Feed Conversion Ratio Of Pigs Research Articles

Effects of low protein diet with a balanced amino acid pattern on growth performance, meat quality and cecal microflora of finishing pigs.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of low protein diets balanced with four amino acids on growth performance, meat quality and cecal microflora of finishing pigs. Fifty-four healthy hybrid barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average body weight of 70.12 ± 4.03 kg were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments with six replicate pens per treatment (three barrows per pen). The three dietary treatments included a normal protein diet (NP), a low protein diet (LP) and a very low protein diet (VLP). The average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of pigs were not significantly changed with the LP and VLP diets compared to the NP diet (P > 0.05). The water holding capacity and shear force of longissimus dorsi muscle were decreased, whereas the intramuscular fat content of the longissimus dorsi muscle was increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed with the LP and VLP diets compared to the NP diet. The contents of saturated fatty acids in muscle were decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in muscle was increased (P < 0.01) with the VLP diet compared to the NP diet. The contents of histamine, spermidine, spermine and tyramine of muscle were decreased with the VLP diet compared to the NP diet (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Turicibacter, Terrisporobacter, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and UCG-005 was higher (P < 0.05), whereas the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed with the LP and VLP diets compared to the NP diet. Based on the correlation of cecal microbiota and cecal biogenic amine, the contents of tyramine, spermidine and histamine were negatively correlated with the abundance of Terrisporobacter (P < 0.01) and the content of histamine was positively correlated with the abundance of Lactobacillus (P < 0.01). Balanced with four essential amino acids, the VLP diet with crude protein levels decreased by > 4% increased the intramuscular fat content, changed the fatty acid and amino acid composition of longissimus dorsi muscle and the profile of cecum microbiota, and reduced the content of cecum bioamine, with no negative effect on the growth performance of pigs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Apparatus for ammonia removal in livestock farms based on copper hexacyanoferrate granules

Ammonia generated by livestock is a source of strong odour and pollution. In livestock management, ammonia negatively impacts not only animal health, but also productivity. A large-capacity and high-selectivity ammonia adsorbent that can be regenerated with water or dilute acids has been previously developed. In this study, ammonia adsorption and adsorbent regeneration apparatuses using this adsorbent are constructed and tested for ammonia removal in a pig house. The ammonia adsorption apparatus adsorbed approximately 0.36 mol of ammonia per hour, and the adsorbent regeneration apparatus desorbed approximately 75% of ammonia adsorbed to the saturated adsorbent over four days. These systems allowed ammonia concentration and temperature to be controlled in closed pigpens, and their effectiveness was verified by rearing 20 pigs in a 21.6 m 2 pigpen. In winter, the ammonia concentration in the experimental area was suppressed to 10 ppmv or less, even with low ventilation, and was 4–7 °C warmer than the open control area. As a result, the average daily weight gain of the pigs increased by approximately 9% and 7% compared to those of pigs in the closed and open control areas, respectively. In summer, the ammonia concentration was 45–70% lower than that of the closed control area. The feed conversion ratio of pigs in the research area was approximately 6% and 9% lower than those of pigs in the closed and open control areas, respectively. • New system regenerate 75% of the adsorbent in four days. • Ammonia concentration of low-ventilation pigpens decreased to ≤10 ppmv in winter. • Ammonia concentration reduced by 45–70% relative to a closed area in summer. • Average daily gain of pigs increased by 9% compared to the control in winter.

Genome-wide association and transcriptome studies identify candidate genes and pathways for feed conversion ratio in pigs

BackgroundThe feed conversion ratio (FCR) is an important productive trait that greatly affects profits in the pig industry. Elucidating the genetic mechanisms underpinning FCR may promote more efficient improvement of FCR through artificial selection. In this study, we integrated a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with transcriptome analyses of different tissues in Yorkshire pigs (YY) with the aim of identifying key genes and signalling pathways associated with FCR.ResultsA total of 61 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected by GWAS in YY. All of these SNPs were located on porcine chromosome (SSC) 5, and the covered region was considered a quantitative trait locus (QTL) region for FCR. Some genes distributed around these significant SNPs were considered as candidates for regulating FCR, including TPH2, FAR2, IRAK3, YARS2, GRIP1, FRS2, CNOT2 and TRHDE. According to transcriptome analyses in the hypothalamus, TPH2 exhibits the potential to regulate intestinal motility through serotonergic synapse and oxytocin signalling pathways. In addition, GRIP1 may be involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic signalling pathways, which regulate FCR by affecting appetite in pigs. Moreover, GRIP1, FRS2, CNOT2, and TRHDE may regulate metabolism in various tissues through a thyroid hormone signalling pathway.ConclusionsBased on the results from GWAS and transcriptome analyses, the TPH2, GRIP1, FRS2, TRHDE, and CNOT2 genes were considered candidate genes for regulating FCR in Yorkshire pigs. These findings improve the understanding of the genetic mechanisms of FCR and may help optimize the design of breeding schemes.

