Enogen Feed Corn Research Articles

PSXI-13 Effects of corn containing gene for high concentration of alpha amylase (Enogen Feed corn) on fermentative parameters, digestibility and methane in vitro

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate different corn hybrids, with (Enogen) or without high amylase concentration, on fermentative parameters, dry matter disappearance and in vitro gas production. The treatments evaluated were Tropical flint corn (TFC), Enogen flint corn (EFC) and Enogen dent corn (EDC). All corn was processed and had the same average particle size. The experiment was carried out using automatic gas pressure detection modules (ANKOM, RF). Rumen fluid was collected from two animals fitted with a rumen cannula and fed a diet containing 60% forage. The ruminal liquid was combined with buffer in a 1:4 ratio, respectively, and each bottle received 150 mL of this mixture plus 1.5g of DM corn sample. After 24 h of testing, the pH was measured in each bottle, samples were collected for analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), ammonia, gas samples for methane quantification and the final residue was taken to determine the DM disappearance. The data were analyzed using Proc Mixed from SAS (9.4), using the following contrasts: 1) TFC (without Enogen technology) vs. Enogen corn (EFC and EDC) and; 2) EFC vs. EDC. Corn with Enogen technology increased the proportion of propionate (TFC: 28.2; EFC: 29.8; EDC: 30.7 mM/100mM; P < 0.01), butyrate (TFC: 9.83; EFC: 10.8; EDC: 11.3 mM/100mM; P = 0.01), isovalerate (TFC: 1.48; EFC: 1.68; EDC: 1.61; P < 0.01) and valerate (TFC: 1.06; EFC: 1.23; EDC: 1.08 mM/100mM; P = 0.03) and decreased acetate (TFC: 58.7; EFC: 55.8; EDC: 54.6 mM/100mM; P < 0.01) and the acetate:propionate ratio (TFC: 2.09; EFC: 1.88; EDC: 1.79; P < 0.01), without affecting ruminal pH and total SCFA. The EDC reduced acetate (P < 0.01), valerate (P = 0.01) and ammonia (TFC: 0.58; EFC: 0.60; EDC: 0.40 mg/dL; P < 0.01) compared with EFC, without affecting the other fermentation variables. The Enogen technology increased the disappearance of DM (TFC: 75.6; EFC: 78.4; EDC: 82.4%; P < 0.01) and reduced the concentration of methane (TFC: 2.99 EFC: 2.09 EDC: 1.87%; P = 0.05) in relation to TFC. Furthermore, EDC corn increased the disappearance of DM (P < 0.01) without affecting gas and methane production when compared with EFC. In conclusion, Enogen technology optimizes the fermentation and DM disappearance, in addition to reducing the concentration of methane, and using the Enogen technology, dent corn is superior to flint corn.

Effects of feeding α-amylase-expressed corn silage and grain on performance, enteric methane production, and carcass characteristics in beef steers.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding Enogen feed corn (EFC) silage or EFC grain with different grain processing (dry-rolled corn vs. whole-shelled corn) in feedlot cattle diets. Total 68 Angus cross-bred steers were blocked by body weight and the treatments (diets) were randomly assigned to steers in each block: a basal diet with isoline corn silage and isoline dry-rolled corn grain (IIR); the basal diet with EFC silage and isoline dry-rolled corn grain (EIR); the basal diet with EFC silage and EFC dry-rolled grain (EER); and the basal diet with EFC silage and EFC whole-shelled grain (EEW). Isoline refers to the isogenic counterpart of Enogen corn silage or grain. Steers received the assigned treatment over 32wk of the entire experiment (backgrounding and finishing) until harvested. Part of the steers (eight blocks) in each treatment were used to measure CH4 production (g/d) using the GreenFeed and CH4 production per unit of DMI. All data were analyzed using a mixed procedure of SAS in a randomized complete block design, considering diet as a fixed effect and block as a random effect. Steers fed the EIR diet increased (P = 0.03) DMI compared to IIR during the backgrounding phase. However, feeding EFC silage or grain did not affect body weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency during backgrounding and finishing phases. Feeding EEW decreased (P ≤ 0.05) body weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and tended to decrease (P = 0.06) hot carcass weight compared to EER during the finishing phase. Methane production per unit of DMI decreased (P = 0.02) for steers fed EIR compared with steers fed IIR only during the backgrounding phase. Feeding EFC grain had no effect on CH4 production (g/d) in both phases. In conclusion, feeding EFC silage or grain did not improve the performance of beef steers during the backgrounding and finishing phases in the current experiment condition. Methane production per unit of DMI was reduced for steers fed EFC silage compared with isoline corn silage only during the backgrounding phase.

