Fermentable Non-starch Polysaccharides Research Articles

Dietary non-starch polysaccharides influenced natural food web and fish production in semi-intensive pond culture of Nile tilapia

Dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) changes the nutrient digestibility and faecal characteristics in fish. This study assessed the effect of the type of dietary NSPs on fish production and the contribution of natural food to the total fish production in semi-intensively managed tilapia ponds. Twelve ponds, each divided into three equally-sized compartments, were assigned to test the effect of the type of dietary NSPs (i.e. “PecHem-Diet”, a diet with easily fermentable NSP, vs “LigCel-Diet”, a diet with slowly fermentable NSP). Fish were restrictively fed, based on the crude protein content of the feed. Three feeding levels (“no = 0”, “low = 9 g.kg-0.8.d−1” and “high= 18 g.kg-0.8.d-1”) nested in pond were analysed in a split plot design. Initial fish biomass was 3084 g.compartment−1 and the experiment lasted 56 days. With the “LigCel-Diet” biomass gain was higher (2599 vs 2192 g.compartment−1) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (1.4 vs 1.9; P < .001) than with the “PecHem-Diet”. Diet had no effect on fish survival and specific growth rate (SGR). For both diets, increasing feeding level increased (P < .001) biomass gain, fish survival, FCR and SGR. There was a significant interaction effect (P < .05) between diet and feeding level on FCR. Fish body composition was the same in both diets. With the “LigCel-Diet”, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) was higher (P < .001) for crude protein, fat, phosphorus and calcium and lower (P < .05) for ash compared to the other diet. Neither feeding level nor the interaction between diet and feeding level influenced the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of any nutrient. Diet composition did not alter the organic matter (OM) composition of the faeces. δ13C and δ15N from the stable isotope analysis revealed that N gain in fish originated from both feed and natural food of the pond. Natural food abundance in the pond increased over time for both diets. Chlorophyll-a was higher in the pond fed with “LigCel-Diet”. Fish gut content and calculated N gain indicated an enhanced contribution of natural food to fish growth in ponds fed with “LigCel-Diet”. In conclusion, the type of dietary NSP determines tilapia productivity in semi-intensive managed ponds by altering food web productivity.

Viscous and fermentable nonstarch polysaccharides affect intestinal nutrient and energy flow and hindgut fermentation in growing pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of viscosity and fermentability of purified nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) on intestinal nutrient and energy flow and hindgut fermentation in growing pigs. In Exp. 1, 15 ileal-cannulated pigs (50.5 ± 2.9 kg BW) were allotted to 5 diets in a 2-period incompletely randomized design. Pigs were provided a cornstarch N-free diet (CST) or a diet containing 5% inulin (INU), carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), or Solka-Floc (SFC). Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of DM, ash, and GE were greater ( < 0.05) in the MCC and SFC diets than in the INU and CMC diets. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, carbohydrates (CHO), and GE and the DE content in the CST and INU diets were greater ( < 0.01) than in the CMC, MCC, and SFC diets. Hindgut disappearance of DM, CHO, and GE in the INU diet was greater ( < 0.05) than in the other N-free diets. The ileal endogenous flow of His, Ile, Leu, Met, Thr, Val, and all dispensable AA in the CMC diet was greater ( < 0.05) than in the other diets. In Exp. 2, 6 ileal-cannulated pigs were allotted to 3 diets containing either a corn-soybean meal control diet or the control diet with 5% INU or CMC in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Ala, Arg, Asp, Cys, Gly, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Ser, Thr, and Val were greater ( < 0.05) in the CMC diet than in the control and INU diets. Incorporation of 5% INU or CMC in the control diet reduced ( < 0.01) the AID of arabinoxylan and insoluble and total NSP. The ATTD of NSP and cellulose and the hindgut disappearance of NSP, β-glucan, and cellulose in the CMC diet were less ( < 0.01) than in the control and INU diets. Inclusion of 5% INU in the diet increased ( < 0.01) hindgut fermentation of insoluble and total NSP compared with the control and CMC diets. In conclusion, depending on the viscosity and fermentability of the NSP, different sources will have different effects on nutrient digestibility and hindgut fermentation. Addition of 5% INU to a corn-soybean meal diet reduced digestibility of the NSP component in the ileum and increased hindgut fermentation of total NSP. In contrast, the inclusion of CMC increased the AID and SID of the diet and reduced total tract digestion and hindgut fermentation of NSP component. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is not recommended as a source of synthetic fiber in a N-free diet to determine the SID of AA of diets.

