a commercial farm to an on-campus calf rearing facility (410 miles). Calf body weight (BW) was recorded before departure, on arrival and d 28 post-transport. Dry matter intake (DMI) and fecal scores were recorded daily. Blood samples collected prior to transportation, on arrival, and d 7 and 28 post-transport were used for targeted metabolomics analysis (Biocrates MxP Quant 500 kit). Growth performance and fecal score data were analyzed using PROC MIXED (SAS) whereas R was used for predictive modeling of metabolomics data. Over the 28-d period post-transport, DMI was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for 14 d than 2 and 4 d old calves; however, it did not differ between 2, 4, and 8 d old calves. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) were also greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for 14 d than 2, 4, and 8 d old calves. During wk 1 post-transport, the total number of days calves had scours was least (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for 2 and 14 d, intermediate for 4 d, and greatest for 8 d old calves. During wk 2, the total number of days with scours was less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for 8 and 14 d (average of 2 d) compared with 2 and 4 d old calves (5 d). Additionally, the total number of days calves had scours during the first 2 wk post-transport tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for 2, 4, and 8 d than 14 d old calves. However, during wk 3 and 4 post-transport, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.58) in the total number of days with scours across transport age. Arginine methylation, d 7 of measurements, carnitine uptake defect, phosphatidic acid 16:0:18:2, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, sodium, triglyceride 18:2:34:4, threonine, α-aminobutyric acid, and glycolithocholic acid 3-sulfate were the most important features in terms of predicting the occurrence of scours. Overall, DMI, ADG and FE were less for calves transported at 2, 4, and 8 d than at 14 d of age, which could partially be attributed to differences in the incidence rate of scours. In addition, several plasma metabolites could be good predictors of scours in transported calves.

Absolute Growth Rate (AGR) - A Statistical Tool for Body Weight and Age Calculation in Large White Yorkshire Pigs

This study provides crucial insights into the growth performance of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) pigs in the North-Eastern Agro-Climatic Zone of Tamil Nadu, which is essential for optimizing breeding and management practices. Growth performance data were collected over six years at the Pig Breeding Unit, Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences (PGRIAS), Kattupakkam. Information on pedigree, sex, growth performance, and disposal weights from 2011 to 2016 was utilized for this study. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to determine the Absolute Growth Rate (AGR). The overall AGR measures for the age intervals from birth to 56 days, 56 to 120 days, 120 to 180 days, and 180 to 240 days were 118.77 ± 0.75 g/day, 268.80 ± 2.24 g/day, 270.93 ± 2.75 g/day, and 385.98 ± 7.19 g/day, respectively. The maximum AGR (412.57 ± 9.92 g/day) was found during the post-weaning growth period, while the minimum AGR (114.87 ± 1.73 g/day) occurred during the pre-weaning growth period. These insights can lead to better resource allocation, improved animal welfare, and increased economic returns in pig farming.

Growth and Carcass Performance of Male White Leghorn Fed with Organic and Commercial Free-Range Diets raised under Extensive Rearing System

In layer industry, male White Leghorns are considered production wastes and are commonly killed after hatching. However, these chickens are overlooked as an additional source of meat for human consumption. With the current decline of chicken meat supply in the country, this study raised 400 hardened (45 days [d]) male White Leghorns to determine their suitability in meat production and profitability to be raised under a free-range system fed with different diets (i.e., organic and commercial free-range diets). Chickens were randomly distributed to eight houses with ranging areas. All management practices and feed composition strictly adhered to the Philippine guidelines. Growth performance data were collected twice a month. To assess the carcass traits, five chickens per house were randomly sacrificed at 75 and 90 d. Results revealed that chickens that received commercial free-range diet had significantly better growth (45 to 87 d and 45 to 101 d) and carcass performance. On the other hand, chickens fed with organic diets had significantly yellower skin and lean meat in the leg part. More mature chickens upon slaughter significantly had higher carcass traits. Moreover, male White Leghorns fed with organic or commercial free-range diets had high positive margin over feed cost. In conclusion, raising male White Leghorn under extensive rearing system and fed with either organic and commercial free-range diets can be a profitable business venture and additional source of chicken meat.