163 Effect of Enogen Feed Corn Inclusion in Conventional and Natural Finishing Cattle Diets

Abstract A finishing experiment was conducted to determine the effects of Enogen Feed Corn inclusion in comparison with a control corn hybrid within natural and conventional feeding programs on finishing performance. The experiment used 400 crossbred steers (initial BW = 384 ± 33 kg) and 200 crossbred heifers (initial BW = 330 ± 19 kg) in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 10 replications of steers and 5 replications of heifers per treatment. Factors were Enogen Feed Corn (EFC) or control corn hybrid inclusion as dry-rolled corn and corn silage within conventional and natural feeding programs. Cattle assigned to the conventional program were fed rations that contained feed additives and received implants whereas cattle in the natural program received neither. Performance data were analyzed as a 2×2×2 factorial assessing interactions between sex, feeding program, and corn hybrid inclusion. A sex by feeding program by corn hybrid (P = 0.01) interaction was observed for dry matter intake (DMI). Interactions between sex and feeding program were observed for carcass adjusted final BW (final BW; P < 0.01), average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.01), feed efficiency (G:F; P < 0.01), and hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.01). No significant corn hybrid by sex interactions (P ≥ 0.12) or corn hybrid by feeding program interactions (P ≥ 0.13) were observed. Inclusion of EFC in natural heifer diets tended to increase DMI by 0.4 kg/d (P = 0.10), while hybrid inclusion had no impact on DMI of conventional heifers. Feeding EFC in conventional steer diets tended to increase DMI by 0.4 kg/d (P = 0.06) compared with steers consuming the control corn hybrid diet. Corn hybrid had no impact on DMI in natural steer diets (P = 0.15). Carcass adjusted final BW decreased by 75 kg in natural steers and 41 kg in natural heifers compared with conventional programs (P < 0.01). Natural heifers gained 0.24 kg/d less than conventional heifers (P < 0.01). Feeding steers in the natural program reduced ADG by 0.43 kg/d in comparison with conventional program steers (P < 0.01). Compared with natural cattle, G:F improved by 13.0% when heifers were fed in a conventional program (P < 0.01) and 19.4% when steers were fed in a conventional program (P < 0.01). Feeding program had no effect on marbling (P = 0.38) while conventional cattle had greater 12th rib fat than natural cattle (P < 0.01). Inclusion of EFC had no effect on ADG (P = 0.71), G:F (P = 0.22), or HCW (P = 0.57). The incorporation of implants and feed additives within the finishing period increased final BW, HCW, and ADG leading to improved G:F in steers and heifers, with the improvement being greater in steers.

Effect of Corn Type and Form of Supplement on Grazing Steers – Year 2

Eighty stocker steers were grazed on bromegrass from the end of May to the middle of August and were provided five different feeds while on grass during the summer. Treatments evaluated included (1) mineral only; (2) free-choice supplementation in the form of liquid feed (MIX30) or (3) block format (Mintrate 40 Red); and hand-fed supplements of 60% corn:40% dried distillers grains at 0.5% of body weight on a dry matter basis offered daily where the corn was either an (4) isoline corn (ISO; parent genetic line) or (5) Enogen feed corn (ENO; includes alpha-amylase gene). Steers were weighed every 28 days while on grass and were measured for carcass quality by ultrasound prior to being sold. Hand-fed steers had greater gain than self-fed supplemented steers and these steers tended to have more backfat, marbling, and did have more muscle depth coming off grass than other supplemented steers. Steers that received free-choice mineral or self-fed supplements also had lower gains than steers being hand-fed supplement. During a drought year overall, supplemented steers had a greater gain than non-supplemented controls (receiving mineral only). This advantage became apparent after 56 days on grass when the drought was the most severe and the difference may have become more pronounced if the steers hadn’t been removed from the pasture due to limited biomass. Overall, hand-feeding is the method that maintained a more consistent gain, regardless of pasture quality and biomass production. Evaluation of operational costs of production need to be evaluated before determining if the hand-feeding management strategy is the best for returns to the operation.

Effects of feeding corn containing an alpha-amylase gene on the performance and digestibility of growing cattle.

