Feed Intake Of Pigs Research Articles

Effect of mixing pigs or maintaining pen integrity on the response to growing-finishing space allocation

A cooperative study using 906 pigs was conducted to evaluate either mixing pigs or maintaining pen integrity during the move from nursery to finishing, and its effect on finishing space allowance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, with main effects of mixing or maintaining pen integrity as pigs were moved to finishing facilities (BW 54.9 lb) and providing either 6.0 or 8.0 ft per pig. There were 8 pens per block and 7 blocks. In 2 pens, when moving from nursery to finishing, pen integrity was maintained and pens were allocated either 6.0 or 8.0 ft per pig. For mixed treatments, pigs from 3 pens were mixed into 3 new pens and were assigned 6.0 ft per pig. Likewise, 3 more pens were mixed and were assigned 8.0 ft per pig. Individual pen was the experimental unit. From d 0 to 14, no treatment effects were observed (P>0.16). A mixing by space allocation interaction was observed (P<0.05) for overall ADG and F/G. The interactions were a result of mixed pigs at 6.0 ft having better ADG and F/G than unmixed pigs, whereas unmixed pigs had better ADG and F/G at 8.0 ft. Despite the interactions, the actual differences between treatment groups were relatively small. Overall (d 0 to 118), maintaining pen integrity did not affect ADG or ADFI, compared with mixing pigs (1.92 and 5.20 vs. 1.93 and 5.20 lb/d, respectively). But pigs provided 6.0 ft had decreased ADG (P<0.01) and ADFI (P<0.01), compared with those of pigs provided 8.0 ft (1.90 and 5.16 vs. 1.95 and 5.25 lb/d, respectively). These results confirm expected reductions in growth and feed intake of pigs restricted in space. In this study, maintaining pen integrity when moving pigs from nursery to finishing facilities had no beneficial effect on pig performance, compared with mixing pigs into new social groups.

Evaluation of common vetch (Vicia sativa cv. Morava) for growing pigs

The response to the inclusion of common vetch (Vicia sativa cv. Morava) at levels up to 225 g/kg diet was evaluated in growing pigs between 91 and 161 days of age. A total of 312 male pigs, selected at a liveweight of 37.6 ± 0.24 kg, were group housed in pens of 19–20 pigs, each initially in commercial grower facilities, which were then split within treatment into pens of 9–10 pigs in commercial finisher facilities. Pens were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 diets, 4 pens per diet. Vetch replaced peas in the wheat-based, protein-adequate diets at levels of 0, 75, 150 and 225 g/kg diet, with the digestible energy and lysine levels being similar for each diet. Pigs were offered the experimental grower diets for 4 weeks, followed by the corresponding experimental finisher diet for 6 weeks. Growth performance was not significantly affected by level of vetch up to 225 g/kg during the first 4 weeks of feeding with average growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency being 871.5 g/day, 1.90 kg/day, and 2.20 kg feed/kg gain, respectively. However, a significant negative linear response was observed for feed intake in pigs between 119 and 161 days of age, which resulted in voluntary feed intake decreasing from 2.62 to 2.44 kg/day when inclusion of Morava vetch increased from 0 to 225 g/kg. A significant curvilinear response was also observed in growth rate and feed conversion ratio during this period. These significant effects during the later growth phase resulted in significant decreases in voluntary feed intake and growth rate from 2.34 to 2.17 kg/day, and from 948 to 873 g/day, respectively, for the entire growth period as Morava vetch was increased from 0 to 225 g/kg diet. Thus, it is suggested that Morava vetch could be fed at rates up to 225 g/kg for pigs between 91 and 119 days of age, but should be reduced to less than 150 g/kg if feeding continues beyond 119 days of age.

