Feed Consumption Research Articles

EFFICIENCY OF FEED ADDITIVE EIMERIX ® FOR NATURAL INFECTION OF BROILER CHICKENS WITH EIMERIA SPP.

The article presents the results of the study of the effectiveness of the feed additive EIMERIX® (powder for oral use, granulated), produced by JSC Biopharm (Ukraine), the active pharmaceutical ingredient of which is the polyester ionophore antibiotic monensin, when used for broiler chickens naturally infected with coccidia of the genus Eimeria. The study was conducted on 17-day-old broiler chickens with clinical signs of coccidiosis. E. tenella and E. maxima were identified from faeces samples of sick broiler chickens. For three weeks (21 days), the sick bird the feed supplement EIMERIX® was added in feed at a dose of 0.5 g per 1 kg of feed, or 100 mg of sodium monensin per 1 kg of feed (experimental group). The control group consisted of broiler chickens suffering from coccidiosis, which were not given the supplement or any other anticoccidial drugs. The main criteria for demonstrating the estimation of the feed additive EIMERIX® were: the number of Eimeria oocysts in feces; mortality and morbidity of poultry associated with coccidiosis. Additional indicators of the effectiveness of the feed additive were: average live weight; average daily increase in live weight of poultry; average daily feed consumption, the ratio of the amount of feed consumed to growth; data of bird health monitoring during the experiment. On the 21st day of the experiment, the excretion of Eimeria oocysts in the feces of broiler chickens with coccidiosis practically stopped (<100 oocysts/g of feces), what was confirmed by the absence of clinical signs of coccidiosis in the birds. Addition of EIMERIX® additive in feed contributed for the reduction of morbidity and mortality among sick birds. More live weight gains and lower feed conversion ratios were observed in Eimeria disease birds treated with a feed additive versus untreated birds. The results of the study showed that the use of EIMERIX® feed additive for broiler chickens with coccidiosis, in the recommended by the manufacturer dosage, causes a decrease of the eimeria infection degree of the bird, reduces its morbidity and mortality, and also contributes to an increase of average daily gains and improvement of feed conversion.

Effects of immersing Japanese quail eggs in various doses of riboflavin on reproductive, growth performance traits, blood indices and economics

This investigation aimed to evaluate the impact of immersion (IM) riboflavin treatment on the hatchability, production efficiency, and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail eggs. A total of 260 eggs of Japanese quail birds were used for hatching and were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 5 replicates (13 eggs/replicate) in a fully randomized design. Hatching eggs were immersed in riboflavin for 2 min before incubation. The experiment treatments were designed as follows: G1 control group with no treatment, G2 treated with 3 g/L vit. B2 (IM), G3 treated with 4 g/L vit. B2 (IM) and G4 were treated with 5 g/L vit. B2 (IM). After hatching, 128 Japanese quail chicks, aged 7 d, were randomly grouped into 4 treatment groups, with 32 birds in each group. When quails were given vitamin B2 via immersion, they demonstrated significant enhancements in live body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio at different stages compared to the control group. Compared to control and other groups, the carcass parameters of Japanese quails given a 4 g/L immersion solution showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05). Hatchability and fertility (%) were considerably raised by Vit.B2 treatments of 3, 4, and 5g; the group immersed in 5 g/L had the highest percentages compared to the other groups. Furthermore, treated chickens with all concentrations of vitamin B2 had significantly higher blood indices than the controls. During the exploratory phase (1-6 wk) of age, the highest returns were reported in G4 treated with 5g/L vit. B2 (IM). Treating Japanese quail eggs with different dosages of vitamin B2 by immersion may be recommended to improve their productive and reproductive performance, blood indices, carcass traits, and economic efficiency.

ASSESSING THE SAFETY PROFILE OF POLYMERS IN TRANSDERMAL MICRONEEDLE PATCH FABRICATION: INSIGHTS FROM AN ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY

The acute toxicity study is a crucial component of preclinical toxicology assessments conducted to evaluate the potential adverse effects of a substance or compound on albino rabbits. This study provides key findings and implications of an acute toxicity study of natural and synthetic polymers that are used in the preparation of transdermal microneedle patches (TMNPs) for sustained delivery of doxazocin mesylate. In this study, we divided the albino rabbits into three equal groups (n = 6). Group-I was labeled as a control group and group-II was treated with TMNPs-1 (HPMC, maltose) and group-III was treated with TMNPs-2 (PLGA, polyvinyl acetate). The results obtained from feed consumption, hematology profile, biochemical studies, vital organ weight, and histopathological changes in vital organs were compared with the control group, and proved the safety profile of the polymers involved in the fabrication of microneedle patches. Mechanical strength and dermal safety study established the facts about the safety of microneedle patches and potential risks to health as a carrier system for the delivery of drugs into the systemic circulation directly.

