Pig Diets Research Articles

Bitter compound quinine hydrochloride improved post-weaning pig performance in the absence of zinc oxide

Context Dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) (a bitter antimicrobial chemical) in pigs is being gradually phased out due to pollution and antibiotic resistance. Bitter compounds like quinine hydrochloride (HCl) have shown potential to enhance growth and feed efficiency by slowing gastric emptying and intestinal passage rates in pigs. Aims This study aimed to evaluate quinine’s ability to improve performance in weanling pigs without ZnO. Methods Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1: 120 Landrace (LD) × Large White (LW) weaned piglets (initial BW 6.8 ± 0.1 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four diets in a 2 × 2 factorial design: with/without ZnO and copper sulfate (CuSO4) (3000 and 250 ppm, respectively) and two quinine levels (0 and 500 ppm). Parameters measured included average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), and faecal score. Experiment 2: 1440 LD × LW piglets (initial BW 7.4 ± 0.2 kg) were housed in groups of 18 per pen and assigned the same four dietary treatments as in Experiment 1. Key results Growth performance parameters were recorded and analysed, showing that ZnO/CuSO4 supplement improved growth and feed efficiency (P < 0.05) compared to the ZnO/CuSO4-free diet group. In Experiment 1, pigs supplemented with quinine in non-ZnO/CuSO4 diets showed similar (P > 0.05) performance levels to the ZnO/CuSO4 fed group. In addition, an interaction (P < 0.05) was found, indicating that adding quinine improved or worsened ADG and G:F depending on the absence or presence of ZnO/CuSO4 in the diet, respectively. In Experiment 2, quinine inclusions in non-ZnO diets improved (P < 0.05) ADG but did not affect (P > 0.05) ADFI and G:F. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the anticipated deleterious effects of phasing out the use of dietary ZnO can be partially compensated by includingquinine in the diet of post-weaning pigs. The negative effect of quinine when provided together with ZnO is compatible with a competitive exclusion mechanism linked to both stimulating bitterness, a mechanism that warrants further investigation. Implications Quinine shows potential as a partial replacement for ZnO in post-weaning pig diets, providing a promising alternative to maintain piglet health and growth while transitioning away from ZnO.

Modulation of the Plasma Lipidomic Profile in Piglets Fed Polar Lipid-Rich Diets

Background: Polar lipids from dairy are novel sources of energy that may replace other dietary lipids and impact plasma lipidomic profiles in piglets. This study evaluated the impact of feeding diets rich in polar lipids on the plasma lipidome of piglets during the weaning period. Material and Methods: Weaned male piglets (n = 240; 21 days of age; 6.3 ± 0.5 kg of BW) were blocked by initial weight and distributed into 48 pens of five animals each in a complete randomized block design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments as follows: a plant-based diet rich in neutral lipids from soybeans (24 pens; SD) or a polar lipid-rich diet by-product of cheese making (24 pens; PD) from weaning until the 21st day of the nursery phase. Within each diet group, animals received one of three milk replacers (MR; 0.5 L/d/animal) for the first 7 days after weaning: (1) commercial MR containing animal and coconut lipids (CO); (2) polar lipid-based MR (PO); or (3) soybean lipids-based MR (SO). Results: The PD diet group increased the plasma concentrations of sphingolipids, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters, but did not impact the concentrations of glycerolipids (GLs). Both the PO and CO milk replacers increased the plasma concentrations of ceramide, acyl-chain phosphatidyl choline, and cholesterol esters. The plasma concentrations of GLs containing 18-carbon fatty acids such as 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3, were higher in SD, whereas GLs containing 16:0 and 20:3 were higher in PD. Conclusions: In summary, the diet lipid type significantly modulated the plasma lipid composition in piglets 7 days after weaning. The dietary inclusion of polar lipids in diets for growing pigs can modulate the plasma lipidomic profile, relative to plant-based diets rich in soybean lipids. Cost may be a major consideration when using these lipids in pig diets. Their health benefits need to be further characterized in other models of stress and inflammation.

Effects of benzoic acid in pig diets on nitrogen utilization, urinary pH, slurry pH, and odorous compounds.