Fermentable non-starch polysaccharides increases the abundance of Bacteroides–Prevotella–Porphyromonas in ileal microbial community of growing pigs

Most plant-origin fiber sources used in pig production contains a mixture of soluble and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). The knowledge about effects of these sources of NSP on the gut microbiota and its fermentation products is still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of feeding diets with native sources of NSP on the ileal and fecal microbial composition and the dietary impact on the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid. The experiment comprised four diets and four periods in a change-over design with seven post valve t-cecum cannulated growing pigs. The four diets were balanced to be similar in NSP content and included one of four fiber sources, two diets were rich in pectins, through inclusion of chicory forage (CFO) and sugar beet pulp, and two were rich in arabinoxylan, through inclusion of wheat bran (WB) and grass meal. The gut microbial composition was assessed with terminal restriction fragment (TRF) length polymorphism and the abundance of Lactobacillus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides–Prevotella–Porphyromonas and the β-xylosidase gene, xynB, were assessed with quantitative PCR. The gut microbiota did not cluster based on NSP structure (arabinoxylan or pectin) rather, the effect was to a high degree ingredient specific. In pigs fed diet CFO, three TRFs related to Prevotellaceae together consisted of more than 25% of the fecal microbiota, which is about 3 to 23 times higher (P<0.05) than in pigs fed the other diets. Whereas pigs fed diet WB had about 2 to 22 times higher abundance (P<0.05) of Megasphaera elsdenii in feces and about six times higher abundance (P<0.05) of Lactobacillus reuteri in ileal digesta than pigs fed the other diets. The total amount of digested NSP (r=0.57; P=0.002), xylose (r=0.53; P=0.004) and dietary fiber (r=0.60; P=0.001) in ileal digesta were positively correlated with an increased abundance of Bacteroides–Prevotella–Porphyromonas. The effect on SCFA was correlated to specific neutral sugars where xylose increased the ileal butyric acid proportion, whereas arabinose increased the fecal butyric acid proportion. Moreover, chicory pectin increased the acetic acid proportion in both ileal digesta and feces.

Fermentation affects mineral flux in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs fed diets supplemented with different viscous and fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (NSP)

The impact of NSP differing in viscosity and fermentability on intestinal mineral flux in pigs is largely unknown. Therefore, the effects of 5% low fermentable, low viscous cellulose (CEL), low fermentable, high viscous carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), high fermentable, low viscous oat β-glucan (LG) and high fermentable, high viscous oat β-glucan (HG) on ileal and faecal recovery and postileal flux of Ca and Zn were studied in 8 ileal-cannulated barrows (30 kg BW) according to a double 4 × 4 Latin square. Ileal and faecal recovery of Ca and Zn was lowest ( P < 0.05) for CMC and highest for HG. For all treatments faecal recovery of Zn was 1.5 to 2 times higher ( P < 0.05) than ileal recoveries, indicating a net secretion into the large intestine. Absorption of Ca and Zn secretion was non-linearly related ( P < 0.01) to postileal DM digestibility suggesting a relationship between fermentation and mineral flux in the large intestine. In conclusion, colonic fermentation of NSP or other dietary components affects the local mineral flux in pigs, possibly due to microbial requirements for minerals. Viscosity of NSP did not appear to be an important component to explain effects of NSP sources.

Dietary supplementation of viscous and fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) modulates microbial fermentation in pigs

Purified non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) affect intestinal nutrient flow and hence microbial fermentation in pigs. Therefore, we investigated the effect of NSP differing in viscosity and fermentability on colonic fermentation and bacterial populations in eight ileal-cannulated barrows (BW 30 kg) fed a cornstarch-casein based diet supplemented with 5% low fermentable, low viscous cellulose (CEL), low fermentable, high viscous carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), high fermentable, low viscous oat β-glucan (LG), or high fermentable, high viscous oat β-glucan (HG) in a double 4 × 4 Latin square. Ileal DM flow was higher ( P < 0.05) for CEL, LG and HG than for CMC. Thus, more fermentable substrate entered the colon resulting in higher ( P < 0.01) SCFA levels in faeces with CEL, LG and HG. The LG raised ( P < 0.05) faecal molar proportion of butyrate 1.5 to 3 folds compared to CEL and CMC. LG also increased branched-chain fatty acids compared to CMC, indicating increased colonic fermentation of branched-chain AA that coincided with increased ( P < 0.05) flow of protein into the large intestine. In contrast, faecal counts of C. perfringens cluster were lower ( P < 0.05) for LG and CMC compared to CEL and HG. Less colonic fermentable substrate with CMC corresponded to lower faecal numbers of lactobacilli and higher numbers of Bacteroides-like and Enterobacteriaceae ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, effects on microbial fermentation were more linked to the chemical structure of individual NSP than to their shared physical properties, such as viscosity and fermentability.

