Feed Intake Research Articles

203 The relationship between potentiated zinc oxide and monovalent copper in a dietary administration for weanling piglets

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate different dietary level of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) supplementation according to European and non-European levels on the health and performance of pigs 14 d after weaning. A total of 120 piglets [initial body weight = 7.14 ± 0.92 kg] were divided into 4 experimental treatments: positive control (PC, 2,500 ppm of Zn, ZnO) and 3 treatments in which Zn and Cu were added through potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to different European and non-European levels of inclusion: EU (120 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu), non-EU+ (300 ppm of Zn; 200 ppm of Cu) and non-EU- (300 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu). Growth performance, serum Zn and Cu concentrations, fecal score, blood biomarkers of intestinal integrity, and fecal microbial composition were examined and analyzed using GLM and MIXED procedures of SAS. Fecal samples at 14 d were collected and the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S gene were sequenced in one Illumina MiSeq run. Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and (feed efficiency (FE) were not affected by the experimental treatments. The fecal score suggests that during the first 14d, the consistency of the feces tended (P < 0.10) to be less in the three treatment groups while in PC, the greatest concentration of Zn favored a better fecal consistency. The initial serum Zn and Cu concentrations were similar for all dietary treatment groups. After 14 d, serum Zn concentration was significantly greater in PC (15.71 ± 6.25 µg/L, P < 0.05). No differences were highlighted in serum Zn concentration among the other 3 treatment groups. Serum Cu concentrations revealed statistically significant results (P < 0.05) on 14 d after weaning in EU, non-EU+ and non-EU- groups, showing greater concentrations of Cu (17.65 ± 5.49 µmol/L, 17.73± 3.46 µmol/L 18.33 ± 4.13 µmol/L, respectively) compared with PC (11.87 ± 3.60 µmol/L). These results suggested that the EU level of inclusion of both potentiated Zn and monovalent Cu is enough to reach the same Cu and Zn plasma concentrations of non-EU treatments. Plasma DAO was negatively (P < 0.05) affected in non-EU-. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla in fecal microbiome. Non-EU- contributed to a significant decrease in biodiversity in fecal microbiota as depicted with Shannon for diversity and Simpson for evenness indexes (P < 0.05). In fecal samples, the presence of genera linked to a greater disruption of the gut barrier (Escherichia-Shigella) was depicted in non-EU- group, indicating significant modifications of the microbial community. These results suggest the need for a balanced supplementation of Cu and Zn through more bioavailable sources. The use of potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to European levels could represent a valid strategy to enhance weanling piglets gut health and to reduce the environmental impact.

288 Effects of increasing water concentrations of oregano essential oil supplementation for lactating sows

Abstract The use of essential oils as a supplement for sows has gained attention in recent years to potentially improve sow and litter performance. Sows (n = 182; avg. lactation length = 19.8 d) were blocked by parity, genetics, estimated farrowing date, and randomly allotted to one of four treatments when entering the farrowing barn. Treatments included: control, 0 mL, (CON, n = 46), 31 mL (L-OEO, n = 45), 47 mL (M-OEO, n = 46), or 63 mL (H-OEO, n = 45) of oregano oil (OEO; Ecodiar Liquid, Nutrinae, Palo Alto, CA) per liter of dosing water with medicators set at 1:128 dilution. Sows were fed a corn-soybean meal-DDGS based lactation diet that met or exceeded NRC (2012) requirements. Sow body weight (BW) was recorded upon entry, 2 d post-farrowing, and weaning. Sow backfat depth (BF) and loin muscle depth (LD) ultrasound measurements, body condition score (BCS), and Knauer sow caliper measurements were collected upon entry and weaning. Sow average daily feed intake (ADFI) was recorded daily 1-wk post-farrowing, then weekly until weaning. Sow water intake was recorded daily (DWI). Individual piglet BW were recorded d 1, d 7, and weaning. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed procedure in SAS 9.4 with treatment and rep as fixed effects, parity class (P1, P2/P3, P4+) as a covariate, and individual sow as a random effect. Lactation length and number of piglets weaned were used as covariates for weaning data. Linear, quadratic, and cubic contrasts were analyzed among treatments. Litter scouring and medication rates were analyzed using chi-square analysis in the Proc Freq procedure in SAS 9.4. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and trend at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Week 3 lactation sow ADFI increased for L-OEO and H-OEO treatments but decreased for M-OEO compared with CON sows (CON: 7.29 kg/d, L-OEO: 7.60 kg/d, M-OEO: 7.03 kg/d, H-OEO: 7.55 kg/d; cubic; P = 0.0427). No differences were observed among treatments in overall lactation ADFI, DWI, changes in BF, LD, BCS, and piglet and litter growth performance. Sow BW change tended to decline and then increased as OEO increased in the water (CON: -8.79 kg, L-OEO: -6.36 kg, M-OEO: -8.03 kg, H-OEO: -10.52 kg; quadratic, P = 0.0640). There was a cubic tendency for OEO supplementation to reduce loss of caliper measurement (CON: -1.91, L-OEO: -0.98, M-OEO: -1.68, H-OEO: -1.00; P = 0.0598). Percentage of piglets treated with medications for various health issues decreased in the H-OEO supplemented group compared with the L-OEO and M-OEO supplemented groups, with CON group being intermediate and not different (CON: 7.01%, L-OEO: 9.35%, M-OEO: 9.91%, H-OEO: 4.15%; P = 0.0322). Overall, there were no significant impacts of OEO supplementation on sow and litter performance in this study. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of OEO in health-challenged sows and litters and the long-term effects of OEO on piglets post-weaning.