Influence of stocking density on the growth, immune and physiological responses, and cultivation environment of white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in biofloc systems

Biofloc (BF) stands out as a promising system for sustainable shrimp farming. Optimizing various culture conditions, such as stocking density, carbohydrate source, and feeding management, is crucial for the widespread adoption of the BF system. This study compares the growth performance of white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in culture ponds at low density (LD) with 50 organisms/m2 and high density (HD) with 200 organisms/m2. Post-larvae of white-leg shrimp were stocked for 16 weeks in both LD and HD groups. The LD group exhibited a superior survival rate, growth rate, and feed consumption compared to the HD group. The BF from the LD system recorded a significantly higher protein content (16.63 ± 0.21%) than the HD group (15.21 ± 0.34%). Heterotrophic bacterial counts in water did not significantly differ with stocking density. However, Vibrio count in water samples was higher in the HD group (3.59 ± 0.35 log CFU/mL) compared to the LD group (2.45 ± 0.43 log CFU/mL). The whole shrimp body analysis revealed significantly higher protein and lipid content in the LD group. In contrast, the total aerobic bacterial count in shrimp from the HD group was high, with the identification of Salmonella enterica ssp. arizonae. Additionally, Vibrio counts in shrimp samples were significantly higher in the HD group (4.63 ± 0.32 log CFU/g) compared to the LD group (3.57 ± 0.22 log CFU/g). The expression levels of immune-associated genes, including prophenoloxidase, transglutaminase, penaiedin 3, superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, serine proteinase, and the growth-related gene ras-related protein (rap-2a), were significantly enhanced in the LD group. Conversely, stress-related gene expression increased significantly in the HD group. Hepatopancreases amylase, lipase, and protease were higher in the LD group, while trypsin activity did not differ significantly. Antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) significantly increased in the LD group. The histological structure of hepatopancreas, musculature, and female gonads remained similar in both densities. However, negative effects were observed in the gills' histology of the HD group. These results suggest that increasing stocking density is associated with significantly negative biological, microbial, and physiological effects on white-leg shrimp under the BF system.

Evaluation of the Effect of Sea Buckthorn Meal on Production Performance and Meat Chemical Composition in Broiler Chickens

The aim of the research was to highlight the effects of sea buckthorn meal on production and consumption indices and meat chemistry in broiler chickens. The research was carried out on 50 Ross-308 hybrid broiler chickens in two groups (25 heads/group): a control group and an experimental group (0.5% buckthorn meal) over a period of 28 days. During and at the end of the experiment, the following parameters were recorded and analysed: body mass development, daily growth gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and meat quality. The best results were recorded in the experimental group, with a body weight of 2683.24 g, an average daily gain of 79.48 g and a feed conversion index of 1.70. Meat quality was improved by increasing crude protein content in the experimental group. The addition of sea buckthorn meal had a favourable influence on the productive performance and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Comparative Analysis of the Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Fermented and Water-Extracted Leaf Extracts of Eucommia ulmoides on Egg Production and Egg Nutrition.

Although the water extract of Eucommia ulmoides leaf (WEE) promotes egg laying in hens, its palatability is poor. To improve the palatability of E. ulmoides leaf, probiotic fermentation was used, and fermented extract E. ulmoides leaf (FEE) was prepared using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. The safety of FEE was investigated using a long-term toxicity test, and no oxidative damage, inflammatory reactions, or histological lesions were observed in the experimental rats receiving dietary supplementation of FEE at 200 mg/kg, suggesting that FEE is suitable for long-term feeding. Subsequently, dietary supplementation of FEE (group C) in comparison with dietary supplementation of WEE (group B), as well as a control (group A), was applied in the hen industry. Laying performance, egg quality, egg nutrition, egg flavor, and the gut microbiome were analyzed comparatively. Interestingly, the laying rate was observed to be four percentage points higher with dietary supplementation of FEE at 200 mg/kg compared with the control and two percentage points higher compared with the dietary addition of WEE at the same dosage. Simultaneously, a slight upregulation in daily feed consumption was determined in the FEE-supplemented group compared with the blank control and the WEE-supplemented group, indicating that the inclusion of FEE stimulated the hens' appetite. Moreover, variations in egg amino acids, fatty acids, and volatile components were obtained with either dietary addition, FEE or WEE, implying that dietary supplementation of the fermented and water-extracted E. ulmoides leaf extracts contributed to egg flavor change. Furthermore, variations in the gut microbiota were mediated by FEE, increasing the relative abundance of the genus Lactobacillus. These alterations in gut microbiota were tightly related to improved laying performance and egg flavor changes. Our results indicate that FEE is a better alternative feed additive in the hen industry than WEE.

AFB1 Toxicity in Human Food and Animal Feed Consumption: A Review of Experimental Treatments and Preventive Measures.