Effects of different cereal grains and ractopamine hydrochloride on performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality in late-finishing pigs

Forty-eight barrows and forty-eight gilts (PIC 337 sires x PIC C22 dams) were evaluated to determine the effects of feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) and different cereal grains on the carcass and fat quality in late finishing pigs. The study was carried out using four replicates with 24 animals in each replicate (four pigs per pen, six pens per replicate, two replicates per slaughter date, 12 pens per slaughter date). Treatments for the experiment included corn, wheat, and barley (early finisher period); and corn, corn + RAC, wheat, wheat + RAC, barley, and barley + RAC for the late finisher period. Ractopamine was fed at the level of 10 mg/kg (as-fed basis) of feed. Pigs were allotted to early finisher period treatments at approximately 45 kg BW. Pigs were then given late finisher period treatments at approximately 80 kg BW and fed for 28 d. The dietary digestible lysine level for all diets was maintained at 2.7 g/Mcal of ME. Pigs fed the wheat and corn diets during the late finisher period had a greater (P <0.05) G:F than those fed the barley diets. Pigs fed diets with RAC had lower (P <0.05) leaf fat weights, 10th-rib fat, last-rib fat, and belly firmness and had improved (P <0.05) dressing percents and loin muscle areas compared with those not receiving RAC. Pigs fed the wheat diets had a greater (P <0.05) dressing percent than those receiving the barley diets, but pigs fed the barley diets had a higher (P <0.05) Minolta L* for fat color than pigs fed wheat. Pigs fed diets containing RAC produced pork that was less tender (P <0.05) compared with pigs that did not receive RAC. Linoleic acid percent values were higher (P <0.05) for pigs fed diets with RAC than in those that did not. Feeding RAC improved G:F and lowered feed intake of pigs during the late finisher period (P <0.05). Feeding diets equal in lysine (2.7 g/Mcal of ME) but varying in ME, whether based on corn, wheat, or barley with or without RAC, had little to no effect on carcass, meat, or fat quality attributes.

Voluntary feed intake in growing-finishing pigs: A review of the main determining factors and potential approaches for accurate predictions

The ability of pigs to consume sufficient nutrients for optimal performance is an important consideration in commercial pork production. Nutrient intake levels are directly related to voluntary feed intake. Voluntary feed intake in pigs is influenced by several factors including environmental conditions (e.g. thermal and social conditions), animal status (e.g., age and physiological status), and feed and feeding conditions (e.g. bulkiness of the feed and feed form). Although the individual effects of many of these factors on voluntary feed intake have been investigated and quantified, little has been done to characterize their interactive effects. Under commercial conditions, voluntary feed intake is clearly influenced by multiple factors at any one time. Thus, there is a need for a means to accurately quantify voluntary feed intake in pigs as affected by the different interacting factors. Until quantitative effects of these interactions are established it is suggested that feed intake be monitored. This can be achieved by obtaining feed intake on representative groups of pigs. Key words: Voluntary feed intake, pigs, determining factors, prediction equations

Effect of carbohydrase supplementation of wheat- and canola-meal-based diets on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in group-housed weaned pigs

Fibrous components in canola meal and wheat limit their effective use in diets for weaned pigs. Effects of supplementing a carbohydrase (845 and 327 Units g-1 xylanase and β-glucanase) to a wheat-canola meal diet on growth performance, small intestine nutrient digestibility and digesta viscosity were investigated. Ninety-six weaned pigs (7.2 ± 1.2 kg) had free access to control diet [65% wheat, 25% canola meal; 3.15 Mcal digestible energy (DE) kg-1, 10.6 g digestible lysine kg-1] or control diet supplemented with carbohydrase at three inclusion rates (1, 2, or 4 g kg-1) for 28 d. Four pigs were housed per pen for six pens per diet. On days 19 to 21, six pigs per diet were euthanised to collect small intestine digesta. Carbohydrase increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) quadratically (P &lt; 0.01) for days 1 to 28, resulting in 16% higher ADFI and 13% higher ADG for 2 g kg-1 carbohydrase compared to control. Carbohydrase did not affect feed efficiency (P &gt; 0.10). The ADG was positively correlated to ADFI (r = 0.94; P &lt; 0.01), but not to feed efficiency (P &gt; 0.10). Carbohydrase did not affect digestibility of dry matter (DM) and energy (P &gt; 0.10). Carbohydrase at 4 g kg-1 only reduced digesta viscosity 30% in the distal small intestine compared to control (P &lt; 0.05). Carbohydrase supplementation increased ADFI and thereby ADG, but not feed efficiency and nutrient digestibility, suggesting that reduction of dietary fibrous components using carbohydrase may stimulate voluntary feed intake of pigs fed diets limiting in DE. Key words: Carbohydrase, canola meal, wheat, pig, feed intake, digestibility