PSI-19 Growth performance of weaned pigs fed Jerusalem Artichoke tubers

Abstract Recent studies have shown that prebiotics have been able to positively affect growth of beneficial bacteria, indices of gut health, and growth performance in pigs. This type of research is important to identify alternative methods for maintaining herd health other than antimicrobial usage. Jerusalem Artichoke tubers were chosen due to their relatively greater amount of inulin (~60%) compared with other prebiotic crops (i.e., chicory pulp - ~20% inulin). The objective of this work was to evaluate growth performance of weaned pigs fed Jerusalem Artichoke tubers. Sixty-four pigs approximately 21 d of age, weighing 6 kg each were used to test four dietary treatments with four pens per treatment (two barrows and two gilts per pen). Dietary treatments were randomly allocated to pens following a completely randomized design in a three-phase feeding trial. Diet treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal basal diet (control) meeting the nutrient requirements for weanling pigs and three treatment diets with ground Jerusalem Artichoke tubers replacing corn at the rate of 0.05%, 0.5%, and 5.0% (JA-low, JA-mid, and JA-high, respectively) through all three phases. The pigs were allowed 3 d to acclimate to the facility following arrival (d -3 to -1). The trial ran from d 0 to d 35. Growth performance data were collected on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Blood samples were obtained on d 0, 7, 14, and 28. Fecal samples were collected on d 0, 14, and 28. PROC GLIMMIX in SAS was utilized to analyze the growth performance data. Results indicate greater (P < 0.001) gain to feed ratio (G:F) at wk 2 for JA-high and JA-mid pigs compared with all other treatments. No differences were observed for overall body weight (BW; 25.14, 25.48, 21.8, 22.83 kg), average daily gain (ADG; 0.52, 0.52, 0.51, 0.47 kg/d), or average daily feed intake (ADFI; 0.73, 0.74, 0.71, 0.72 kg/d), respectively, for control, JA-low, JA-mid, and JA-high fed pigs. The growth data suggests that Jerusalem Artichoke tubers may be included in weaned pig diets without negative effects on growth performance; however, these results need to be interpreted in conjunction with the pending analyses to provide a comprehensive look at the role of prebiotic fiber in the gastrointestinal tract of the pig. Future analyses will include evaluation of serum biomarkers (e.g., intestinal fatty acid binding protein as a measure of intestinal epithelial cell damage) and microbiome profiling via 16S microbial sequencing to assess gut health. It is important to note that our study population experienced morbidity and mortality (Trueperella pyogenes was cultured from one pig submitted for necropsy) and the decision was made to prophylactically treat the herd with ceftiofur on d 7 following sample collection to prevent additional loss.

189 Combination of organic acid and monoglyceride blend improved growth performance in nursery pigs with and without added antibiotics and ZnO

Abstract This study was to investigate the effects of supplementing a combination of organic acid and monoglyceride additives in feed with and without added antibiotics and pharmacological levels of ZnO on growth performance of nursery pigs. Pigs (n = 1,008; 21 d of age with initial body weight (BW) = 5.8] were assigned to 4 treatments (n = 12, 21 pigs/pen, mixed sex) following 2 × 2 factorial experiment design and fed for 42 d in 4 phases (d 0-8, d 9-21, d 22-35, and d 36-42, respectively). Treatments were 1) Positive control (PC), basal diet with in-feed antibiotics in phase 1-3, and 3000 ppm of Zn in phase 1, 2000 ppm of Zn in phase 2 and 125 ppm of Zn in phase 3 and 4 (i.e., pharmacological levels); 2) PC supplemented with the combination of Acitra G20C (formic acid-based acid blend on inert carrier) and Entero-Nova 410C (blend of monoglycerides of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids on inert carrier), Acitra G20C was added at 3 kg/MT in phase 1 diet and 1.5 kg/MT in phase 2 diet, while Entero-Nova 410C was added at 3 kg/MT in phase 1 and 2 diets, and 1 kg/MT in phase 3 and 4 diets; 3) Negative control (NC), basal diet without in-feed antibiotics and pharmacological levels of ZnO; and 4) NC supplemented with the combination of Acitra G20C and Entero-Nova 410C (same supplementation rate as Treatment 2). Diets contained nutrients meeting or exceeding NRC requirements. Growth performance was measured for each phase. Data were analyzed using JMP software with pen serving as the experimental unit and differences considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. Throughout the trial, pigs fed diets without in-feed antibiotics and pharmacological levels of ZnO had ess (P < 0.01) BW, average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) than pigs fed diets added with antibiotics and pharmacological levels of ZnO. During the period of phase 2 and overall phase 1 and 2 of the trial, pigs fed diets supplemented with the combination of Acitra and Entero-Nova additives had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and greater (P < 0.05) BW on d 22 of trial. In phase 3 and 4, there was no significant improvement on growth performance of pigs fed diet only supplemented with 1 kg/MT of Entero-Nova comparing with the pigs in control groups. In conclusion, under current trial conditions, the combination of Acitra G20C and Entero-Nova 410C improved growth performance of nursery pigs in phase 1 and 2 when supplemented at tested dosage comparing with pigs in control groups without the additives.

30 Effects of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible lysine plans on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs from high or low breeding value boars