The current review aims to outline and summarize the latest research on aflatoxin, with research studies describing natural, herbal and chemical compound applications in animal (pig) models and in vitro cellular studies. Aflatoxin, a carcinogenic toxin metabolite, is produced by Aspergillus flavus in humid environments, posing a threat to human health and crop production. The current treatment involves the prevention of exposure to aflatoxin and counteracting its harmful toxic effects, enabling survival and research studies on an antidote for aflatoxin. To summarize current research prospects and to outline the influence of aflatoxin on animal forage in farm production, food and crop processing. The research application of remedies to treat aflatoxin is undergoing development to pinpoint biochemical pathways responsible for aflatoxin effects transmission and actions of treatment. To underline the environmental stress of aflatoxin on meat and dairy products; to describe clinical syndromes associated with aflatoxicosis on human health that are counteracted with proposed treatment and preventive interventions. To understand how to improve the health of farm animals with feed conditions.

Metagenomic insights into the relationship between intestinal flora and residual feed intake of meat ducks

In this study, we sought to determine the effects of intestinal flora on the feed efficiency of meat ducks by evaluating the correlation between intestinal flora and residual feed intake. The F2 generation of Cherry Valley ducks × Runzhou Crested White ducks was used as the study subjects, and feed consumption being recorded from d 21 to 42. RFI was calculated based on growth performance, and 20 low RFI and 20 high RFI ducks were randomly selected to characterize the effect of RFI on growth performance. To analyze the intestinal flora affecting RFI, 16s rDNA sequencing was performed on the contents of 5 intestinal segments from the HR and LR groups, and macrogenomic sequencing was performed on the cecal contents. Feed intake, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and residual feed intake were lower in low RFI. Analysis of the intestinal flora revealed the cecum to be more highly enriched in the carbohydrate metabolism pathway and less enriched with potentially pathogenic taxa than the other assessed intestinal regions. Further analysis of the cecal microbiota identified nine significantly differentially enriched intestinal flora. In this study, we accordingly identified a basis for the mechanisms underlying the effects of the intestinal flora on meat duck feed efficiency.

Evaluation of the effects of dietary cinnamaldehyde on growth and nutrient use in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Cinnamaldehyde is an active organic compound and an aromatic aldehyde substance found in cinnamon oil. It is a new feed supplement for animals that can improve growth, nutrient digestion and absorption, lipid use, and immunity. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary trans-cinnamaldehyde 98 % (CIN) on nutrient utilization, antioxidant capacity, and growth performance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Juveniles used was weighing at about 19.77 ± 0.10 g received dietary CIN at different doses (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 g/kg feed). The fish were maintained in a glass aquarium of 95 × 45 × 35 cm3 in size at a stocking density of 20 fish per aquarium and fed three times a day to clear satiation. Dietary carbohydrate digestion and absorption were significantly improved in fish fed 0.75 g/kg CIN, as indicated by increased amylase activity and glucose tolerance test. The latter was subsequently confirmed by increases in relative ir, glut4, hx and gs expression that indicated the increase in glucose absorption led to an increase in glucose utilization as an energy source and the synthesis of glycogen as an energy reserve. Interestingly, dietary CIN supplementation also resulted in the downregulation of fas, which facilitates the conversion of glucose to fatty acids, and the upregulation of cpt1a and hsl, indicating increased fatty acid oxidation for energy. CIN at a range of 0.5–0.75 g/kg improved the antioxidant status in the liver, as illustrated by elevated glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities (both P < 0.05). Final weight, feed consumption, the specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein retention increased were significantly in all CIN groups, with the highest values reached in the 0.5 g/kg CIN (all P < 0.05). Based on a polynomial orthogonal analysis of the fish-specific growth rate, the optimum dosage of CIN inclusion is 0.42 g/kg.

PSI-3 Effect of feed and water consumption patterns during the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows

Abstract There is sufficient evidence that adequate feed and water consumption during the lactation period positively influences sow body condition at weaning. Optimum body condition score after the lactation period decreases sow wean-to-estrus interval and non-productive sow days and promotes sow reproductive performance in the following reproductive cycle, in general. However, feed and water intake patterns have not been extensively studied in commercial sow research; thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed and water consumption patterns in the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows. This trial was conducted in a commercial sow farm located in southwestern Minnesota in March 2023. Each lactation feeder was outfitted with a MealMeter 2.0 device (PigEasy, LLC, Templeton, IA), which uses a rotating feed dispenser to release feed ad libitum at the request of each sow. In addition, the MealMeter 2.0 device utilizes sensors to track the number of times feed and water were accessed at 15-min time intervals across the entire lactation period. Average daily feed (ADF) and water accessions (ADW) were summarized for each sow during the lactation period (n = 84 sows). Root mean squared error (RMSEF and RMSEW for feed and water accessions, respectively) was calculated from the residuals of the regression between days post-farrowing and ADF and ADW for each sow and was considered a measure of variation in feed and water accessions during the lactation period. Moreover, the number of days from weaning to the first estrus was recorded and defined as the wean-to-estrus interval (WTE). Due to the distribution of WTE, sows with a WTE ≤ 5 d and WTE &amp;gt; 5 d were separated into a binary classifier (0 = WTE ≤ 5 d and 1 = WTE &amp;gt; 5 d). The relationship between each feed and water measurement and WTE class was estimated using a logistic regression model fit with R Statistical Software. Average daily feed and water accessions were negatively associated with WTE class (P- = 0.07 and 0.04, respectively; Table 1), indicating that as feed and water accessions increase, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d decreases. In addition, RMSEF and RMSEW were also negatively associated with WTE class, which suggests that as the variation in each measure across the lactation period increases, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d is reduced. This result was not expected and, thus, requires further investigation. Nonetheless, results from this study suggest that the mean and variation of daily feed and water accessions are associated with WTE and sufficient consumption of nutrients during the lactation period is critical to reducing the number of days to first estrus in weaned sows.

13 Impact of precision feeding during gestation on the productive career of sows over three reproductive parities

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of precision feeding during gestation on the career performances and longevity of sows, initially gilts, monitored over three successive reproductive cycles. Four isoenergetic treatments were compared: two conventional constant-concentration feeding strategies (0.53 % DIS Lys) with feed supply either constant (flat feeding; FF) or variable (bump feeding; BF), and two precision feeding strategies based on the InraPorc model applied considering either the mean weight by parity (PFP) or the individual weight of each sow at breeding (PFI). Four groups, representing 393 gilts, were followed from breeding to weaning over three cycles. Body weight and backfat depth were measured at breeding, 90 d of gestation, parturition, and weaning. Feed consumption was monitored daily. Litter variables were measured, including birth and weaning weight, mortality, and overall body weight gain. A mixed model was used to analyze differences between the four treatments using the sow as the experimental unit for performance analysis during the third reproductive cycles. For the analysis of the overall productive career over the three reproductive cycles, the performances of the two conventional strategies (with constant Lys DIS concentration feeding, CONV) were compared with the two precision feeding strategies (PF). During the third cycle, PFP and PFI sows had a lighter body weight at the beginning of gestation than the FF sows (P &amp;lt; 0.01), but increased their body weight gain during gestation (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Backfat loss in PFP and PFI sows during lactation was greater compared with BF sows (P = 0.05), FF sow being intermediate. PFP sows had a lower stillborn rate (P = 0.04) and tended to have less total piglet mortality (P = 0.06) than FF and BF sows. Over the three reproductive cycles, the stillborn rate and total piglet mortality were less in PF sows than in CONV sows (respectively -0.9 %; P = 0.02 and -1.5 %; P = 0.03). PF sows weaned more piglets during their three cycles than CONV sows did (+ 0.7; P = 0.03), with weaning litter weight gain also increasing for PF sows (+3.7 %; P = 0.02). The culling rate of gilts after three cycles did not differ significantly among treatments (P = 0.27), but tended to be greater for PF sows after one cycle (+4.9 %; P = 0.08). The results seem to show a lasting benefit of precision feeding for sows, with a decrease in piglet mortality during lactation, suggesting greater piglet viability without significantly decreasing sow longevity.

293 Effects of Saccharmyces yeast postbiotics on pig feed performance and carcass characteristics when included in an elevated protein diet

Abstract The study objective was to determine effects of Saccharmyces yeast postbiotics (CT; celluTEIN; Puretein Bioscience LLC, Minneapolis, MN, USA) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs fed an increased protein diet during growing and finishing. Pigs [PIC Camborough×PIC 337; n = 51 barrows; 57 gilts; initial body weight (BW) 28.3 ± 0.1 kg] were weighed, stratified by BW within sex, and within each two-pig strata, randomly assigned to a pen (n = 18; n = 6 pigs/pen). Pens were randomly assigned one of two dietary treatments (Diet) consisting of 0 or 100 ppm CT mixed in a four-phase dietary regimen (phase1 d 0 to 21, phase2 d 22 to 42, phase3 d 43 to 63, phase4 d 64 to 84). Weekly, feed consumption and pigs were weighed to calculate performance. On d 91, 98, and 105, the heaviest male and female from each pen was harvested and carcass data were collected. Performance data were analyzed as a completely randomized design, carcass data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design, and pen was the experimental unit). Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were declared between 0.05&amp;lt; P &amp;lt; 0.10. At all four phases, there was no Diet effect on BW, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P &amp;gt; 0.12), except CT pigs consumed less (P = 0.04) feed during phase4. There was no Diet effect on Phase2 gain to feed ratio (G:F), but CT pigs had greater Phase1 and 4 G:F and smaller Phase 3 G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.04). From d 0 to 84, there were no Diet effects on ADG and ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.13), but CT pigs had greater (P = 0.02) G:F. celluTEIN carcasses tended to have greater (P = 0.09) weight and had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) dressing percent than control carcasses. There were no Diet effects for 10th or last rib fat thickness, but CT carcasses tended to have less (P = 0.07) first rib fat thickness. There were no Diet effects on loin eye area, National Pork Board (NPB) color score, Japanese color score, and L*, a*, and b* values (P &amp;gt; 0.24). celluTEIN carcasses had smaller NPB marbling and Japanese marbling color scores than control carcasses (P &amp;lt; 0.02). When supplemented to an increased protein diet, Saccharmyces yeast postbiotics improve feed conversion while positively affecting several important carcass measures.