Desempenho de suínos alimentados do desmame ao abate em comedouro de acesso único equipado ou não com bebedouro

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar dois tipos de comedouros sobre o desempenho de suínos em crescimento e terminação. Foram utilizados 96 animais (48 machos castrados e 48 fêmeas) com peso médio inicial de 6,27kg distribuídos em quatro tratamentos (T1 - 24 machos, comedouro de acesso único - COC; T2 - 24 machos, comedouro de acesso único equipado com bebedouro - CBC; T3 - 24 fêmeas, COC; T4 - 24 fêmeas, CBC). O tipo de comedouro afetou significativamente (P &lt; 0,053) o consumo total de ração (COC 1,84kg d-1, CBC 1,95kg d-1). As diferenças de consumo foram no final da creche e no crescimento. O tipo de comedouro afetou significativamente (P &lt; 0,009) o ganho médio diário de peso total (COC 0,68kg d-1, CBC 0,72kg d-1). A conversão alimentar total dos animais alimentados no COC (2,69) e no CBC (2,71) não foi influenciada significativamente (P &gt; 0,05) pelo tipo de comedouro. Em nenhuma fase experimental, houve influência da interação comedouro*sexo sobre o consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Embora o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar tenham sido inferiores nas fêmeas em relação aos machos, não houve efeito do tipo de comedouro. A alimentação de suínos do desmame ao abate em comedouro de acesso único equipado ou não com bebedouro afeta o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso, mas não a conversão alimentar.

Dietary supplementation with cellooligosaccharide improves growth performance in weanling pigs

ABSTRACTNondigestible oligosaccharides are not digested in the small intestine, but are fermented by bacteria colonizing in the large intestine. Physiological effects of non‐digestible oligosaccharides have been considered to be conferred by the fermentation of bacteria colonizing in the large intestine. Because cellooligosaccharide is a non‐digestible oligosaccharide, various physiological effects are expected. However, physiological functions of cellooligosaccharide are not well understood. This experiment was conducted to clarify the effect of dietary supplementation with cellooligosaccharide on the growth performance in weanling pigs. The result showed that average daily gain was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in pigs fed a diet supplemented with cellooligosaccharide than in pigs without cellooligosaccharide. There was a tendency to increasing average daily feed intake in pigs with cellooligosaccharide, though the significant difference was not detected (P = 0.18). Feed efficiency and nutrient digestibility of feces and ileum were not changed by feeding cellooligosaccharide. In addition, blood urea nitrogen was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in pigs fed the diet supplemented with cellooligosaccharide than in pigs without cellooligosaccharide. The concentrations of acetic and iso‐valeric acids in the cecum of pigs fed the diet with cellooligosaccharide tended to be higher (P &lt; 0.10) than those without cellooligosaccharide. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with cellooligosaccharide improves growth performance in weanling pigs.

쑥분말 급여가 이유자돈의 생산성과 분의 유해가스 발생량에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary wormwood powder (Artemisia montana Pampan; WP) supplementation on growing performance and fecal noxious gas emission in weanling pigs. One hundred and twelve pigs were alloted into four treatments and offered for 4 weeks one of the diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5% (0.5), 1.0% (1.0) and 2.0% (2.0) WP. Each treatments has four replicate with 7 pigs per replicate. ADG, ADFI and F/G were improved by 1.0 and 2.0 WP supplementation during 0 dq14d feeding. Feed intake of 1.0 WP diet was higher (Px 0.05) than any other diet during 15dq28d feeding. But there were no differences among the other treatments in the weight gain and feed conversion. During the whole feeding period, daily weight gain and feed intake of pigs fed 1.0 and 2.0 treatments were higher than those of pigs fed control and 0.5 diet. DM digestibility was significantly (Px 0.05) higher in weanling pigs fed 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 WP than that of the control. The protein digestibility was significantly improved in 1.0 WP treatment and the phosphorus digestibility was improved in 2.0 WP treatment. Excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus was significantly (Px 0.05) decreased by 2.0 treatment than control. Emission of fecal ammonia after 48 hours storage in vinyl bag dramatically decreased by all the treatments except control. However, there was no statistical difference in fecal hydrogen sulfide emission among treatments. In conclusion, this study suggested that the dietary 1.0q2.0 supplementation of WP can improve productivity of pigs decrease fecal NH3 and H2S gas emission.