The objective was to investigate the effects of dietary benzoic acid (BA) on nitrogen (N) balance, urinary pH, slurry pH, and odorous compounds in feces and slurry of pigs. Twelve barrows with an initial body weight of 56.2±2.6 kg were individually housed in metabolism crates. The animals were allocated to a replicated 6×4 incomplete Latin square design with 12 animals, 6 experimental diets, and 4 periods, resulting in 8 observations per treatment. The basal diet consisted mainly of corn, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal. Benzoic acid was supplemented to the basal diet at 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, or 2.5% at the expense of corn starch. Each period consisted of a 4-day adaptation period and a 24-h collection period for slurry, followed by a 4-day collection period for feces and urine. On day 5, feces and urine were collected for 24 h and mixed to obtain slurry samples. The daily digested N linearly increased (p<0.05) with increasing BA supplementation. Supplemental BA lowered urinary pH (p<0.001) and slurry pH (p<0.05) in a linear and quadratic manner. In the fecal samples, the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and skatole linearly decreased (p<0.05) with supplemental BA. In the slurry samples, the concentrations of butyrate, isovalerate, and skatole linearly decreased (p<0.05) by supplemental BA. In conclusion, supplemental benzoic acid has the potential to improve nitrogen digestion in a dose-dependent manner for pigs. Additionally, dietary benzoic acid lowers urinary pH, slurry pH, and concentrations of odorous compounds in pig feces and slurry.

Effects of Bacterial Enzyme Cooperative Fermentation Diet on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Indices, and Fecal Microflora of Growing–Finishing Pigs

This research utilized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze and discuss the molecular structure of pig diets, aiming to provide new insights into the application of fermented feeds in livestock and poultry production. Moreover, the impacts of the fermented diet on growth performance, apparent digestibility, blood biochemical indices, and fecal microorganisms at different stages of pig fattening were also explored. Forty-eight pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large white three-way hybrid) with a mean body weight of 16.55 ± 3.88 kg were randomly divided into three groups with four replicates per group and four pigs per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet. The pigs in the fermented diet group (T1) were fed Pediococcus acidilactici (PA), Lactobacillus reuteri (LR), and Bacillus velezensis (BS) (ratio of 1:1:1) at a 6% inoculation dose. The pigs in the cooperative fermentation group (T2) were fed 6% PA, LR, BS, and a 0.2% compound enzyme preparation. The T1 and T2 diets were fermented with 45% water at 33 °C for 48 h. The pre-feeding period lasted 7 days, and the experimental period lasted 84 days. The experimental results showed that the bacterial enzyme cooperation fermentation process significantly increased the contents of crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus in the diet; increased the area of amide Ⅰ region; increased the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and phosphorus; significantly increased average daily gain; and decreased the feed-to-gain ratio in the late fattening and growth period. During the whole experiment, the serum concentrations of total protein and immunoglobulin A were significantly increased, the serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glucose were decreased, and the diversity and richness of fecal microorganisms were increased. These results show that the bacterial enzyme cooperative fermentation diet can improve the apparent digestibility of nutrients and improve overall health by increasing the area of amide Ⅰ region.

Literature review: Opportunities with phytobiotics for health and growth of pigs

Abstract Phytobiotics are plant-derived rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, organosulfur compounds, terpenes, and aldehydes. Phytobiotics can be classified based on their origin or chemical structure, with the main categories being essential oils, oleoresins, and herbs and spices. Phytobiotics have gained interest due to their positive effects on animal health, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties resulting in improved growth performance. This review explores the mode of action of phytobiotics based on their bioactive compounds and highlights their impacts on intestinal health and growth performance in pigs. The inclusion of phytobiotics in pig diets has shown promise in mitigate negative impacts caused by environmental and dietary challenges by reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties against pathogens like Escherichia coli. Collectively, phytobiotics showed a diverse biological activity through different mode of actions, resulting in improved growth performance and overall health in pigs, making phytobiotics a valuable feed additive in pig nutrition and production.

Microbiota modulation by the inclusion of Tenebrio molitor larvae as alternative to fermented soy protein concentrate in growing pigs diet.