219 Effect of stocking density on F1 gilt grow-finish performance

Abstract As replacement rates in the swine industry have increased, gilt development units have increased the number of females developed in the same allotted space. The impact of decreasing space is not well understood on the developing gilt. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate differences in grow-finish performance for developing gilts housed at different stocking densities. At 10 wk of age 824 F1 females (DNA L241, DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE) were randomly allotted to 12 pens per treatment of either 0.71 m2 (n = 360), 0.93 m2 (n = 264), or 1.25 m2 (n = 204). Body weights (BW) were individually collected at 10, 24, and 31 wk of age. Backfat and loin depth were measured using an Exxago Ultrasound between the 10th and 11th rib at 24 and 31 wk of age. Feed consumption was measured at the pen level using a Feed Logic system. Mortality date, reason, and BW were recorded throughout the grow-finish phase. At 10-wk of age, there was no significant difference in BW between the treatments. Differences in BW were observed between treatment 0.71 m2 at 119.3 kg compared with 0.93 m2 and 1.25 m2 at 123.4 kg and 125.6 kg, respectively (P &amp;lt; 0.01). All stocking densities were significantly different (P &amp;lt; 0.01) at 31 wk of age with 0.71 m2 at 142.4 kg, 0.93 m2 at 152.4 kg and 1.25 m2 at 156.5 kg. Backfat and loin depth were significantly different at 24 wk for 0.71 m2 compared with 0.93 m2 and 1.25 m2 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). At 31 wk of age, all treatments were significantly different for backfat with 0.71 m2 at 16.1 mm, 0.93 m2 at 18.0 mm and 1.25 m2 at 19.1 mm (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Feed conversion was not different across treatments from 71 d of age until 84 d of age and from 84 until 111 d of age. However, feed conversion was significantly different from 111 d until 167 d of age for 0.71 m2 at 3.83 compared with 1.25 m2 at 3.40 (P &amp;lt; 0.10). Mortality was not different between treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Gilts that were assigned to the least square foot treatment grew slower and had decreased backfat and loin depth. This could potentially impact the timing of the estrus detection and matings in the replacement gilt population. Overall, producers looking to improve the BW of females entering the breeding herd should evaluate increasing the space allotted per female in their gilt developer.

64 Effect of feeding intact protein from soybean meal instead of crystalline amino acids on growth performance, protein synthesis, and immune response of growing pigs

Abstract The objective was to test the hypothesis that feeding intact protein from soybean meal (SBM) instead of crystalline amino acids (AA) does not affect growth performance, protein synthesis, intestinal morphology, or immune response of growing pigs. A control corn-SBM diet was used. Three additional diets were formulated by reducing the inclusion rate of SBM and adding 3, 4, or 5 crystalline AA (i.e., Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val) to the diets, which resulted in reducing the protein concentration from 20.0% to 13.4%. All diets were formulated to meet requirements for standardized ileal digestible indispensable AA. A total of 176 pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 32.2 kg; SD = 4.2] were used. On d 1, 16 randomly chosen pigs were euthanized and body nutrient composition was determined. The remaining 160 pigs were allotted to the 4 diets using a randomized complete block design with 4 pigs per pen and 10 replicate pens per diet. Starting BW was the blocking factor. Individual pig BW and feed consumption were recorded. On d 28, one pig per pen was slaughtered and blood, carcass, and viscera were collected and analyzed for N, fat, and energy to calculate deposition in the body. Ileal mucosa, ileum and colon tissue and digesta were analyzed for blood characteristics, cytokines, tissue morphology, ammonia, and gene expression. Contrasts coefficients were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of reducing dietary protein. Results indicated that average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain to feed ratio, carcass characteristics, and protein, lipid, and energy depositions were not affected by reducing SBM and increasing crystalline AA in diets (Table 1). However, energy efficiency tended to decrease (quadratic, P = 0.083) by reducing dietary protein. Blood urea N was reduced (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.001) as dietary protein was reduced, but blood total protein was not affected by dietary treatment. Cytokines, ileal and jejunal morphologies, and gene abundance of AA transporters in the ileal mucosa were not affected by dietary protein. Ammonia concentrations in ileal digesta increased and then decreased (quadratic, P = 0.043) and colon digesta tended to increase and then decrease (quadratic, P = 0.074) as dietary protein was reduced. Bacteria protein in colon digesta was reduced (linear, P = 0.030) by reducing dietary protein. In conclusion, providing AA from intact protein from SBM or from crystalline AA did not affect growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune response of pigs. However, SBM in diets can provide energy that may be utilized more efficiently than energy from diets with less SBM and crystalline AA. Further research is suggested to elucidate if SBM improves utilization of other nutrients in diets for pigs.