Two growth performance studies and two digestibility trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding Enogen Feed Corn silage and corn grain to growing cattle. In Exp. 1, there were a total of four diets offered for ad libitum intake. The four diets consisted of two varieties of corn (Enogen Feed Corn [EFC] vs. yellow #2 corn [CON]) with two different methods of corn processing (dry-rolled [DR] vs. whole-shelled [WS]) and were formulated to provide 1.13 Mcal NEg/kg dry matter (DM); corn grain was 28.6% of diet DM. Average daily gain (ADG) and ending body weight tended to be greater for calves fed EFC than for those fed CON (P < 0.10). Gain:feed (G:F) was better for calves fed EFC (P < 0.01), improving by 5.5% over calves fed CON. In Exp. 2, a digestibility trial was conducted using seven cannulated Holstein steers fed the same diets from Exp. 1. Ruminal pH was not affected by corn variety (P > 0.82). Liquid passage rate was greater for CON-fed calves and associated with lower digestibility. Total tract DM and organic matter (OM) digestibilities were greater for EFC-fed calves (P < 0.04). In Exp. 3, there were four diets offered for ad libitum intake. Dietary factors were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial and consisted of two hybrids of corn silage (EFC silage [EFC-S] vs. control silage [CON-S]) and two varieties of corn grain (EFC grain [EFC-G] vs. control [CON-G]; both were dry-rolled). Diets were formulated to provide 1.11 Mcal NEg/kg DM; corn grain was 38.5% of diet DM, and corn silage was 40% of diet DM. ADG was 6.0% greater (P < 0.01) and G:F was numerically (P < 0.14) 3.3% greater for calves fed EFC-S than for those fed CON-S, but substituting EFC-G for CON-G did not affect ADG or G:F. In Exp. 4, a digestibility trial was conducted using eight cannulated beef steers fed the same diets as Exp. 3. Liquid passage rate (P > 0.20), ruminal pH (P > 0.23), and ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentrations (P > 0.27) were unaffected by treatment. Total tract digestibilities of DM and OM were numerically greater by 2.5% and 2.2%, respectively, for calves fed the EFC-S compared with those fed CON-S. Feeding a corn hybrid containing alpha-amylase enzyme improved G:F of growing calves. Feeding EFC can benefit the beef industry by allowing less processing of grain without sacrificing performance.

Effect of Corn Type and Form of Supplement on Grazing Steers

Eighty stocker steers were grazed on bromegrass from April to the beginning of November and were provided five different feeds while on grass during the summer. Treatments evaluated included (1) mineral only; (2) free-choice supplementation in the form of liquid feed (MIX30) or (3) block format (Mintrate 40 Red); and hand-fed supplements of 60% corn:40% dried distillers grains at 0.5% of body weight on a dry matter basis offered daily where the corn was either an (4) isoline corn (ISO; parent genetic line) or (5) Enogen feed corn (ENO; includes alpha-amylase gene). Steers were weighed every 28 days while on grass and were carcass quality measured by ultrasound prior to placement in the feedlot. Hand-fed steers had greater gain than self-fed supplemented steers and these steers also had more backfat and tended to have more muscle depth coming off grass than other supplemented steers. Steers that received free-choice mineral or self-fed supplements also had lower gains than steers being hand-fed supplement. Within the first 28 days of the study, the hand-fed steers began weighing more and weighed 125 pounds more than the free-choice supplemented and control steers. On average hand-fed steers had a 0.6 lb/d greater ADG than control steers and those consuming free-choice supplement. Cost of gain was the highest with hand-fed steers at $0.27/pound, but even so profit was greatest with the hand-fed cattle.

Impact of Feeding Syngenta Enogen® Feed Corn Compared to Control Corn in Different Diet Scenarios to Finishing Beef Cattle.

Simple SummaryA pooled statistical analysis of seven experiments and 200 pen observations was performed to determine the impact of feeding Enogen® corn compared to conventional corn grain in beef cattle finishing diets. When the corn was compared as dry-rolled corn in diets with lower inclusion rates of distiller grains plus solubles (less than 20% of the diet), feeding Enogen® corn improved the efficiency of beef production. That response was a 4.8% improvement due to feeding Enogen® in a corn-based diet without distiller grains but was 1.8% in diets with 18 to 20% distiller grains. Feeding Enogen® corn improved the efficiency by 4.5% in diets with another common byproduct, Sweet Bran®. Cattle performance was similar for Enogen® and conventional hybrids when processed and fed as high-moisture corn. Feeding Enogen® corn improves the gain efficiency of finishing cattle compared with conventional corn when fed as dry-rolled corn in diets with less than 20% distillers or diets that include Sweet Bran® feeds.The objective of this pooled statistical analysis was to evaluate Syngenta Enogen® Feed Corn (EFC) versus conventional corn (CON) when fed as either dry-rolled corn (DRC) or high-moisture corn (HMC) for effects on finishing beef cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Corns were evaluated in diets with byproduct inclusion rates of 0, 15, 18, 20, and 30% distiller grains or 25 and 35% Sweet Bran® (a commercial corn gluten feed product). Seven trials (n = 1856) consisting of 200 pen means comparing 26 diet treatments were analyzed using regression in a pooled analysis. When EFC was processed as DRC, the gain efficiency (G:F) improved compared with CON, but the response to feeding EFC decreased from a 4.8% improvement to no improvement compared to CON as distiller grains increased from 0 to 30%, but was significantly improved due to feeding EFC in diets with 0 to 18% distiller grains. Feeding cattle EFC as DRC increased the average daily gain (ADG) and G:F by 4.5% compared with CON corn in diets containing Sweet Bran®. No improvements in animal performance were observed when cattle were fed EFC compared to CON when processed as HMC in any situation. Feeding Enogen® corn improved the gain efficiency of finishing cattle compared with conventional corn when processed as dry-rolled corn and fed in diets with less than 20% distillers or diets that include Sweet Bran®.