Tenebrio molitor meal represents a promising protein source for animal nutrition due to its low environmental impact and high nutritional value. To date, there is limited data in the literature regarding the effects of Tenebrio molitor meal on the modulation of gut microbiota in growing animals, with most results focusing on poultry rather than pigs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing fermented soy protein concentrate with Tenebrio molitor meal on gut microbiota and feed digestibility in growing pigs. A total of 14 growing pigs (80 ± 2 days old) were randomly allotted to two groups: the control group (CON) was fed a commercial diet containing 4% fermented soy protein concentrate (48% crude protein), and the treatment group (TM) was fed a basal diet containing 5% of T. molitor larvae meal formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The study lasted 28 days. Animals were weekly weighted and feed refuse was routinely measured. Fecal, blood samples, and rectal swabs were collected for analysis. No differences were observed in growth and diet digestibility for the protein and lipid components throughout the trial. No differences in the serum concentrations of albumin, globulin, urea, and interleukin-6 were registered in both groups, suggesting an unaltered health status. The TM group showed a significant difference in the beta diversity index considering the total duration of the trial (treatment effect evaluated with PERMANOVA, R2 0.0771, p value = 0.0099) showing an increased abundance of Elusimicrobium spp. and a decrease in Asteroplasma spp. in TM compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Obtained findings indicate that 5% T. molitor meal can be included as a partial replacement for soy in growing pig formula without impairing pig growth and gut microbiota composition.

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Feeding Value of Sweet Orange Pulp and Pineapple Peel Meals as Fibre Sources in Pigs’ Rations

The piggery industry in Nigeria is on the verge of collapsing due to the high cost of conventional feed resources including wheat offal and palm kernel cake that usually form bulk in the diets of pigs. This study was, therefore, designed to compare the chemical composition of orange pulp meal, pineapple peel meal, and wheat offal and evaluate their feeding value in pig rations. The orange pulp and pineapple peels were dried on a concrete floor and analyzed for chemical composition. Three experimental diets were formulated with orange pulp and pineapple peel meals replacing wheat offal as a fibre source. Thirty crossbred (Chester white x Landrace) growing pigs with an average initial weight of 8.20 -- 8.75kg were distributed into three groups, with ten animals per group, and assigned to the three experimental diets. The average daily feed intake and weight gain were monitored throughout the 56-day duration of the experiment. Seven days to the end of the experiment, three pigs randomly selected for the digestibility trial were individually housed in metabolism crates and allowed 5 days of adaptation to the crates and feed before faecal collection commenced. Animals were fed the experimental diets at approximately 4% of their body weight, and the faeces of the animals were collected for 5 days. The determination of the nutrient composition of feed and faecal samples was performed. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using a completely randomized design. The result indicated that samples were significantly (P&lt;0.05) different in crude protein composition, with the wheat offal having the highest value corresponding to 9.21 ± 0.12%. Orange pulp had the highest content of ash (6.72 ± 0.12%). The gross energy values were 15.23MJ/kg, 15.31MJ/kg and 16.15MJ/kg for pineapple peel, orange pulp and wheat offal, respectively. The highest manganese concentration was observed in wheat offal (5.19± 0.11mg/l), while orange pulp and wheat offal were higher in sodium and phosphorus concentrations. The pigs fed an orange pulp meal diet recorded the highest average daily weight gain (0.31 kg) and a superior feed conversion ratio (4.19) relative to others. Digestibility values were similar across the three treatment groups. It was, therefore, concluded that orange pulp and pineapple peal meal could serve as alternative fibre sources in growing pigs' rations. Key words: Wheat offal, pineapple peel, orange pulp, growing pigs, digestibility

Estimation of the digestible energy value of fat obtained from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) for growing pigs

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE) of insect fat (IF) from black soldier fly larvae (BSLF) for growing pigs. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were the dominant group of fatty acids in the IF, with lauric acid (C12:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) comprising the greatest concentrations in this group. Linoleic acids (C18:2) and oleic acids (C18:1) were the main unsaturated fatty acids. The IF contained 37.63 MJ/kg gross energy and 2.55 g/kg nitrogen. During the experiment, a DE bioassay was performed wherein growing pigs were fed one of the two experimental diets (either a maize–wheat–barley–soy basal diet or a diet containing 50 g/kg IF plus 950 g/kg of the basal diet). The DE of the IF was calculated based on the differences between the DE values of basal and test diet (substitution method). The DE of the IF was determined to be 36.86 MJ/kg. The IF contains a DE level comparable to vegetable oils, including soybean, rapeseed, corn and palm oils. The results showed that the examined fat from BSLF is a good source of available energy and can be incorporated in pig diets as an alternative energy source.

