DSM Nutritional Products Research Articles

P3566Ambulatory blood pressure response to riboflavin supplementation in adults with the C677T polymorphism in the folate metabolising enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)

Abstract Background Epidemiological evidence suggests that the C677T polymorphism in the folate metabolising enzyme MTHFR is associated with a 24–87% increased risk of hypertension. Riboflavin (a cofactor for MTHFR) can modify this phenotype, as demonstrated in a series of RCTs, at this centre. ABPM measures BP over 24hrs and provides a more reliable assessment of an individual's BP compared to clinic BP. Aim To investigate the effect of riboflavin supplementation on BP (by ABPM) in adults with the MTHFR 677TT genotype. Methods Adults (n=3462) were recruited and screened for the MTHFRTT genotype and those eligible (n=81), were stratified by baseline SBP and randomised to receive riboflavin (10mg/day/16weeks) or placebo. Riboflavin status was measured using the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRac) assay and clinic and ABPM were measured in accordance with clinical guidelines. Results Mean 24hr, daytime and night-time SBP was 6mmHg higher (p<0.05) in adults with the TT v CC genotype. BP response to riboflavin was strongly dependent on baseline BP. In participants with a baseline SBP≥125mmHg, riboflavin resulted in a significant BP lowering in daytime SBP (Table). Day-time SBP response to riboflavin Treatment Placebo P-value Age 48.6 (11.3) 47.8 (12.0) 0.823 Male n (%) 17 (73.9) 12 (46.2) 0.093 BMI 28.8 (3.8) 27.2 (3.1) 0.131 Riboflavin status (EGRac)† Pre 1.33 (1.28–1.38) 1.29 (1.24–1.34) Post 1.20 (1.14–1.25) 1.31 (1.25–1.36) <0.001 Change −0.12 0.02 Daytime BP (mmHg)‡ Pre 137.1 (132.7–141.3) 134.7 (130.3–139.1) Post 133.0 (128.9–138.1) 134.8 (130.6–139.1) 0.036 Change −3.8 −0.2 ANCOVA, adjusting for sex. †Higher EGRac values indicate lower riboflavin status; ‡mean of participant daytime/awake hrs personalised for each participant. Conclusion This is the first study to show, using ABPM, that riboflavin supplementation, targeted at adults with the MTHFR 677TT genotype, results in significant lowering of mean, day and night BP. Given the frequency of this genotype worldwide (approximately 10%, but as high as 30% in some populations) these findings could offer a personalised approach for BP management in at-risk sub-populations. Acknowledgement/Funding This work was supported by DSM Nutritional Products, Ltd and Wellcome Trust-Wolfston Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility are acknowledged

Vitamin E supplementation strategies during feedlot receiving: effects on beef steer performance, antibody response to vaccination, and antioxidant defense1.

This study utilized 204 Angus-based beef steers (249 ± 23 kg SD) from a single ranch with initial serum α-tocopherol concentrations of 3.9 ± 1.0 mg/L to determine the effect of varying doses of vitamin E (VE) on feedlot performance, antibody response to vaccination, and antioxidant defense. Seven days after arrival, steers were blocked by body weight and weaning protocol (preweaned, unweaned heavy, and unweaned light) and randomly assigned to pens within blocks (12 pens per block). Preweaned steers had been weaned for approximately 35 d prior to arrival, and unweaned steers were weaned when leaving the origin ranch. Pens within block were randomly assigned to supplemental VE (ROVIMIX E-50 Adsorbate, DSM Nutritional Products, Heerlen, The Netherlands) treatments (n = 9 pens per treatment): no supplemental VE (CON), 25 IU/kg dry matter (DM; LOW), 500 IU per steer daily (MED), or 1,000 IU per steer daily (HIGH). Back-calculated supplemental VE intake was 0, 151 (24.8 IU/kg DM), 484, and 995 IU/d for CON, LOW, MED, and HIGH, respectively. On day 6, all steers received a booster vaccine against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV; Bovi-Shield Gold, One Shot, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ). Steers were weighed on day -1, 0, 14, 26, and 27. One steer per pen representative of the average body weight of the pen was chosen as a sampling animal for blood (day -1, 6, 14, 26, and 28) and liver (day -3 and 24). Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using Proc Mixed of SAS with pen as the experimental unit and the fixed effects of treatment and block. Linear, quadratic, and cubic contrast statements were constructed using Proc IML; morbidity data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix. Day 24 liver and day 26 serum α-tocopherol concentrations were linearly increased by supplemental VE (P < 0.01). Supplemental VE did not affect DM intake, average daily gain, or gain:feed from day 0 to 27 (P ≥ 0.37), or the percentage of steers treated for respiratory disease (P ≥ 0.44). Day 24 liver glutathione concentrations decreased linearly due to supplemental VE (P ≤ 0.02). Total- and Mn-superoxide dismutase activities were quadratically affected by supplemental VE (P ≤ 0.07), with MED steers exhibiting the greatest activity. Over time, BVDV type 1 and 2 antibody titers numerically decreased, whereas the decrease in BVDV type 1 titers was lesser for HIGH steers (linear P = 0.04). Increasing doses of VE improved VE status but did not affect overall receiving period performance in steers with minimal to adequate VE status upon arrival.