Response of growing pigs to different evaporative cooling systems

Study was conducted for seven weeks to compare the response of growing pigs to shower and wallow cooling systems. Growing cross breeds of Landrace x Large White pigs (weight 20-25kg) were used. Treatment 1, 2 and 3 were pigs without shower/wallow (control), pigs on wallow and pigs under shower, respectively. Forty-eight pigs comprising four pigs/replicate were replicated four times to the three treatments in a completely randomized design. The shower was activated for 5 minutes every hour from 11am to 5pm. During the period, the performance response, physiological parameter, temperature humidity indexes, microbiological and behavioral response of the growing pigs were observed. Significant differences were observed in the final weight of pigs in T3 (49.50 kg) compared to pigs in T1 (46.75 kg) and T2 (46.00kg). Although, pigs in T1 had the highest significant feed intake of 14.15kg compared to 10.81 kg and 10.38 kg that were observed for pigs in T2 and T3 respectively, the feed conversion ratio of pigs in T3 (3.82) was better. The temperature humidity index in the pen suggested that the pigs were at intense heat stress, thus requiring cooling (THI ranged from 81.12 to 86.39). The respiratory rate of the pigs ranged from approximately 41 min-1 to 51 min0-1 while the weekly rectal temperatures ranged from 37.3°C to 39.4°C in all the treatments. The microbial analysis of the water in wallow and shower showed an increase in microbial population to be 26.0 x 104±3.54 and 12.0 x 104±1.32 while the fungi populations were 2.0 x 104±0.86 and 1.0.x 104±0.57 respectively. Pigs in T1 were found to exhibit more habitual lateral lying position, increased frequency of visiting water trough and defecating in resting areas. Huddling, defecating in wallow and frequency of using wallow was predominant in T2 pigs. It can be concluded that pigs in wallows may be more predisposed to infectious diseases due to high microbial load, however, pigs under shower responded positively to cooling via improved performance.

Response of growing pigs to different evaporative cooling systems

Study was conducted for seven weeks to compare the response of growing pigs to shower and wallow cooling systems. Growing cross breeds of Landrace x Large White pigs (weight 20-25kg) were used. Treatment 1, 2 and 3 were pigs without shower/wallow (control), pigs on wallow and pigs under shower, respectively. Forty-eight pigs comprising four pigs/replicate were replicated four times to the three treatments in a completely randomized design. The shower was activated for 5 minutes every hour from 11am to 5pm. During the period, the performance response, physiological parameter, temperature humidity indexes, microbiological and behavioral response of the growing pigs were observed. Significant differences were observed in the final weight of pigs in T3 (49.50 kg) compared to pigs in T1 (46.75 kg) and T2 (46.00kg). Although, pigs in T1 had the highest significant feed intake of 14.15kg compared to 10.81 kg and 10.38 kg that were observed for pigs in T2 and T3 respectively, the feed conversion ratio of pigs in T3 (3.82) was better. The temperature humidity index in the pen suggested that the pigs were at intense heat stress, thus requiring cooling (THI ranged from 81.12 to 86.39). The respiratory rate of the pigs ranged from approximately 41 min-1 to 51-1 min while the weekly rectal temperatures ranged from 37.3°C to 39.4°C in all the treatments. The microbial analysis of the water in wallow and shower showed an increase in microbial population to be 26.0 x 104 ± 3.54 and 12.0 x 104 ±1.32 while the fungi populations were 2.0 x 104 ± 0.86 and 1.0 x 104 ± 0.57 respectively. Pigs in T1 were found to exhibit more habitual lateral lying position, increased frequency of visiting water trough and defecating in resting areas. Huddling, defecating in wallow and frequency of using wallow was predominant in T2 pigs. It can be concluded that pigs in wallows may be more predisposed to infectious diseases due to high microbial load, however, pigs under shower responded positively to cooling via improved performance