Effect of protease supplementation on amino acid digestibility of soybean meal fed to growing-finishing pigs in two different ages.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of protease inclusion level in two different ages on the apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibility of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in soybean meal (SBM) fed to growing-finishing pigs. Ten cannulated pigs (21kg ± 2kg) were assigned to experimental diets in a duplicate 5 × 5 Latin square design. In Phase I (23 to 30 kg-pigs, 90 ± 17 days of age), ileal digesta was collected in 5 periods of 7d (5d adaptation and 2d ileal digesta collection). In phase II, (50 to 65 kg-pigs, 140 ± 17 days of age), ileal digesta was collected in 5 more periods of 7 d. For both phases, a corn starch-based diet was formulated with SBM as the sole source of CP and AA and containing titanium as an indigestible marker. Protease was supplemented at 0, 15,000, 30,000, and 45,000 NFP/kg of feed (0, 25, 50, and 75g/ton of ProAct 360®). A nitrogen-free diet was used to estimate basal ileal endogenous AA losses. Pigs were fed at 4% of their body weight, which was adjusted at the end of each period. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of dietary protease supplementation in each phase. In phase I, increasing levels of protease resulted in a linear increase (P<0.10) in SID for the 7/11 indispensable AA (Except Arg, His, Met + Cys, and Trp) and the average of all dispensable AA. In phase II, the SID of Ile, Leu, Met, Met + Cys, Val, the average of all indispensable AA, and 4/7 dispensable AA were quadratically increased (P<0.10). In most cases, supplementation with 30,000 NFP/ kg of feed (50g/ton) resulted in the greatest increase in AA digestibility. However, the linear response in phase I for some AA suggests that diets for younger pigs could be supplemented with a greater level (45,000 NFP/kg or 75g/Ton of feed). Interestingly, younger pigs had consistently increased (P<0.10) SID of CP and 15/18 AA (Except Arg, Cys, and Ser), being ~5.6% greater for indispensable AA when compared to older pigs. In conclusion, dietary protease supplementation can increase the SID of AA in soybean meal in both growing and finishing periods. Pig age can potentially influence AA digestibility, possibly related to a greater ileal endogenous AA flow in younger pigs. However, this fact warrants further investigation.

Sensory qualities markers of n-3 PUFA enriched fresh pork meat fattened by linseed oil and selenium methionine

This study revealed the differences of sensory markers between traditional pork meat, fatten by 3 % soybean oil, and n-3 PUFA enriched pork meat, which was fattened through a pig diet supplemented with 3 % linseed oil and a combination of 3 % linseed oil with 0.3 mg/kg of selenium methionine. E-nose (tongue) analysis indicated pronounced differences in odor and taste profiles of pork meats between control group and linseed oil treatment group. 1-octen-3-ol and 5′-IMP were identified as the volatile and non-volatile markers of n-3 PUFA enriched pork meat, respectively. The volatile marker 1-octen-3-ol was decreased, while the non-volatile marker of 5′-IMP was increased in n-3 PUFA enriched pork meat fattened by linseed oil, as compared to pork fattened by soybean oil. The supplement of 0.3 mg/kg of selenium methionine to 3 % linseed oil diet had no significant effect on 1-octen-3-ol, but mitigated the increase of 5′-IMP and enhanced the meat's cohesiveness.