Calcium to phosphorus ratio requirement of 26- to 127-kg pigs fed diets with or without phytase1,2.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio in diets adequate in standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P on performance of 26- to 127-kg pigs fed diets with or without phytase. Pens of pigs (n = 1,134 in Exp. 1 and n = 1,215 in Exp. 2, initially 26.3 and 25.3 kg) were blocked by body weight (BW) and allotted to treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were 27 pigs per pen with 7 and 9 replicates per treatment in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. Treatments were formulated to contain 0.75:1, 1.00:1, 1.25:1, 1.50:1, 1.75:1, and 2.00:1 analyzed Ca:P ratios in Exp. 1, and 0.75:1, 1.00:1, 1.25:1, 1.50:1, and 2.00:1 analyzed Ca:P ratios in Exp. 2. These correspond to a range of 0.96:1 to 2.67:1 and 0.95:1 to 2.07:1 STTD Ca:STTD P ratios in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. Experiment 2 diets contained 1,000 phytase units of Ronozyme HiPhos 2500 (DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) with release values of 0.132% STTD P, 0.144% total Ca, and 0.096% STTD Ca. Diets contained 122% of NRC (2012) STTD P estimates for the weight range across 4 phases. In Exp. 1, increasing Ca:P ratio increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Feed efficiency (G:F) worsened (quadratic, P < 0.05) at the highest ratio. Hot carcass weight (HCW) and bone ash increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) while carcass yield decreased (linear, P < 0.10) with increasing Ca:P ratio. The maximum responses in ADG, HCW, and bone ash were estimated at 1.38:1, 1.25:1, and 1.93:1 analyzed Ca:P and at 1.82:1, 1.64:1, and 2.57:1 STTD Ca:STTD P, respectively. In Exp. 2, increasing Ca:P ratio increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) ADG and bone ash, and improved G:F (linear, P < 0.05). There was a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) in HCW and decrease in carcass yield (P < 0.10). The maximum responses in ADG, HCW, and bone ash were estimated at 1.63:1, 1.11:1 to 1.60:1, and 1.25:1 analyzed Ca:P and at 1.75:1, 1.28:1 to 1.71:1, and 1.40:1 STTD Ca:STTD P, respectively. Expressing ADG on a STTD Ca:STTD P basis provided a more consistent estimate of the ideal Ca:P ratio among the 2 studies than analyzed Ca to analyzed P ratio. A STTD Ca:STTD P ratio between 1.75:1 to 1.82:1 can be used for 26- to 127-kg pigs that are fed diets adequate in STTD P with or without added phytase to maximize growth rate without reducing bone ash.

Effects of standardized total tract digestible phosphorus on growth performance of 11- to 23-kg pigs fed diets with or without phytase1,2.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P) requirement for 11- to 23-kg nursery pigs fed diets with or without phytase. A total of 1,080 and 2,140 pigs (PIC 359 × Camborough, Hendersonville, TN; initially 11.4 ± 0.29 and 11.1 ± 0.24 kg) were used in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. There were 23 to 27 pigs per pen with 6 and 12 replicate pens per treatment in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. After weaning, pigs were fed a common pelleted diet with 0.45% STTD P for 7 d, and a common phase 2 meal diet with 0.40% STTD P for 14 d in Exp. 1 and 18 d in Exp. 2. Pens of pigs were then allotted to dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with body weight (BW) as the blocking factor. In Exp. 1, dietary treatments consisted of 0.26%, 0.30%, 0.33%, 0.38%, 0.43%, 0.48%, and 0.53% STTD P. Treatments were achieved with the inclusion of monocalcium phosphate at the expense of corn. In Exp. 2, diets contained 1,000 phytase units (FYT; Ronozyme Hiphos 2500, DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) with assumed release value 0.132% STTD P, and treatments consisted of 0.30%, 0.33%, 0.38%, 0.43%, 0.48%, 0.53%, and 0.58% STTD P. These STTD P concentrations included the expected phytase release of 0.132% STTD P. In both experiments, a similar 1.17:1 Ca:P ratio was maintained across treatments. Statistical models included linear model (LM), quadratic polynomial (QP), broken-line linear (BLL), and broken-line quadratic (BLQ). In Exp. 1, increasing STTD P increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG, ADFI, G:F, final BW, and grams of STTD P intake per day and per kilogram of gain. There was also a marginal quadratic response for G:F (P < 0.066). In Exp. 2, ADG and G:F increased quadratically (P < 0.05), whereas ADFI increased linearly (P = 0.060) with increasing STTD P. The BLL and QP model provided similar fit to G:F in Exp. 1, estimating the requirement for maximum G:F at 0.34% and 0.42%, respectively. The BLL was the best fitting model for ADG and G:F in Exp. 2, estimating the breakpoint at 0.40% and 0.37% STTD P, respectively. The BLL and BLQ models estimated the breakpoint for ADG as a function of STTD P intake in grams per day at 2.92 and 3.02 g/d, respectively. These data provide empirical evidence that for 11- to 23-kg pigs, the NRC (2012) accurately estimates the STTD P requirement on a g/d basis. As a percentage of the diet, the STTD P requirement for diets without or with 1,000 FYT added phytase ranged from 0.34% to 0.42%.