Influence of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle of feedlot steers.

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes occurring in skeletal muscle. Steers (n = 6 per pen) were stratified by body weight (BW) in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Dietary treatments (ZINC; eight pens per treatment) included supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 at 1) 0 (analyzed 54mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30mg/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100mg Zn/kg DM (Zn100). After 60 d of Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high-potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200mg TBA, 20mg E2; TE200). BWs were taken at days -60, 0, and in 28 d increments thereafter. Liver biopsies for TM analysis and blood for TM, serum glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea-N, and IGF-1 analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 84. Glucose, NEFA, and insulin were used to calculate the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). Linear and quadratic effects of ZINC were evaluated in SAS 9.4. Means for IMP were separated using the LSMEANS statement with the PDIFF option. Day -60 BW was a covariate for performance and carcass data. Growth performance, plasma, liver, and metabolite data were analyzed as repeated measures. TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn by 8.4% from days 0 to 20 while NO decreased by 3.6% (IMP × day; P = 0.08). A tendency for a ZINC × day effect on G:F was noted (P = 0.06) driven by Zn30 and Zn100 decreasing significantly from period 0-28 to period 28-56 while Zn0 was similar in both periods. An IMP × day effect was noted for RQUICKI where (P = 0.02) TE200 was greater on day 40 compared to NO cattle, but by day 84 RQUICKI was not different between TE200 and NO. On day 20, increasing Zn supplementation linearly increased mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.09) of protein kinase B (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5). In this study, Zn and implants differentially affected genes related to energy metabolism, satellite cell function, and TM homeostasis on days 20 and 84 postimplant. These results suggest steroidal implants increase demand for Zn immediately following implant administration to support growth and may influence insulin sensitivity in finishing cattle.

Effects of dietary Allium mongolicum Regel powder supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and muscle fibre characteristics of fattening Angus calves under heat stress conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Allium mongolicum Regel powder (AMRP) supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and muscle fibre characteristics of fattening Angus calves. Growth performance data and longissimus thoracis (LT) samples were collected from four groups of fattening Angus, which were fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with an AMRP dose of 10 (LAMR), 15 (MAMR), or 20 g/animal/day AMRP (HAMR) for 120 days before slaughter. AMRP addition to the feed improved growth performance and meat quality and altered muscle fibre type. Some responses to AMRP supplementation were dose dependent, whereas others were not. Together, the results of this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with 10 g/animal/day AMRP was the optimal dose in terms of fattening calf growth performance, while 20 g/animal/day AMRP supplementation was the optimal dose in terms of meat quality.

PSI-19 Growth performance of weaned pigs fed Jerusalem Artichoke tubers

Abstract Recent studies have shown that prebiotics have been able to positively affect growth of beneficial bacteria, indices of gut health, and growth performance in pigs. This type of research is important to identify alternative methods for maintaining herd health other than antimicrobial usage. Jerusalem Artichoke tubers were chosen due to their relatively greater amount of inulin (~60%) compared with other prebiotic crops (i.e., chicory pulp - ~20% inulin). The objective of this work was to evaluate growth performance of weaned pigs fed Jerusalem Artichoke tubers. Sixty-four pigs approximately 21 d of age, weighing 6 kg each were used to test four dietary treatments with four pens per treatment (two barrows and two gilts per pen). Dietary treatments were randomly allocated to pens following a completely randomized design in a three-phase feeding trial. Diet treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal basal diet (control) meeting the nutrient requirements for weanling pigs and three treatment diets with ground Jerusalem Artichoke tubers replacing corn at the rate of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5.0% (JA-low, JA-mid, and JA-high, respectively) through all three phases. The pigs were allowed 3 d to acclimate to the facility following arrival (d -3 to -1). The trial ran from d 0 to d 35. Growth performance data were collected on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Blood samples were obtained on d 0, 7, 14, and 28. Fecal samples were collected on d 0, 14, and 28. PROC GLIMMIX in SAS was utilized to analyze the growth performance data. Results indicate greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) gain to feed ratio (G:F) at wk 2 for JA-high and JA-mid pigs compared with all other treatments. No differences were observed for overall body weight (BW; 25.14, 25.48, 21.8, 22.83 kg), average daily gain (ADG; 0.52, 0.52, 0.51, 0.47 kg/d), or average daily feed intake (ADFI; 0.73, 0.74, 0.71, 0.72 kg/d), respectively, for control, JA-low, JA-mid, and JA-high fed pigs. The growth data suggests that Jerusalem Artichoke tubers may be included in weaned pig diets without negative effects on growth performance; however, these results need to be interpreted in conjunction with the pending analyses to provide a comprehensive look at the role of prebiotic fiber in the gastrointestinal tract of the pig. Future analyses will include evaluation of serum biomarkers (e.g., intestinal fatty acid binding protein as a measure of intestinal epithelial cell damage) and microbiome profiling via 16S microbial sequencing to assess gut health. It is important to note that our study population experienced morbidity and mortality (Trueperella pyogenes was cultured from one pig submitted for necropsy) and the decision was made to prophylactically treat the herd with ceftiofur on d 7 following sample collection to prevent additional loss.