Effect of viscosity and fermentability of purified non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP) on kinetics of net glucose and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) portal flux and insulin secretion in porto‐arterial catheterized pigs

The NSP may lower glycemic and insulin responses, but specific contributions of viscosity and fermentability are unknown. Thus, the effects of NSP on net nutrient portal flux and insulin responses were studied in 4 pigs with 2 catheters [portal vein, carotid artery] and 1 blood flow probe [portal vein]. Semi‐purified [cornstarch, casein] diets supplemented with 5% purified NSP sources were fed in a 2 (low, high viscous; V) × 2 (low, high fermentable; F) factorial arrangement using: low V, low F cellulose (CEL1), high V, low F carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), low V, high F cellulose (CEL2), and high V, high F oat β‐glucan (HVG). Blood was sampled for 12 h postprandially and net nutrient portal flux and insulin secretion were calculated from plasma portal‐arterial differences × flow. Blood flow, portal and carotid glucose and net glucose portal flux peaked at 45 min after feeding (P&lt;0.001) and were not affected by NSP. However, fermentable NSP (CEL2 and HVG) increased (P&lt;0.05) net glucose portal flux 46% over 12 h postprandially. Insulin secretion was 44% lower (P&lt;0.05) for viscous than non viscous NSP. The CEL2 and HVG diets increased (P&lt;0.05) net SCFA portal flux for propionate and butyrate 48%, indicating increased colonic fermentation. In conclusion, viscosity of NSP reduced insulin secretion and fermentable NSP increased net portal flux of glucose, propionate, and butyrate.Grant Funding Source: ALMA, Danisco, and Alberta Pulse Growers

Efficiency of fat deposition from different energy sources in pigs using multivariate regression analysis

The aim was to estimate the energetic cost of fat deposition from fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (fNSP), starch, and unsaturated fatty acids. A slaughter trial was conducted with a total of 58 individually housed pigs (48–106 kg). The energetic efficiency was monitored at two energy levels; the lysine supply of the pigs was limiting for protein deposition. Control diets were fed either at two or three times of maintenance energy requirement, and the treatments were achieved by isoenergetic addition of the daily nutrient intake (0.2 MJ DE/kg0.75) derived either from fNSP, or digestible starch (dSt), or digestible fat (dFat) above the nutrients from the control diets. Chemical composition of the pigs was determined at 48±4 kg (10 pigs) or 106±3 kg body weight (BW) (48 pigs). In conclusion, under protein limiting conditions, the energetic transformation of fNSP, dSt, and dFat for fat retention (NEfat/DE) was 62%, 80%, and 57%, respectively. The efficiency of fat deposition from a specific energy source was constant, irrespective of the actual feeding level.

Effects of levels and sources of dietary fermentable non-starch polysaccharides on blood glucose stability and behaviour of group-housed pregnant gilts

A fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (fNSP)-rich diet (sugarbeet pulp; SBP) was previously shown to reduce within-day variation in blood glucose levels and reduce stereotyped behaviour. The aim of the present experiment was to study (1) whether there is a relationship between fNSP level in a diet and behavioural indicators of satiety and indicators of glucose stability and (2) whether a mixture of fNSP-sources is as effective as SBP as fNSP-source. One hundred and eight sows were used during their first gestation and were divided over six batches. They were housed in groups of three sows in six pens. Pen and batch were blocking factors in a Latin Square design with dietary treatment as the factor under study with six distinct diets. Four treatments with different levels of dietary fNSP (11%, 20%, 29% and 38% fNSP; realised concentrations) were used for the first research question. A mixture of fNSP-rich ingredients was used. The fifth treatment had 28% fNSP, comparable with the third treatment, but with SBP as the main fNSP-source. These two treatments were used for the second research question. The sixth treatment was similar to others but does not contribute to the aims of this paper. Sows were fed with a restricted amount of feed during 30-min individual housing in stalls, once per day at 7:30 h. Behavioural indicators of satiety (self-directed behaviour, substrate-directed behaviour and inactivity) were scored on each of 3 days in weeks 10, 12 and 14, during 1 h directly after feeding and 1 h in the afternoon (8 h after feeding). Days within weeks were pooled per group. Mean glucose levels in eight blood samples and indicators of glucose stability (variance, VAR; sum of absolute differences between levels in consecutive samples, SAD) were determined on one day in these weeks. Glucose was immediately measured in a drop of blood, stress-free obtained from the ear at 1-h intervals from 4 to 11 h after feeding time (i.e., eight samples). Results and conclusions were: (1) Self-directed behaviour (most pronounced directly after feeding), total oral behaviour, glucose SAD, glucose VAR and mean glucose level decreased and inactivity (most pronounced in the afternoon) increased with increasing fNSP level in the diet. The maximal effect of fNSP on behaviour and glucose parameters was apparently not yet reached by the diets used. Substrate-directed behaviour was not affected by fNSP level in the diet. (2) A mixture of fNSP-sources was equally effective as SBP as main fNSP-source (similar dietary fNSP level).