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) plans on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs coming from high or low breeding value boars. A total of 2,080 pigs (PIC 800 × PIC Camborough) were housed in 20 mixed sex pens (26 pigs/pen), blocked by body weight (BW), and randomly allotted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with boar breeding value (high or low) and nutrition Lys plan (current SID Lys curve recommendation for PIC 800 as % of PIC 337 SID Lys curve or alternative SID Lys curve). Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age (6.1 ± 0.05 kg BW) and followed during the wean-to-finish period until reach the market slaughter weight. Pigs were fed either the current recommendation or an alternative SID Lys curve for PIC 800, in a 6 phase feeding program: phase 1 (6-11 kg; 100 vs 100%, respectively); phase 2 (11-23 kg; 97 vs 100%, respectively); phase 3 (23-45 kg; 97 vs 100%, respectively); phase 4 (45-73 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); phase 5 (73-102 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); and phase 6 (102-132 kg; 97 vs 90%, respectively). Pigs were fed isoenergetic diets. Performance and carcass traits, and removals and mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed using mixed models in R, and considering pen as the experimental unit for performance traits and individual carcasses for carcass traits. There was no evidence of interaction between boar breeding value and nutrition plan factors. Overall, high breeding value pigs had greater average daily gain (ADG; 0.84 ± 0.005 g/d) compared with low breeding value pigs (0.82 ± 0.005 kg/d; P < 0.01), which was driven by increased average daily feed intake (ADFI; 1.92 ± 0.011 and 1.89 ± 0.011 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05; Table 1). Moreover, high breeding value pigs had greater hot carcass weight (HCW; 97.8 ± 1.09 kg), carcass yield (74.1 ± 0.23%), backfat thickness (16.3 ± 0.29 mm) and lower lean meat % (57.0 ± 0.21%) compared with low breeding value pigs (96.0 ± 1.09 kg; 73.7 ± 0.23 %; 15.4 ± 0.28; 57.5 ± 0.21%, respectively; P < 0.05; Table 1). Regarding nutrition plan, no significant differences were observed for overall performance traits between pigs fed the current or alternative SID Lys curve (P > 0.05; Table 1). Nevertheless, pigs fed the alternative SID Lys curve had heavier HCW (97.3 ± 1.09 kg) compared with pigs fed the current SID Lys curve (96.6±1.09 kg; P < 0.05; Table 1). No significant differences were observed for overall removals and mortality by breeding value or nutrition Lys plan (P > 0.05). In summary, grow finish pigs from high breeding value boars have an improved productive performance. PIC 800 pigs may achieve the same productive performance with lower lysine levels at the end of the grow-finish period.

259 Effect of very low calcium diet supplemented with microbial phytase in post-weaning piglets

Abstract Young piglets have an immature intestine that provides limited gastric acidity to digest nutrients compared with later stages of growth. Food has the intrinsic capacity to modify gastric acidity, particularly in relation to their concentrations of limestone, the ingredient with the greatest capacity to bind to acid. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of reducing dietary calcium (Ca) by reducing calcium supplementation immediately after weaning; compared with the recommendations of the NRC (2012), in association with phytase supplementation. The treatments were distributed during 3 phases [Phase 1 (P1, d 0-9), 2 (P2, d 10-16) and 3 (P3, d 17-35)]. Treatments were: 1) a diet low Ca that did not contained limestone during phase 1 (LowCa), P1 to P3 respectively, 0.51-0.60-0.65 % Ca and 0.48-0.43-0.38 % standardized ileal digestible P (STTD P), 2), diet 1 with microbial phytase (LowCa+PhytM); P1 to P3 respectively, 0.51-0.60-0.65 % Ca and 0.48-0.43-0.38% STTD P with 750 FTU phytase, and 3) a diet fulfilling requirement (NormalCa+PhytM) P1 to P3 respectively, 0.85-0.80-0.70 % Ca and 0.48-0.43-0.38 % STTD P with 750 FTU phytase. Piglets (n = 120) were allocated to 6 pens of 5 piglets per treatment in function of initial body weight (BW; 6.12 ± 0.028 kg). On d 0, 15 and 36, dual X-ray (DXA) bone densitometry was used to measure body fat, lean and mineral content (BMC) compositions using 8 piglets per treatment. At the end of phase 1 (d 9) a blood sample was collected. Data were analyzed using the SAS MIXED procedure with Tukey’s test to compare means. No differences were observed in growth performance or DXA measurements during the first phase. On d 9, LowCa piglets showed signs of hypocalcaemia with reduced plasma Ca (P = 0.03), increased plasma P (P = 0.02) and a lower Ca:P ratio in plasma (P = 0.04). From d 9-15, piglets that had received LowCa+PhytM showed greater average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.002) while other criteria did not differ between treatments. On d 15, the body composition evaluated by DXA showed no difference among dietary treatments. During phase 3, final BW and average daily feed intake were not modified by dietary treatments, while average daily gain and feed efficiency were greater in LowCa than in NormalCa+PhytM (+7.3 and 6.7%, respectively), and LowCa+PhytM was intermediate. Body composition on d 35 showed no difference among treatments while a tendency (P = 0.095) for greater BMC deposition (g/d) in LowCa in comparison with NormalCa+PhytM (+1.3 %). The implemented LowCa strategy resulted in momentary hypocalcemia which probably activated homeostatic mechanisms allowing piglets to be more efficient in using minerals and possibly other nutrients leading to better growth performance, without impact on bone mineralization.

282 Effect of dietary supplementation with guanidinoacetic acid, a creatine precursor, in gestating and lactating sows on sow and litter performance