PSV-15 Effect of functional amino acids and fiber on growth performance of post-weaning pigs

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of functional amino acids (FAA), including Met, Thr, and Trp with 1.4% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys on performance and the effect of high levels of fiber when high levels of FAA combined. A total of 216 pigs [21 d old; 6.46 ± 0.63 kg body weight (BW)] were allotted to one of 6 treatments with 3 pigs of single sex per pen, and 12 replicates/treatment. Treatments were: 1) Control basal diet (BD), 2) BD + 23% more Met+Cys (HMet), 3) BD + 22% more Thr (HThr), 4) BD + 20% more Trp (HTrp), 5) BD + 20% more Met, Thr, and Trp (HFAA, with 9% NDF and 4%ADF), 6) HFAA+ high fiber (27% NDF and 18% ADF in diet by adding soy hulls at expense of corn, HFAA+HF). The experiment lasted for 42 d and pigs were fed experimental diets for 21 d followed by a common diet for the last 21 d. Pigs fed HFAA+HF diet were initially fed HFAA diet for the first 8 d and followed by HFAA+HF diet for the next 13 d, and fed the common diet during the last 21 d. On d 0, 9, 21, and 42, BW and feed intake were recorded, and fecal scores (1 as normal to 4 as watery diarrhea) were assessed during the trial. Data were analyzed using the lme4 package of R 4.1.2, and the statistical models included the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of sex and BW block. Growth performance data were analyzed as single factor ANOVA, whereas stool quality was analyzed using ordinal model. Contrasts were used to test the effects of FAA (by comparing treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 to BD) and fiber (by comparing HFAA+HF to HFAA). Pigs fed HFAA had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) from d 21 to 42 and tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to have reduced overall ADG compared with BD (Table 1). Increasing individual amino acids did not affect performance, with the exception that pigs fed HTrp tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to have increased gain to feed ratio (G:F) from d 21 to 42 compared with BD. Greater fiber content did not affect ADG or ADFI; however, it reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F during the whole trial compared with HFAA. Treatment did not influence stool quality. In conclusion, combination of increased amounts of Met, Thr, and Trp with SID 1.4% Lys under non-disease challenged conditions resulted in a reduction of performance, but this was not the case with increased individual amino acids, and increased fiber content with increased FAA which reduced feed efficiency of pigs.

