Fecal Dry Matter Research Articles

PSIX-8 A multistrain probiotic modifies fecal microbial populations of healthy adult cats

Abstract Probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiota and benefit the host’s health, whereas environmental stressors can negatively impact the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, are well-known organisms with probiotic potential. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the fecal microbial population of healthy Cats, after ingestion of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202. Thirty adult cats (15 male, 15 female; mean BW=3.39 kg; mean age=3.3 y) were enrolled in this placebo-controlled and blinded study. After a 7-d washout period, cats were allocated into two groups similar in terms of body weight, age, and sex. Cats were fed a complete dry extruded diet and at time 0 h on d-0 received orally 4 g of a placebo paste or probiotic paste corresponding to the target dose of 4x107 total CFU. Administration of the placebo or probiotic was repeated 12 h and 24 h after the first dose. Afterward, fecal scores were evaluated daily for 7 days. Fresh fecal samples were collected on days 0, 3, and 7 for microbial enumerations and fecal metabolite measurements. Fecal microbial count data did not conform to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances, consequently, non-parametric tests were performed for comparisons. Fecal scores, dry matter, and metabolites were not different between groups. Fecal counts of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. were greater on both d-3 and d-7 (P < 0.01) in cats that consumed probiotics. Fecal counts of both Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were fewer (P < 0.05) in cats that consumed probiotics. In conclusion, the consumption by cats on d-0 of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202 modified the intestinal microbiota up to 7 days after consumption, as evidenced by the increase of lactic acid bacteria and the decrease of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in feces.

PSIX-7 A multi-strain probiotic modifies fecal microbial populations of healthy adult dogs

Abstract Probiotics can modulate the intestinal microbiota and benefit the health of the host, whereas environmental stressors can negatively impact the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), most commonly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, are well-known organisms with probiotic potential. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on the fecal microbial population of healthy dogs, after ingestion of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202. Adult dogs [n = 30; 15 male, 15 female; mean body weight (BW) = 14.7 kg; mean age = 3.3 yr) were enrolled in this placebo-controlled and blinded study. After a 7-d washout period, dogs were allocated into two groups similar in terms of breed, BW, age, and sex. Dogs were fed a complete dry extruded diet and at time 0 h on d 0 received orally 4 g of a placebo paste or probiotic paste corresponding to the target dose of 4x107 total CFU. Administration of the placebo or probiotic was repeated 12 h and 24 h after the first dose. Afterward, fecal scores were evaluated daily for 7 d. Fresh fecal samples were collected on d 0, 3, and 7 for microbial enumerations and fecal metabolite measurements. Fecal microbial count data did not conform to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances, consequently, non-parametric tests were performed for comparisons. Fecal scores, dry matter, and metabolites were not different between groups. Fecal counts of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. were greater on both d 3 and d 7 (P < 0.01) in dogs that consumed probiotics. Fecal counts of both Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were fewer (P < 0.01) in dogs that consumed probiotics. In conclusion, the consumption by dogs on d 0 of a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus-286, Bifidobacterium animalis subs. Lactis-689, and Enterococcus faecium-202 modified the intestinal microbiota up to 7 d after consumption, as evidenced by the increase of lactic acid bacteria and the decrease of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens in feces.

Dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand presence in faeces from horses with and without colic

A study comprising 74 colic and 74 control horses admitted to an animal hospital was performed. Faecal samples were collected and analysed for dry matter concentration, particle size distribution using wet-sieving, and sand presence through a sand sedimentation test. Data on horse breed, age, gender and basic feeding variables was collected and analysed using χ2-tests. Faecal dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand score was compared between colic and non-colic horses, and between horses with different colic types, using one-way ANOVA. Results showed that colic and non-colic horse groups were similar in breed, age, gender and basic feeding variables. Faecal dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand score were similar among colic and non-colic horses. Horses diagnosed with “unknown colic cause” had higher proportion of particles >0.5 <1.0 mm size compared to horses with colic due to impactions in caecum or colon, torsion or gas accumulation (P<0.05), but this difference was very small and most likely not of biological importance. Faecal dry matter concentration and sand score were similar among horses with different types of colic. Increased knowledge of the composition of particles of different size in equine faeces may enhance our understanding of digesta passage rate in colic and non-colic horses, which is needed to develop preventative measures of certain types of colic.

Evaluating increasing levels of sodium diformate in diets for nursery and finishing pigs on growth performance, fecal dry matter, and carcass characteristics.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of sodium diformate in swine diets. For Exp. 1, 360 barrows (DNA 200 × 400; initially 5.9 ± 0.06kg) were used in a 38-d study. At weaning, pigs were randomly assigned to pens with five pigs per pen. Each pen was allocated to one of six treatments with 12 pens per treatment. Treatments were formulated to provide none, 0.40%, 0.60%, 0.80%, 1.00%, or 1.20% sodium diformate added at the expense of corn. Diets were fed in three phases: phase 1 from weaning to day 9, phase 2 from days 9 to 24, and phase 3 from days 24 to 38. From days 0 to 24 (phases 1 and 2), increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P = 0.001) gain-to-feed (G:F). However, sodium diformate did not affect average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). From days 24 to 38 (phase 3) and overall (days 0 to 38), there was no evidence of differences due to increasing sodium diformate for any growth response criteria. There was no evidence for differences in fecal dry matter (DM) on day 9. However, fecal DM decreased (linear, P < 0.05; quadratic, P = 0.097) as sodium diformate increased on day 24. In Exp. 2, 2,200 pigs (Duroc sire [PIC 800 or DNA 600] × PIC Camborough; initially 24.2 ± 0.30kg) were used in a 117-d growth trial. Pens of pigs (25 pigs per pen) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments with 22 pens per treatment. Treatments were formulated with additions of none, 0.25%, 0.50%, or 0.75% sodium diformate. Diets were fed in six phases from 24 to 141kg. For period 1 (days 0 to 32), ADFI tended to decrease then increase (quadratic, P = 0.081) with increasing sodium diformate, whereas G:F increased then decreased (quadratic, P < 0.001) with increasing sodium diformate. For period 2 (days 32 to 60), there was no evidence for differences in ADG or ADFI; however, there was a tendency for G:F to increase then decrease (quadratic, P = 0.093) with increasing sodium diformate. From days 60 to 93, increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P < 0.01) ADG and ADFI. From days 93 to 117, increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Overall (days 0 to 117), pigs fed increasing sodium diformate had increased (linear, P < 0.01) ADG and a tendency for increased (linear, P = 0.075) ADFI; however, there was no evidence for differences in G:F. There were no treatment differences for any carcass characteristic. In summary, increasing sodium diformate may increase G:F in the early nursery and improve ADG after day 60 (approximately 82kg) in the finishing period.