Abstract Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is the immediate metabolic precursor of creatine. Sows undergo periods of high energy demand and dietary supplementation of GAA can support the creatine/phosphocreatine energy system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of GAA in sows on sow and litter performance. Sows (n = 150; Danbred x Pietrain, parity 1 to 7) were allocated to two dietary treatments (75 sows/treatment), 0.0 or 0.1% GAA in both gestation and lactation phases and balanced by parity and body weight (BW). Gestation diets (2.87 Mcal ME/kg, 2.13 g SID Lys: Mcal ME, 0.21% SID Met, and 0.13% choline) were fed from d 1 to 107 of pregnancy and 4 d post-weaning; and lactation diets (3.14 Mcal ME, 3.18 g SID Lys: Mcal ME, 0.34% SID Met, and 0.14% choline) were fed from d 108 of gestation through the lactation (26 days). Sows were kept in the same treatment during gestation and lactation. After farrowing, litters were standardized to 13 pigs per sow. Dietary supplementation with GAA during the gestation reduced sow feed intake (319.4 vs. 313.6 kg, P = 0.009), and did not affect sow BW at d 108 of gestation (284.2 vs. 282.8 kg, P = 0.889), born alive (15.70 vs. 15.92, P = 0.668), stillborn piglets (1.78 vs. 1.51, P = 0.332), and piglet BW at birth (1.34 vs. 1.32 kg, P = 0.591), for 0.0 and 0.1% GAA respectively. Dietary supplementation with GAA during lactation did not affect sow feed intake (181.1 vs. 181.5 kg, P = 0.999), sow BW at weaning (252.7 vs. 255.3 kg, P = 0.747) and wean-to-estrus interval (5.0 vs. 4.9 d, P = 0.978), and tended to reduce sow backfat loss at weaning (17.0 vs. 17.4 mm, P = 0.090), for 0.0 and 0.1% GAA, respectively. Sows fed GAA in lactation tended to have a greater number of pigs weaned (11.76 vs. 12.10, P = 0.088), and their piglets tended to have a greater average daily gain (ADG; 216.1 vs. 226.0 g/d, P = 0.062), have significantly heavier litters at weaning (81.87 vs. 86.28 kg, P = 0.048) and their litters have a greater BW gain (64.07 vs. 68.60 kg, P = 0.028). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 0.1% of GAA to gestating and lactating sows improved litter weight at weaning, litter weight gain, and number of pigs weaned and did not affect sow BW and reproductive performance. More studies are needed to evaluate if supplementing GAA in gestation has a carryover effect on the lactation period.

276 Effects of a phytogenic feed additive fed during lactation on sow and litter performance

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic feed additive on sow and litter performance. Six cohort groups of sows (n = 250) were used in this experiment. Dietary treatments were: 1) a corn-soybean meal diet (Control); 2) Control containing 150 ppm of a phytogenic feed additive (Low); and 3) Control + 200 ppm of a phytogenic feed additive (High). The feed additive contained a proprietary formulation of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresins (Fytera Care, Selko USA, Indianapolis, IN). Sows were moved to a farrowing room and housed in individual farrowing stalls at 109 d of gestation. Diets were formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements for lactating sows, as outlined by NRC (2012). During lactation, sows were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water. Piglets were cross-fostered within dietary treatments within 24 h of birth to equalize suckling intensity as much as possible. Piglet mortalities were recorded daily. Statistical analyses included a one-way ANOVA with repeated measurements in time when appropriate. The statistical model included the fixed effect of dietary treatment, and the random effect of cohort group with parity as a covariate. We observed no significant interactions between dietary treatment and time for any measured response variable. Average daily feed intake of sows, sow body weight, wean-to-estrus interval, and the proportion of sows expressing estrus by d 14 postweaning were not significantly different across treatments (Table). We observed a tendency (P = 0.074) for increased loss of backfat depth during lactation for sows fed Low and High compared with sows fed Control diet. Dietary treatments did not affect litter size, litter weight, or litter weight gain. Percentage of piglet mortality before cross-fostering tended to be less (P = 0.056) for High-fed sows compared with Control sows. However, piglet mortality after cross-fostering was not affected by diet. In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, feeding 150 or 200 ppm of the phytogenic feed additive to lactating sows did not substantially improve sow or litter performance.

176 Impact of dietary crude protein level and water-based arginine on piglet growth and scouring with an Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18 challenge

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of dietary crude protein (CP) level and water-based arginine (Arg) on the growth performance and scouring of piglets post wean and following an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18 infection (ETEC). A total of 240 pigs (PIC 337 x 1050, Genus, Henderson, TN) were randomly assigned to 40 mixed-sex pens (6 pigs/pen) for a 6-wk experiment. At arrival, all pigs were genotyped for fructosyltransferase (FUT1). Pens were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial, with two crude protein levels (standard: 23% vs. low: 19.5%, for period 1) and two water treatments (absence or presence (8, 6, and 4% stock dosed through 1:128 proportioner for wk 1, 2, and 3, respectively) of Arg in water. Pig body weight (BW), feed disappearance (average daily feed intake; ADFI), and feed conversion (gain to feed ratio; G:F) were evaluated for four periods: d 0-7, 7-14, 14-21, and 21-42. Scour scores were recorded daily for the first 28 d to calculate weekly percentage of days scouring (scouring percentage). On d 21, water and dietary treatments ceased, and pigs received a common diet. All pigs were orally inoculated with a field strain of ETEC for two consecutive days on d 15 and 16 of the experiment. One pig per pen had blood collected (8mL via jugular) and was euthanized on d 14 before ETEC. Blood was collected via a jugular vein from another pig confirmed to be susceptible to ETEC on d 15, 17, and 22. The same pig was euthanized for tissue collection on d 22. Fecal swabs from 1 susceptible pig per pen were collected on d 15, 17, 19, and 22 for measurement of ETEC shedding. Blood samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers, and villi: crypt within the ileum were measured. Data were analyzed using mixed model methods (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit. Growth performance and scouring percentage included the fixed effects of CP level, water treatment, experimental period, and their interactions. Reducing the CP of diets reduced the overall G:F of pigs (P < 0.01, standard: 0.73, low: 0.71). The percentage of days scouring tended to be influenced by the interaction between water and period (P = 0.06); specifically, when arginine (Arg) was present in the water, there was a numerically greater scouring percentage for all periods, except for the final period (d 21-28). Confirming the success of the ETEC challenge, period significantly impacted scouring percentage (P < 0.01), where piglets experienced the greatest scouring percentage (59%) during the week following ETEC inoculation, compared with the least in the week preceding inoculation (22%). In conclusion, low CP diets reduced overall G:F, but neither CP or Arg showed benefit in terms of scouring.