The influence of particle size of Enogen Feed corn and conventional yellow dent corn on nursery and finishing pig performance, carcass characteristics and stomach morphology.

Enogen Feed corn is a variety developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL) that has been genetically modified to contain an α-amylase enzyme trait (SYT-EFC). Originally, Enogen feed corn was developed for the ethanol industry due to its reduction in viscosity of the corn mash, thus eliminating the need to add a liquid form of the α-amylase enzyme. However, there is a potential application for Enogen Feed corn to be used in livestock diets due to the increase in α-amylase enzyme potential to increase starch digestibility. A more common method of increasing starch digestibility in corn is to finely grind it to reduce particle size. This increases the surface area and allows for greater interaction with digestive enzymes. We hypothesized that pigs fed Enogen feed corn potentially could achieve similar gain:feed ratio (G:F) at larger particle sizes than conventional corn because of the differences in starch digestibility. In experiment 1, a total of 360 pigs (DNA 200 × 400, Columbus, NE; initially 6.6 ± 0.1 kg BW) were used with five pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (300, 600, or 900 µm). Overall, there was a corn source × particle size interaction (linear, P = 0.027) for G:F. There was no effect due to particle size when pigs were fed conventional yellow dent corn, but in pigs fed Enogen Feed corn, G:F increased with decreasing particle size. Neither corn source nor particle size affected (P > 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). In experiment 2, a total of 323 pigs (241 × 600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 50.0 ± 1.3 kg) were used with nine pigs per pen and six pens per treatment. Treatments were identical as experiement 1. Overall, corn source had no effect on finishing pig ADG, ADFI or G:F. For corn particle size, ADG and G:F increased (linear, P < 0.014) and ADFI decreased (P = 0.043) as particle size decreased. For stomach morphology, there was a tendency for a corn source × particle size interaction (P = 0.055) for keratinization score with keratinization increasing linearly (P = 0.001) as particle size of the corn decreased for yellow dent corn with no change in keratinization score as particle size decreased for Enogen Feed corn. In summary, reducing corn particle size improved G:F with no major differences observed between corn sources for overall pig performance.

140 Influence of Enogen Feed Corn and Conventional Yellow Dent Corn in Pelleted or Meal-based Diets on Finishing Pig Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract Previous research has indicated that starch gelatinization during the pelleting process is greater for Enogen® Feed corn compared to conventional yellow dent corn. Increasing starch gelatinization in the pellet increases the starch digestibility in the pig, which potentially leads to increased growth rate. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding Enogen Feed corn in meal or pellet form on finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 288 pigs (53.0 ± 0.5 kg) were used with 8 pigs/pen and 9 pens/treatment in a 72-d study. Treatments were arranged in a 2×2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and diet form (meal or pellet). Main effects of corn source and diet form as well as their interactions were tested. Pelleting parameters were established with a target conditioner temperature of 82.2°C and corn moisture of 13 to 14%. When pelleting the diets, the conditioning temperature for conventional yellow dent corn averaged 68.4°C and Enogen Feed corn averaged 67.7°C. The hot pellet temperature for conventional yellow dent corn averaged 75.1°C and 75.8°C for Enogen feed corn. For overall performance (d 0 to 72), no interactions between corn source and diet form were observed (P &amp;gt; 0.05). There was a tendency (P &amp;lt; 0.10) for slightly improved average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) for pigs fed conventional yellow dent corn compared to those fed Enogen Feed corn. Pigs fed pelleted diets had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) ADG, G:F, and hot carcass weight compared to pigs fed meal diets. In summary, feeding pelleted diets to finishing pigs increased ADG and G:F compared to those fed meal-based diets. There were no major differences observed between corn sources or interactions between corn source and diet form on growth performance.