자돈 및 육성돈에 있어 α-1,6-galactosidase와 β-1,4-mannanase의 사료내 첨가가 성장 및 영양소 소화율에 미치는 영향

ABSTRACT For the Exp. 1, a total of sixty pigs (10.57±0.30kg average initial body weight) were used in a 15-d growth assay to determine the effect of dietary
i-1,6-galactosidase and
ð-1,4-mannanase on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Dietary treatments included 1) CON (corn-dried whey-SBM based diet), 2) EC0.1 (CON diet + 0.1% enzyme complex of
i-1,6-galactosidase and
ð-1,4-mannanase). Through the entire experimental period, gain/feed of pigs fed EC0.1 diet was higher (0.43 vs 0.52) than that of pigs fed CON diet (P<0.05). Pigs fed EC0.1 diet showed significant (P<0.05) improvement in dry matter (74.82% vs 82.41%) and nitrogen (70.59% vs 77.88%) digestibilities compared to pigs fed CON diet. For the Exp. 2, a total of thirty six pigs (22.30±0.45kg average initial body weight) were used in a 30-d growth assay to determine the effects of dietary
i-1,6-galactosidase and
ð-1,4-mannanase in low energy diet on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Dietary treatments included 1) AME (adequate ME diet), 2) AME+EC0.1 (AME diet + 0.1% enzyme complex) and LME+EC0.1 (low ME diet + 0.1% enzyme complex). Through the entire experimental period, average daily feed intake of pigs fed enzyme complex supplemented diets was higher than that of pigs fed CON diet (P<0.05). Also, pigs fed AME+EC0.1 diet showed significant (P<0.05) increase in ADFI (1,401g vs 1,733g) compared to pigs fed CON diet. Pigs fed enzyme complex supplemented diet showed significant (P<0.05) improvement in dry matter and nitrogen digestibilities compared to pigs fed CON diet. In conclusion, the results obtained from these feeding trials suggest that the supplementation of
i-1,6-galactosidase and
ð-1,4-mannanase was an effective means for improving growth performance and dry matter and nitrogen digestibilities in nursery and growing pigs.(

Manipulation of growth in pigs through treatment of the neonate with clenbuterol and somatotropin.

Neonatal pigs were treated with lipolytic agents to determine whether this would cause a long-term decrease in their ability to deposit fat, with a consequent increase in muscle growth and feed efficiency. Groups of 25 female piglets were given clenbuterol (100 microg/kg BW), porcine somatotropin (pST; 100 microg/kg BW), pST plus clenbuterol, or saline injections from 3 d to 40 d of age. Five piglets from each group were then slaughtered to determine body composition. Clenbuterol and pST both increased ADG up to weaning when given separately (24%, P < 0.05; 20%, P < 0.1 respectively) but did not reduce fat deposition. In contrast, pigs given clenbuterol plus pST showed no increase in ADG and a 41% reduction in carcass fat (P < 0.05). Clenbuterol caused a marked decrease in beta2-adrenoceptor density in porcine adipose tissue (P < 0.001) and skeletal muscle (P < 0.01). This effect was attenuated by concurrent pST treatment, which helps to explain the synergistic effect of these drugs on fat deposition. Once the drugs were withdrawn at 40 d, the anabolic effect of pST gradually disappeared, so that the live weight of pST-treated and control pigs was identical at 168 d. Clenbuterol withdrawal caused the rapid loss of extra weight gained, plus an additional 4 to 5 kg live weight that was never recovered. During the 4-wk finishing period there was an increase in feed intake in pigs that had previously undergone treatment with pST (23%, P < 0.1), with no increase in ADG, and so feed efficiency was impaired (P < 0.05). Pigs that were treated with pST plus clenbuterol showed no marked increase in feed intake during this period. Carcasses from clenbuterol-treated pigs tended to be leaner at 168 d, but there was no long-term effect of pST or the combined treatment on carcass composition. Overall, the treatment of neonatal pigs with repartitioning agents was counter-productive, due to the withdrawal effects of the beta-adrenefgic agonist and the delayed long-term effect of pST on feed intake.