108 Estimating net energy of soybean meal for 47 to 110 kg growing pigs using a growth assay

Abstract The NE of SBM for growing pigs with body weight (BW) from 47 to 110 kg was determined in the current study using the growth assay. In the first study, a total of 826 pigs (B =, 46.8 ± 2.5 kg) in 44 pens (18 to 19 pigs per pen, 11 pens per treatment) were randomly allotted into one of 4 dietary treatments with initial BW and sex as blocks for 21 d: Corn-SBM based diets with 29.0, 25.7, 22.3, or 19.0% of SBM. Compared with the first study, the second study was conducted with a total of 820 pigs at greater BW (67.0 ± 3.4 kg). Pens were randomly allotted into one of 4 dietary treatments for 42 d: Corn-SBM based diet with 29.0, 25.0, 21.0, or 17.0% of SBM. NE of corn [2,674 kcal/kg, as fed basis, dry matter (DM) 87.1%] was calculated according to NRC (2012) and determined with the analyzed nutrient composition. SBM used in both experiments contained 89.4% of DM, 46.6% of CP, 5.9% of starch, 1.6% of EE, 8.5% of NDF, 6.3% of ADF, and 6.1% of ash. The reduced level of SBM was replaced with corn and crystalline amino acids. Data were analyzed by linear and quadratic contrasts using the Proc MIXED of SAS. In the early growing phase (47 to 67 kg), increasing SBM levels from 19.0 to 29.0% tended to linearly decrease average daily feed intake (ADFI; Linear, P = 0.081, 2.09, 2.03, 2.03, and 2.00 kg/d) but did not affect average daily gain (ADG) or final BW. On the contrary, increasing SBM levels decreased ADG and ADFI in pigs growing from 67 to 110 kg (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.05, ADG: 1.03, 1.02, 1.01, and 1.00 kg/d; ADFI: 2.72, 2,64, 2.63, and 2.58 kg/d). Linear regression analysis showed that, to maintain calorie efficiency, the estimated NE of SBM for pigs growing from 47 to 67 kg is 3,000 kcal/kg (as fed basis), which is 1.12 times corn NE. The estimated NE of SBM for pigs growing from 67 to 110 kg is 2,705 kcal/kg (as fed basis), which is 1.01 times corn NE. Taken together, the results suggest that NE of SBM is close to or greater than NE of corn, warranting the necessity to evaluate the energy of feed ingredients in pigs growing in different phases. The predicting equation of SBM NE (Eq. 1-3 and 1-8, NRC 2012) is recommended to be modified by timing a coefficient of 1.36 or 1.19 for early- or late-growing pigs, respectively, according to the NE of SBM calculated from growth performance data in this study.

PSVI-18 Low and high feed efficiency grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein showed no immediate difference in blood metabolomics profile

Abstract Improving feed efficiency (FE) of grower-finisher pigs is of great importance considering its impact on production economy, nutrient excretions as well as carbon-footprint. The biological background describing variation in FE between pen mates, is difficult to establish as feed intake (FI) and FE are not estimated on an individual level. In this study advanced feeding stations were used to estimate FI and further calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR) on individual level. The study aimed to investigate the possible difference in the blood metabolic profile between low and high FE grower-finisher pigs fed three different levels of dietary crude protein (CP). The study included 60 newly weaned gilts divided in two series, housed as 10 pigs/pen. The 30 pigs per series were distributed between three pens (10 pigs/pen) and were balanced by body weight and litter. Throughout the entire weaner period all pigs had ad libitum access to the same diet. Pigs were redistributed among the grower-finisher pens to balance FCR levels between dietary treatments (CP levels) and to reduce any carry over effect from the weaner to the grower-finisher pens. From 30-115 kg body weight (BW), pigs were fed either a low (L; 14.8% CP), standard (15.2% CP) or high (H; 15.8% CP) CP diet equal in energy, where BW, average weekly gain (AWG), and FCR were determined on weekly basis, while FI was estimated on daily basis. Three low FE (20% least) and three high FE (20% greatest) pigs were selected based on the final 4 wk of growth within station and CP level. On the final day of the experimental period all low-FE and high-FE pigs within each dietary treatment were euthanized and blood plasma was sampled and subjected to a nontargeted LC-MS metabolomics analysis. Growth performance and metabolite data were, respectively, analyzed in R and MetaboAnalyst 5.0 with FE and CP as fixed effects. High-FE and H-CP pigs continuously displayed numerically greater BW, while AWG and FCR were, respectively, numerically greater, and less in L-CP than H-CP group during last 2 wk of the experimental period. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed no grouping (P &amp;gt; 0.05) of metabolites and no specific pattern of the metabolic profile from either the two FE categories or the three dietary CP levels. Furthermore, no correlation (P &amp;gt;0.05) of metabolites to any other observation was found, and only little variation, measured by distance to model showing deviation of each pig to overall model, was observed. In conclusion, at first glance the metabolomics profile did not appear to present any specific pattern between low and high feed efficiency grower-finisher pigs or between pigs exposed to different levels of dietary CP in the grower finisher period.