159 Concentrations of energy in pistachio shell powder fed to gestating sows and lactating sows

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME) in pistachio shell powder are not different from those in soybean hulls when fed to gestating sows. The second hypothesis was that the ATTD of GE and DE in pistachio shell powder are not different from those in soybean hulls when fed to lactating sows. In Exp. 1, gestating sows (n = 24) were housed in metabolism crates and were fed a corn-based control diet or two diets that included corn and 20% pistachio shell powder or 20% soybean hulls. Sows were fed the experimental diets for 13 d with feces and urine being quantitatively collected for 4 d, after a 6 d of adaptation. Concentrations of DE and ME were calculated. In Exp. 2, lactating sows (n = 24) were housed in farrowing crates and fed a diet based on corn and soybean meal (SBM) or two diets that contained corn, SBM and 20% of either pistachio shell powder or soybean hulls. All diets contained corn and SBM at a ratio of 2.87:1.00 and 0.40% TiO2 as the digestibility marker. Lactating sows were allowed ad libitum access to the experimental diets and feces were collected for 6 d after a 7 d of adaptation to the diets. The DE in each diet and in pistachio shell powder and soybean hulls was calculated. Each experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design and each experiment used two blocks of 12 sows, with 4 sows per diet in each block. The statistical model in both experiments included diet or ingredient as the fixed effect and block and replicate within block as the random effects. Results from Exp. 1 indicated that the ATTD of GE and DE and ME on an as-fed basis as well as on a dry matter basis were less (P < 0.05) in pistachio shell powder compared with corn and soybean hulls and DE and ME in soybean hulls were less (P < 0.05) than in corn (Table 1). Results from Exp. 2 indicated that the ATTD of GE and DE in pistachio shell powder were less (P < 0.05) than in soybean hulls. In conclusion, pistachio shell powder has a high concentration of fiber and energy digestibility and concentrations of energy in pistachio shell powder were, therefore, less than in soybean hulls when fed to gestating or lactating sows, but gestating sows appear to be better at digesting pistachio shell powder than lactating sows. This is likely due to the restricted feed intake of gestating sows that allows more time for nutrient and energy digestion and absorption in the intestinal tract compared with lactating sows.

26 Effects of increasing net energy or standardized ileal digestible lysine in soybean meal-based diets on early and late finishing pig performance

Abstract A total of 2,265 finishing pigs [337×1050, PIC; initial body weight (BW) = 50.2 kg) were used in two 28-d trials to determine the effect of increasing net energy (NE) or standardized ileal digestible Lys in soybean meal (SBM) based diets on early and late finishing pig performance. There were 27 pigs/pen and 21 pens/treatment. Soybean meal NE value used in diet formulation was either 78% (2,087 kcal/kg) or 100% (2,672 kcal/kg) of corn NE. Four treatment diets were assigned to pens in a completely randomized design and consisted of: 1) high level of SBM estimated at 100% NE of corn (High SBM); 2) low level of SBM estimated at 100% NE of corn with added feed-grade AA (Low SBM); 3) low level of SBM estimated at 78% NE of corn with added fat (Low SBM w/fat) to equal the NE in diets 1 and 2; and 4) low level of SBM estimated at 100% NE of corn with increased feed-grade AA and increased Lys:NE (Low SBM w/AA). Following the early finishing 28-d growth trial (initial BW = 50.2 kg), pigs were fed a common diet for 30-d and pens were randomly reallotted to 1 of the same 4 treatments for the late finishing trial (initial BW 114.1 kg). In early finishing, there were no differences (P > 0.10) in average daily gain (ADG), but pigs fed Low SBM w/AA had increased (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared with pigs fed High SBM (Table). The increased ADFI without increased ADG resulted in decreased (P < 0.05) gain to feed ratio (G:F) in pigs fed Low SBM w/AA compared with pigs fed Low SBM w/fat. Pigs fed Low SBM w/fat had improved (P < 0.05) caloric efficiency (CE) compared with pigs fed Low SBM w/AA. In late finishing, there was a tendency (P = 0.099) for a treatment effect on G:F where pigs fed High SBM had the greatest G:F, but there was not a significant difference (P > 0.05) between any two treatments when using a Tukey multiple comparison adjustment. There was no evidence (P > 0.10) for a difference between treatments on ADG, ADFI, or CE. Based on the performance of pigs fed the Low SBM w/AA diet, the decreased growth performance of low SBM diets is not due to a low Lys:Calorie ratio that results when NE is underestimated. Using caloric efficiency, an estimate of the NE of SBM was calculated by adjusting NE of SBM used in formulation until CE for the High SBM and Low SBM treatments were equal. These results showed SBM was estimated to contain 94% the NE of corn in the early finishing period and 125% the NE of corn in the late finishing period.

PSIV-20 Evaluation of pectinase on nursery pig performance

Abstract Non-starch polysaccharidases have been widely employed in swine production to enhance fiber digestion and nutrient utilization, yielding mixed results. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of an exogenous pectinase on performance of early nursery pigs. The study utilized 320 mixed sex freshly weaned pigs, 19-21 d of age [5.4 ± 1.1 kg body weight (BW), Camborough (1050) x 337, (PIC, Hendersonville, TN)], sourced from a commercial sow farm. Upon arrival, pigs were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (10 pens/treatment, 6 gilts and 2 barrows/pen). All diets were fed in two phases consisting of 7 and 14 d over a 21-d study period. Phase 1 basal diets consisted of 40% soybean meal, 1.45% SID Lys, and 3,396 kcal/kg ME. Phase 2 basal diets consisted of 40% soybean meal, 1.375% SID Lys, and 3,396 kcal/kg ME. In both phases, exogenous pectinase was included at 0, 8, 40, and 80 (g/MT). Pen bodyweights and feed disappearance were collected at the start and end of each phase to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). Fecal consistency was scored for diarrhea presence daily. In all analyses, pens served as the experimental units. Growth performance and mortality/removals data were analyzed within phase and overall with the fixed effect of pectinase level, including the linear and quadratic effects of varying pectinase levels across the diets. No discernible health impacts were identified based on observations of mortality/removals and fecal consistency scores (P > 0.10). There were no notable main, linear, or quadratic effects observed on pig bodyweights during the trial. Overall, the diet had a significant impact on ADG (P < 0.05), showing a positive trend associated with pectinase inclusion (linear P = 0.08). This trend was supported by a 14% increase in the ADG of pigs that consumed the diet with 80 g/MT of pectinase, in contrast to pigs fed the control diet. Phase 1 did not exhibit any notable effects on performance in terms of main, linear, or quadratic trends. In contrast, during phase 2, the diet significantly affected the ADG of pigs, with all pectinase-containing diets promoting greater body weight gain compared with control-fed pigs (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a tendency for a diet effect on GF in phase 2 (P = 0.09). Pigs that were fed the diet with 80 g/MT of pectinase observed a 14-22% improvement in feed efficiency compared with all the other dietary groups. In conclusion, the addition of pectinase to early nursery pig diets had the capacity to enhance pig performance without any adverse effects on pig health when feeding high soybean meal.