91 The effect of increasing oat groat levels on nursery pig performance, digesta pH, and fecal consistency and physicochemical properties in young pig diets

Abstract Post-weaning growth delay in pigs is a well-documented challenge associated with the stressors inherent in the weaning process. Oat-based dietary interventions have shown potential in improving fecal consistency, increasing feed intake, and improving feed efficiency. However, the direct effect of oat groats on the fecal physicochemical properties and dry matter (DM) is largely unknown. The experimental objective was to evaluate increasing inclusions of oat groats in young pig diets on pig performance, digesta pH, and fecal consistency and physicochemical properties. Newly weaned pigs (n = 128) with an initial body weight (BW) of 5.4 ± 0.27 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 8 split sex pens) for a 35-d study. Dietary treatments consisted of 0%, 5%, 10% or 15% inclusion of oat groats at the expense of corn. Treatments were applied across 2 dietary phases and a common diet fed during phase 3: d 0-7 (phase 1), d 7-21 (phase 2), d 21-35 (phase 3). On d 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, pigs and feeders were weighed, pen fecal samples were collected, and fecal scores were evaluated using a 4-point scale (1 = solid, 2 = semi-solid, 3 = semi-liquid, 4 = liquid). Fresh fecal samples were analyzed for water binding capacity (WBC), and fecal DM. On d 14, one pig per pen closest to the mean BW was necropsied, and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta pH were measured. Continuous data were analyzed as a linear mixed model (PROC MIXED) with treatment and period as fixed effects, and initial BW as a covariate where appropriate. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of increased inclusion. Fecal scores were analyzed using odd logistic regression. There was a linear increase in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) as oat groat inclusion increased from d 0-7 and d 7-14 (Linear P &amp;lt; 0.05). However, from d 14 to 21, and d 21 to 35 there was no longer an impact of oat inclusion on ADG (P &amp;gt; 0.782) or ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.405). Feed efficiency did not differ among treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.71). Oat groat inclusion had no effect on fecal scores throughout the study (P = 0.743). However, fecal DM% increased as oat groat inclusion did on d 7 and 14 (Linear P &amp;lt; 0.01), and fecal WBC tended to be increased in 5% and 10% oat groat diets (Diet; P = 0.063). Ileal and colonic pH did not differ among treatments, but cecal pH tended to be less in pigs fed 10 and 15% oat groats (P = 0.089). In conclusion, increasing oat groats in nursery diets increased ADFI, ADG, and altered fecal DM, but did not impact feed efficiency.

PSVI-9 Effect of botanical extracts in diets with nutritional or pharmacological levels of copper and zinc on growth performance and fecal dry matter in nursery pigs

Abstract A total of 340 barrows (DNA 200 × 400, initially 6.1 kg) were used in a 38-d growth study to determine the effect of botanical extracts of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera Start, Selko, Indianapolis, IN) in diets with or without pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu on growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM) of nursery pigs. Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age, randomly allotted to pens based on initial body weight (BW), and allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a CRD with 5 pigs/pen and 17 pens/treatment. Diets were fed in three phases from d 0 to 10, d 10 to 21, and d 21 to 38 and treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of CCG (none or 100 mg/kg) and nutritional or pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu. Zinc levels were 110 or 3,000, 2,000, and 110 mg/kg of Zn (ZnO) in phase 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and Cu levels were 16.5 or 250 mg/kg of Cu (CuSO4). On d 0, there was an unintentional minor main effect of CCG (P = 0.008) on BW. As a result, d 0 BW was used as a covariate for all other growth performance responses. From d 0 to 21 and d 0 to 38, there was a CCG × Zn/Cu interaction for average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P &amp;lt; 0.05; Table) where CCG numerically increased ADG and ADFI in pigs not fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu; but reduced ADG and ADFI when pigs were fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu. Overall gain to feed ratio (G:F) tended to increase (P &amp;lt; 0.10) in pigs fed diets with pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu. For fecal dry matter, there was a Zn/Cu × day interaction (P = 0.001) in which there was no difference in fecal DM on d 10 (P &amp;gt; 0.10), but pigs fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu had decreased fecal DM (P &amp;lt; 0.001) on d 21. Fecal DM was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) on d 10 compared with d 21. In summary, feeding pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu resulted in increased ADG and ADFI. CCG numerically increased ADG and ADFI in pigs fed nutritional levels of Zn/Cu and numerically decreased ADG and ADFI in pigs fed pharmacological levels of Zn/Cu. There was no impact of CCG or Zn and Cu level on fecal DM on d 10. However, feeding pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu resulted in decreased fecal DM at d 21.