246 The effect of trypsin inhibitor unit concentrations from raw soybeans in grower pig performance and protein digestibility

Abstract Soybeans contain two major protease inhibitors, Kunitz trypsin and Bowman-Birk protease inhibitors, both of which are anti-nutritional components that can be directly linked to a reduction in amino acid bioavailability and growth performance in swine. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the level at which trypsin inhibitor units (TIU, expressed as TIU/mg of complete feed), coming from raw soybeans, in pig diets result in reduction in growth performance and digestibility. This study used 45 grower gilts initial body weight (BW) = 39.7 ± 2.1 kg] that were individually penned and fed one of five dietary TIU treatments (n = 9 pigs/trt) in a complete randomized design. Diets were representative of a commercial corn-soybean meal diet and formulated to have ranging TIU/mg of complete feed of 0.89, 1.77, 3.55, 6.99, and 11.54 TIU/mg utilizing raw ground soybeans and soybean meal at incremental levels. Analyzed diets contained 0.99, 2.23, 3.07, 6.49, and 9.38 active TIU/mg. Diets were balanced to the same grams of SID Lys:ME of 2.85 and NDF concentration of 7.4% utilizing soybean oil and soybean hulls, respectively. Individual feed intake was recorded throughout, and pig BW were collected on d 0, 21, and 27 to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency gain to feed ratio (G:F). All pigs were placed into metabolism crates on d 21 for 6 d to determine apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen (N), N excretion and N balance. Growth performance and ATTD data were analyzed with pig as the experimental unit and diet TIU level as a fixed effect using ANOVA, linear, and quadratic contrast models. Overall, ADG decreased as diet TIU increased (1.07, 1.03, 1.02, 0.91, and 0.83 kg/d, respectively, linear P &amp;lt; 0.001). However, no differences in ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were reported and this resulted in a decrease in G:F (0.48, 0.45, 0.43, 0.41, 0.36, respectively, linear P &amp;lt; 0.001) as dietary TIU concentrations increased from 0.99 to 9.38 TIU/mg. Compared with 0.99 TIU/mg, pigs fed 9.38 TIU/mg had a 9.32% reduction in final BW (68.7 vs. 62.3 kg, linear P &amp;lt; 0.001). Apparent total tract digestibility of N decreased when pigs were fed 9.38 TIU/mg compared with 0.99 and 2.23 TIU/mg (83.26% vs. 90.29% and 89.57%, respectively, P &amp;lt; 0.001). In conclusion, as total trypsin inhibitor units increase in complete feed of grower pigs, digestibility of protein, growth rates and feed efficiency are reduced in a linear manner.

PSIV-15 Effects of dietary supplementation of carbohydrase on growth performance and health status of growing-finishing pigs