183 Evaluation of phytogenic formulations on intestinal health and the performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate phytogenic formulations on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli. Weaned pigs [n = 40; initial body weight (BW) = 6.4 ± 0.1 kg] at 21 d of age were individually housed and assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with initial BW and sex as blocking factors. Basal diets were formulated following NRC (2012) and fed to pigs for 28 d in 3 phases (P1:11 d, P2:10 d and P3:7 d). Treatments were NC: basal diet, non-challenge; PC: basal diet, challenged with F18+E. coli; AV1: basal diet supplemented with 1% phytobiotic containing herbal extracts and essential oils in powder form, challenged with F18+E. coli; AV2: basal diet + 1% phytobiotic containing herbal extracts and essential oils in liquid form, challenged with F18+E. coli. Growth performance and fecal score (FS) were measured weekly. On d 7, the challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.0 × 1010), whereas unchallenged pigs received a sterile saline solution. On d 28, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal samples to evaluate inflammatory status, oxidative stress, and diversity and relative abundance of mucosa-associated microbiota. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. During the post-challenge period, PC decrease (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) when compared with NC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) FS during d 7 to 11 when compared with NC, whereas AV1 and AV2 decreased (P < 0.05) FS during d 7 to 11 when compared with PC. The AV1 decreased (P < 0.05) Chao1 and Shannon indexes when compared with PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae compared with NC. The AV1 reduced (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Veillonellaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and tended to reduce (P = 0.062) the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae when compared with PC. The AV2 tended to reduce the relative abundance of Streptococcaceae (P = 0.073) and Ruminococcaceae (P = 0.074) when compared with PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) occludin and tended to increase (P = 0.096) TLR4 when compared with NC. The AV1 tended to increase (P = 0.053) protein carbonyl when compared with PC. In conclusion, F18+E. coli challenge increased FS, disrupted the mucosa-associated microbiota, increased TLR4 expression, consequently reduced growth performance of pigs. The AV1 showed promise in reducing oxidative stress during F18+E. coli challenge, seen through decreased protein carbonyl levels possibly due to alterations on mucosa-associated microbiota, although without affecting growth performance. The AV2 had a moderate impact on reducing FS and altering mucosa-associated microbiota, without effect on growth performance.

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< P < 0.10. At all four phases, there was no Diet effect on BW, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P > 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 < 0.04). From d 0 to 84, there were no Diet effects on ADG and ADFI (P > 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 < 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 > 0.24). celluTEIN carcasses had smaller NPB marbling and Japanese marbling color scores than control carcasses (P < 0.02). When supplemented to an increased protein diet, Saccharmyces yeast postbiotics improve feed conversion while positively affecting several important carcass measures.

53 Evaluation of the impact of high doses of phytase and marketing strategy on performance and carcass characteristics of late finishing pigs in commercial settings

Abstract As late finishing pigs reach market weight, space allowance per unit of body weight (BW) is reduced, which negatively impacts growth performance. Supplementing high doses of phytase results in the near complete destruction of phytic acid resulting in increased levels of lower inositol esters and inositol, which have been associated with a decreased stress response as well as having insulin-like effects. This study evaluated the impacts of high doses of phytase and two marketing strategies on growth performance and carcass characteristics of late finishing pigs. Pigs (n = 2,200; initial BW = 89.64 ± 3.08 kg) were randomly distributed to 96 pens using two commercial research barns, with 18 to 24 pigs per pen, balanced for gilts and barrows. Two phytase supplementation doses (super-dosing control of 2,250 FTU/kg and hyper-dosing at 4,500 FTU/kg) and two marketing strategies (Standard or Late) were combined to create 4 treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The first marketing event occurred at an average BW of 123.3 kg on d 22 for the Standard group and at 145.3 kg on d 44 for the Late group, marketing the heaviest 1 to 5 pigs per pen (13.2% of pigs). The second group (15.4% of pigs; BW of 147.3 and 144.8 kg for Standard and Late marketing) was marketed on d 50 and marketing of all remaining pigs occurred on d 63 for both treatments. Finisher diets contained 0.74% SID lysine, 0.60% Ca, and 0.37% available P. Regardless of the dose, phytase was given the same matrix values for nutrients and metabolizable energy. No interactions were observed between marketing strategy and phytase supplementation (P > 0.22), and no effect of phytase was observed (P > 0.09). Average BW of all pigs marketed was greater (P < 0.001) for the Late compared with the Standard marketing strategy (143.8 vs. 141.7 kg/d). Days to market was greater for Late marketing (59.7 vs. 56.8 d) as a result of the extra 22 d before the first marketing compared with the Standard strategy. Thus, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio were not impacted (P ≥ 0.486) by marketing treatments. Hot carcass weight (103.83 vs. 101.44 kg) and yield (78.10 vs. 77.73%) were greater (P < 0.001) for Late marketing. Fat cover was greater and percent lean was less (P < 0.05) for the Late marketing treatment, but loin depth and marbling were not different (P > 0.09). All primal cuts were heavier (P < 0.001), resulting in a total primal weight of 89.44 and 87.54 kg (P < 0.001) for Late and Standard marketing, respectively. Results suggest that delaying the first marketing improved final BW, yield, and weight of primal cuts and that supplementing phytase above super-dosing levels in late finishing pigs did not improve growth performance or carcass value, regardless of marketing strategy.