201 The effects of the supplementation of a Zinc-amino acid complex in pig nursery diets with differing pharmacological levels of zinc oxide and complexity

Abstract Diet complexity (DC), which has significance in nursery pig production, generally refers to a greater number of highly digestible ingredients. Increased DC may have even greater significance in scenarios of reduction or withdrawal of zinc oxide (ZnO) in nursery diets. The objectives were to determine 1) the impact of adding Zn-amino acid complex (Zinpro ProPath Zn) to mid- (MC) and low-complexity (LC) diets on nursery pig performance and health compared with a high complexity (HC) diet, and 2) the impact of Zinpro ProPath Zn in diets with and without pharmacologic levels of ZnO. A total of 2,400 mixed-sex weanling pigs [initial body (BW) weight = 5.79 ± 0.15 kg] were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments during nursery (42 d) as follows: 1) HC; MC diet with 2) MC+ZnO) or without 3) MC-ZnO) pharmacologic ZnO; and LC diet with 4) LC+ZnO) or without 5) LC-ZnO) pharmacologic ZnO. All diets except HC were supplemented with Zinpro ProPath Zn (125 mg/kg Zn) and ZnO [3,000, 2,000, and 0 mg/kg Zn during Phases I (14 d), II (14 d) and III (14 d), respectively]. Different DC were achieved by manipulating the inclusion of spray-dried plasma, soy protein concentrate, and whey protein. Growth performance, onset of feed intake, fecal dry matter, number of injectable treatments administered, and serum acute-phase response were assessed. Pigs fed HC (20.0 kg) had greater final BW (FBW) compared with pigs fed MC-ZnO (18.8 kg), which had greater FBW compared with pigs fed LC-ZnO (17.5 kg; SEM = 0.34; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was greater in pigs fed HC (0.46 kg/d) compared with MC-ZnO (0.43 kg/d) and LC+ZnO (0.42 kg/d), which had greater ADFI compared with LC-ZnO (0.39 kg/d; SEM = 0.01; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Similarly, average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were greater in pigs fed HC (0.33 kg/d, 0.72 kg/kg, respectively) compared with pigs fed LC (0.27 kg/d, 0.67 kg/kg, respectively), regardless of ZnO (SEM = 0.01; P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was no effect of dietary treatments on the fecal dry matter or on the onset of feed intake of pigs (P &amp;gt; 0.10). The number of injectable treatments administered was greatest in LC-ZnO (62.7%), followed by LC+ZnO (50.6%), MC regardless of ZnO (44.0%), and HC (36.7%; SEM = 1.04; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Serum alkaline phosphatase was less in LC-ZnO than the other groups (229.8 vs. 280.9 ± 11.9 IU/L; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Taken together, feeding HC diets during the nursery appears to be effective in improving performance and health of pigs, particularly when compared with MC and LC diets without ZnO. Moreover, the addition of Zinpro ProPath Zn may partially attenuate the negative effects of ZnO removal in MC, but not LC, diets.

75 Diet acid-binding capacity-4 influences nursery pig performance and fecal dry matter

Abstract A total of 360 pigs (initial body weight = 5.9 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of increasing acid-binding capacity-4 (ABC-4) of the diet on nursery pig performance and fecal dry matter (DM). At weaning, pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments. There were 5 pigs/pen and 12 replications/treatment. Pigs were fed experimental diets in two phases with phase 1 from d 0 to 10 post-weaning followed by phase 2 from d 10 to 23. Diets were formulated with increasing ABC-4 levels ranging from 150 meq/kg (diet 1, low ABC-4) to 312 meq/kg (diet 5, high ABC-4) in phase 1 and 200 meq/kg (diet 1, low ABC-4) to 343 meq/kg (diet 5, high ABC-4) in phase 2. For diet 1, low ABC-4 diets were formulated using specialty soy protein concentrate (AX3 Digest; Protekta; Newport Beach, CA) at 12.5 and 10.0% of the diet in phase 1 and 2, respectively. The low ABC-4 diet also utilized fumaric and formic acid at 0.50 and 0.48% of the diet, respectively, for both phase 1 and 2. For diets 2 (medium low), 3 (medium), 4 (medium high), and 5 (high), increasing dietary ABC-4 was achieved by progressively decreasing the level of acidifiers and replacing specialty soy protein concentrate with enzymatically treated soybean meal (HP 300; Hamlet Protein; Findlay, OH) on an SID Lys basis. Diets 1 through 5 were formulated without the addition of pharmacological levels of Zn from ZnO. For diet 6, a positive control diet was used which had the same formulation as the highest ABC-4 diet but with the addition of 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO in phase 1 and 2, respectively. Following phase 2, all pigs were fed a common diet until d 38 of the study. In the experimental period and overall, there was a quadratic response observed (P ≤ 0.030) where body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were greatest for pigs fed the medium low and medium ABC-4 diets (Table). During the experimental period, increasing ABC-4 decreased (linear, P = 0.002) gain to feed ratio (G:F). For overall G:F, a quadratic response was observed (P = 0.023) where G:F was most improved for pigs fed the medium low and medium ABC-4 levels. For fecal DM, increasing ABC-4 decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.036) fecal DM on d 10 and 17, with no differences on d 23. Pigs fed the diet with pharmacological levels of Zn from ZnO had increased (P ≤ 0.038) ADG compared with pigs fed diets without ZnO during the experimental period and overall. In summary, a dietary ABC-4 level of 203 and 247 meq/kg for phase 1 and 2, respectively, was most beneficial to improve both growth performance and fecal DM in weanling pigs.