Effects of dietary phytase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites of weaned piglets

Context Phytase plays a crucial role in the nutrition of piglets. Incorporating phytase into weaner pigs’ diet may alleviate the anti-nutritional effect by catalyzing the hydrolysis of phytic acid. As a result, bounded phosphorus and other minerals become more available for absorption, thereby enhancing nutrient utilization growth performance. Aims This study evaluated the efficacy of dietary phytase supplementation on the performance of weaned piglets. Methods Two hundred and forty cross-bred piglets (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc), of initial average bodyweight (BW) of 5.57 ± 1 kg at weaning, were assigned to five dietary treatments in a complete randomized block design. The study was conducted in the following three phases: Phase 1 (Days 1–7), Phase 2 (Days 8–21), and Phase 3 (Days 22–35). The treatments included basal diet containing 0.15% lower concentration of both total calcium and total phosphorus (NC), a standard basal diet (PC), NC + 500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC500), NC + 1000 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1000), and NC + 1500 phytase units per kilogram of feed (NC1500). Key results In Phase 1, the final BW was higher (P &lt; 0.01) in PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. In Phase 2, Phase 3, and the overall days the average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were greater (P &lt; 0.05) in the PC and the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatments. The ADG and G:F were also higher (P &lt; 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment. The digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, and blood myo-inositol was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in the NC treatment in Phase 2. In Phase 3, the level of blood myo-inositol was higher (P &lt; 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC. Fecal inositol hexakisphosphate was lower (P &lt; 0.01) in the phytase-supplemented diets than in NC in both Phases 1 and 2. Conclusion Dietary supplementation of phytase increased the digestibility of phytate by releasing phosphorus, calcium, and myo-inositol concentration, leading to improved growth performance. Implications Inclusion of phytase in pig diets can help farmers save money on feed additives such as phosphorus, improve environmental sustainability, and promote better growth performance.

Dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae can replace protein sources with no detrimental effect on growth performance or intestinal health of nursery pigs.

This work aimed to determine the effects of dietary full-fat or defatted black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to replace protein sources on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiota in nursery pigs and to investigate the effects of dietary defatted BSFL at up to 30% at the expense of protein sources on growth performance in nursery pigs. In Exp. 1, a total of 36 barrows with an initial body weight of 7.0kg (standard deviation = 0.8) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicate pens per treatment and 3 barrows per pen. A corn-soybean meal (SBM)-whey-based control diet was prepared with soy protein concentrate and fish meal as additional protein supplements. Two additional diets were prepared to include 20% full-fat BSFL or 20% defatted BSFL to replace soy protein concentrate and fish meal to maintain the same energy and nutrient concentrations in all diets. In the 28-day feeding trial, pigs fed the diet containing defatted BSFL tended to consume more feeds (P < 0.10) than other groups during days 14 to 28 and the overall period. On day 28, the serum blood urea nitrogen in pigs fed the control diet was less (P < 0.05) than that fed the full-fat or defatted BSFL, but fecal score and jejunal morphology did not differ among the treatment groups. Relative abundance of Mycoplasma in the ileal digesta was less (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the diet containing full-fat or defatted BSFL compared with the control group. In Exp. 2, a total of 192 pigs with an initial body weight of 7.8 (standard deviation = 1.2kg) were randomly allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 replicate pens per treatment and 4 barrows and 4 gilts per pen. A control diet was mainly based on corn, SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and spray-dried plasma protein. Three additional diets were prepared to contain 10%, 20%, and 30% defatted BSFL to replace SBM, fermented SBM, fish meal, and spray-dried plasma protein to maintain for the same energy and nutrient concentrations. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain:feed, and fecal score were not affected by increasing dietary defatted BSFL. Overall, dietary black soldier fly larvae did not compromise growth performance or intestinal health in nursery pigs. Black soldier fly larvae can be used in nursery pig diets to replace other protein sources without negative effects.

Environmental benefits of crude protein reduction in growing pig diets: is it worth going further?