PSV-17 Glycerol monolaurate improves litter performance and modifies milk composition when fed to lactating sows

Abstract Glycerol monolaurate (GML) has proven antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and additionally has been shown to increase milk immunoglobulins and improve gut health. However, limited information is available on how feeding GML to the sow prior and during lactation can influence the performance of the nursing pig. The objective of this study was to determine if feeding GML to sows would help maintain body condition, increase lauric acid in milk and improve litter performance. A total of 50 sows were randomly assigned to either a control feed or to a control feed with 1.5 kgs/mT of GML (LipoVital GL-90) 3 to 5 dbefore farrowing. Sow and litter performance was measured until weaning at 25 d. On d 1, piglets were cross-fostered within treatment and weighed. Creep feed was offered. Milk samples were taken from 5 randomly selected sows per treatment on d 3 and 25. Glycerol monolaurate had no effect on number of pigs born alive, born dead, stillborn, or number weaned (P > 0.20). No treatment differences (P > 0.20) were observed for sow feed intake, loss of backfat thickness or body weight losses during the study. Control piglets tended to consume more creep feed than GML piglets (P < 0.15). Starting body weight was less for GML piglets (P < 0.001). Despite the decreased starting body weight, weaning weight was not different between treatments (P > 0.20). Using starting body weight as a covariate, total body weight gain tended to be greater (P < 0.08) for GML piglets than the control piglets (5.01 kgs vs 4.89 kg, respectively). Glycerol monolaurate-fed pigs in the bottom quartile of starting body weights (< 1.3 kgs) numerically out gained their control counterparts (4.67 kgs vs 4.12 kgs). Milk from GML sows had 57% more lauric acid on d 3 (P < 0.05) and 124% more lauric acid at weaning compared with control sows (P < 0.05). In conclusion, GML maintained sow body condition, increased the content of lauric acid in milk and improved piglet body weight gain, especially in lighter body weight piglets. The results from this study demonstrate the application of GML in commercial sow herds will be beneficial to both sow and litter.

218 Weaning weights associated with improved performance of grow-finish pigs

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the downstream impact of wean weight (WW) on finishing pig performance. Individual body weights (BW) were recorded at the time of weaning using the LeeO individual animal identification system. Finisher performance evaluation started at d 57 post-weaning. Pigs (n = 1,276; PIC 800 x DNA 241 F1) were blocked by wean age (20.6 ± 1.5 d) and sex, ranked in order of individual WW (6.05 ± 1.43 kg), and divided into BW quartiles to create four WW treatment groups [WW Quartile (Q) 1, 2, 3, and 4; Table 1]. Pigs (n = 21) in the same Q were housed in each pen yielding 15 replicate pens per quartile. Pigs were fed common diets formulated in a 4-phase sequence from the time of placement in the finisher through marketing, which occurred on a fixed-BW basis targeting 131.5 kg. Pen BW and feed disappearance were recorded every 3 wk and at marketing, and individual BW were recorded on d 134 post-weaning. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models in the lme4 package of R. Differences in mean BW of each Q were evident at weaning (P < 0.001), start of finisher evaluation (d 57, P < 0.001), and through d 121 (P < 0.001); by d 144, the BW between Q3 and Q4 did not differ (126.6 vs 129.0 kg, respectively, P > 0.05). Overall average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were greater (P < 0.001) for finishing pigs of either Q3 or Q4 compared with Q1, but no difference (P > 0.10) in gain to feed ratio (G:F) was observed between quartiles from 28.0 to 131.5 kg BW. Pigs in Q3 and Q4 required fewer (P < 0.001) days on feed than pigs in either Q1 or Q2, which culminated in an overall linear (P < 0.001) effect such that a 0.45-kg advantage in WW resulted in 2.25 d less to reach a market BW of 131.5 kg. Coefficient of variation (CV) in BW at d 134 post-weaning was greater (P < 0.001) for pigs in Q1 compared with pigs in Q2, Q3, or Q4. Backfat depth was thicker (P < 0.05) for Q1 pigs compared with Q4 pigs but did not differ from pigs in Q2 or Q3. A decrease (P < 0.001) in carcass ADG was seen for pigs in the lightest 50% of the population compared with those in Q4. In conclusion, even though feed efficiency was not impacted by WW, heavier WW resulted in fewer days to reach desired market weight while simultaneously resulting in improved carcass characteristics.

109 Evaluation of net energy, standardized ileal digestible lysine, and soybean meal content interaction in 13 to 25 kg pigs using a central composite design