172 Standardized total tract digestible phosphorus requirement of 11- to 23-kg pigs fed diets containing phytase

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P) requirement of nursery pigs from 11 to 23 kg fed diets containing 1,000 phytase units (FYT). A total of 2,140 barrows and gilts (PIC 359×Camborough, initial BW 11.1 ± 0.24 kg) were used in a 21-d growth trial with 24 to 27 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment in a randomized complete block design. The 7 dietary treatments consisted of 0.30, 0.33, 0.38, 0.43, 0.48, 0.53, and 0.58% STTD P, which represented 90, 100, 115, 130, 145, 160 and 175%, respectively, of the NRC (2012) requirement estimate for STTD P for pigs weighing 11 to 23 kg. All diets contained 1,000 FYT of Ronozyme Hiphos 2500 (DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) with assumed release values of 0.15% available P and 0.132% STTD P. Treatments were achieved by increasing the amount of calcium carbonate and monocalcium phosphate at the expense of corn, while maintaining a similar 1.17:1 total Ca:total P ratio across treatments. Experimental data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit, using generalized linear and nonlinear mixed models, which included quadratic polynomial, broken-line linear, and broken-line quadratic models. Increasing STTD P quadratically improved (P &lt; 0.05) ADG and feed efficiency (G:F). Final BW and ADFI increased linearly (P &lt; 0.05) up to the highest STTD P level. Income over feed cost improved quadratically (P &lt; 0.05), with the highest income observed at 0.43% STTD P. The broken-line linear plateau was estimated at 0.40% STTD P for ADG and at 0.37% STTD P for G:F. In conclusion, the estimated STTD P requirement for nursery pigs from 11 to 23 kg fed diets containing 1,000 FYT were greater than NRC (2012) requirement estimates and ranged from 0.37 to 0.43% to optimize performance and economic return.

174 Effects of dietary analyzed calcium to phosphorus ratio on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone mineralization of 26- to 127-kg pigs fed diets containing phytase

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding different analyzed calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratios on performance of growing-finishing pigs from 26 to 127-kg fed diets containing 1,000 phytase units (FYT). A total of 1,215 barrows and gilts (PIC 359×Camborough, initial BW 26 ± 0.71 kg) were used in a 114-d growth trial with 27 pigs/pen and 9 pens/treatment in a randomized complete block design. The 5 dietary treatments were formulated to contain 0:75:1, 1.00:1, 1.25:1, 1.50:1, and 2.00:1 analyzed Ca:P ratio. Diets contained 1,000 FYT of Ronozyme HiPhos 2500 (DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) with assumed release values of 0.15% available P and 0.132% standardized total tract digestible P (STTD P). All diets were corn-soybean meal-based and formulated to contain approximately 122% of NRC (2012) STTD P estimates for the weight range across all 4 dietary phases. Treatments were achieved by increasing calcium carbonate at the expense of corn while maintaining a constant level of monocalcium phosphate. Data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit, using generalized linear and nonlinear mixed models which included quadratic polynomial, broken-line linear, and broken-line quadratic models. Increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio increased (quadratic, P &lt; 0.05) ADG, final BW, and ADFI (quadratic, P &lt; 0.10). Feed efficiency improved (linear, P &lt; 0.05) with increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio up to 2.00:1. Hot carcass weight (HCW) increased (quadratic, P &lt; 0.05) and carcass yield decreased (quadratic, P &lt; 0.10) with increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio. Bone mineralization increased (quadratic, P &lt; 0.05) with increasing analyzed Ca:P ratio. The maximum responses in ADG, G:F, HCW, and bone ash were estimated at 1.63:1, 1.05:1, 1.11:1, and 1.25:1 analyzed Ca:P ratio, respectively. In conclusion, the estimated analyzed Ca:P ratio requirement for growing-finishing pigs from 26 to 127-kg fed diets containing 1,000 FYT ranged from 1.05:1 to 1.63:1 to maximize growth rate, G:F, HCW, and bone mineralization.

346 Effect of supplemental vitamin E in feedlot receiving diets on steer performance and immune function

Abstract Single-source, Angus-cross steers (n = 204; 249 ± 23 kg) were utilized to determine the effect of supplemental vitamin (VE; ROVIMIX E-50 Adsorbate, DSM Nutritional Products) on performance and immunity during feedlot receiving. Seven days post-arrival, steers were blocked by BW and weaning protocol (pre-weaned or not) into pens (n = 5 or 6 steers/pen) and pens randomly assigned to VE treatments: no supplemental VE (CON), VE at 25 IU/kg DM (LOW; average 151 IU·steer-1·d-1), 500 IU·steer-1·d-1 (MED), or 1000 IU·steer-1·d-1 (HIGH). Steers were weighed on d -1, 0, 14, 26 and 27. On d 6, steers were boostered with Bovi-Shield Gold (One Shot, Zoetis). Serum collected from one steer per pen was analyzed for Se and α-tocopherol (d -1 and 26) and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) type 1 and 2 antibody titers (d 6, 14, 26). Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS with pen as the experimental unit (n = 9 pens/treatment), the fixed effects of treatment and block, and the random effect of pen. Linear, quadratic and cubic contrast statements were constructed. Serum Se and α-tocopherol concentrations from d -1 and titers from d 6 (prior to vaccination) served as covariates. From d 14 to 27, ADG and G:F quadratically increased (P ≤ 0.02), with MED being greatest; VE did not affect d 0 to 14 or overall trial performance (P ≥ 0.14). Day 26 BVDV type 1 antibody titers and α-tocopherol concentrations (2.7, 3.4, 4.6, and 5.8 mg/L for CON, LOW, MED, and HIGH, respectively) linearly increased due to VE (P ≤ 0.04). Increasing supplemental VE improved circulating VE concentrations and antibody response to a booster vaccine. Performance benefits were observed when VE was supplemented at 500 IU·steer-1·d-1, the dose recommended by NASEM (2016) for stressed cattle.