111 Current and future usage of soybean meal in swine diets in China

Abstract The objective of this presentation was to introduce the utilization tendency and research progress of soybean meal (SBM) in swine diets in China. As for the utilization tendency of SBM in China, it not only brings great pressure to the food security of China, but also directly pushes the high production cost of animal products. In 2022, 117 million tons of protein feed was consumed by the animal husbandry in China, accounting for nearly 1/3 of the total protein feed consumption in the world. Thus, the application of low-protein diet has been promoted with the strong support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in China since 2018. With the related techniques, including popularizing low protein diet, developing new protein feed resources, promoting precise nutrition, and feeding technology, even though the compound feed output has increased by more than 84 million tons in 2022 in China, the SBM consumption in feed has reduced 6%. Recently, the geopolitical challenges, regional unrest and climate change tendency have increased the great uncertainty of protein feed supply, which requires us to deeply understand the significance of SBM reduction and substitution in animal feed. As for the research progress, the available energy contents of SBM were determined on growing pigs. Barrows [n = 24; initial body weight (BW) = 36 ± 1.4 kg] were randomly allotted to 4 diets containing SBM with either corn basal or corn-soybean meal basal, and total feces and urine collection method and indirect calorimetry method were used to determine the available energy of SBM. The results showed that the average digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy (NE), and retained energy (RE) values in SBM [17.36, 16.52, 10.62, and 5.06 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), respectively] determined using the corn-SBM-basal diet were not different from the those determined using the corn-basal diet. Moreover, the best fitted prediction equations developed based on 22 SBM samples produced from soybeans from China (n = 6), USA (n = 6), Brazil (n = 7) or Argentina (n = 3) were: DE = 38.44 - 0.43 CF - 0.98 GE + 0.11 ADF (R2 = 0.67, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and ME = 2.74 + 0.97 DE - 0.06 CP (R2 = 0.79, P &amp;lt; 0.01). The in vitro digestion kinetics of SBM from different sources showed that the release of amino acids in the 0-10 min time interval was significantly negatively correlated with the NE of SBM (R2 = -0.34).

PSIII-2 Evaluation of medium-chain fatty acids on just-weaned piglet performance and diarrhea scores: A nursery trial

Abstract Weaning is one of the most stressful events for commercial pigs. The transition from mother’s milk (animal proteins) to a solid diet based on plant proteins, the reduction in lactose intake and the decline in HCl secretion by the digestive system of the piglet result in a sudden and significant increase in stomach pH as well as an increased risk of post-weaning diarrhea. The aim of this trial was to evaluate whether the use of a blend of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) on top-off conventional nursery diets would improve zootechnical performance and intestinal problems in just-weaned piglets. Piglets [n = 624, 21-d of age, 6.5 kg body weight (BW), (♂ Fast Duroc x ♀ Fast 275)] were housed in 26 pens of an experimental nursery. Each pen (24 pigs/pen, with a starting density of 3.0 ft2/pig) was equipped with a height-adjustable water sucker, a water bowl and fitted with a single feeder-bin. Females and males were allocated to each pen, according to 3 BW categories (heavy, medium, and light). During a 46-d period of trial, the piglets (13 replicated pens per treatment) were allotted to a conventional 5 phases feeding program with 2 kg/MT of chlortetracycline (22%) and 400 g/MT of tiamuline (1.78%; CON). These basal diets contained 2,500 ppm Zn in Phases #1, 2, and only 2,000 ppm Zn in phase #3. Phases #1 to 3 were also supplemented with Ca-butyrate (1 kg/MT) and a blend of protected acidifiers (1 kg/MT). The treated group consisted to the basal diet (CON) supplemented with a blend of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) at 1.0 or 0.75 kg/MT for Phases #1, 2,3 and Phases #4, 5, respectively and supplying of a proprietary blend of caprylic, capric, and lauric acids. Daily feed consumption, weekly pig pen BW, dead and removed pigs and daily diarrhea evaluation index were completed. Data are analyzed by an ANOVA model including treatment and pen as fixed and random effects, respectively. Pairwise comparisons were completed with a Chi-square test. The overall results are presented in Table 1. At the end of wk 2 and 3, animals receiving MCFAs had a better average daily gain (ADG; P &amp;lt; 0.05) than CON. Therefore, at wk 2, 3 and 4, MCFAs animals BW were heavier than CON ones (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was not significantly different for the overall duration of the trial (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, at weeks 2 and 3, MCFAs piglets had a greater ADFI than CON ones (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The daily diarrhea index of the MCFAs group was less than CON at wk 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In this trial, the significant improvement of diarrhea index on just-weaned MCFAs treated piglets could explain the significant better growth during the first 3 wk of nursery.