133 Influence of Particle Size of Enogen Feed Corn and Conventional Yellow Dent Corn on Nursery and Finishing Pig Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Stomach Morphology

Abstract Two studies evaluated the effect of particle size of Enogen® Feed corn (Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) and conventional yellow dent corn on nursery and finishing pig performance, carcass characteristics and stomach morphology. In Exp. 1, 360 nursery pigs (DNA 200×400, Columbus, NE; initially 6.6±0.1 kg BW) were used with 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2×3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (300, 600, or 900 µm). Overall, there was a corn source×particle size interaction (linear, P = 0.027) for G:F ratio. There was no difference due to particle size when pigs were fed conventional yellow dent corn, but in pigs fed Enogen Feed corn, G:F increased with decreasing particle size. Neither corn source nor particle size affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) ADG or ADFI. In Exp. 2, 323 finishing pigs (241′600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 50.0±1.3 kg) were used with 8 or 9 pigs per pen and 6 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged identical to Exp. 1. Overall, corn source did not elicit differences in ADG, ADFI or G:F (P &amp;gt; 0.05). For corn particle size, ADG and G:F increased (linear, P ≤ 0.014) and ADFI decreased (P = 0.043) as particle size decreased. For carcass characteristics, there was a tendency (linear, P = 0.093) for increased HCW and increased (linear, P = 0.023) carcass yield as corn particle size decreased. For stomach morphology, there was a tendency for a corn source×particle size interaction (P = 0.055) for keratinization score with keratinization increasing linearly (P = 0.001) as particle size decreased for yellow dent corn with no change in keratinization score as particle size decreased for Enogen Feed corn. In summary, reducing corn particle size improved G:F with no major differences observed between corn sources for overall pig performance.

PSIV-15 Influence of Particle Size of Enogen Feed Corn and Conventional Yellow Dent Corn on Lactating Sow Performance

Abstract A total of 107 sows (Line 241; DNA, Columbus, NE) across 4 batch farrowing groups were used to evaluate the effects of corn source and particle size on sow and litter performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2×2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen® Feed corn (Syngenta Seeds, Downers Grove, IL) or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (600 or 900 µm). Sows were blocked by parity and BW upon arrival to the farrowing house. There were approximately 27 sows per treatment, sow was considered the experimental unit, dietary treatment was a fixed effect, and sow group and block were used as random effects. Main effects of corn source and particle size as well as their interactions were tested. From farrowing to weaning, there was a tendency for a source×particle size interaction (P=0.065) for sow BW change. Sows fed 900 µm Enogen Feed corn had decreased BW loss compared to sows fed other treatments which were similar in BW loss. There was a source×particle size interaction (P=0.048) for lactation ADFI with sows fed 900 µm conventional yellow dent corn having lower feed intake than the sows fed 600 µm conventional yellow dent corn, whereas sows fed 900 µm Enogen Feed corn had greater feed intake compared to the sows fed 600 µm Enogen Feed corn. There was a tendency for a particle size main effect (P&amp;lt;0.10) for litter ADG (2,849 vs 2,635 g/d) and total litter gain (45.7 vs 42.3 kg), with sows fed corn ground to 600 µm having increased litter ADG and total litter gain compared to sows fed corn ground to 900 µm. In summary, there were few differences in sow or litter characteristics among corn sources. Reducing particle size of both corn sources tended to increase litter ADG and weaning weights.

Influence of Enogen Feed corn and conventional yellow dent corn in pelleted or meal-based diets on finishing pig performance and carcass characteristics.

Genetic modification of corn has enhanced the use of different corn hybrids in animal agriculture. Enogen Feed corn, developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL), has potential for use in livestock diets due to increase α-amylase enzyme in the corn thus improving starch digestibility. In addition, the pelleting process also increases starch gelatinization which increases its digestibility by the pig, increasing growth rate and improving feed efficiency. Therefore, pelleting Enogen Feed corn might prove to provide a greater response in growth performance than conventional yellow dent corn. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of corn source and diet form on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. A total of 288 pigs (53.0 ± 0.5 kg) were used with eight pigs per pen and nine pens per treatment in a 72-d study. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and diet form (meal or pellet). For overall (d 0 to 72) performance, no interactions between corn source and diet form were observed. There was a tendency (P < 0.10) for slightly improved average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) for pigs fed conventional yellow dent corn compared to those fed Enogen Feed corn. For feed form, pigs fed pelleted diets had increased (P < 0.001) ADG and G:F compared to pigs fed meal diets. For carcass characteristics, pigs fed pelleted diets had increased hot carcass weight compared to pigs fed meal diets (P < 0.001). In summary, feeding pelleted diets to finishing pigs increased ADG and improved feed efficiency compared to those fed meal-based diets. There were no major differences between observed corn sources or interactions between corn source and diet form on growth performance.