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) genotypes have no major effect on fatness in a Large White x Wild Boar intercross.

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a G-protein coupled receptor, is implicated in mediating the effect of leptin on food intake and energy balance. A previous candidate gene study reported an association between an MC4R missense mutation (Asp298Asn) and fatness, growth and feed intake in pigs. To assess this association further, we analysed the segregation of this missense mutation in relation to variation in fatness traits using a Wild Boar x Large White intercross. The Wild Boar and Large White founders were homozygous for different MC4R alleles. The MC4R was assigned to the expected region on pig chromosome 1. The statistical evaluation did not reveal any indication of a significant effect on fatness related traits in this pedigree.

Short-term effects of in-feed supplementation of tetracyclines for disease control on feed intake pattern and growth in weaned pigs

Chlortetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) are often administered in feed to pigs at extra-label doses to increase the efficacy of disease control strategies, but the bitterness of these antibiotics may significantly depress the voluntary feed intake of pigs at risk, compromising growth and the efficacy of the therapeutic regimen. We examined individual feed intake patterns and growth of 5-week-old pigs that received either drug-free feed ( n=36 pigs) or feed medicated with CTC or OTC at 12-h intervals for a period of 5 days. Each tested drug was mixed in feed at concentrations of 550, 1100, 1650 and 2200 mg/kg ( n≥8 pigs/dose/drug). Neither drug nor dose significantly affected the rate of feed intake (excluding interruptions), duration of meal, and the likelihood of leaving feed uneaten at the end of at least one meal. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed similar mean values across treatment groups, but variance of FCR varied significantly: CTC<OTC<drug free. Meal duration and feeding rate, and the likelihood of leaving feed uneaten were significantly influenced by the size of pigs, the occurrence of infection or spontaneous feeding interruptions during the meal. Feeding rate increased with experimental days. Results show that CTC and OTC are not feed deterrents in weaned pigs in the range of therapeutic doses currently used, but other sources of variation in feed intake indicate that drug input could vary among pigs.

The effect of dry matter concentration of liquid diets on the growth performance of grower-finisher pigs

There is a considerable body of information on the voluntary feed intake of pigs fed on dry diets. However, there is a paucity of information on the factors affecting feed intake of pigs fed liquid diets. Pigs have a limit to their volumetric intake and will normally maximise dry matter intake when fed dry diets, ad libitum. For pigs fed dry feed the requirement for water per unit of dry matter will be dependent upon the composition of the feed and the requirement for renal clearance of nitrogen and minerals. What is not clear, is whether presenting the feed mixed with water results in excessive water intake that produces a point loading of the stomach, which in turn limits voluntary feed intake, i.e. whether physical bulk limitations override the normal homeostatic control. Therefore, it is not possible to extrapolate from data generated with dry fed pigs and anticipate voluntary intake of pigs fed dilute liquid diets. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dry matter concentration of liquid feed on feed intake and growth performance of grower-finisher pigs.