PSV-10 Effects of storing three phytase sources for 90 days under high temperature and humidity on phytase stability, growth performance, and bone mineralization of nursery pigs

Abstract This study evaluated storing 3 commercial phytases for 90 d in an environmental chamber set at 29.4°C and 75% humidity on phytase stability and nursery pig growth performance and bone mineralization. The phytases [HiPhos GT (20,000 FYT/g, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ); Axtra Phy TPT (20,000 FTU/g, Dupont, Wilmington, DE), and Quantum Blue G (40,000 FTU/g, AB Vista, Plantation, FL)] were kept as pure forms or blended in a vitamin-trace mineral (VTM) premix and sampled on d 0, 30, 60, and 90 of storage. Regardless of source and form, analyzed phytase activity decreased (linear, P &lt; 0.001) as storage increased. Afterwards, 300 nursery pigs (11.7 kg BW) were assigned to 1 of 8 treatments in a RCBD with 4-5 pigs/pen and 8 pens/treatment. Treatments included a negative (NC, 0.12% aP) and positive control (PC, 0.27% aP) without phytase; or NC with added phytase to provide 0.15% aP (1,000, 651 and 500 FTU/kg for HiPhos, Axtra Phy, and Quantum Blue, respectively). Negative control with added phytase treatments were manufactured with each phytase source previously stored in pure form or VTM premix for 90d. Pigs fed PC had greater (P &lt; 0.001) ADG compared to pigs fed Axtra Phy stored in VTM or NC. Feed intake was similar for PC, phytases stored in pure forms, and HiPhos and Quantum Blue stored in VTM, and greater (P &lt; 0.001) than pigs fed NC. Pigs fed PC or HiPhos stored in pure form had improved (P &lt; 0.001) G:F compared to pigs fed NC. Bone mineralization was greater (P &lt; 0.001) for pigs fed PC compared to NC, phytases stored in VTM, and Axtra Phy and Quantum Blue stored in pure form. Regardless of source and form, phytase activity decreased as storage increased. In this study, bone ash was reduced when phytases were stored for 90d in a VTM compared to the PC.

147 Effects of added dietary Zn and Cu or an essential oils blend in a nursery feeding program

Abstract Approximately 1,200 weaned pigs (8.8 ± 1 kg; Camborough×337, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were used to evaluate the effects of a blend of essential oils compared to therapeutic programs [negative control (NC), Carbodox (NC + 55 ppm Mecadox, Phibro, Teaneck, NJ; MX), added ZnO and CuSO4 (NC + 2,000 ppm Zn and 150 ppm Cu in P1 and 150 ppm Cu in P2; ZnCu), and essential oils blend (NC + 0.4% Victus Liv, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ; VL)]. Pigs were allotted to the treatments 10 d after weaning. Treatments occurred over 2 phases: 14 d (P1) and 21 d (P2). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (F:G) were evaluated. Data were analyzed as a CRD using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit and treatment as main effect. During P1, pigs fed MX or ZnCu had increased ADG compared with NC (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively) and VL (P = 0.007 and P = 0.018, respectively). Pigs fed MX, VL, or ZnCu had improved F:G compared to NC (P &lt; 0.0001, P = 0.04, and P = 0.001, respectively). In P2, ZnCu or MX increased ADG compared to VL (P = 0.03, P = 0.06, respectively) and ZnCu tended to increase ADG compared to NC (P = 0.07). Overall (d 0 to 35), VL tended to decrease the percent removals compared with NC (P = 0.07). In conclusion, feeding MX or ZnCu improved ADG and F:G and diets with VL resulted in the least removals.

Cassava cell wall characterization and degradation by a multicomponent NSP-targeting enzyme (NSPase)

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is considered the third most important source of calories in tropical regions. Up to one third of cassava harvested worldwide is used in livestock production. The focus of this study was to characterize cassava cell wall structure to provide knowledge for a better application of cassava as an energy source in monogastric animal feed. A total of five cassava samples from different feed mills in South East Asia were investigated. On a dry matter basis, the cassava cell walls contained, on average, 640 mg g−1 glucose, 140 mg g−1 galactose, 50 mg g−1 mannose, 80 mg g−1 xylose, 60 mg g−1 arabinose, 10 mg g−1 fucose and 20 mg g−1 rhamnose. RONOZYME VP (DSM Nutritional Products, Switzerland), a non-specific multicomponent non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degrading enzyme (NSPase) product from Aspergillus aculeatus, solubilized about 10% of cassava NSP content during 4 h incubations at 40 °C and pH 5. There was notable solubilization of polymers containing uronic acids, galactose, arabinose and rhamnose. Immuno-microscopy imaging indicated the solubilization of pectin, galactan and xyloglucan polysaccharides from cassava cell wall. As a consequence, the starch granules became more available to exogenous α-amylase degradation.