Effects of hindgut fermentation of non-starch polysaccharides on the stability of blood glucose and insulin levels and physical activity in empty sows

A fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (fNSP)-rich diet was previously shown to stabilise glucose and insulin levels and reduce physical activity in restricted-fed sows. Stable glucose levels may prevent interprandial hunger. Aim of the present study was to elucidate the specific role of fermentation in these traits. Ten empty sows were either fed a low- (L-sows) or a high-fNSP diet (H-sows), twice daily. In three successive periods, sows received first no infusion and then, in different sequences, continuous fNSP infusion in the cecum or glucose infusion in the blood for 8 days each (GLU; energetic control). Infused energy was similar to the difference in energy derived from fNSP between diets. Blood samples, drawn between feeding times, were analysed for glucose and insulin levels and stability. Video-recordings were analysed for posture changes (physical activity). GLU and fNSP infusions stabilised glucose levels in L-sows and reduced posture changes in both L- and H-sows (H-sows, tendency). Insulin stability was less affected by infusions. GLU and fNSP infusions prevented drops of glucose below basal levels. fNSP infusion in L-sows (cecum) had similar effects as GLU infusion in H-sows (oral fNSP intake). Results imply that fermentation plays an important role in the effects of a fNSP-rich diet on the stability of glucose levels and physical activity in sows.

Effects of additional starch or fat in late-gestating high nonstarch polysaccharide diets on litter performance and glucose tolerance in sows1,2

The effects of feeding additional starch or fat from d 85 of gestation until parturition on litter performance and on glucose tolerance in sows that were fed a diet with a high level of fermentable nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) were studied. The day after breeding, 141 multiparous sows were assigned to the experiment. At d 85 of gestation, sows were assigned to the treatments. Sows were fed 3.4 kg/d (as-fed basis) of a high-NSP diet or the same quantity of the high-NSP diet and an additional 360 g of starch (from wheat starch) daily, or the same quantity of the high-NSP diet and an additional 164 g of fat (from soybean oil) daily. During lactation, all sows were given free access to the same lactation diet. Approximately 1 wk before the expected time of parturition, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 38 randomly chosen sows by feeding pelleted glucose (3 g/kg BW0.75). Blood samples for glucose analyses were taken at -10, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 105, and 120 min after glucose was fed. The supply of additional dietary starch or fat did not increase piglet birth weight or total litter weight at birth. Sows that were fed the high-NSP diet had more (P = 0.097) live-born piglets and fewer (P = 0.084) stillborn piglets than did sows that were fed additional fat, whereas sows that were fed additional starch were intermediate for these variables. Piglet mortality after birth was not affected by dietary treatment. Body weight and backfat gains in the last month of gestation were higher for sows fed additional starch or fat than for sows fed the high-NSP diet (P < 0.001 and P = 0.017, respectively). Feed intake in lactation was greatest by sows fed the high-NSP diet, least by sows fed additional starch at the end of gestation, and intermediate by sows fed additional fat (P = 0.099). The differences in lactation feed intake did not result in differences in BW and backfat losses during lactation. Sows that were fed additional fat had the greatest glucose area under the curve (P = 0.044), indicating that these sows were less tolerant to glucose. In conclusion, feeding additional energy (starch or fat) in late-gestating sows that are fed a high-NSP diet did not increase litter weight at birth or piglet survival, but did increase maternal gain. Feeding sows additional energy from fat might induce glucose intolerance, whereas feeding sows additional energy from starch did not induce glucose intolerance.

Performance and individual feed intake characteristics of group-housed sows fed a nonstarch polysaccharides diet ad libitum during gestation over three parities1