Nitrogen (N) excretion and emissions can be reduced in fattening pigs by reducing dietary crude protein (CP) levels. Effects of this strategy are well documented for moderate CP reduction, but little literature exists on further CP reduction made possible by free isoleucine, histidine, and leucine. This trial evaluated the effects of 2 levels of reduction in CP on growth performance, N balance, and gaseous emissions. Forty-eight pigs were allocated to 12 gaseous emission-measuring chambers at 28kg live weight. Three dietary treatments (CTRL; -1.2pt; -2.4pt), with a CP content, respectively, of 18.1%, 16.9%, and 15.0% in phase 1 (28 to 48kg) and 16.1%, 15.0%, and 13.8% in phase 2 (48 to 80kg), were fed ad libitum. Growth performance was recorded for each phase. Body lipid and protein composition were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 2 animals per chamber at the beginning and end of the trial. These results were used to calculate the N balance. Slurry volume and composition were measured at the end of the trial. Ammonia, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions were recorded continuously. Data were analyzed with a general linear model including the linear and quadratic effect of CP reduction and phase as fixed effects. A trend for a quadratic effect of CP reduction on feed intake was observed (P = 0.085) with a decrease from CTRL to -1.2pt and then an increase with the -2.4pt treatment. Daily gain and gain to feed were improved by the low CP diets in phase 1 but were degraded in phase 2 (phase × CP interaction, P < 0.001) while body composition was not affected. Nitrogen excretion decreased with CP reduction (linear effect, P = 0.023) but tended to plateau with the low CP diets (quadratic effect, P = 0.081). Methane emissions per kg of gain were reduced with CP reduction (linear effect, P = 0.031). Ammonia emissions decreased with CP reduction, mostly in phase 1 (phase × CP interaction, P = 0.015); however, the emission factor (g N-NH3 / g urinary N) was not affected. Nitrous oxide emissions were not affected by CP reduction and its emission factor (g N-N2O / g N) tended to increase (linear effect, P = 0.07). Slurry ammonia-N decreased (linear effect, P < 0.023; quadratic effect, P = 0.049), but other slurry components were not significantly impacted. In this trial, a plateau in N excretion and emission reduction was reached with the -2.4pt treatment. Nevertheless, it is important to study such a reduction in conditions closer to commercial ones.

Use of Lupinus albus as a Local Protein Source in the Production of High-Quality Iberian Pig Products.

The replacement of soybean meal with sweet white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) seeds was investigated in the diets of Iberian pigs during the growing and fattening phases, evaluating its effects on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Iberian pigs (n = 50) were divided into two dietary groups (n = 25 per group), receiving either a lupin-based concentrate or a soybean meal-based concentrate. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that lupin substitution had no adverse effect on body weight, average daily gain, or carcass characteristics. No significant differences were observed in meat quality parameters such as pH, colour, and texture. However, significantly (p = 0.007) lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) content were found in the intramuscular fat of pre-finishing (primor) pigs fed lupin-based diets. In addition, these pigs had lower plasma triglyceride levels at the end of the growing phase. Overall, the results suggest that sweet white lupin is a viable alternative protein source in Iberian pig production, offering potential health benefits in line with consumer preferences for sustainably produced, healthier meat products, without compromising production efficiency or product quality.

Feeding of bakery products as replacement of cereal grains alter fecal microbiome and improve feed efficiency in fattening pigs

The re-integration of former foodstuffs, such as bakery products (BP), into pig feed reduces the feed-food competition and increases the sustainability of pig production. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the altered fatty acid profile in BP compared to standard diets and their effects on meat quality and the intestinal microbiome. The present study investigated the effects of replacing 30% cereal grains with BP in the diet on performance, microbiome composition and metabolites in feces of fattening pigs, economic aspects and meat quality characteristics. A total of 132 pigs (Large White × Piétrain; 11 weeks of age) were fed two diets containing 0 or 30% BP until reaching slaughter weight in three replicate batches. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing after 6 weeks, whereas body fat samples were collected after 9 weeks on the diet. The results showed that BP can replace cereals in pig diets by up to 30% without impairing animal performance, while improving feed efficiency and reducing feed costs by 9% compared to the control. Additionally, pigs fed the BP diet had a 50%-higher n-3 fatty acid content in the neck and abdominal fat compared to the control. The improved feed efficiency in BP-fed pigs may be related to positive effects on the fecal microbiome, such as a higher alpha diversity and a reduction of fungi and yeasts. Our study provides valuable insights into the benefits of including BP in diets of fattening pigs, which should be investigated in future studies on other BP types.