Effect of deep bedding floor and fermented feed supplement on productive performance, carcase, meat quality and fatty acid profile of crossbred pigs

This study determined the effects of deep bedding floor and fermented feed supplement on the growth performance, carcase, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of crossbred pigs. Thirty-two ((Thai native × Meishan) × Duroc) crossbreds were organised in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. Factor A was a deep bedding floor (DB) or solid bedding of concrete floor (SB). Factor B was a feed type of concentrate feed supplemented with a fresh banana stem (BF + CON) or fermented banana stem (FF + CON). Growth performance, carcase traits, chemical composition, meat quality, and fatty acid profile were determined. The final weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of pigs reared on SB were significantly higher than those of pigs raised on DB. The backfat thickness and loin eye area of SB pork were also higher than those of DB pork (p < .05). Feed type had an effect on the percentage of rib, fat content, and TBARS on days 0, 1, and 3. FF + CON feed were lower, but shear force value and a grilling loss percentage of FF + CON were higher than those of BF + CON. The effect of the interaction between floor and feed types was found in the belly of four lean cut and rib percentage, fat content, and pH value in the longissimus dorsi muscle at 24 h and TBARS on Days 0, 1, 3, and 7 (p < .05). Pigs on the DB floor showed inferior carcase composition but slightly better meat quality than pigs raised on SB. HIGHLIGHTS Pigs on the concrete floor performed better than pigs on the deep bedding floor regarding final weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. The pork of pigs fed fermented banana stem showed lower lipid peroxidation that that of pigs fed fresh banana stem. Floor-type and feed type had no effect on the fatty acid profile of pork.

Genome Regulation and Gene Interaction Networks Inferred From Muscle Transcriptome Underlying Feed Efficiency in Pigs

Improvement of feed efficiency (FE) is key for Sustainability and cost reduction in pig production. Our aim was to characterize the muscle transcriptomic profiles in Danbred Duroc (Duroc; n = 13) and Danbred Landrace (Landrace; n = 28), in relation to FE for identifying potential biomarkers. RNA-seq data on the 41 pigs was analyzed employing differential gene expression methods, gene-gene interaction and network analysis, including pathway and functional analysis. We also compared the results with genome regulation in human exercise data, hypothesizing that increased FE mimics processes triggered in exercised muscle. In the differential expression analysis, 13 genes were differentially expressed, including: MRPS11, MTRF1, TRIM63, MGAT4A, KLH30. Based on a novel gene selection method, the divergent count, we performed pathway enrichment analysis. We found five significantly enriched pathways related to feed conversion ratio (FCR). These pathways were mainly related to mitochondria, and summarized in the mitochondrial translation elongation (MTR) pathway. In the gene interaction analysis, the most interesting genes included the mitochondrial genes: PPIF, MRPL35, NDUFS4 and the fat metabolism and obesity genes: AACS, SMPDL3B, CTNNBL1, NDUFS4, and LIMD2. In the network analysis, we identified two modules significantly correlated with FCR. Pathway enrichment of module genes identified MTR, electron transport chain and DNA repair as enriched pathways. The network analysis revealed the mitochondrial gene group NDUF as key network hub genes, showing their potential as biomarkers. Results show that genes related to human exercise were enriched in identified FCR related genes. We conclude that mitochondrial activity is a key driver for FCR in muscle tissue, and mitochondrial genes could be potential biomarkers for FCR in pigs.

Effects of nano mineral-supplemented diet on pig growth

This paper examined the effects of nano mineral supplementation of diets on the growth of pigs. The total of 180 pigs used for this study were classified into 4 experimental groups and one control group. The results showed that the weight of pigs at the beginning and the end of the experiment was insignificantly different between experimantal and control groups. The same daily gain weight was observed between experimental and control groups. However, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of four experimental groups I, II, III and IV is 3.00 ± 0.28, 2.95 ± 0.11, 2.85 ± 0.19 and 2.90 ± 0.24, respectively, that were lower than of the control groups, i.e. 3.17 ± 0.42. The mineral content of Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn in liver of pigs in all the experimental groups is lower than that in liver of pigs in the control group. In addition, the amount of Fe and Zn metal in urine and feces of the experimental groups is also lower than in the control group. The results of our study showed that the addition of nano minerals in diets for pigs not only reduced the feed conversion ratio in pigs, also decreased the amount of minerals releasing into the environment.