Phosphorus requirements of grow-finish pigs raised in a commercial environment (2002)

We conducted three experiments to identify available phosphorus (aP) requirements of pigs reared in commercial facilities. In a pilot study (Exp. 1), 600 gilts (PIC, initially 95.2 lb) were randomly allotted to a low or high dietary P regimen in a 98-d study. Pigs were phase-fed six diets from 95 to 106, 106 to 150, 150 to 183, 183 to 212, 212 to 245, and 245 to 267 lb. Corresponding aP concentrations were: 0.30, 0.28, 0.27, 0.27, 0.24, and 0.19% (low) and 0.37, 0.33, 0.30, 0.28, 0.27, and 0.26% (high). No differences were observed (P > 0.10) in ADG and overall F/G was greater (P<0.07) for pigs fed the low aP regimen. In Exp. 2, 1,260 gilts (initially 74.5 lb) were randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments in a 26-d study. Experimental diets contained 0.18, 0.22, 0.25, 0.29, or 0.32% aP, corresponding to 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9 g aP/Mcal ME. There were 28 pigs per pen and 9 pens per treatment. From d 0 to 14, increasing aP tended to increase (linear, P<0.03) ADG and F/G (quadratic, P<0.05) with the greatest response observed as aP increased from 0.18 to 0.22%. However, from d 0 to 26, no differences were observed for any growth traits (P>0.12). Pooled bending moment of the femur, 6th rib, and 3rd and 4th metatarsals increased with increasing aP (linear, P<0.01). Ash content of the rib and metatarsals numerically increased (P>0.10) with increasing aP. In Exp. 3, 1,236 gilts (initially 195.1 lb) were randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments in a 28-d study. Experimental diets contained 0.05, 0.10, 0.14, 0.19, 0.23% aP, equivalent to 0.152, 0.277, 0.402, 0.527, or 0.652 g aP/Mcal ME. From d 0 to 14, increasing aP increased (linear, P<0.01) ADG and F/G. However, from d 0 to 28 increasing aP had no effect (P>0.17) on growth performance. Increasing aP increased (linear, P<0.05) bone ash and bending moment of the 3rd and 4th metacarpals. In commercial facilities, 74 to 121 lb pigs require approximately 0.22% aP to maximize ADG and F/G, whereas 195 to 240 lb pigs require approximately 0.19% aP. However, bone bending moment and ash continued to increase with increasing aP. These values correspond to 0.60 and 0.527 g aP/Mcal ME and 3.24 and 4.07 g/d of aP intake. Our results suggest percentage aP requirement estimates are similar to NRC (1998); however, because of the low feed intake of pigs in commercial facilities our study shows a lower requirement estimate on a g/d basis.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 14, 2002

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility and fecal odorous compounds in growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing hydrolyzed feather meal.

This study was designed to determine the effects of hydrolyzed feather meal inclusion on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility and fecal odorous compounds in modern lean growth genotype pigs. Two hundred forty pigs (BW = 23.2 +/- 1.3 kg) were allotted based on BW and sex to a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement of treatments (four pens per treatment; five pigs per pen) in a randomized complete block design. Factors consisted of 1) sex (barrows or gilts) and 2) dietary treatment (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10% hydrolyzed feather meal). Diets were formulated to contain 1.00, 0.90, 0.75, or 0.60% apparent ileal digestible lysine for phases 1 to 4, respectively, with other amino acids provided at an ideal ratio. Available P and ME were kept constant within each phase. No significant interactions between feather meal inclusion and sex were observed for growth performance (P > 0.15). Body weight gain was reduced (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 10% feather meal compared to pigs fed 0, 4, or 8% feather meal. Feed intake of pigs fed 10% feather meal was reduced (P < 0.05) compared to pigs fed 0 or 4% feather meal. Ultrasound backfat measurements tended (P = 0.12) to increase with increasing levels of feather meal. Daily lean gain was less (P < 0.05) in pigs fed 10% feather meal than in pigs fed either 0, 2, 4, or 8% feather meal. Digestibility of N measured on wk 9 decreased quadratically (P < 0.001) with increasing levels of feather meal. Phosphorus digestibility increased in a linear fashion (P < 0.02), however, the improvement in P digestibility with increasing levels of feather meal was more pronounced in barrows compared to gilts (interaction, P < 0.05). Fecal samples obtained from pigs fed 0, 4, or 8% feather meal were analyzed for odorous compounds. Concentrations of butanoic, pentanoic, and 3-methylbutanoic acid were greater (P < 0.05) and concentrations of 3-methylphenol, 4-methylphenol, indole, and decane were less (P < 0.05) in feces from pigs fed feather meal. These results suggest that feather meal can be included in diets for growing-finishing pigs at a rate of 8%. Excretion of N in feces increased but P excretion decreased with increasing levels of feather meal. Odorous compounds in feces can be affected by the inclusion of hydrolyzed feather meal, but the exact impact of these changes on odor perception remains to be elucidated.