PSIV-17 Effects of butyrin-based additive supplementation on nursery pig performance, fecal dry matter, serum cytokines, short chain fatty acid production, and serum chemistry

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of butyrin-based feed additives on nursery pig performance, fecal dry matter (DM), serum chemistry, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. In Exp. 1, 250 pigs (initially body weight = 5.6 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatments. There were 5 pigs/pen and 10 replications/treatment. Treatments consisted of a negative control, a positive control, and three diets containing various butyrin-based feed additives. The negative control was a corn-soybean meal-based diet with no antibiotics or pharmacological content of Zn or Cu. The positive control contained 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO in phase 1 (d 0 to 10) and 2 (d 10 to 24), respectively, 250 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO4 in phase 3 (d 24 to 38), and 55 mg/kg of carbadox (Mecadox; Phibro Animal Health Corp., Teaneck, NJ) across all phases. The butyrin-based feed additives were added at 0.1% to the negative control diet and consisted of monobutyrin, mono-tributyrin, or tributyrin. In Exp. 2, 1,492 pigs (initially 5.1 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments. There were 26 or 27 pigs/pen and 14 replications/treatment. Treatments were fed over 3 phases consisting of a control diet and 3 diets containing different mono-tributyrin blends. In phase 1 and 2, the control diet contained 55 mg/kg of carbadox and 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO, respectively. Each feed additive was added at 0.3% to the control diet in phase 1 and 2, and 0.1% in phase 3. Phases 1 and 2 were fed by feed budget of 2.3 and 5.4 kg/pig, respectively, and phase 3 until the completion of the study. Overall, for Exp. 1, pigs fed the positive control had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared with all other treatments (Table). Pigs fed monobutyrin had decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) gain to feed ratio (G:F) compared with all other treatments. On d 24, pigs fed the positive control and mono-tributyrin had increased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) fecal DM compared with pigs fed monobutyrin and tributyrin with the negative control intermediate. On d 38, pigs fed mono-tributyrin had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) serum haptoglobin and cecal butyrate concentration compared with pigs fed the positive and negative control, respectively, with other treatments intermediate. For Exp. 2, there were no differences in growth performance throughout the study. On d 10, pigs fed mono-tributyrin blend 3 had increased (P&amp;lt; 0.05) fecal DM compared with mono-tributyrin blend 2 with other treatments intermediate. On d 24 and 42, pigs fed mono-tributyrin blend 1 had the highest (P ≤ 0.012) IL-12 concentration, without significant mean separation on d 24. In summary, butyrin-based feed additives had limited effects on growth performance. However, supplementing butyrin-based feed additives led to alterations in fecal consistency, SCFA production, and serum chemistry.

135 Effects of altering diet acid-binding capacity-4 (ABC-4) with specialty soy protein sources or acidifiers on nursery pig performance and fecal dry matter

Abstract A total of 300 pigs (initial body weight = 6.0 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of altering diet acid-binding capacity-4 (ABC-4) with specialty soy protein sources or acidifiers on nursery pig performance and fecal dry matter (DM). At weaning, pigs were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments. There were 5 pigs/pen and 12 replications/treatment. Pigs were fed experimental diets in two phases with phase 1 fed from d 0 to 10 post-weaning followed by phase 2 from d 10 to 24. A low ABC-4 diet was formulated to 200 and 250 meq/kg in phase 1 and 2, respectively. The low ABC-4 diet utilized 0.38% fumaric acid, 0.36% formic acid, and specialty soy protein concentrate (AX3 Digest; Protekta; Newport Beach, CA) at 9.38 and 7.50% of the diet in phase 1 and 2, respectively. For the first medium ABC-4 diet, specialty soy protein concentrate was replaced with enzymatically treated soybean meal (HP 300; Hamlet Protein; Findlay, OH) on an SID Lys-basis and resulted in an ABC-4 of 290 and 322 meq/kg for phase 1 and 2, respectively. For the second medium ABC-4 diet, acidifiers were removed resulting in an ABC-4 of 271 and 321 meq/kg for phase 1 and 2, respectively. In the high ABC-4 diet, both soy protein replacement and acidifier removal strategies were utilized resulting in ABC-4 values of 362 and 394 meq/kg for phase 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, a control diet was utilized with the same formulation as the high ABC-4 diet but with 3,000 and 2,000 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO in phase 1 and 2, respectively. Following phase 2, all pigs were fed a common diet until d 38 of the study. Increasing ABC-4 decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.043) gain to feed ratio (G:F) during the experimental period and overall (Table). Increasing ABC-4 decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.005) fecal DM on d 10 and 24, with no differences on d 17. Pigs fed the medium ABC-4 diet based on specialty soy protein replacement had increased (P = 0.003) fecal DM on d 10 compared with the medium ABC-4 diet where acidifiers were removed. Pigs fed diets containing pharmacological levels of Zn from ZnO had increased (P ≤ 0.047) body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and G:F during the experimental period but decreased (P = 0.005) ADG and G:F during the common period, with no differences overall compared with pigs fed diets not containing ZnO. In conclusion, as dietary ABC-4 increased from 200 to 362 meq/kg in phase 1 and 250 to 294 meq/kg in phase 2, growth performance and fecal DM decreased. This study suggests a dietary ABC-4 of 200 and 250 meq/kg in phase 1 and 2, respectively, can be utilized to improve growth performance and fecal dry matter of weanling pigs.