Impact of reduced dietary crude protein levels and phytase enzyme supplementation on growth response, slurry characteristics, and gas emissions of growing pigs.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of reduced dietary crude protein (CP) levels supplemented with or without exogenous phytase on growing pigs. Six dietary treatments arranged in a 3×2 factorial arrangements of 3 CP levels (containing 14%, 16%, and 18% CP) supplemented each with or without 5,000FTU/g phytase enzyme. Thirty growing pigs (average weight of 17.80±0.10kg) were allotted to the six dietary treatments in a complete randomized design. The final weight, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased significantly with increasing CP levels. While, phytase supplementation improved (p=.044) FCR in pigs. Total solid and volatile solid content of the slurry were higher (p=.001) in pigs fed 14% and 16% CP diets supplemented with phytase when compared with other treatment groups. Concentration of methane gas emitted was lowest (p=.001) in the slurry of pigs fed 14% CP diet with or without phytase and those fed 16% CP diet with phytase supplementation. In conclusion, reduction in dietary CP levels resulted in reduced weight gain and poor FCR. While, reduced CP with phytase supplementation reduced concentration of methane gas emitted.

Bayesian model combining linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis for low density-based genomic selection in animal breeding

ABSTRACTWe combined linkage (LA) and linkage disequilibrium (LDA) analyses (emerging the term ‘LALDA’) for genomic selection (GS) purposes. The models were fitted to a simulated dataset and to a real data of feed conversion ratio in pigs. Firstly, the significant QTLs (quantitative trait locus) were identified through LA-based mixed models considering the QTL-genotypes as random effects by means of genotypic identity by descent matrix. This matrix was calculated at the positions of significant QTLs (based on LA) allowing to include the QTL-genotype effects additionally to SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers (based on LDA) and additive polygenic effects in several GS models (Bayesian Ridge Regression – BRR; Bayes A – BA; Bayes B – BB; Bayes C – BC and Bayesian LASSO – BL). These models combing all mentioned effects were denominated LALDA. Goodness-of-fit and predictive ability analyses were performed to evaluate the efficiency of these models. For the real data, although slightly, the superiority of the LALDA models was verified in comparison to traditional LDA models for GS. For the simulated dataset, the models presented similar results. For both LDA and LALDA frameworks, BA showed the best fitting through Deviance Information Criterion and higher predictive ability in the simulated and real datasets.

Fatores que afetam o desempenho de suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar e quantificar, por meio de modelos de regressão linear múltipla, os fatores de produção que afetam o consumo diário de ração e a conversão alimentar de suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação, em granjas integradas a uma cooperativa. Foram avaliados os históricos produtivos de 690 lotes, que representavam aproximadamente 363 mil animais alojados entre 2010 e 2013 em 118 granjas vinculadas a uma cooperativa do Estado do Paraná. Foram considerados 44 fatores de produção relacionados a instalações, manejo, sanidade, genética e alimentação. O consumo diário de ração (CDR) foi menor nos lotes oriundos de granjas com árvores nas laterais dos galpões e naqueles formados apenas por fêmeas. Já a conversão alimentar (CA) foi melhor para os lotes provenientes de granjas com árvores nas laterais dos galpões, alojados no verão/outono, oriundos de granjas edificadas em alvenaria e que apresentavam composteira e unidades especializadas produtoras de leitões. Os pesos de entrada e de saída dos lotes influenciaram o CDR, e o peso de entrada e a duração do período de engorda, a CA. Os modelos de regressão linear múltipla possibilitam identificar variáveis de importância e estimar seus efeitos sobre a conversão alimentar e o consumo diário de ração de suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação.

Detection of SNP effects on feed conversion ratio in pigs based on entropy approach

The objectives of the study were to classify SNPs according to their contribution to the feed conversion ratio and to indicate interactions between the most informative SNPs using entropy analysis. The records of 1296 pigs were included. Two selection criteria for molecular data were applied: call rate 0.95 and minor allele frequency 0.05. After this, 50 951 SNPs were included into the entropy analysis. For each SNP entropy and conditional entropy were estimated. For interaction analyses the most informative SNPs were selected. For each pair of SNPs, the mutual information was assessed. A majority of the loci studied showed relatively small contributions. The most informative SNPs are mainly located on chromosomes: 1, 4, 7, 9 and 14. Whereas important interactions between SNP pairs were detected on chromosomes: 1, 14, 15 and 16. High mutual information was registered for SNPs located nearby.