飼料の物理的性状，特に形態および硬度が子豚の採食行動および飼料摂取量に及ぼす影響

飼料の物理的性状，特に形態および硬度が子豚の採食行動および飼料摂取量に及ぼす影響

Effect of Feeding Environment on Performance, Injuries, Plasma Cortisol and Behaviour in Growing-finishing Pigs: Studies on Individual Pigs Housed in Groups

The effect of feeding environment on individual pigs (small, medium and large barrows) housed in groups of 16 pigs was studied. The experiment comprised the following four treatments: trough feeding, four dry feeders, one dry feeder and one wet/dry feeder per 16 pigs, respectively. Performance, skin injuries, plasma cortisol, agonistic behaviour, ingestive behaviour and activity were studied. The effect of competition for feed was most clearly evident for the small pigs. The small animals in the one dry feeder treatment were forced to eat more during the night, had more forced withdrawals from the feeder, and tended to have more scratches and skin injuries than did the small animals in the four dry feeder treatment. It was concluded that this competition led to impaired well-being in the smallest pigs. No significant differences were detected in plasma cortisol levels, when comparing the different feeding systems within each pig size category. Trough feeding greatly affected pig feed intake pattern: during the growing period when pigs had ad libitum access to feed, the pigs fed in a trough ate mostly at feeding times, while the pigs in the four dry feeder treatment ate at times spread out over the entire 24 h period. It was concluded that there was a confounding effect between pig size category (small or large) and feeding system with regard to ingestive behaviour and aggressive interactions at feeding.

Hulless barley as an alternative energy source for growing–finishing pigs on growth performance, carcass quality, and nutrient digestibility

One feeding trial and one digestion trial were conducted to compare hulless barley and corn in terms of their effects on pig performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility. In the feeding trial, 32 crossbred pigs (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire), averaging 22.3 kg each, were randomly assigned to two treatments as follows: (1) a corn–soybean meal control diet, and (2) all the corn of the control diet replaced by hulless barley. In the digestion trial, eight crossbred gilts (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire), averaging 65.08 kg, were used to determine the digestibility of the diets. In the feeding trial, the average daily gain (ADG) of pigs fed the hulless barley diet was significantly higher than that of pigs fed the corn diet during the grower period, but the pigs fed the hulless barley diet were not significantly different in ADG from the pigs fed the corn diet during the finisher and overall periods. The daily feed intake of pigs fed the hulless barley diet was not significantly different from that of pigs fed the corn diet during the grower, finisher, and overall periods. The feed-to-gain ratio of pigs fed the hulless barley diet was not significantly different from that of pigs fed the corn diet during the grower period, but the pigs fed the hulless barley diet required less feed per unit of gain than those fed the corn diet during the finisher and overall periods. The dressing percentage, carcass length, mean backfat thickness, and loin eye area of pigs fed the hulless barley diet were not significantly different from those of pigs fed the corn diet. In the digestion trial, the apparent digestion coefficients of dry matter and energy of pigs fed the hulless barley diet were not significantly different from those of pigs fed the corn diet. The coefficient for nitrogen tended to be lower for hulless barley than for corn ( P<0.07). From these results, hulless barley is concluded to be a potential alternative energy source for use in swine diets.