Evaluation of Enogen Feed Corn on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs.

Enogen Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) hybrids contain a trait for expression of heat-stable α-amylase in the grain. α-Amylase is an enzyme responsible for breakdown of starch in the small intestine; supplementation of exogenous α-amylase to pigs may result in greater starch digestibility and thus improved gain efficiency. A total of 288 pigs (Line 600 × 241, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 41.6 kg) were utilized in an 82-d trial to determine if replacing conventional yellow dent corn (CONV) with EFC in diets with or without distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) influences growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments balancing for initial body weight. There were nine pens per treatment with eight pigs per pen (an equal number of barrows and gilts per pen). Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (CONV or EFC) and DDGS (0% or 25%). Experimental diets were fed in meal form in three phases: days 0 to 29, 29 to 47, and 47 to 82. Pigs were weighed approximately every 2 wk and at the beginning of each phase. On day 82, pigs were transported to a commercial abattoir for processing and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. There were no corn source by DDGS interactions (P > 0.05) observed for overall performance or carcass characteristics. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was marginally greater (P < 0.089) for pigs fed EFC than CONV with no evidence (P > 0.196) for difference in average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain:feed ratio (G:F), hot carcass weight (HCW), or other carcass traits. Addition of DDGS decreased (P < 0.047) overall ADG and G:F. Pigs fed DDGS had marginally lower (P < 0.071) HCW, less (P < 0.050) backfat depth, greater (P < 0.026) loin depth, and greater (P < 0.020) percentage lean and carcass fat iodine value (IV). In summary, addition of 25% DDGS to the diet decreased ADG and increased carcass fat IV. Pigs fed EFC tended to have improved overall ADG; however, G:F and carcass characteristics were not different between corn sources. These results suggest that EFC, although not beneficial, may be used as a substitute for CONV without any deleterious effects on growth performance. Further research should be conducted to understand whether addition of EFC to swine diets could be beneficial in younger pigs exhibiting decreased pancreatic α-amylase secretion following weaning or whether heat treatment of diets, such as pelleting, may influence the response to EFC.

Influence of particle size of Enogen Feed corn and conventional yellow dent corn on lactating sow performance.

Enogen Feed corn is a variety developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL) that has been genetically modified to contain an -amylase enzyme trait (SYT-EFC). Originally, Enogen feed corn was developed for the ethanol industry due to its properties for reducing the viscosity of its corn mash. There is potential application for Enogen Feed corn to be used in livestock diets due to the potential for the increase in - amylase enzyme to increase the starch digestibility. Because of this, it may be possible to increase the particle size of ground Enogen Feed corn and maintain the same starch digestibility as finely ground conventional yellow dent corn. Therefore, our hypothesis was that an interaction between corn source and particle size would exist such that the performance of sows fed fine ground conventional yellow dent corn would be similar to sows fed coarse ground Enogen Feed corn. A total of 107 sows (Line 241; DNA, Columbus, NE) across four batch farrowing groups were used to evaluate sow and litter performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (600 or 900 m). From farrowing to weaning, there was a tendency for a corn source particle size interaction (P = 0.065) in sow body weight (BW) change. Sows fed 900 m Enogen Feed corn had decreased BW loss compared to sows fed other treatments, which were similar in weight loss. For sow average daily feed intake from farrowing to weaning, there was a corn source particle size interaction (P = 0.048) with sows fed 900 m conventional yellow dent corn having lower feed intake than the sows fed 600 m conventional yellow dent corn, whereas sows fed 900 m Enogen Feed corn had greater feed intake compared to the sows fed 600 m Enogen Feed corn. There was a tendency for a particle size main effect (P < 0.10) for litter average daily gain (ADG) and total litter gain, with sows fed corn ground to 600 m having increased litter ADG and total litter gain compared to sows fed corn ground to 900 m. In summary, there were few differences in sow or litter characteristics among those fed Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn. Reducing particle size of both corn sources tended to increase litter ADG and weaning weights.