48 Use of 4,500 FTU/kg of phytase on performance and blood parameters of finishing pigs

Abstract Phytase hyper-dosing is a recent concept in nutrition based on the use of high doses of the enzyme with growth promoting effect. Supplementary release of inosotol, rapid and strong destruction of phytic acid and other non-phosphoric effects are proposed mechanisms for the positive results found on pig growth. The hypothesis of this concept would be to accelerate this destruction of the phytate improving feed conversion ratio (FCR). A second hypothesis is that this increased destruction of the phytate may generate decreased concentrations of cortisol, because the inositol has insulin-like effects, reducing glycemy and reducing cortisol concentrations and FCR. To evaluate these hypotheses, two different studies were conducted, in Brazil and Mexico, using Quantum Blue (AB Vista) in two formulation strategies, Control Group - a dose and nutritional matrix of 750 FTU/kg; Hyper-dosing Group - a dose strategy of 4,500 FTU/kg (but with the same matrix of 750 FTU/kg). In the Brazilian evaluation (Trial 1 - RESTRICTED feed consumption trial), 364 animals/treatment were used, divided into 26 replications of 14 animals each (13 pens of males and 13 pens of females). In the Mexican evaluation (Trial 2 – NO restricted feed consumption trial), 400 animals/treatment were used, divided into 8 replications of 50 animals each, all animals used in this evaluation were males. In both studies, body weight gain, feed intake and FCR were evaluated. In the Brazilian study, in addition, the blood cortisol concentration of the animals was also evaluated. The data from each experiment were analyzed using the GLM platform (Minitab 18), and ANOVA used to assess differences on treatments (P ≤ 0.05). As presented in Table 1, in Trial 1, no differences were noted (P &amp;gt; 0,05) with the Hyper-dosing strategy for males; however, for females, this strategy improved (P ≤ 0.05) the FCR in Hyper-dosing Group versus Control Group. This difference in results between sexes can be explained by the feeding rate adopted in this experiment, which was similar for all animals (highly restrictive), what may have penalized some animals more because of the greater maintenance costs. The analysis of the blood parameters of these animals demonstrated a reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in cortisol concentrations, indicating that the use of phytase Hyper-dosing can be even better in situations of thermal or environmental stress. Also presented in Table 1, in the Mexican study the results were possible to observe a statistical trend (P ≤ 0.05 and &amp;gt; 0.10) for the use of the Hyper-dosing concept for FCR. In conclusion, the use of 4,500 FTU/kg of Quantum Blue in the last 30 d of finishing pigs helps to improve performance and reduce blood cortisol concentrations of these animals, especially in situations where the production efficiency rate is moderate.

138 Growth performance and physiological response of nursery pigs fed a high canola meal diet with acidifiers

Abstract This study investigated the impact of feed additives aimed at reducing gut pH on the growth performance and physiological responses of nursery pigs when fed a high canola meal (CM) diet. A total of 315 nursery pigs, 6.0 ± 1.2 kg body weight (BW), were allotted to one of five dietary treatments with 9 replicates (7 pigs/pen) in a randomized complete block design. Dietary treatments were PC: corn-soybean meal-based diet with 20% CM, NC: corn-soybean meal-based diet with 40% CM; NC+A: NC diet with acidifier at 1,500 ppm, NC+B: NC diet with encapsulated butyrate at 500 ppm, and NC+A+B: NC diet with acidifier and encapsulated butyrate. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements of NRC (2012). All pigs received a common Phase 1 nursery diet during week 1 following weaning. Experimental diets were provided in Phase 2 (wk 2 and 3) and Phase 3 (wk 4 to 6). Individual pig BW and pen feed consumption were measured for each phase to calculate growth performance. At the conclusion of each phase, blood samples were collected from one pig per pen for analysis of serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations. The selected pig was euthanized within 24 h, and its organ weights and pH of digesta were measured. The results were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS with the pen as an experimental unit. There was no difference in BW and average daily gain throughout the overall period. However, PC treatment exhibited greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily feed intake in phase 3 by 18.2% and overall period by 13.4% compared with NC treatment and no difference with NC+A+B treatment. The NC+A and NC+A+B treatments tended to improve (P ≤ 0.10) gain to feed ratio in phase 3 by 17.9% and overall period by 16.1% compared with PC treatment, respectively. At the end of phase 3, the PC treatment tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to have greater serum T4 concentrations compared with NC and NC+A treatments (3.2 vs 2.5 and 2.4 ug/dL, respectively), whereas there was no difference between PC and NC+A+B treatments. In phase 3, the thyroid gland weight for PC treatment was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than for NC treatment (0.156 vs 0.202 g/kg), whereas there was no difference among PC, NC+B, and NC+A+B treatments. In phase 3, dietary encapsulated butyrate decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the pH of jejunal digesta compared with PC treatment (6.28 vs 7.01), and dietary encapsulated butyrate treatments (NC+B and NC+A+B) tended to decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.10) the pH of hind-colonic digesta compared with the pH of PC treatment by 6.2% and 7.2%. In conclusion, dietary encapsulated butyrate in combination with acidifier may alleviate thyroid dysfunction that is anti-nutritional effect of high canola meal diets.