Evaluation of a microbial muramidase supplementation on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility, and intestinal histology of broiler chickens

The current study evaluated the effects of different inclusion levels of microbial muramidase (Muramidase 007, DSM Nutritional Products) on gastrointestinal functionality by determination of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients, investigation of intestinal histomorphology, and quantification of resulting growth performance. Four maize-wheat-soybean experimental diets were produced without (C) and with different dosages of muramidase: low (L, 25,000 LSU(F)/kg), medium (M, 35,000 LSU(F)/kg), and high (H, 45,000 LSU(F)/kg); diets were fed to broilers for 35 d. At the end of the experiment, AID of ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), Ca, and P were determined and samples of the mid-jejunum and -ileum were collected for histomorphological observations. Data were subjected to ANOVA analysis using the GLM procedure. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to assess linear and quadratic effects of different levels of the muramidase. At the end of the trial, Muramidase 007 supplementation linearly increased body weight gain and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P ≤ 0.05). Adding the muramidase to broiler diets also linearly increased the European poultry efficiency factor (P ≤ 0.05). Inclusion of the muramidase in broiler diets linearly increased AID of CP, EE, and P (P ≤ 0.05), and the H group had a higher AID of EE and CP compared to C group (P ≤ 0.05). Microbial muramidase supplementation linearly increased ileal villus length to crypt depth ratio and decreased the number of ileal CD45 cells (P ≤ 0.05). Broilers fed M and H diets had fewer number of CD45 cells in the ileum compared to those in C group (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that inclusion of the microbial muramidase in broiler diets could increase AID of key nutrients and improve growth performance in broilers. Adding microbial muramidase to broiler diets can therefore be considered as an interesting prospect to improve gastrointestinal functionality. Biological mechanisms causing these improvements need to be studied further.

Effects of High Phytase Supplementation in Lactation Diets on Sow and Litter Performance

A total of 109 sows (Line 241; DNA, Columbus, NE) were used to evaluate the effect of increasing dietary phytase in lactation diets, already adequate in P, on sow and litter performance. On d 107 of gestation, sows were blocked by body weight and parity and allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments of increasing phytase concentration (0, 1,000, or 3,000 FYT/kg; Ronozyme HiPhos GT 2700, DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ). The control diet contained no phytase and was formulated to contain 0.50% standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P; 0.45% available P) and 0.62% STTD calcium (0.90% total Ca). The phytase diets that contained 1,000 or 3,000 FYT/kg were also formulated to 0.50% STTD P and 0.62% STTD Ca including the release of 0.132% STTD P and 0.096% STTD Ca. Diets were balanced for net energy and fed from d 107 of gestation until weaning (d 18 ± 3). All farrowings were monitored, with farrowing duration starting at the time the first pig was born until the first dispersal of placental tissues with no subsequent pigs born. Litters were cross-fostered within treatment until 48 h postfarrowing to equalize litter size. There were no differences among treatments in sow body weight at d 107 of gestation, 24 h after farrowing, or at weaning. Sow average daily feed intake from farrowing to weaning tended to increase (linear, P = 0.093) as phytase increased. There was no evidence for difference in the number of total born pigs, as well as the percentage of stillborns, mummies, and born alive pigs at the completion of farrowing. Similarly, phytase supplementation did not influence (P > 0.05) wean-to-estrus interval or litter size after cross-fostering among dietary treatments. Although not significant (linear, P = 0.226), farrowing duration decreased as added phytase increased with a decrease of 47 min (12%) for 3,000 FYT compared with the control. There were no differences in pig weight at weaning, but as a result of increased survivability (linear, P = 0.002), litter weaning weight and overall litter weight gain increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) up to 1,000 FYT of added phytase with no further benefit observed in sows fed 3,000 FYT. In conclusion, sow feed intake tended to increase linearly with increasing added phytase. Feeding 1,000 FYT/kg maximized overall litter gain and weaning weight; however, a larger-scale study with more sows is needed to determine the addition of phytase in lactation diets to reduce farrowing duration.

Determining the impact of commercial feed additives as potential porcine epidemic diarrhea virus mitigation strategies as determined by polymerase chain reaction analysis and bioassay.