Fusarium mycotoxins: a review of global implications for animal health, welfare and productivity

Trichothecenes, zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisins are the major Fusarium mycotoxins occurring on a worldwide basis in cereal grains, animal feeds and forages. Other important Fusarium mycotoxins include moniliformin and fusaric acid. Spontaneous outbreaks of Fusarium mycotoxicoses have been recorded in Europe, Asia, New Zealand and South America and, in addition, chronic exposure occurs on a regular and more widespread scale. The metabolism and adverse effects of the Fusarium mycotoxins are considered in this review with particular reference to recent data on specific and proposed syndromes and to interactions among co-occurring mycotoxins. Within the trichothecene group, deoxynivalenol (DON) is associated with emesis, feed refusal and depressed feed intake in pigs, while T-2 toxin and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) are now clearly linked with oral lesions in poultry. The gut microflora of farm livestock are able to transform DON to a de-epoxy derivative. In contrast, the ovine metabolism of ZEN results in the production of five metabolites and relatively high levels of these forms may be excreted in the urine as glucuronides. There is now undisputed evidence that ZEN and its metabolites possess estrogenic activity in pigs, cattle and sheep, but T-2 toxin has also been implicated in reproductive disorders in farm livestock. Fumonisins are positively linked with pulmonary edema in pigs, leukoencephalomalacia in equines and with deranged sphingolipid metabolism in these animals. Fusarium mycotoxins have also been provisionally implicated in ovine ill-thrift, acute mortality of poultry and in duodenitis/proximal jejunitis of horses. Several Fusarium mycotoxins may co-occur in a particular feed ingredient or in compound feedingstuffs. In general, combinations of Fusarium mycotoxins result in additive effects, but synergistic and/or potentiating interactions have been observed and are of greater concern in livestock health and productivity. Synergistic effects have been reported between DON and fusaric acid; DON and fumonisin B 1 (FB 1); and DAS and the Aspergillus-derived aflatoxins. Limited evidence of potentiation between FB 1 and DON or T-2 toxin has also emerged recently. Additive and synergistic effects between known and unidentified mycotoxins may account for enhanced adverse effects observed on feeding Fusarium-contaminated diets. The potential for transmission of DON into eggs and of ZEN into porcine kidney and liver has been demonstrated. However, lactational carry-over of FB 1 appears not to occur, at least in cows and sows. It is concluded that livestock health, welfare and productivity may be severely compromised by consumption of DON, T-2 toxin, DAS, ZEN and fumonisins and by interactions among these mycotoxins. Safety of some animal products may also be at risk. Furthermore, in view of the limited options available for remediation, it is concluded that exploitation of crops resistant to Fusarium infection offers the most viable strategy for reducing mycotoxin contamination of grain and animal feed.

Somatotropin Treatment Reduces Energy Intake without Altering Protein Intake in Pigs Selecting between High and Low Protein Diets ,

The current experiment examined the effect of somatotropin (STH) on feed intake and diet selection in pigs selecting between high (24% CP) and low (12% CP) protein diets. Sixteen pigs (initial weight 69 ± 2 kg) were individually penned and allowed to select between the diets for a 7-d pretreatment period and a 14-d treatment period during which time they received daily, subcutaneous injections of porcine somatotropin (0 or 4 mg/d). A 6-d withdrawal period followed. Feed intake was recorded daily. Over the 14-d treatment period, feed intake in pigs treated with STH was 21% less than that in the control group (2.49 vs. 3.17 kg/d, P < 0.01). The decrease in total intake was accounted for entirely by a decrease in the amount of the 12% CP diet selected (1.00 vs. 2.00 kg/d, P <0.01). STH-treated pigs altered their selection pattern such that energy intake was reduced, but total protein intake was unaffected. Control pigs selected a diet that was 15–16% crude protein throughout the study. STH-treated pigs selected a higher protein diet (18%, P < 0.02). During the withdrawal period, total feed intake began to normalize, such that by the third day of withdrawal, intake was not different than that in the control group. The recovery of total intake was accomplished by increased consumption of both diets rather than a specific normalization of low protein diet consumption. The results indicate that pigs treated with STH decrease feed intake, which is due to a decrease in the amount of 12% CP diet consumed. The change in dietary selection pattern is likely associated with a change in energy retention (carcass lipid + protein) associated with the STH-induced changes in composition of gain.