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of carbohydrase supplementation in finishing diets with 30-35% DDGS on growth performance and health status of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 432 DNA-sired growing pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 31.1 ± 1.14 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. There were 16 to 20 pigs in each pen and 11 to 12 replicate pens per treatment. The 2 dietary treatments were 1) a standard finishing diet with phytase inclusion (CON); 2) CON + 90 g per ton of Endopower Green (ENZ). Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded by pen on d 0, 21, 42, 64, and 84 and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). After d 84, an equal number of pigs from each pen were marketed, and marketed weight was recorded based on the 4 individual cuts. Morbidity, mortality, and medical injectable treatments were measured for the entire experimental period. Data were used to calculate all variables and were analyzed using the GLM procedure in Minitab with Fisher’s t-test determining differences between treatments. There was a significant difference in the initial BW of pigs fed control and Endopower Green (dried Aspergillus niger fermentation product as a source of xylanase, beta-glucanase, beta-mannanase and alpha-galactosidase) containing diets. Thus, the initial BW was included in the model as a covariate for adjusting growth performance data. Results (Table 1) indicate that final BW tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.10) in pigs fed ENZ compared with pigs fed CON. Endopower treatment had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05, respectively) ADG from d 0 to 21 and d 21 to 42 than control treatment and ADG tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.10) in pigs fed ENZ compared with pigs fed CON from d 0 to MKT. While pigs fed ENZ had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADFI from d 0 to 21 than pigs fed CON, there was no difference in ADFI between the 2 treatments from the overall period. G:F tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.10) from d 21 to 42 and G:F was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05, respectively) in pigs fed ENZ compared with pigs fed CON from d 42 to 63 and the overall period. These results suggested providing Endopower Green in finishing diets can improve feed efficiency and therefore reduce feed cost per kg of gain and support environmental sustainability whilst utilizing greater content of DDGS.

Growth, Biomass and Carbon Sequestration of Populus deltoides Clones

To study the growth performance of twenty clone viz. G - 48, AM - 48, AM - 49, AM - 41, BR - 510, AM - 50, FS - 18, FS - 190, FS - 155, L - 90, L - 87, L - 89, S7 C 1, S7 C15, S7 C20, S7 C4, L - 200 - 84, Bahar, Udai and Kranti of Populus deltoides at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was established in year February 2018 and growth performance data were recorded after 4 years in February 2022. The maximum height was found in Udai (11.57 ± 0.23 m) followed by L - 87 (10.22 ± 0.42 m) and minimum in Bahar (6.74 ± 0.19 m) whereas the maximum diameter was found in L - 87 (10.79 ± 0.63 cm) followed by S7 C1, (10.63 ± 0.33 cm) and minimum in Bahar (4.97 ± 0.06 cm). The maximum basal area L 87 (91.39 cm2 tree-1) followed by S7 C1 (88.70 cm2 tree-1) and minimum in Bahar (19.39 cm2 tree-1) whereas maximum volume Udai (1386.66 m3ha-1) followed by L-87 (1303.37 m3ha-1) and minimum in Bahar (182.37 m3ha-1). The biomass, carbon stock and carbon sequestration in poplar was maximum in Udai followed by L- 87 and minimum in Bahar for biomass (1146.59, 1077.22 and 150.79 t ha-1) carbon stock (573.30, 538.86 and 75.40 t ha-1) and carbon sequestration (2104.00, 1977.62 and 276.71 t ha-1) respectively.

Dose effects of encapsulated butyric acid and zinc on beef feedlot steer growth performance, dietary net energy utilization, rumen morphometrics, small intestine histology, and carcass characteristics.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects that increasing doses of encapsulated butyric acid and zinc (BZ) have on feedlot steer growth performance, rumen morphometrics and small intestine histology (data not statistically analyzed), dietary net energy utilization, and carcass characteristics. Steers [n = 272; shrunk body weight (BW) = 360 kg ± 74 kg] were assigned to dietary treatments [0 (CON), 1, 2, or 3g BZ/kg diet dry matter] in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with pen (n = 32 total; n = 8 per treatment) as experimental unit. Pens were blocked by cattle source and location within the feedyard. Cattle were fed until visually assessed to have 1.27cm rib-fat and were shipped for harvest at a commercial beef abattoir. Carcass and liver health data were recorded. A subset of steers (n = 8 total; n = 2 per treatment) was harvested at the SDSU Meat Laboratory to collect empty body measurements, rumen samples for morphometric analysis, and duodenal and ileal samples for histological analysis to provide context to feeding trial outcomes. Feedlot growth performance data was calculated on a carcass-adjusted basis: hot carcass weight (HCW)/0.625. Data were analyzed as a RCBD with fixed effects of BZ inclusion level and block was considered a random effect; pre-planned contrasts for CON vs. BZ, plus linear, and quadratic responses were tested. No differences (P ≥ 0.11) were observed for final BW, dry matter intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion efficiency (G:F), performance calculated dietary net energy, HCW, ribeye area, rib-fat thickness, marbling score, estimated empty body fat, or distribution of USDA yield grade (YG) 1, 3, 4, 5, and USDA quality grade among treatments. A tendency (P = 0.10) was observed for CON vs. BZ for calculated YG. Tendencies were detected for USDA YG 2 carcass distribution (linear; P = 0.07) and for normal and abscessed liver prevalence (quadratic; P = 0.08). Dressed yield tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for BZ vs. CON and increased with dose (linear; P = 0.05). Receiving period shrunk BW, ADG, and G:F was improved (P ≤ 0.02) for BZ-supplemented steers compared to CON. Data from this study suggests that the addition of BZ to feedlot finishing diets to improve receiving period growth performance and decreasing the prevalence of abscessed livers should be further investigated.