Mitigation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was assessed using two feed additives (0.5% inclusion of a benzoic acid [BA] product and 0.02% inclusion of an essential oil [EO] product; DSM Nutritional Products Inc., Parsippany, NJ), and combination of both products (0.5% BA and 0.02% EO) in spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and a swine gestation diet (FEED) as determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and bioassay. Viral RNA quantification was performed at 7 sampling days post-laboratory inoculation (d 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 42) and infectivity was assessed via bioassay with 10-d-old pigs. There was a tendency for treatment × feed matrix × day interaction (P = 0.094), in which the cycle threshold (Ct) value increased over time in FEED when treated with both feed additives, whereas there was no increase over time observed in SDPP treated with both feed additives. There was a feed matrix × day interaction (P < 0.001) in which Ct increased over time in FEED, whereas very little increase over time was observed in SDPP. A tendency for a treatment × feed matrix effect (P = 0.085) was observed where FEED treated with the combination of EO and BA had a greater (P < 0.05) PEDV Ct value than other FEED treatments, and all SDPP treatments had the lower PEDV Ct values compared to FEED treatments (P < 0.05). Overall, the combination of both feed additives was most effective at reducing the quantity of genetic material as detected by qRT-PCR (P < 0.001) compared to either additive alone or no feed additive. Virus shedding was observed in the d 7 postinoculation SDPP treatment that was treated with both feed additives, as well as d 0 untreated FEED and d 0 FEED treated with both feed additives. No other treatment bioassay room had detectible RNA shed and detected in fecal swabs or cecal contents. In summary, the combination of EO and BA enhanced the degradation of PEDV RNA in feed but had little impact on RNA degradation in SDPP. Both untreated feed and feed treated with the combination of EO and BA resulted in infection at d 0 post-laboratory inoculation; however, neither set of samples was infective at d 1 postinoculation. In addition, SDPP harbored greater levels of quantifiable RNA for a longer duration of time compared to FEED, and these viral particles remained viable for a longer duration of time indicating differences in viral stability exist between different feed matrices.

Effect of exogenous amylase on lactation performance of dairy cows fed a high-starch diet

Exogenous amylase supplementation can increase starch and fiber digestibility in lactating dairy cows. We evaluated the effect of exogenous amylase supplementation on diets with high starch concentration (32% of dry matter). Twenty-eight Holstein cows (171 ± 80 d in milk, 4 primiparous) received a standard diet for 14 d and then a treatment for 63 d, in a covariate-adjusted randomized block design with repeated measures over time. Treatments were amylase [0.5 g of Ronozyme RumiStar (DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland) per kg of total mixed ration dry matter] or control. The diets contained (% of dry matter): 39.4% corn silage, 11.2% rehydrated and ensiled mature corn grain, and 11.7% finely ground mature corn. Amylase increased milk yield (32.3 vs. 33.0 kg/d) and reduced dry matter intake (20.7 vs. 19.7 kg/d), increasing feed efficiency (1.52 vs. 1.63). Amylase also increased milk lactose synthesis (1.49 vs. 1.56 kg/d) and plasma glucose concentration (59.3 vs. 68.6 mg/dL). Secretions of milk fat and protein did not differ. Although milk urea N did not differ, amylase reduced the concentration of urea N in blood, suggesting an increase in ruminal starch degradation. However, the total-tract apparent digestibility of starch (96.3% of intake) and neutral detergent fiber (44.4% of intake), ruminal fermentation profile, and microbial yield estimated by urinary allantoin excretion did not differ. Cows fed amylase sorted in favor of long feed particles and against short particles, had shorter chewing activity (780 vs. 699 min/d), and had fewer meals per day (11.5 vs. 9.7). Amylase improved the feed efficiency of lactating cows fed a high-starch diet; the enzyme increased milk yield and reduced intake.

A new approach to assess the effect of photodamage on corneocyte envelope maturity using combined hydrophobicity and mechanical fragility assays.

The maturity of the corneocyte envelope (CE) provides information about the barrier functionality of the stratum corneum (SC). Corneocytes are enclosed by the CE, a protein-lipid matrix, contributing to mechanical resistance and hydrophobicity of the SC. The aim of the work was to develop a novel and robust approach to characterize CE maturity based on rigidity, hydrophobicity and surface area. This offers an alternative approach to the Nile red staining and antigenicity of involucrin to characterize the CE. The photoexposed (PE) cheek and photoprotected (PP) post-auricular sites were selected for investigation. Nine tape strips were obtained from the cheek and post-auricular sites of healthy Caucasians. CEs on the first and last tape strip were subjected to sonication to assess rigidity, and Nile red staining to determine hydrophobicity per unit surface area. In addition, the presence of involucrin and lipids was assessed to determine CE maturity by examination of the red/green pixel ratio, percentage of involucrin expressing CEs and alternatively the ratio of fluorescence density. The CE rigidity was lower in the deeper SC layers of the cheek, whereas post-auricular CEs were mechanically more resistant. Post-auricular CEs from the superficial SC had a larger surface area with a stronger fluorescence signal than those from the cheek. Interestingly, those CEs from the deeper SC layers had similar surface areas in both anatomical sites but were significantly different in hydrophobicity. These three parameters can be summarized as a relative CE maturity index that expresses CE maturity more precisely with a higher sensitivity than the conventional involucrin and Nile red staining approach. CEs of the cheek surface are more mature than CEs in the deeper SC layer, whereas CEs obtained from the post-auricular surface are more mature than those from the cheek surface. The combined method developed allows characterization of CE maturity based on hydrophobicity per unit surface area and rigidity rather than a simple ratio of lipid to involucrin. A more robust and sensitive measurement has therefore been developed addressing the limitations of earlier protocols.

Stability of four commercial phytase products under increasing thermal conditioning temperatures.