PSIV-16 Evaluation of specialty soybean products and organic acids to alter nursery diet acid-binding capacity-4 on pig performance and fecal dry matter

Abstract A total of 300 weanling pigs (241 × 600, DNA, initial body weight = 5.6 ± 0.2 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of altering the acid-binding capacity-4 (ABC-4) of nursery diets with different specialty soybean products and organic acids on performance and fecal dry matter (DM). At weaning, pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments. There were 5 pigs/pen and 10 replications/treatment. Diet 1 was formulated with 12.0% specialty soy protein concentrate (AX3 Digest; Protekta; Newport Beach, CA), 1.06% citric acid, and 0.5% fumaric acid to achieve an ABC-4 of 223 meq/kg. Diets 2 and 3 were the same as diet 1 except citric and fumaric acid were reduced by 50 and 100% to achieve an ABC-4 of 280 or 338 meq/kg, respectively. Diets 4 and 5 were the same as diet 1 except 50 and 100% of the specialty soy protein concentrate was replaced with enzymatically treated soybean meal (HP 300; Hamlet Protein; Findlay, OH) on an SID Lys basis to achieve ABC-4 of 280 and 338 meq/kg, respectively. Diet 6 was a positive control with the same formulation as diet 5 except for the addition of 2,500 mg/kg of Zn from ZnO and a diet ABC-4 of 410 meq/kg. Dietary treatment structure allowed for the comparison of increasing ABC-4 (223 to 338 meq/kg) and formulation method (decreasing acidifier vs. specialty soy protein concentrate replacement) as well as their interactions. Pigs were fed the experimental diet for 24 d postweaning (d 0 to 24) followed by a common diet for an additional 18 d. There were no significant (P &amp;gt; 0.05) ABC-4 method × level interactions throughout the study (Table). From d 0 to 10, increasing ABC-4 decreased (linear, P = 0.042) gain to feed ratio (G:F) with no other differences in performance due to ABC-4. Formulation method influenced fecal DM with replacement of specialty soy protein concentrate (diets 4 and 5) reducing (P = 0.038) fecal DM compared with decreasing acidifier level (diets 2 and 3) on d 17. During the experimental period (d 0 to 24), pigs fed the diet with pharmacological Zn from ZnO had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and G:F compared with pigs fed diets without ZnO. In summary, pharmacological Zn from ZnO improved nursery pig performance when experimental diets were fed. Increasing ABC-4 and the formulation method had minimal effects on nursery pig performance; however, fecal DM was influenced by formulation method. Increasing ABC-4 from 223 to 338 meq/kg may not have been a large enough difference to observe a response to changing ABC-4 of the diet. Further research is warranted to determine the influence of lower ABC-4 levels or other ingredient changes to achieve target ABC-4.

79 Evaluating the effects of increasing levels of sodium diformate on nursery pig performance

Abstract Organic acids, such as formic acid, are commonly used as acidifiers in swine diets. Forms of formic acid include salts of sodium, calcium, or potassium. Previous research has shown positive results using potassium diformate in swine diets including improved nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and altered gut microbiota. Additionally, recent data has shown increasing levels of sodium diformate improved growth performance in finishing pigs; however, additional data are needed in nursery pigs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of increasing sodium diformate in nursery diets on growth performance. Weanling barrows [n = 360; DNA 200 × 400; initial body weight (BW) = 5.9 ± 0.06 kg] were used in a 38-d study. At weaning, pigs were randomly assigned to pens with 5 pigs per pen. Each pen was randomly allocated to 1 of 6 treatments in a completely randomized design with 12 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were formulated to provide none, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80, 1.00, or 1.20% sodium diformate (Formi NDF, ADDCON, Nordic AS, Porsgrunn, Norway) at the expense of corn. Experimental diets were fed in 3 phases: phase 1 from weaning to d 9, phase 2 from d 9 to 24, and phase 3 from d 24 to 38. Feces was collected on d 9 and 24 from 3 pigs per pen to determine fecal dry matter (DM). All data were analyzed using a linear mixed model with treatment as a fixed effect and barn as a random intercept. Contrast statements were used to evaluate the linear and quadratic dose response to increasing sodium diformate inclusion. All statistical models were fit using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS version 9.4 (Cary, NC). From d 0 to 24 (phase 1 and 2), gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased (linear, P = 0.001) as sodium diformate increased in the diet (Table). However, sodium diformate did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.10) average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). From d 24 to 38 (phase 3), there was no evidence of differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) due to increasing sodium diformate for any growth response criteria. For the overall experimental period (d 0 to 38), increasing sodium diformate did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.10) ADG, ADFI, or G:F. Overall mortality was 0.8% and was not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.10) by treatment. There was no evidence for differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) in fecal DM on d 9. However, fecal DM decreased (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.05; quadratic, P = 0.097) as sodium diformate increased in the diet on d 24 with pigs fed 0.40% sodium diformate having the greatest fecal DM. In conclusion, these data suggest increasing levels of sodium diformate has the potential to improve feed efficiency in the early nursey period but did not affect performance in the late nursery.