Abstract Pigs [n = 4,683; 337 × 1050, PIC; initial body weight (BW) = 13.0 ± 0.01 kg] were used in a 21-d trial to investigate the interaction of net energy (NE), standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys), and soybean meal (SBM) content used at five different levels on growth performance of nursey pigs. Pigs were housed in mixed sex pens with 35 pigs per pen and assigned in a randomized complete block design to 15 dietary treatments using a circumscribed central composite design (CCD). Factorial and axial points had 7 repetitions, and the central points had a total of 24. Eight diets were formulated to various levels of NE, SID Lys, and SBM and blended to create the 15 dietary treatments. The NE ranged from 2,334 to 2,762 kcal/kg, SID Lys from 1.08 to 1.52%, and SBM from 25.5 to 35.9%. Diets were corn-soybean meal based and soy hulls and soybean oil were added to reduce or increase NE content of the diet. Feed grade amino acids and SBM were used to adjust SBM and SID Lys content and to maintain SID Thr, Trp, Met, Val, and Ile ratios relative to SID Lys. For NE, a linear effect (P ≤ 0.052) was observed for average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and linear and quadratic effect was found (P ≤ 0.047) for gain to feed ratio (G:F) with a reduction in growth performance as NE increased due to reduction in SID Lys:calorie. When increasing SID Lys, ADG (P ≤ 0.044) and G:F (P ≤ 0.020) increased quadratically (Table). Increasing SBM content linearly improved ADG (P = 0.039) and G:F (P < 0.001), respectively. There was also a significant interaction between SID Lys and SBM for G:F (P = 0.082), where SID Lys positively impacted G:F as SBM increased in the diet. When including the significant terms, the resulting models can be used to predict the ADG (kg) response = [0.579392 + (-0.0063389 × NE) + (0.0260796 × Lys) + (0.0067428 × SBM%) + (-0.0065721 × Lys²) adjusted R2 = 0.36], and G:F (kg/kg) response = [0.7013215 + (0.0035198 × NE) + (0.0264389 × Lys) + (0.0060863 × SBM%) + (-0.0048012 × NE²) + (-0.0031838 × Lys²) + (-0.0034413 × Lys × SBM) adjusted R2 = 0.65]. In conclusion, using a CCD, increasing SID Lys resulted in a quadratic improvement in ADG and G:F, with this improvement being greater when SBM also increased. Overall, we observed few interactions between SID Lys, SBM, and NE.

Effect of sex and milk replacer with or without supplemental carnitine and arginine on growth characteristics, carcass, and meat quality of artificially reared low-birth weight pigs.

This study compared milk replacer either remaining unsupplemented (CON) or supplemented with 0.5g l-carnitine plus 16.7g l-arginine/kg (CarArg) and fed to 48 L-BtW artificially reared piglets (24 per group) from day 7 to 28 days of age. Eight farrowing series were needed to complete the study. On day 28, the lightest piglets were slaughtered, and the heaviest pigs were weaned. The heaviest pigs were weaned on day 28 and offered free access to a starter (weaning to 25kg body weight (BW)), grower (25-60kg BW), and finisher diet (60kg to 96kg BW on day 170 of age). After euthanization on day 28 and day 170, blood was sampled for assessment of serum metabolite and hormone concentrations, and the semitendinosus muscle (STM) was weighed, and later subjected to enzyme activity analysis and assessment of myofiber characteristics. In the 170-day old pigs carcass and meat quality traits were assessed. Growth data were analyzed as a two-way ANOVA, with dietary treatment and farrowing series as fixed effects, while remaining data were analyzed with dietary treatment, sex, their interaction, and farrowing series as main factors. Dietary treatments affected (P ≤ 0.049) muscle enzyme activity at both day 28, with greater CS and LDH activities and lower HAD:CS ratio in STM light portion, and lower LDH:CS ratio in STM dark portion, and 170 of age with lower HAD:CS ratio. In the starter period, CarArg pigs had greater average daily gain (P = 0.021) and average daily feed intake (P = 0.010). At slaughter, these pigs had lower (P = 0.013) glucose and greater (P = 0.022) urea serum concentrations. However, supplementing the milk replacer with carnitine and arginine had no long-term effects on growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality of L-BtW pigs. In addition, muscle morphology and its myofiber-related properties remained unaffected by the supplementation.

190 Phytogenic feed additive improved growth performance and health of nursery pigs in diets with and without combination of several feed additives

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that a phytogenic feed additive (Fresta Protect, Delacon, Austria) would improve growth performance and health indices of nursery pigs fed diets with or without other feed additives. Weaned pigs (n = 1,380; 19 d old with initial body weight (BW) = 5.5 ± 0.3 kg] were allotted to 10 replicate pens per treatment (23 pigs per pen) in 2 barns. Pens were blocked by location within barn and randomly allotted to one of 6 treatments: 1) Basal nursery feed without other feed additives (NC), 2) NC + 0.1% phytogenic (NC+P0.1), 3) Basal nursery feed with other feed additives such as organic acids, antioxidants, and blend of preservatives (PC), 4) PC + 0.05% phytogenic (PC+P0.05), 5) PC + 0.1% phytogenic (PC+P0.1), or 6) PC + 0.2% phytogenic (PC+P0.2). The experiment lasted for 39 d, with pigs fed experimental diets during phase 1 (d 0-10) and 2 (d 10-23) and a common diet without addition of PC or phytogenic during phase 3 (d 23-39). Pig and feed weights were recorded at the beginning and end of each phase. Performance data were analyzed using the lme4 package of R with treatment as fixed effect and barn and pen location within barn as random effects. Contrasts were used to test linear and quadratic effects of phytogenic in PC diets (diets 3 to 6), and diets 1, 2, 3, and 5 were used to compare main effects of phytogenic, diet type, and interaction between phytogenic and diet type. Results indicated that pigs fed diets with phytogenic, regardless of diet type, had increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) in phase 1, final BW, ADG, and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in phase 2, as well as overall ADG and ADFI. The changes observed in final BW and ADFI in phase 2 had a quadratic response (P < 0.05) as dietary inclusion of phytogenic increased, whereas overall ADG linearly increased (P < 0.05) with greater levels of phytogenic supplementation (Table 1). In phase 2, the phytogenic supplementation increased G:F to a greater extent when diets did not contain other feed additives compared with PC diets (phytogenic x feed type interaction: P < 0.05). Phytogenic supplementation numerically reduced mortality. Pigs fed PC diets, regardless of inclusion of phytogenic, had increased (P < 0.05) final BW, ADG, and G:F in phase 1, final BW, ADG, and ADFI in phase 2, and overall ADG and ADFI compared with pigs fed NC diets. In conclusion, phytogenic supplementation with an optimal dietary inclusion of 0.1% improved growth performance, regardless of supplementation of other feed additives in the diet, and diets containing additional feed additives further improved performance of pigs.