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of feeding group-housed gestating sows a diet with a high level of fermentable nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP; approximately 45% sugar beet pulp as fed) ad libitum on the development in individual feed intake characteristics and reproductive performance during three successive reproduction cycles. Performance of the ad libitum-fed sows was compared to the performance of sows that were fed a conventional diet restrictedly. Feed intake characteristics during gestation were only measured in the ad libitum-fed sows. One hundred and nineteen sows were assigned to one of two gestation feeding regimens. Gestating sows were fed a conventional Dutch diet restrictedly or a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP ad libitum. During lactation, sows were given free access to a commercial lactation diet from d 6 after parturition onward. The ad libitum-fed sows ate 1.3 kg/d more during gestation than the restrictedly fed sows (P < 0.001), resulting in higher body weight and backfat gains during gestation (P < 0.05). Sows that were fed ad libitum during gestation lost more body weight and backfat during lactation (P < 0.001) than sows that were fed restrictedly during gestation. Feed intake during lactation, however, did not differ between sows that were fed restrictedly or ad libitum during gestation. The numbers of total piglets born, live-born and stillborn piglets, piglet birth weight, weaning-to-estrus interval, and percentage of sows that returned to estrus after first insemination were not affected by gestation feeding regimen. Mean daily voluntary feed intake (as-fed basis) over the three reproduction cycles in the ad libitum-fed gestating sows was 4.2 kg/d. Depending on the number of preceding reproduction cycles during which a sow was fed ad libitum, the maximum voluntary feed intake was reached in Parity 3, 4, or 5 and then remained stable in subsequent parities. Mean daily feed intake of the ad libitum-fed sows increased from wk 2 to 6 of gestation and then decreased to wk 15 of gestation. The mean number of daily visits with feed intake over the three reproduction cycles was 13.8. On average, ad libitum-fed sows spent 90 min/d on eating. This study shows that it is possible to feed gestating sows a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP ad libitum during three successive reproduction cycles without negative effects on reproductive performance.

Performance and individual feed intake characteristics of group-housed sows fed a nonstarch polysaccharides diet ad libitum during gestation over three parities.

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of feeding group-housed gestating sows a diet with a high level of fermentable nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP; approximately 45% sugar beet pulp as fed) ad libitum on the development in individual feed intake characteristics and reproductive performance during three successive reproduction cycles. Performance of the ad libitum-fed sows was compared to the performance of sows that were fed a conventional diet restrictedly. Feed intake characteristics during gestation were only measured in the ad libitum-fed sows. One hundred and nineteen sows were assigned to one of two gestation feeding regimens. Gestating sows were fed a conventional Dutch diet restrictedly or a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP ad libitum. During lactation, sows were given free access to a commercial lactation diet from d 6 after parturition onward. The ad libitum-fed sows ate 1.3 kg/d more during gestation than the restrictedly fed sows (P < 0.001), resulting in higher body weight and backfat gains during gestation (P < 0.05). Sows that were fed ad libitum during gestation lost more body weight and backfat during lactation (P < 0.001) than sows that were fed restrictedly during gestation. Feed intake during lactation, however, did not differ between sows that were fed restrictedly or ad libitum during gestation. The numbers of total piglets born, live-born and stillborn piglets, piglet birth weight, weaning-to-estrus interval, and percentage of sows that returned to estrus after first insemination were not affected by gestation feeding regimen. Mean daily voluntary feed intake (as-fed basis) over the three reproduction cycles in the ad libitum-fed gestating sows was 4.2 kg/d. Depending on the number of preceding reproduction cycles during which a sow was fed ad libitum, the maximum voluntary feed intake was reached in Parity 3, 4, or 5 and then remained stable in subsequent parities. Mean daily feed intake of the ad libitum-fed sows increased from wk 2 to 6 of gestation and then decreased to wk 15 of gestation. The mean number of daily visits with feed intake over the three reproduction cycles was 13.8. On average, ad libitum-fed sows spent 90 min/d on eating. This study shows that it is possible to feed gestating sows a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP ad libitum during three successive reproduction cycles without negative effects on reproductive performance.

Performance of sows fed high levels of nonstarch polysaccharides during gestation and lactation over three parities.

The effect of feeding sows a starch diet or a diet with a high level of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) during gestation, lactation, or both gestation and lactation during the first three parities on reproductive performance, body weight, and backfat was studied. Four-hundred and forty-four postpuberal gilts were allotted to a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment. Treatments were diet composition during gestation (including the weaning-to-estrus interval; G-Starch: 274 g/kg of starch and 123 g/kg of fermentable NSP or G-NSP: 86 g/kg of starch and 300 g/kg of fermentable NSP), diet composition during lactation (L-Starch: 293 g/kg of starch and 113 g/kg of fermentable NSP or L-NSP: 189 g/kg of starch and 216 g/kg of fermentable NSP) and group-housing system during gestation (free access stalls or electronic feeding). Both gestation diets were formulated to be isoenergetic. During lactation, sows were given free access to the lactation diets from d 6 after parturition onwards. Body weight and backfat gains during gestation were lower in sows fed the G-NSP diet than in those fed the G-starch diet (P < 0.001). The effects were more pronounced in the electronic feeding system than in the free access stalls. These results indicate an overestimation of the energy value of fermentable NSP. Body weight and backfat losses during lactation were less in sows fed the G-NSP diet during gestation than in those fed the G-starch diet (P < 0.05),which can be explained by a 0.4 kg/d higher (P < 0.001) feed intake during lactation of the sows fed the G-NSP diet. Sows fed the L-NSP diet lost more backfat during lactation than sows fed the L-starch diet (P < 0.05). The number of total piglets born and live-born piglets was 0.5 piglet higher in sows fed the G-NSP diet than in those fed the G-starch diet (P < 0.05). Lactation diet did not affect the number of total piglets born or live-born piglets. This study shows that, although high NSP diets negatively influence body weight and backfat thickness of the sows, it is possible to feed sows a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP diet during both gestation and lactation without negative effects on reproductive performance. Under the conditions of this study, feeding sows a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP during gestation and a high level of starch during lactation seems the most favorable feeding strategy.