A meta-regression analysis to evaluate the effects of narasin on grow-finish pig performance.

Ionophores are feed additives that decrease gram-positive microbial populations by disrupting the ion transfer across cell membranes resulting in improved growth performance. Narasin (Skycis; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) is an FDA-approved ionophore utilized for increased rate of weight gain and improved feed efficiency in growing-finishing pigs. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of added narasin in growing-finishing pig diets to predict its influence on average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), and carcass yield. A database was developed containing 21 technical reports, abstracts, and refereed papers from 2012 to 2021 representing 35 observations for growth performance data in studies ranging from 35 to 116 d in length (overall data). In addition, within these 35 observations, individual period data were evaluated (143 observations) using weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly performance intervals (period data). Regression model equations were developed, and predictor variables were assessed with a stepwise manual forward selection procedure. The ADG model using the overall data included ADG, ADFI, and G:F of the control group, added narasin dose, and narasin feeding duration categorized as longer or shorter than 65 d. Predictor variables included in the G:F model using overall data were ADG, ADFI, and G:F of the control group and added narasin dose. For carcass yield, the final model included ADFI and G:F of the control group, added narasin dose, and narasin feeding duration of longer than 65 d. In the period model for ADG, the predictors included ADG, ADFI, and G:F of the control group, added narasin dose, and average BW of the control group categorized into greater than or less than 105kg. For period data for G:F, the model selected ADG, ADFI, and G:F of the control group and added narasin dose. Based on the results, the overall response to added narasin for ADG and G:F was quadratic and tended to decrease as ADG and G:F increased. A similar quadratic response was observed for the individual period data. In summary, using median values from the database for predictor variables, this meta-analysis demonstrated narasin would be expected to improve ADG between 1.06% and 1.65%, G:F between 0.71% and 1.71%, and carcass yield by 0.31% when fed continuously for longer than 65 d.

Substitution of Maggot Meal (Hermetia illucens) in Feeds to The Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Protein, a macromolecular component, is relatively expensive in artificial feed because it originates from fishmeal. The study was conducted to determine and compare the effect of maggot meal in the experimental feed with commercial feed on the growth performance and survival of goldfish (Carassius auratus), and it was conducted for 30 days. This study used an experimental method, complete randomized design (CRD), including 4 treatments with 3 replicates. The treatments in this study include A as a control (commercial feed) and test feed B, C, and D, each of which has a maggot meal substitution level (g/kg test feed) of 150, 175, and 200 feed, respectively. The experimental fish in this study is goldfish with an average initial weight of 3.2 ± 1.38 grams per fish. The maintenance tank for goldfish in this study used an aquarium with a water level of 50 cm. Growth performance data taken included specific growth rate (SGR), total feed consumption (TFC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed utilization efficiency (FUE), and survival (SR). The results showed that substituting maggot meal in the feed had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on SGR, TFC, FCR, and FUE but no effect on survival. Based on the results, the best substitution dose of maggot meal that has results close to the control treatment is 175 g/kg, which can produce SGR (0.55%/day), FUE (21.90%), FCR (3.44), TFC (26.67 grams), and SR (80%). Therefore, the 175 g/kg maggot meal can be an alternative ingredient of feed-based fishmeal for goldfish.