Phytase is a feed-grade enzyme frequently added to swine diets to help improve the digestibility of phytate phosphorus. However, like any enzyme, it may be subject to heat damage when exposed to thermal processing. Therefore the objective of this experiment was to determine the stability of 4 commercial phytase products exposed to increasing thermal conditioning temperatures in the pelleting process. The 4 commercial products used were: Quantum Blue G (AB Vista, Plantation, FL); Ronozyme Hi Phos GT (DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ); Axtra Phy TPT (Dupont, Wilmington, DE), and Microtech 5000 Plus (Guangdong Vtr Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China). The phytase products were mixed as part of a corn-soybean meal-based swine diet at a concentration recommended by the manufacturer to provide a 0.12% aP release. Diets were exposed to each of 4 thermal conditioning temperatures (65, 75, 85, and 95°C) and the entire process repeated on 4 consecutive days to create 4 replicates. Samples were taken while feed exited the conditioner and before entering the pellet die. Samples were cooled to room temperature before being stored in plastic bags until analysis. Phytase stability was measured as the residual phytase activity (% of initial) at each conditioning temperature. There were no product × temperature interactions observed for conditioning temperature, conditioner throughput, or residual phytase activity. As target temperature increased, conditioner throughput decreased (linear; P < 0.001) and phytase activity decreased (linear; P < 0.001) for each product. Residual phytase activity decreased as conditioning temperature increased from 65 to 95°C at a rate of –1.9% for every 1°C increase in conditioning temperature. There was a significant phytase product (P < 0.001) main effect which was mainly driven by Microtech 5000 Plus having decreased (P < 0.05) phytase activity when compared to all other products at 65, 75, and 85°C. However at 95°C Axtra Phy TPT had greater (P < 0.05) residual phytase activity compared with Microtech 5000 Plus, with Quantum Blue G and Ronozyme Hi Phos intermediate. Increasing target conditioning temperatures decreased phytase stability regardless of product. In addition, Microtech 5000 Plus had decreased residual phytase activity (% of initial) when compared to all other products at 65, 75, and 85°C.

433 Effects of protease on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of protease on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. A total of 96 pigs (initial BW of 69.82 ± 2.30 kg; equal number of barrows and gilts) were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments (8 pigs/replicate; 6 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (BW as a block). Dietary treatments were 1) a diet based on corn, soybean meal, and wheat (CON) and 2) CON + 0.02% protease (PRO). The protease was a commercial product (Ronozyme® ProAct, DSM Nutritional Products, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland) containing 75,000 protease units/g derived from Bacillus licheniformis. Pigs were fed their respective diets for 6 weeks. All pigs were housed in environmentally controlled pens with free access to diets and water throughout the entire experiment period. After 6 weeks, pigs were fasted with only free access to water for 4 h and final BW of pigs was recorded prior to transportation. Pigs were transferred to a local commercial slaughter facility with a conventional scalding-singeing process. Measurements were growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. All data were analyzed using the PROC GLM procedure of SAS. The statistical model for every measurement included dietary effect and BW as a covariate. There was no difference in ADG between CON and PRO (0.891 vs. 0.929 kg/d). However, pigs fed PRO had lower ADFI (2.92 vs. 3.29 kg/d, P < 0.05) and higher G:F ratio (0.319 vs. 0. 271 kg/kg, P < 0.05) than those fed CON. No differences were found in hot carcass weight (83.55 vs. 82.81 kg), dressing percentage (76.94 vs. 77.07%), final backfat depth (17.20 vs. 16.73 mm), and fat free lean (58.13 vs. 57.99%) between CON and PRO. In conclusion, addition of protease in finisher pig diets increased feed efficiency but did not affect carcass characteristics.

422 Effects of protease on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs

This study was conducted to investigate effects of dietary protease on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. A total of 96 growing pigs (initial BW 31.57 ± 2.97 kg; equal number of barrows and gilts) were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments (8 pigs/replicate; 6 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (BW as a block). Dietary treatments were 1) a diet based on corn, soybean meal, and wheat (CON) and 2) CON + 0.02% protease (PRO). The protease used in this study was a commercial protease product (Ronozyme® ProAct, DSM Nutritional Products, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland) containing 75,000 protease units/g derived from Bacillus licheniformis. Pigs were fed respective dietary treatments for 6 weeks. For the last week of the experimental period, pigs were fed respective dietary treatments containing 0.2% chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. Fecal samples from two randomly selected pigs in each pen were collected daily by rectal palpation for the last 3 days after the 4-day adjustment period. Measurements were growth performances and digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and energy by an index method. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLM procedure of SAS. The statistical model for every measurement included dietary effect and BW as a covariate. Pigs fed PRO had greater ADG (0.944 vs. 0.877 kg/d; P < 0.05) and G:F (0.450 vs. 0.401 kg/kg; P < 0.05) than those fed CON. However, no difference was found in ADFI between CON and PRO (2.16 vs. 2.10 kg/d). In addition, there were no differences in apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (74.90 vs. 79.63%), nitrogen (69.62 vs. 76.23%), and energy (74.04 vs. 79.14%) between CON and PRO. In conclusion, addition of protease in grower diets improved growth performance and did not affect nutrient digestibility in growing pigs.