196 Effects of zinc source and level in low ABC-4 diets on nursery pig growth performance and fecal dry matter

Abstract Incorporating pharmacological levels of Zn in nursery pig diets is a well-recognized practice for reducing post-weaning diarrhea, enhancing growth performance, and enhancing gut health. We hypnotized that the use of a specific form of ZnO (small aggregates and agglomerated particles; SAAP), which provides a greater antibacterial property than standard ZnO, could be added at reduced levels without compromising piglet performance. This study aimed to explore the effects of different levels of SAAP Zn source (HiZox, Animine, France) in low ABC-4 diets with low or high CP content. A total of 360 weanling barrows [DNA 200 × 400, initial body weight (BW) = 5.9 ± 0.4 kg] were used in a 38-d experiment. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (5 pigs/pen) and pens assigned to 1 of 6 treatments with 12 pens/treatment. The experiment consisted of phase 1 from d 0 to 10, phase 2 from d 11 to 24, and phase 3 from d 25 to 38. Treatments consisted in a negative control (NC), which had 150 ppm of Zn (HiZox) throughout the experiment and the remaining treatments were: positive control (PC) containing 3,000 ppm (phase 1) and 2,000 ppm (phase 2) of Zn provided by ZnO; low-HiZox containing 500 ppm (phase 1) and 300 ppm (phase 2) of Zn; low-HiZox-low-CP was similar to low-HiZox but contained less CP (19.3%) than the NC, PC, low and high-HiZox diets (21.3%); high-HiZox containing 800 ppm (phase 1) and 500 ppm (phase 2) of Zn; and high-HiZox-low-CP was similar to high-HiZox but contained 19.3% CP. In phase 3, all pigs were fed a common diet containing 150 ppm of Zn (HiZox) and high CP. For the experimental period (d 0 to 24), average daily gain (ADG; quadratic, P = 0.007) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; quadratic, P = 0.018) increased as HiZox increased (Table). Pigs fed high-HiZox-low-CP had poorer gain to feed ratio (G:F; P &amp;lt; 0.05) than NC, PC, low-HiZox, and high-HiZox. Additionally, in both experimental and overall periods, pigs fed diets with low CP had decreased G:F (P = 0.043) than those fed the same Zn levels but with high CP. Overall, pigs fed high-HiZox-low-CP had decreased G:F than pigs fed high-HiZox only (732 vs. 761 g/kg, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.05), with other treatments intermediate. For fecal dry matter (DM), pigs fed low CP diets had greater (P = 0.008) DM compared with pigs fed high CP. Thus, the inclusion of HiZox at 800 and 500 ppm in phases 1 and 2, respectively, in a low-ABC-4 diet might be a strategy to reduce the use of pharmacological levels of Zn from ZnO in nursery diets.

16 Effects of fiber supplementation during gestation on sow and piglet performance

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of fiber supplementation during gestation on sow and piglet performance. A total of 200 PIC Camborough P1+ sows were used. At breeding, sows were balanced by body weight (BW) within parity and randomly allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments, which consisted of 1) Control; corn-soybean meal gestation diet; and 2) Fiber; inclusion of soybean hulls in the formulation at a level to yield a dietary crude-fiber content 6%. Females were housed in individual stalls throughout the entire gestation. At d 90 of gestation, serum glucose, fecal dry matter, fecal volatile fat acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate), urinary traits (color, turbidity, density, pH, and presence of nitrate or blood), and frequency of stereotypic behavior (sham chewing, teeth grinding, bar biting, and floor licking) was accessed. Perineal scoring was visually evaluated at d 105 and 110 of gestation. Farrowing traits (farrowing length, and number of piglets born alive, stillborn, and mummified fetuses) and piglet vitality (meconium presence, umbilical cord integrity, oxygenation, and heart rate) were individually monitored. Individual piglet BW was obtained within 12 h of birth and after 24 h for colostrum intake, and at weaning. Sow daily lactation feed intake was registered. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the Glimmix procedure of SAS with sow serving as the experimental unit. There was no evidence (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for differences in sow BW at d1, d112 of gestation, and at weaning. Sows fed the greater fiber diet showed lower levels of post-prandial glucose (-6%; P &amp;lt; 0.10), darker urine (+33%; P &amp;lt; 0.10) with greater pH (+5%; P &amp;lt; 0.05), and greater levels of fecal butyrate (+62%; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and isovalerate (+15%; P &amp;lt; 0.10) at the end of gestation (d 90). Feces from sows fed the control diet were drier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at d 90 of gestation. Fiber supplementation reduced the frequency of teeth grinding (-52%; P &amp;lt; 0.10), bar biting (-74%; P &amp;lt; 0.05), and floor licking (-65%; P 0.10) behaviors. There was no evidence for treatment differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for perineal scores. Piglet vitality was not affected by the treatments, except for a marginal increase in blood oxygen saturation for piglets from sows fed the greater fiber diet (+1%; P &amp;lt; 0.10). Treatment did not impact (P &amp;gt; 0.10) farrowing duration, number of total piglets born, born alive, stillborn, and mummified, nor average piglet birth weight and colostrum intake. Sows fed diet with fiber supplementation during gestation had a marginal increase in average daily feed intake during lactation (+0.50kg/d; P = 0.08), which resulted in improved piglet BW gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and weaning weights (+0.20kg; P &amp;lt; 0.05). In summary, providing increased level of fiber supplementation via soybean hulls to gestating diets did not impact sow reproductive performance. Beneficial effects were observed for welfare lactation feed intake, piglet BW gain and weaning weights.

85 The influence of supplementing isolated or intact structural fiber on the physicochemical properties of digesta and fecal consistency of nursery pigs