Factors affecting the daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio of pigs in grow-finishing units: the case of a company.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to use mathematical modeling to identify and quantify the main factors that affect daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in grow-finishing (GF) pig units. We evaluated the production records of 93 GF farms between 2010 and 2013, linked to a company, working in a cooperative system, located in western Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 683 batches, consisting of approximately 495,000 animals, were used. Forty production factors related to the management, health, plant and equipment, nutrition, genetics and environment were considered. The number of pigs per pen, type of feeder, origin and sex (the last two variables were combined in the models) of the animals and initial and final body weights were included in the final models to predict DFI and FCR (dependent variables). Additionally, the duration of the GF phase was included for the parameter FCR. All factors included in the final models had significant effects for both dependent variables.ResultsThere was a reduction in DFI (0.04 kg) (P < 0.001) and an improvement in FCR (6.0 points) (P < 0.001) in batches from pens with less than 20 animals compared with batches from pens with more than 20 animals. In barns with “other” feeder types (mostly the linear dump type) different of conical semiautomatic feeder, a reduction of DFI (0.03 kg) (P < 0.05) and improved FCR (3.0 points) (P < 0.05) were observed. Batches of barrows from units specialized for producing piglets (SPU) had higher DFI (approximately 0.02 kg) (P < 0.01) than batches of females and batches of mixed animals from SPU, and batches of mixed animals from farms not specialized for piglet production (farrow-to-finish farms). Batches of females from SPU and mixed batches from SPU had better FCR (5.0 and 3.0 points respectively) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) than batches of piglets originating from farrow-to-finish farms. The variables selected for the final models explained approximately 50 and 64 % of the total variance in DFI and FCR, respectively.ConclusionsThe models are tools for the interpretation of the factors related to the evaluated parameters, aiding in the identification of critical aspects of production. The main parameters affecting DFI and FCR in this company during the GF period were the number of pigs per pen, the type of feeder used and the combination origin-sex of the animals.

Effects of Aspergillus niger fermented rapeseed meal on nutrient digestibility, growth performance and serum parameters in growing pigs.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influences of Aspergillus niger fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. A total of 72 growing pigs (body weight = 40.8 ± 2.1 kg) were used in feeding trials, lasting for up to 42 days, and were randomly allotted to one of three diets, including a corn-soybean meal control diet as well as two experimental diets containing 10% unfermented rapeseed meal (RSM) or 10% FRSM. The results showed that average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of pigs fed FRSM were superior (P < 0.05) to that of pigs fed unfermented RSM and did not differ from the control. Pigs fed control diet had higher (P < 0.05) total tract apparent digestibility for dry matter, protein, calcium and phosphorus than pigs fed unfermented RSM diet and did not differ from the FRSM diet. Pigs fed FRSM had lower levels (P < 0.05) of serum aspartate transaminase compared to unfermented RSM. In conclusion, solid state fermentation using Aspergillus niger may improve the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of RSM for pigs and FRSM is a promising alternative protein for pig production.

Sarcoptic mange infestation in pigs: an overview.

Sarcoptic mange infestation in pigs is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis. It is the most common mange infestation of pigs. The parasite is distributed worldwide. Pig owners are generally concerned about the internal parasitic infections and ignored the external parasitic infestations. But the external parasitic infestation with S. scabiei var. suis has economic significance as it causes morbidity, mortality, decreased fertility and feed conversion ratio in pigs. Keeping in view of importance of S. scabies var. suis infestation in pigs, this communication discussed about the present and past research works done on S. scabies var. suis infestation in pigs, particularly its prevalence, life cycle, pathological lesions, clinical symptoms, haematobiochemical changes, diagnosis, treatment and control, to have an idea about this infestation at a glance. It has been concluded that the research work done on sarcoptic mange infestation in pigs in India is less in comparison to other countries. It may be due to its consideration as a neglected parasite or due to it's under report. Organization of awareness programs for the farmers by extension personalities or other authorities might be able to save the farmers from economic losses due to this infestation.