Development of stereotypic behaviour in sows fed a starch diet or a non-starch polysaccharide diet during gestation and lactation over two parities

The effect of feeding sows a starch diet or a diet with a high level of fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) during gestation, lactation or both gestation and lactation over the first two parities on the development of stereotypic behaviour was studied in sows housed in groups during gestation and individually during lactation. A total of 119 postpubertal gilts were allotted to a 2×2 factorial experiment. Treatments were diet composition during gestation (G-Starch: 274g/kg starch and 123g/kg fermentable NSP or G-NSP: 86g/kg starch and 300g/kg fermentable NSP) and diet composition during lactation (L-Starch: 293g/kg starch and 113g/kg fermentable NSP or L-NSP: 189g/kg starch and 216g/kg fermentable NSP). Sows on both gestation diets were fed iso-energetic. During lactation, sows were given free access to the lactation diets. Behavioural measurements were carried out in weeks 3, 12 and 15 after start of the experiment or after weaning in parity 1 and 2 sows, respectively, 3 days before the expected date of parturition and 1 week before weaning in the first 3h after the morning meal using a scan-sampling technique. Feeding group-housed sows a diet high in fermentable NSP during gestation reduced the frequency of total non-feeding oral activities (=sham chewing + other non-feeding oral activities) in gestation compared with a starch diet (P<0.001 and <0.05, in parities 1 and 2, respectively). In both parity 1 and 2 sows, the greatest reduction was realised in week 15 and the smallest reduction in week 3. During lactation, the composition of the gestation diet did not affect the frequency of total non-feeding oral activities. Feeding sows a diet high in fermentable NSP during lactation reduced the frequency of total non-feeding oral activities in lactation in parity 2 sows (P<0.05) but not in parity 1 sows compared with a starch diet. Moreover, it tended to reduce, although not statistically significant (P=0.15), the frequency of total non-feeding oral activities during subsequent gestation. This study shows that diets high in fermentable NSP during gestation reduce the level of stereotypic behaviour in gestation. It seems that diets high in fermentable NSP during lactation may have an additional reducing effect on the development of stereotypic behaviour in subsequent gestation.

Effects of dietary fermentable carbohydrates on behavior and heat production in group-housed sows.

The effects of dietary nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) on behavior and heat production in group-housed sows were studied. Twelve groups of six nonpregnant sows were fed one of four experimental diets that were similar in composition except for starch and NSP contents. Exchanging sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) for tapioca created the difference in dietary starch and NSP ratio. On a dry matter (DM) basis, diets contained 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS. Sows were group-housed. Intake of fermentable NSP (fNSP) for diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS averaged 7.06, 9.18, 11.61, and 13.73 g x kg(-0.75) d(-1), respectively. Sows were fed, once a day at 0800. Dry matter intake for diets containing 0, 10, 20, or 30% SBPS, averaged 38.05, 38.38, 38.53, and 38.35 g x kg(-075) x d(-1), respectively, and ME intake averaged 523, 518, 514, and 493 kJ x kg(-0.75) x d(-1), respectively. On average, sows spent 177 min/d on physical activity, of which 8.8% was spent on eating. Time spent in physical activity was affected by diet (P = 0.005). Sows fed 0 or 10% SBPS spent more time on physical activity than sows fed 20 or 30% SBPS (P = 0.002). Energy cost of physical activity averaged 464 kJ x kg(-0.75) x d(-1) (standard estimated mean of 31) and was similar for diets (P = 0.679). Total heat production (HP) and activity-related heat production (AHP) were affected by diet (P < 0.05). Sows tended to be quieter when fNSP intake increased (P = 0.063). The effect of fNSP intake on HP and AHP was not constant during the day. During the night period, fNSP intake did not affect HP and AHP (P > 0.10). During the day period, increased fNSP intake decreased HP (P = 0.006) and tended to decrease AHP (P = 0.062). During eating, increased fNSP intake increased HP (P = 0.012) and tended to increase AHP (P = 0.074). Despite similar DMI, sows fed 0 or 10% SBPS spent less time eating than sows fed 20 or 30% SBPS (P = 0.009). Feed consumption rate was higher (P = 0.003) in groups fed 0 or 10% SBPS than in groups fed 20 or 30% SBPS. Feed consumption rate decreased by 0.19 g DM x kg(-0.75). min(-1) (P = 0.003) for each gram of fNSP intake. The energy saving effect of physical activity on the NE value of fNSP from SBPS ranged between 2.3 and 3.7 kJ/g of fNSP intake. In conclusion, intake of fNSP from SBPS affected energy expenditure for physical activity (P = 0.063); however, this effect was not constant during the day.