Abstract In human nutrition, functional fiber refers to isolated non-digestible carbohydrates with physiological roles, while structural fiber pertains to those that are intrinsic and intact in plants. Increasing dietary fiber in post-weaning pig diets has been shown to improve gastrointestinal health and alter fecal consistency. However, minimal research has been conducted on the role of supplementing isolated functional or structural fiber that are chemically insoluble in nursery diets. The experimental objective was to evaluate the effect of functional or structural insoluble fiber supplementation on the physicochemical properties of digesta and feces during the nursery period. A total of 256 newly weaned pigs were randomly assigned to one of four treatments across two replications with 4 pigs per pen and 16 pens per treatment for a 35-d study. The average initial pig body weight (BW) was 5.13 ± 0.65 kg and same sex pens were used and balanced across treatments. Dietary treatments consisted of a control nursery diet (PC), PC with 3% soy hulls (NC), PC with 2% isolated lignocellulose (ISO), and PC with 2% structural lignocellulose (STR). Treatments were fed across phase 1 (d 0-7) and phase 2 (d 7-21) diets, and a common diet was fed in phase 3 (d 21-35). On d 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, fresh fecal samples were collected to determine water binding capacity (WBC), water swelling capacity (WSC), and fecal dry matter (DM). Fecal scores were also evaluated using a predefined scale (1 = solid; 4 = liquid). On d 21, one pig per pen closest to the mean BW was necropsied, and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta were collected. Continuous data were analyzed as a linear mixed model (PROC MIXED) with treatment, sex, and period as fixed effects, replicate as a random effect, and initial BW as a covariate where appropriate. Fecal scores were analyzed using a multinomial model in PROC GENMOD and FREQ. Pigs fed ISO and STR tended to have greater fecal DM (24.1%, 24.6%, 25.4%, and 26.29% for PC, NC, ISO, and STR, respectively; P = 0.071). There was a greater proportion of solid and semi-solid feces in pigs fed ISO (P = 0.039). Fecal WBC was greatest in pigs fed PC, with NC and ISO performing intermediately, and STR having the least (2.66, 2.55, 2.50, and 2.39 mL/g of DM for PC, NC, ISO, and STR, respectively; P = 0.071). Fecal WSC increased with time (P &amp;lt; 0.001), but there was no impact of treatment (P = 0.983). Ileal digesta pH was decreased in NC and STR, relative to PC and ISO, (P = 0.007). There tended to be a similar response for cecal pH (P = 0.092). Pigs fed PC tended to have the greatest colonic WBC (P = 0.058). Collectively, supplementing isolated or structural lignocellulose can alter the physicochemical properties of nursery pig feces.

110 Effects of increasing levels of soybean meal in nursery diets on growth performance and fecal dry matter of 10 to 25 kg pigs

Abstract With the recent Renewable Fuel Standard Program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, soybean oil is expected to be in record demand by the fuel energy industry. As a result, there will be the potential opportunity for increased usage of soybean meal (SBM) in swine diets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of SBM in late nursery diets on growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM). In Exp. pigs [n = 1,266; DNA 241 × 600; initial body weight (BW) = 10.1 ± 0.27 kg] were fed 1 of 4 dietary treatments which were corn-based with SBM levels of 25.0, 28.9, 32.5, or 36.2%. In Exp. pigs (n = 2,340; DNA 241 × 600; initial BW = 13.5 ± 0.29 kg) were fed 1 of 5 dietary treatments which were corn-based with SBM levels of 25.0, 28.9, 32.5, 36.2, or 40.0%. Both experiments lasted 21 d with 14 replicate pens/treatment and 4 or 5 pigs/pen. At d 21 and 26 postweaning for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, pens of pigs were randomly allotted to treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW as the blocking factor. Additions of SBM replaced feed-grade amino acids to form experimental diets, and all diets were formulated to be nearly isocaloric with SBM NE considered to be 100% of corn NE. Dietary additions of feed-grade AA were adjusted to meet or exceed NRC (2012) AA requirements in relation to Lys for Ile, Met, Cys, Thr, Trp, and Val. In Exp. 1, increasing SBM from 25.0 to 36.2% decreased average daily gain (ADG; linear, P = 0.012), average daily feed intake (ADFI; linear, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and final BW (linear, P = 0.021), with the greatest change occurring when SBM increased from 28.9 to 32.5% (Table). No evidence for difference between treatments was observed for gain to feed ratio (G:F; P = 0.729). Fecal DM decreased (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.006) as SBM increased in the diet at d 7, but not on d 21. In Exp. 2, starting with a heavier initial BW, increasing SBM from 25.0 to 40.0% decreased ADFI (linear, P = 0.017), with the greatest change occurring when SBM increased from 32.5 to 36.2%. However, no evidence for treatment differences (P ≥ 0.198) was observed for ADG, final BW, or G:F. Fecal DM decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.046) at d 7 and 21 as SBM increased in the diet. In conclusion, feeding greater than 28.9% SBM for nursery pigs starting at 10 kg BW does compromise performance, but when pigs are closer to 13.5 kg BW, greater SBM diets did not affect ADG or G:F. Also, increasing the level of SBM reduced fecal DM more markedly a week after the transition to high SBM diets compared with 3 wk after the start of treatment feeding.

Evaluation of internal markers in digestibility estimation for sheep and goats.

The objective of this study was to compare the indirect methods of obtaining digestibility with the direct method of total fecal collection to estimate the apparent digestibility of nutrients in sheep and goats supplemented with non-protein nitrogen. Five goats and five sheep with no defined racial pattern were used, distributed in two 5 × 5 Latin squares, with split plots, considering the diets as plots and the apparent digestibility determination methodologies as subplots. The diets were composed of buffelgrass hay and the addition, via ruminal infusion, of increasing amounts of nitrogen supplementation in order to gradually raise the CP level of the basal diet in intervals of 2% points, that is, + 2, +4, + 6 and + 8%. Samples of the feeds offered, and the leftovers were collected daily during the five days of collection to determine the nutrient intake, as well as the total collection of feces to determine the apparent digestibility of the nutrients. The amount of fecal dry matter excreted was estimated by the concentration of Indigestible Acid Detergent Fiber (ADFi), Indigestible Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDFi), Indigestible Dry Matter at 244h (DMi 244h) and Indigestible Dry Matter at 264h (DMi 264h). Among the evaluated markers, DMi 264h had the lowest accuracy in estimating fecal excretion and nutrient digestibility. For the goat species, the markers ADFi and DMi 244h proved to be able to adequately predict fecal excretion and digestibility indices, while NDFi stood out for both species. Among the evaluated markers, NDFi is the one that most accurately estimates the nutrient digestibility of the diet for goats and sheep.