Effect of dietary Bacillus subtilis on proportion of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in swine intestine and lipid metabolism

The ratio of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes bacterial groups in the gut can affect the ability to absorb nutrients. We investigated the effect of probiotic Bacillus subtilis supplementation of diets on growth performance, fat deposition, blood lipids, copy numbers, and percentage of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in cecal contents, as well as mRNA expression of key lipid metabolism enzymes in the liver and adipose tissue of finishing pigs. Twenty-four Duroc x Meishan crossbreed 8-week-old pigs (10.28 ± 0.59 kg) were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments: maize-soybean meal-based diets with B. subtilis (probiotic group) and without B. subtilis (control group). The probiotic diet led to a significant increase in the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of pigs weighing 10 to 110 kg. The mean backfat depth was increased while leaf lard weights were decreased by probiotic supplementation. Ingestion of probiotics decreased the serum triglyceride and glucose concentrations, but did not change the levels of total cholesterol and free fatty acids in the serum. The mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACCα) in the liver were down-regulated by the dietary probiotic supplement. Conversely, the gene expressions of FAS and ACCα in the adipose tissue increased. The probiotic diet decreased the copy numbers and percentage of Bacteroidetes, while it increased the percentage of Firmicutes in the cecal contents. We conclude that the addition of B. subtilis improves growth performance and up-regulates lipid metabolism in subcutaneous fat of finishing pigs. We conclude that B. subtilis affects lipid metabolism through regulation of the proportion of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the gut.

Desempenho de leitões submetidos a diferentes níveis de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína do ovo desidratado

This study aimed to determine the average daily weight gain, daily feed intake and the feed conversion ratio of pigs in initial phase (15 to 30 kg of weight) fed with four different levels of substitution (0, 3, 6 and 9%) of soybean meal protein by dehydrated egg protein. Thirty-two pigs (16 castrated males and 16 females) were used in a completely randomized blocks statistical design, with four treatments and four repetitions each; the experimental unit was composed by a male and a female. The treatments were 0, 3, 6 and 9% of dehydrated egg protein in replacement of soybean meal protein. The data obtained were subjected to linear regression for the levels 3, 6 and 9% of dehydrated egg; the witness (0%) was compared with the other treatments applying Dunnett’s test at 5% probability. The replacement levels of soybean meal protein by dehydrated egg protein did not influence the performance variables of the animals in the initial phase, up to 9%. However, when evaluating the cost-benefit ratio, the control treatment was the most profitable one.

Effect of Montmorillonite Superfine Composite on Growth Performance and Tissue Lead Level in Pigs

A feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of montmorillonite superfine composite (MSC) on growth performance and tissue lead levels in pigs. Sixty barrows were randomly divided into two groups. They were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0 or 0.5% MSC, respectively, for 100 days. Serum samples were collected and analyzed to study growth hormone secretion pattern. The mean lead concentration in selected tissues was analyzed. The results showed that average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of pigs were improved by 8.97% (p < 0.05), 3.90% (p < 0.05), and 4.76% (p < 0.05), respectively, with the supplementation of MSC compared to the control group. Serum sample analysis indicated that peak amplitude, base-line level, and mean level of growth hormone were increased by 117.14% (p < 0.01), 42.78% (p < 0.01), and 51.75% (p < 0.01), respectively. Supplementation of MSC in the diet was found to significantly reduce lead concentration of tissues in blood, brain, liver, bone, kidney and hair.

Effect of Supplemental Lanthanum on the Growth Performance of Pigs

A feeding trial was conducted on pigs to study the effect of La on their growth performance. Sixty barrows were randomly assigned to two groups (each of which included three replicates) and they were fed same basal diet supplemented with 0 or 100 mg/kg lanthanum (La) respectively for 30 d. Blood samples were collected and analyzed to study the growth hormone secretion pattern. La residues in selected organs were analyzed to test the safety level. The results showed that average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of pigs were increased by 12.95% (p<0.05) and 6.78% (p<0.05) respectively with the supplementation of La. Blood samples analysis showed that peak amplitude, base-line level and mean level of growth hormone in serum were elevated by 80.42% (p<0.05), 70.99% (p<0.05) and 64.91% (p<0.05) respectively. No significant difference of La residues was found in selected organs between the control and La-treated group. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 9 : 1360-1363)

Faba beans in diets for growing-finishing pigs

Two experiments were carried out to study the effects of using the new faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivar Kontu as a domestic protein source for growing-finishing pigs.In Experiment 1,120 pigs were used with a body weight (BW)of 25–110 kg to study the effects of replacing 0, 25, 50, 75,and 100%of rapeseed meal with faba beans in barley +rapeseed meal based diets. Restrictedly fed grower and finisher diets contained 137–317 and 114–260 g kg–1 faba beans, respectively. A barley +soya bean meal based diet was included as a control. The replacement of rapeseed meal with faba beans exerted a quadratic effect on daily weight gain and on the feed conversion ratio of pigs in the growing period and during total fattening (P