An Estimation of the Requirements of the Standardized Ileal Digestible Tryptophan, Valine, Isoleucine and Methionine on Young Pigs’ (Up to 50 kg) Feed Efficiency: A Meta-Regression Analysis

Currently, the NRC amino acid (AA) requirements for pigs published in 2012 are used as a reference in variable swine industries. However, recent results in several articles suggest that the standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA–lysine (Lys) ratio significantly evolved over the last two decades, while some publications report inconsistent outcomes. Therefore, the present study used a meta-regression analysis to assess the relative ratio to lysine to maximize the feed efficiency of four essential amino acids (tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, and methionine) in pig diets. According to the PRISMA guidelines, articles examining the target AA requirement using a basal diet supplemented with varying levels of crystalline AA (tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, or methionine) were identified across Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct. As a result, 23, 22, 16, and 9 articles using tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, and methionine were selected and categorized into experiments for inclusion in our meta-analysis. The results suggested that the requirements of tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, and methionine in our meta-regression analysis were superior to NRC recommendations, regardless of the regression models and the growth phases with significant RSQ values (RSQ ≈ 1). Also, the QUAD and CLP regression models emphasized higher requirements than the LP model for the great majority of amino acids and growth phases. The results of the QUAD and CLP models were selected as estimations of the amino acid requirements for pigs under challenged conditions, whereas the LP model was chosen to estimate the amino acid requirements of genetically improved pigs under a modern housing system. The results of this meta-regression analysis could be used to refresh the information on the NRC amino acids (AA) requirements for swine.

A blend of bacillus-fermented soybean meal, functional amino acids, and nucleotides improves nutrient digestibility, bolsters immune response, reduces diarrhea, and enhances growth performance in weaned piglets.

This study investigated the effects of a blend of bacillus-fermented soybean meal, functional amino acids, and nucleotides (Functional protein blend-FP Blend) as a replacement for animal protein sources in a weaner pig diet without antibiotic growth promoters on nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, diarrhea incidence, and growth performance. A total of 288 crossbred weaned piglets [♂ Duroc x ♀ (Yorkshire × Landrace)] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.89 ± 0.71kg were randomly allocated to 6 groups based on initial BW and sex (8 replicate pens per treatment; 3 gilts and 3 barrows/pen). The experiment lasted for 5wk. Dietary treatments included PC [standard diet with 3% fish meal (FM) and 2% plasma protein (PP)], NC (nonanimal protein, AP), T1 (3% FM replaced with 5% FP Blend), T2 (3% FM and 1% PP replaced with 5% FP Blend), T3 (2% PP replaced with 5%FP Blend), and T4 (3% FM and 2% PP replaced with 5% FP Blend). Data were analyzed using Minitab version 17 software. Key results indicated that FP Blend improved the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) coefficient of dry matter, gross energy, lysine, and valine in T4 compared with NC treatment (P < 0.05), whereas AID coefficient of crude protein and other amino acids remained constant (P > 0.05). Compared with NC diet, the weaned pigs fed T4 diet reduced malondialdehyde, serum IL8, TNF-α, and increased IgG (P < 0.05), while showing no effect on serum IL6, IL10, white blood cells, IgA, and endotoxin (P > 0.05). Furthermore, FP blend significantly increased villus height in the duodenum and ileum in T4 compared with NC (P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) was highest in T4 (502.73g/d), followed by T1 (477.96g/d) and T2 (475.85g/d), compared with PC (450.86g/d) and NC (439.79g/d). T4's ADG significantly differed from PC and NC (P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed in T1, T2, and T3 (P > 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower in T4 (1.45) compared with PC (1.57) and NC (1.59) (P < 0.001), with no significant differences among other groups. In conclusion, FP Blend demonstrated efficacy in improving nutrient digestibility, optimizing intestinal morphology, bolstering immune responses, reducing diarrhea incidence, alleviating the adverse effects of weaning stress, and enhancing growth performance of weaned piglets.

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.