7 Effects of Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn (SYT-EFC) and corn processing methods fed with byproducts on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract The objective of this pooled analysis was to evaluate the effect of Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn (SYT-EFC) and corn processing methods with byproducts on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Treatment factors consisted of SYT-EFC or commercial corn (CON) processed as dry-rolled (DRC) or high-moisture corn (HMC). Byproduct comparisons were 0, 18, or 30% distillers grains inclusions or with 30% Sweet Bran to determine if SYT-EFC effect was impacted by byproducts. Seven trials (n = 2,340 steers; initial BW = 327 ± 20 kg) consisting of 252 pen means with 12 treatments were analyzed utilizing contrasts. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC resulted in heavier final BW (P ≤ 0.03) and greater 12th rib fat (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to CON. There was a linear interaction between hybrid and distillers for G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.01). As distillers increased, G:F improved at a greater rate for CON compared to SYT-EFC. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC with increasing distillers was not significantly different (P ≥ 0.68) from CON for G:F, but was 3% better than CON with 0% distillers. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC with 18% distillers resulted in heavier final BW (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to 0 or 30% distillers. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC with Sweet Bran resulted in heavier final BW (P ≤ 0.02) and greater ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to CON. This increase in ADG with no difference in DMI, resulted in SYT-EFC diets having a 5.08% increase in feed efficiency (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The improvement for the corn is calculated to be 9.58% (5.08 / 0.53) when SYT-EFC was fed with Sweet Bran compared to a CON corn hybrid. No positive effects were observed when SYT-EFC was processed as HMC. These data suggest that SYT-EFC is better than CON hybrids when distillers inclusion is low or when fed with Sweet Bran.

Pelleting and starch characteristics of diets containing different corn varieties.

This experiment determined the effects of die thickness and conditioning temperature on pelleting and starch characteristics in diets containing conventional or Enogen Feed corn (Syngenta Seeds, LLC). Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial of corn type [conventional (CON) and Enogen Feed corn [EFC]), die thickness [5.6 and 8 length:diameter (L:D)], and conditioning temperature (74, 79, and 85 °C). Diets were steam conditioned (Wenger twin staff preconditioner, Model 150) and pelleted (CPM, Model 1012-2) with a 4- × 22.2-mm (L:D 5.6) or 4- × 31.8-mm (L:D 8) pellet die. Conditioner retention time was set at 30 s and production rate was set at 15 kg/min. All treatments were represented within three replicate days. Pellets were composited and analyzed for gelatinized starch and pellet durability index (PDI). Conditioning temperature, hot pellet temperature, production rate, and pellet mill energy consumption were recorded throughout each processing run. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS (v. 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with pelleting run as the experimental unit and day as the blocking factor. Pelleting with a larger die L:D improved PDI (P = 0.01) and increased (P = 0.02) pellet mill energy consumption. Increasing conditioning temperature from 74 to 85 °C increased (linear, P < 0.03) PDI and tended to decrease energy consumption (quadratic, P = 0.07). There was a corn × conditioning temperature interaction (P = 0.01) for gelatinized starch in conditioned mash. Enogen Feed corn diets steam conditioned at 85 °C had the greatest quantity of gelatinized starch. Cooked starch in conditioned mash and pellets was greater (P < 0.01) for EFC diets compared to CON diets and increased (linear, P < 0.01) with increasing conditioning temperature in conditioned mash. Similarly, starch gelatinization was greater (P < 0.01) in pelleted EFC diets compared to CON diets and was increased (linear, P = 0.05) by increasing conditioning temperature from 74 to 85 °C. In conclusion, increasing die L:D and increasing conditioning temperature improved PDI. Starch gelatinization was increased when diets were pelleted at the highest conditioning temperature of 85 °C, and EFC diets resulted in greater starch gelatinization than conventional corn.

Effects of high-amylase corn on performance and carcass quality of finishing beef heifers.

Developed initially for use in fuel ethanol production, Enogen Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Crop Protection) is genetically modified to express high concentrations of α-amylase in the corn kernel. Experiments were conducted to evaluate processing characteristics of EFC, in vitro digestion, and effects on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess incidence. Experiment 1 used a randomized complete block design (3 × 3 × 5 factorial) to evaluate starch availability, in situ dry matter disappearance (ISDMD), in vitro gas production (IVGP), and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles of in vitro cultures. Grains (EFC or mill-run control [CON]) were flaked to a density of 360 g/L, and mixtures with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% EFC were prepared. Grains were tempered with added moisture (0%, 3%, or 6%) prior to steam conditioning for 15, 30, or 45 min. No two- or three-way interactions were observed. Adding moisture improved starch availability (linear; P < 0.01), and tended to improve ISDMD (linear, P = 0.06). Steam conditioning for 30 min improved starch availability, IVGP, and production of acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, and total VFA (P < 0.01) compared with conditioning for 15 or 45 min. Starch availability, ISDMD, IVGP, acetate, propionate, valerate, and total VFA production increased with an increasing proportion of EFC (linear, P < 0.01). Experiment 2 used 700 beef heifers (394 ± 8.5 kg initial body weight [BW]) fed finishing diets with steam-flaked corn as CON or EFC for 136 d. Targeting similar starch availabilities, grains were processed to 360 g/L (CON) and 390 g/L for CON and EFC, respectively. Heifers were blocked by BW, stratified, and then randomly assigned to 28 dirt-surfaced pens (25 animals per pen). Dry matter intakes were similar between treatments (P = 0.78), but cattle fed EFC had greater average daily gain (P < 0.01), improving feed efficiency by 5% (P < 0.01). Hot carcass weight was 6 kg greater for EFC cattle (P <0.01) than CON. No differences were observed for longissimus muscle area (P = 0.89), 12th-rib fat thickness (P = 0.21), or USDA yield grade (P = 0.13). Cattle fed CON had greater marbling scores than EFC (P = 0.04), but this did not affect the USDA quality grade (P > 0.33). Cattle fed EFC had 23% fewer abscessed livers than CON (P = 0.03). High-amylase corn may be used to improve microbial digestion, mill-throughput, and cattle performance, and it may mitigate liver abscesses.