Adaptation to the digestion of nutrients of a starch diet or a non-starch polysaccharide diet in group-housed pregnant sows.

A trial was conducted with twenty group-housed pregnant sows to study the adaptation in nutrient digestibility to a starch-rich diet or a diet with a high level of fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) during a time period of 6 weeks. The starch-rich diet was primarily composed of wheat, peas and tapioca, whereas soya bean hulls and sugar beet pulp, which both are highly fermentable NSP sources, were used to formulate the NSP-rich diet. The starch-rich diet and the NSP-rich diet were formulated to contain different levels of starch (298 vs. 78 g/kg) and fermentable NSP (100 vs. 300 g/kg), but a similar level of net energy (NE) (8.36 MJ/kg). The trial consisted of a 1-week adaptation period followed by a 5-week collection period. Weekly apparent faecal digestibilities of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fat, ash and NSP were measured by using the acid-insoluble ash marker method. Apparent faecal digestibilities of DM and organic matter (OM) of both diets were similar. Faecal digestibility of CP and crude fat was lower (p < 0.001) whereas that of NSP was higher (p < 0.001) for sows that received the NSP-rich diet. Calculated NE values of both diets were similar. Sows fed the NSP-rich diet produced faeces that contained a lower (p < 0.001) DM content compared with sows that were fed with the starch-rich diet. The quantity of dry faeces was the same on both diets, therefore total faeces production (as-is basis) was higher (p < 0.01) for the sows fed the NSP-rich diet. During the 5-week collection period, no changes were observed in the digestibility of DM, OM and NSP in the NE value of the diets. Digestibilities of CP and fat, however, were lower in week 1 (p < 0.05) compared with weeks 2-5 for both diets. The DM content of the faeces and the quantity of dry faeces did not change from weeks 1-5. Diet by time interaction was not observed for any of the response variables indicating that sows adapt as quickly to a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP as to a starch-rich diet. The present trial shows that, with regard to digestibility of nutrients, pregnant sows completely adapt to a NSP-rich diet (i.e., NSP from sugar beet pulp) in 2 weeks and that the time period necessary to adapt to a starch-rich diet or a diet with a high level of fermentable NSP is similar.

Growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets offered wheat-, barley- or sugar-beet pulp-based diets supplemented with food enzymes