A novel, high precision multiple‐meal stable isotope method to compare iron absorption from extruded FePP‐fortified rice containing different zinc compounds, citric acid/trisodium citrate and EDTA in Ghanaian children

Rice fortification can be a viable approach to combat iron deficiency in rice‐consuming populations, but it is crucial to identify micronutrient formulations with high iron bioavailability and acceptable sensory properties. To date, ferric phosphates are the only iron compounds resulting in sensory acceptable iron fortified rice grains.We measured fractional iron absorption (FAFe) from isotopically labeled ferric‐pyrophosphate (54FePP, 57FePP, 58FePP) in a cross‐over multiple meal absorption study. Fortified extruded rice meals either contained: zinc oxide (ZnO; 54FePP+ZnO), zinc sulphate (ZnSO4; 57FePP+ZnSO4), alone or in combination with a citrate buffer CA/TSC (54FePP+ZnO+CA/TSC or 57FePP+ZnSO4+CA/TSC) or ZnO, CA and edetate (EDTA; 58FePP+ZnO+CA+EDTA).Iron depleted school‐age children with and without anemia (N=26) in Northern Ghana were fed six different rice meals (all meals containing 2mg iron) over the course of six weeks. Each type of meal was administered twice daily for five consecutive days. FAFe was compared from meals 54FePP+ZnO, 57FePP+ZnSO4, 54FePP+ZnO+CA/TSC, 57FePP+ZnSO4+CA/TSC, 58FePP+ZnO+CA+EDTA versus non‐fortified extruded rice with 58FeSO4 (reference) added after cooking. FAFe was measured as erythrocyte‐incorporation of stable iron isotopes at least 11 days after meal‐administration.Geometric mean FAFe (95% CI) from meals 54FePP+ZnSO4+CA/TSC (6.3%; 5.3,7.4) and 58FePP+ZnO+CA+EDTA (6.5%; 5.3,8.1) did not differ from the reference (6.6%; 5.4,8.1). FAFe between 57FePP+ZnSO4 (3.5%; 2.7,4.5) and 54FePP+ZnO+CA/TSC (4.4%; 3.6,5.5) was not different, but both differed from 54FePP+ZnSO4+CA/TSC, 58FePP+ZnO+CA+EDTA and the reference (P&lt;0.038), however, 54FePP+ZnO (2.3%; 1.9,2.8) showed the lowest FAFe and significantly differed from all other meals (P&lt;.035).ConclusionsIron absorption from FePP‐fortified rice is affected by both the zinc source (ZnO or ZnSO4) and absorption enhancers (CA/TSC and CA+EDTA). For maximal iron absorption, rice fortification should be implemented using ZnSO4 as the zinc fortificant and CA/TSC or CA+EDTA as iron absorption enhancers.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, DSM Nutritional Products, USAID and Abbott Nutrition.

Evaluating the impact of maternal vitamin D supplementation on sow performance: II. Subsequent growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing pigs.

A of subsample of 448 growing pigs (PIC 327 × 1050) weaned from 52 sows fed varying dietary vitamin D regimens were used in a split-plot design to determine the effects of maternal and nursery dietary vitamin D on growth performance. Sows were previously administered diets containing vitamin D as vitamin D (800, 2,000, or 9,600 IU/kg) or as 25(OH)D (50 µg [or 2,000 IU vitamin D equivalent]/kg from HyD; DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ). Once weaned, pigs were allotted to pens on the basis of previous maternal vitamin D treatment, and then pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 nursery vitamin D dietary regimens (2,000 IU of vitamin D/kg or 50 µg 25(OH)D/kg). Pigs remained on nursery vitamin D treatments for 35 d, and then they were provided common finishing diets until market (135 kg). Growing pig serum 25(OH)D suggested that maternal dietary vitamin D influenced ( < 0.001 at weaning) serum concentrations early after weaning, but nursery vitamin D regimen had a larger impact ( < 0.001) on d 17 and 35 postweaning. Overall growth performance was not influenced by nursery vitamin D dietary treatments. From d 0 to 35 in the nursery, pigs from sows fed increasing vitamin D had increased (quadratic, < 0.003) ADG and ADFI, but G:F was similar regardless of maternal vitamin D regimen. Also, pigs from sows fed 50 µg/kg of 25(OH)D had increased ( = 0.002) ADG compared with pigs weaned from sows fed 800 IU of vitamin D. Throughout finishing (d 35 postweaning until 135 kg), ADG was increased (quadratic, = 0.005) and G:F was improved (quadratic, = 0.049) with increasing maternal dietary vitamin D. Also, pigs from sows fed 50 µg/kg of 25(OH)D had increased ( = 0.002) ADG compared with pigs weaned from sows fed 800 IU of vitamin D. Carcass data were collected from a subsample population separate from that used for the growth performance portion of the study, and a total of 642 carcasses from progeny of sows fed the varying dietary vitamin D treatments were used. Live BW of pigs at marketing and HCW were heavier ( < 0.030) for pigs from sows previously fed 25(OH)D compared with pigs from sows fed 9,600 IU of vitamin D. Overall, pigs from sows fed 2,000 IU of vitamin D grew faster after weaning compared with pigs from sows fed 800 or 9,600 IU of vitamin D. Pigs from sows fed 25(OH)D hag greater ADG compared with pigs from sows fed 800 IU of vitamin D, and they had increased final BW and HCW compared with pigs from sows fed 9,600 IU of vitamin D.