Effect of inclusion rate of silage with or without alpha-amylase trait on finishing steer growth performance, carcass characteristics, and agronomic efficiency measures.

One hundred ninety-two Continental × British steers [initial body weight (BW) = 420 kg (standard deviation = 24.7)] were used in a randomized complete block design finishing study to evaluate the effects of feeding two types of silage germplasm at two inclusion rates. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with either a conventional hybrid (Golden Harvest G07B39-311A, Syngenta Seeds LLC, Minnetonka, MN; CON) or a hybrid with increased expression of alpha-amylase (Syngenta Enogen Feed corn, Golden Harvest E107B3-3011A-EVT5, Syngenta Seeds, LLC; ENO) fed at either 12% (12SIL) or 24% (24SIL) of diet dry matter. Steers were blocked by source and location (source 1: first three pen replicates, n = 10 steers per pen with a fourth pen replicate of six steers per pen; source 2: one pen replicate, n = 12 steers per pen) and assigned randomly within block to treatments, resulting in five pens and 48 steers per treatment. Steers were harvested after 126 (12SIL) or 140 (24SIL) days on feed (DOF). There were no silage hybrid by inclusion rate interactions detected for live growth performance (P ≥ 0.15). Silage hybrid did not affect average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), or final BW (FBW; P ≥ 0.35). Feeding 24% silage reduced ADG (P = 0.04) and increased G:F (P = 0.01) but increased FBW (P = 0.02) because of greater DOF compared with 12SIL. A hybrid by inclusion rate interaction was detected (P = 0.04) for calculated yield grade (YG) with steers fed 24SIL having increased YG within CON but not ENO. Hot carcass weight and rib fat were unaffected by silage hybrid (P ≥ 0.81) but were increased by feeding 24SIL (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Feeding increased amounts of silage increased beef produced per hectare (P = 0.05). Source of silage did not affect feedlot growth performance of cattle but, because of slight differences in estimated silage yield, conventional silage produced more kilograms of beef per hectare (P < 0.01). Feeding increased amounts of silage reduced G:F on both a live and carcass-adjusted basis but increased kilograms of beef produced per unit of land, which is paramount to cattle feeders who grow their own feedstuffs.

Influence of Enogen Feed Corn and Conventional Yellow Dent Corn in Pelleted- or Meal-Based Diets on Finishing Pig Performance and Carcass Characteristics

A total of 288 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 117 lb) were used in a 72-d trial to evaluate the influence of Enogen Feed corn (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds, LLC; Downers Grove, IL) and conventional yellow dent corn in pelleted or meal diets on finishing pig performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (8 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted by weight to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 9 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent) and diet forms (meal or pellet). Overall, from d 0 to 72, there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for a difference between corn source for average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (F/G) with slightly improved performance for pigs fed conventional yellow dent corn. When diets were fed as pellets, ADG was increased (P = < 0.001) and F/G was improved (P = 0.001) compared to pigs fed meal diets. In summary, feeding pellets to pigs increased ADG and improved feed efficiency with no major differences between corn sources on growth performance.

Influence of Particle Size of Enogen Feed High Amylase and Conventional Yellow Dent Corn on Finishing Pig Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Stomach Ulceration

A total of 323 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 109.8 lb) were used in an 83-d growth trial to evaluate the influence of particle size of Enogen Feed corn (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) and conventional yellow dent corn on finishing pig performance. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (9 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted by weight to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent) and 3 ground corn particle sizes (300, 600, or 900 microns). Overall, from d 0 to 83, there were no differences among corn sources observed for average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (F/G). As particle size of the diet decreased from 900 to 300 microns, ADG increased (linear, P = 0.018). Overall F/G improved (linear, P = 0.021) as corn particle size was decreased. In summary, reducing the particle size of the diet improves feed efficiency with no major differences between corn sources for overall pig performance.