271 The effects of supplementing diets with 25-OH-D3, with or without increased vitamin E, on the performance of nursery pigs

Abstract A total of 1,440 pigs (Camborough × line 800, PIC Canada) were weaned [(20 d of age, 5.5 kg body weight (BW)] and used to compare the effects of 3 dietary fortification strategies for vitamin D and vitamin E, specifically, on growth performance from d 0 to 42 post-weaning. The 3 vitamin fortification strategies were fed over 3 dietary phases; d 0 to 7 (P1), d 7 to 21 (P2), and d 21 to 42 (P3); and consisted of 1) Control (C), “industry-type” diet that met or exceeded NRC (2012) requirement estimates for each diet phase with 1,500 IU vitamin D3 and 70 IU vitamin E/kg diet; 2) HyD, C with 50 μg 25-OH-D3 added per kg diet; and 3) HyD+E, HyD with 140 IU vitamin E/kg diet. There were 16 pens of 28 to 32 pigs allotted to each fortification strategy in a RCBD based on initial BW. Pens were weighed and feed consumption for each was recorded weekly, and average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed to gain (F/G) were calculated for each week, diet phase, and the overall period. During P1, ADFI was greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05, 137 g/d) for pigs fed HyD, and pigs fed HyD or HyD+E had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG compared with C (117, 110, and 103 g/d, respectively). Pigs fed HyD were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05, 6.37 kg) on d 7 compared with pigs fed C (6.27 kg), with pigs fed HyD+E intermediate (6.31 kg), but there were no differences in F/G during P1. During P2, ADFI was greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05, 502 g/d) for pigs fed HyD, and pigs fed HyD or HyD+E had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG compared with C (419, 412, and 401 g/d, respectively). Pigs fed HyD or HyD+E were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 21 compared with pigs fed C (12.22, 12.13, and 11.91 kg, respectively), but there were no differences in F/G during P2. There were no differences in growth performance during P3 or overall (d 0 to 42). Nevertheless, in conclusion, performance differences during P1 and P2 resulted in pigs fed HyD or HyD+E having numerically greater BW (+0.34 kg) and Income-Over-Feed-Cost (+CA $0.31/pig) on d 42 when compared with pigs fed C.

105 Water quality analysis and flow rate comparison between wean-finish swine barns

Abstract Water is an essential nutrient to sustain life and a vital component of biological functioning, impacting regulation of pig body temperature along with transporting nutrients to the body. Drinker availability, position, design, water flow rate and pressure, and water quality are major components of pig water intake. The ideal water flow rate for wean-to-finish pigs is 1 L m-1. Excessive flow rates could limit pig water intake and increase humidity in the barn, while too little water flow can lead to a decrease in water intake and biological functioning of the pig. Water should not contain harmful substances and should be readily accessible to pigs. Compounds in water are highly variable depending on region, water source, and pH. Quality of water influences feed consumption along with pig health. Water can contain a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, and protozoa; while not all microorganisms are harmful a highly contaminated water analysis is an index of poor water quality. In this study water quality and water flow rates were analyzed across five wean-finish sites comprising 16 barns for three turns of finishing pigs. Water flow rates were measured twice per turn, wk 1 and wk 17. Each barn contained 36 pens and flow rate measurements were collected in 8 pens evenly distributed within the barn. One suspended water source was available per pen, with two nipple drinkers per water source. Water flow rates were averaged over each turn within barns. Average water flow rates were 1.42 L m-1 with standard deviation of 0.44 L m-1. Overall barn water flow rates ranged from 0.78 to 2.19 L m-1. Barn flow rates were compared over time to evaluate performance and maintenance of facilities. Water quality samples were also collected and submitted for standard water analysis. Results will provide information on management strategies to assess water quality and water flow rates in wean-finish facilities.