Effect of block feed supplementation based on palm oil sludge for Bengkulu local cattle (Kaur Cattle) on the dry matter and organic matter digestibility of rations

The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility of the ration supplemented with block feed made from palm oil sludge (solid) to Kaur cattle. Palm oil sludge was substitute for rice bran in the commercial block feed fomula namely “Sakura Block”. Four treatments were arranged in Latin Square Design that were the solid level in block feed. The treatments consisted of P0 = “Sakura” block feed (28% bran), P1 = block feed (14% bran + 14% solid), P2 = block feed (7% bran + 21% solid), P3 = block feed (28% solid). The results showed that there were no difference on OM consumption and production of fecal DM and OM among treatments. For DM consumption and DM digestibility, P1 showed the lowest (P<0.05) but among P0, P2 and P3 were no diferrence (P>0.05). For the OM digestibility, there was no a significant difference (P>0.05) among treatment. Block feed P3 (28% solid) can increase the consumption and the DM digestibility of rations.

Zinc status and indicators of intestinal health in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18 challenged newly weaned pigs fed diets with different levels of zinc.

This study investigated the impact of an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18 challenge on newly weaned pigs when fed one of three Zn levels (150, 1,400, or 2,500ppm) on performance, Zn status, ETEC shedding, and diarrhea. The ETEC challenge was hypothesized to have a more pronounced negative impact on pigs fed a diet containing 150ppm Zn compared to 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn for 14 d after weaning. The study included 72 ETEC F18 susceptible pigs weaned at ~28 d of age (d 0 of the study). The pigs were distributed according to initial weight and litter to one of the three dietary Zn levels. Half of the pigs were challenged with ETEC on d 1 and 2. The challenge reduced (P ≤ 0.03) feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) during d 3 to 5. Challenged pigs fed 150ppm Zn had lower (P = 0.01) ADG during d 5 to 7 compared to those fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn, whereas control pigs' ADG were not affected by dietary Zn content. Challenged pigs fed 150ppm Zn also showed lower (P < 0.01) fecal dry matter (DM) on d 5 compared to control pigs fed 150ppm Zn and challenged pigs fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn. Challenge increased (P < 0.01) ETEC shedding in all groups, but challenged pigs fed 150ppm Zn showed higher (P ≤ 0.05) fecal shedding of ETEC and toxins than when fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm. On d 3, C-reactive protein concentration in plasma was lower (P < 0.03) for pigs fed 1,400 and 2,500 compared to 150ppm Zn. Plasma haptoglobin and pig major acute phase protein were unaffected by dietary Zn content. On d 0, the serum Zn concentration was 586 ± 36.6 µg/L, which pigs fed 150ppm Zn maintained throughout the study. The serum Zn concentration increased (P ≤ 0.07) in pigs fed 1,400 or 2,500ppm Zn. The challenge decreased (P < 0.01) the serum Zn concentration in pigs fed 2,500ppm Zn. On d 5 and 7, serum Zn concentration was similar for challenged pigs fed 1,400 and 2,500ppm Zn, while control pigs fed 2,500ppm Zn had higher (P < 0.01) serum Zn concentration than 1,400ppm Zn. On d 7, serum Zn concentration tended (P = 0.08) to be lower for pigs with diarrhea (fecal DM ≤ 18%). In summary, these results indicate that newly weaned pigs fed 150ppm Zn are more susceptible to ETEC F18 colonization and its adverse consequences such as diarrhea and reduced growth, even though challenge did not increase acute phase proteins.

Dietary monoglyceride supplementation to support intestinal integrity and host defenses in health-challenged weanling pigs.

Frequent incidence of postweaning enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) diarrhea in the swine industry contributes to high mortality rates and associated economic losses. In this study, a combination of butyric, caprylic, and capric fatty acid monoglycerides was investigated to promote intestinal integrity and host defenses in weanling pigs infected with ETEC. A total of 160 pigs were allotted to treatment groups based on weight and sex. Throughout the 17-d study, three treatment groups were maintained: sham-inoculated pigs fed a control diet (uninfected control [UC], n = 40), ETEC-inoculated pigs fed the same control diet (infected control [IC], n = 60), and ETEC-inoculated pigs fed the control diet supplemented with monoglycerides included at 0.3% of the diet (infected supplemented [MG], n = 60). After a 7-d acclimation period, pigs were orally inoculated on each of three consecutive days with either 3mL of a sham-control (saline) or live ETEC culture (3 × 109 colony-forming units/mL). The first day of inoculations was designated as 0 d postinoculation (DPI), and all study outcomes reference this time point. Fecal, tissue, and blood samples were collected from 48 individual pigs (UC, n = 12; IC, n = 18; MG, n = 18) on 5 and 10 DPI for analysis of dry matter (DM), bacterial enumeration, inflammatory markers, and intestinal permeability. ETEC-inoculated pigs in both the IC and MG groups exhibited clear signs of infection including lower (P < 0.05) gain:feed and fecal DM, indicative of excess water in the feces, and elevated (P < 0.05) rectal temperatures, total bacteria, total E. coli, and total F18 ETEC during the peak-infection period (5 DPI). Reduced (P < 0.05) expression of the occludin, tumor necrosis factor α, and vascular endothelial growth factor A genes was observed in both ETEC-inoculated groups at the 5 DPI time point. There were no meaningful differences between treatments for any of the outcomes measured at 10 DPI. Overall, all significant changes were the result of the ETEC infection, not monoglyceride supplementation.