447 Ex-food4feed: Keeping nutrients in the food chain - Sponsored by EAAP

Abstract The growing world population and rising income in developing countries create more demand for animal products. However, natural resources such as land, water, and nutrients are not boundless. As a consequence, competition of resources in food and feed production is an issue to be confronted with. One promising solution is relocating food losses into animal feeding, propelling the course of sustainability and circular economy in the livestock sector. Given this scenario, former food products (FFPs) represent great opportunities. Instead of ending up in landfill or compost, a better destination for FFPs is to be used as feedstuffs to replace traditional ingredients. FFPs are foodstuffs not accepted by the human market but have several advantages enabling them to enter swine feeding programs. FFPs are mainly composed of processed and ready-to-eat food products such as snacks and bakery goods. Thanks to industrial processing and their product type nature, FFPs are rich in easily digestible starch, simple sugars, fat, and energy contents comparable with cereal grains. Based on their nutritional features, these materials are extremely rich in carbohydrates, free sugars and, depending on their origin, also in fats. In addition, FFPs are often characterized by a high degree of processing including technological and heat treatments which can affect not only the availability of nutrients and the kinetics of digestion, but also gastro-intestinal health and animal response. On fresh matter basis, FFPs can substitute conventional feed ingredients up to 30 % in the diets of pigs. Starting from post-weaning piglets, FFP-based diet is able to maintain piglet growth without substantial effects on hindgut microbiota. In growing-finishing pigs, FFP-based diets at a 30 % inclusion level support growth performance of pigs without altering their nutrient and energy deposition efficiency, live body and carcass composition, and general meat quality traits. When considering liver proteome and plasma peptidome of pigs fed such diets, minor modulation occurs. To sum up, while maintaining the performance and wellbeing of pigs, the use of FFPs up to 30 % to replace classic feedstuffs represents a great potential in: i) mitigating food-feed competition, ii) re-distributing valuable food losses to livestock sector to produce animal protein, and iii) reducing environmental footprints resulting from animal production. All these aspects point out important concepts under the principles of circular economy and resilience enhancement in livestock farming, namely, making the most of resources to build a regenerative food system.

469 Reducing crude protein levels with amino acid supplementation in the finishing diets of heavy Duroc sire line pigs: Effects on carcass and meat traits in males and females

Abstract Nutrition represents 70% of pig production costs, particularly protein; therefore, decreasing protein costs is of capital importance. Reducing crude protein (CP) contents to levels below recommended whilst supplementing with amino acids (AAs) is an interesting strategy to reduce costs without decreasing production performances. It has been conducted essentially in lean genotypes during the growth stage. Few studies address heavy genotypes or sex differences during the finishing period. Our objective is to study carcass and meat (loin) traits of heavy [Duroc X (Landrace X Large-White)] male and female pigs during the finishing stage under a 2% CP reduction with crystalline AA supplementation, hypothesizing that both sexes will be affected equally. In total, 60 males and 60 females, 9 wk old animals were used and allotted in split-sex pens (6 pigs/pen) with water and dry feed ad libitum. At 15 wk of age, when pigs weighed an average of 68 kg, two isoenergetic diets with different CP levels were provided (145 and 125 g CP/kg, control and low-CP) during the last 42 d of fattening. In the low-CP diet, crystalline AAs were added. On last day of the trial, animals weighed 116.5 kg on average and were slaughtered. Hot carcass weights and yields, ham fat thickness, lean meat percentage and boar taint by human nose scoring were determined. Loin samples (one per pen) were used to determine thawing losses, pH, color, Texture Profile Analysis (TPA: hardness, cohesiveness, springiness) and chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein, collagen, fat, and saturated fat). Data were analyzed using the simple least squares models that included dietary treatment and sex and their interaction as fixed effects with the pen as the experimental unit. Carcass weights were greater in control males than in females (91.2 vs 85.7 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.05). No effect of sex or diet was detected on carcass yields, lean contents or ham subcutaneous fat thickness. There was a great impact of sex for loin subcutaneous fat thickness, with males having 7 to 8% greater values in both dietary treatments (P = 0.011). Low-CP females had a greater percentage of carcasses of greater lean content compared with the three other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Boar taint, carcass pH, color traits, chemical analysis and TPA did not differ across diets. A strong dietary influence was noticeable with animals of both sexes in the Low-CP diets having greater fat and saturated fat contents than animals in the control groups (P = 0.02). In conclusion, the 20g/kg CP reduction supplemented with AAs can efficiently be used in heavy Duroc sire line genotype during the finishing phase without leading to major impairments in carcass or meat traits, regardless of sex.