AbstractPig studies on non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) have mainly focused on finishing and breeding animals because their digestive capacity and ability to ferment fibre are considered greater than piglets. In this study, growth and nutrient digestibility, with particular reference to NSP constituent monomers, were evaluated in piglets offered contrasting sources of NSPs. The potential for enhancing growth performance and digestibility with exogenous food enzymes (xylanase, amylase, pectinase and beta-glucanase) was investigated. A total of 240 piglets weaned at 28 days of age, in groups of six, were allocated to six treatments in a 3×2 factorial design, diet type (W, B and SBP) by enzyme supplementation (–v. +). Diet W was wheat based and formulated to supply 14 MJ digestible energy (DE) per kg. In diets B and SBP, DE was reduced to 13·25 MJ/kg by replacing wheat with barley (708 g/kg) or with 185 g/kg dried unmolassed sugar beet pulp. Growth was monitored over 4 weeks. Digestibility of diets B–, B+, SBP– and SBP+ was evaluated in 16 piglets, in groups of four, using a 4×4 Latin-square design. In the growth study, mean initial and final piglet weights were 8·1 (s.e. 0·09) and 18·0 (s.e. 0·21) kg. Piglet health remained satisfactory and food intake averaged 523 (s.e. 6·7) g/day. There were no consistent and significant effects of diet type on food intake, live-weight gain or food conversion, except in week 1 when gain on diet W was higher than on diets B and SBP, 191 v. 150 v. 125 g/day, respectively (s.e.d. 20·0, P &lt; 0·05). Enzyme supplements enhanced the conversion of food to gain over 4 weeks (1·56 v. 1·50:1, s.e.d. 0·030, P &lt; 0·05). Piglets given diet SBP produced faeces with a lower dry-matter content (181 v. 246 g/kg, s.e.d. 10·8, P &lt; 0·001) but with no visual evidence of a nutritionally induced diarrhoea. There were no significant differences in apparent faecal digestibility coefficients (AFDC) for dry matter, crude protein and gross energy between diets B and SBP. AFDC for soluble, insoluble and total NSP constituent monomers were higher (P &lt; 0·001) in diet SBP. Soluble uronic acids were the most readily digested NSP constituents in diet SBP, showing a mean AFDC of 0·96 (s.e. 0·005). Apparent faecal digestibility was not an appropriate indicator for supplementary enzyme activity in the intact digestive tract of piglets given diets rich in fermentable NSPs. Piglets given the diets supplemented with enzymes excreted increased concentrations of urinary pentoses, especially arabinose (0·113 v. 0·136 mg/ml, s.e.d. 0·0107, P &lt; 0·05). Urinary arabinose and xylose concentrations were also increased (V &lt; 0·001) with feeding SBP, indicating that some of the microbially released NSP sugars escaped fermentation and were directly absorbed. In conclusion, piglets were able to use simple diets, containing high and contrasting sources of NSPs to support satisfactory rates of live-weight gain. Supplementation with NSP degrading enzymes enhanced the conversion of food to live-weight gain. Urinary NSP derived sugars provided indirect evidence of NSP hydrolysis by supplementary enzymes and gut microbes.

Changes in energy metabolism in relation to physical activity due to fermentable carbohydrates in group-housed growing pigs.

Fermentable nonstarch polysaccharides (dietary fiber) affect energy retention in group-housed growing pigs by reducing physical activity. This study assessed the effects of fermentation and bulkiness of dietary carbohydrates on physical activity in relation to energy metabolism. Eight clusters of 14 pigs were fed one of four diets in a 2x2 factorial arrangement. Factors included 1) gastrointestinal fermentation and 2) dietary bulkiness. Contrasts in fermentation were created by exchanging gelatinized maize starch with raw potato starch on a volume basis. Bulkiness was altered by adding 15% milled wheat straw to the diets. Apart from these differences, amounts of other dietary ingredients fed to the pigs were similar. Pigs were housed in groups. Nitrogen and energy balances were measured per cluster during a 14-d period. Dietary bulkiness did not affect ME intake, heat production, or energy retention. Metabolizability decreased when maize starch was replaced with raw potato starch (P< .01), resulting in a lower energy retention on the potato starch diets (P<.01). However, the lower ME intake on the potato diets was partially compensated by a reduced energy expenditure on physical activity (P< .01), which was 17.6% lower than that of pigs fed the maize starch diets. Dietary bulkiness did not affect physical activity. The effect of fiber-rich diets (nonstarch polysaccharides) on activity in growing group-housed pigs seems to be related to fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract, and not to bulkiness (volume).

Reduction of gaseous nitrogen loss from pig manure using feeds rich in easily-fermentable non-starch polysaccharides

Three experiments were carried out to determine the level of reduction in gaseous nitrogen loss from pig manure stored over 8 weeks by feeding easily-fermentable non-starch polysaccharides of different origin. In Experiment 1 different feeds were used to increase the content of fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (fNSP) from 160 to 190 g kg −1 dry matter (DM), on average. Feeds high in pectin (citrus pulp) and hemicellulose (beet pulp) were the most effective treatments to reduce gaseous nitrogen loss. The effect of cellulose as the fNSP source (ryebran as well as a mixture of bran and pulps, respectively) was numerically lower. Substituting cassava with maize also reduced gaseous nitrogen losses to a certain degree, presumably as a result of the different properties of the starch contained. In Experiment 2 graded levels of fNSP (150 to 220 g kg −1 DM) from beet pulp almost linearly decreased gaseous loss of nitrogen during storage. In Experiment 3 an increase of fNSP from 150 to 200 g kg −1 DM by the use of citrus pulp was almost as efficient in terms of reduction of gaseous nitrogen loss as a dietary protein reduction from 210 to 180 g kg −1 DM. The effects of fNSP supply were further enhanced by dietary protein reduction leading to a maximum reduction in gaseous nitrogen loss of 18% of initial manure nitrogen and of 38% of the amount daily emitted per pig when manure was stored for 8 weeks. All fNSP-enriched diets reduced the ratio of urinary to totally excreted N on average by 0.07% to 0.18% units with each g of additional fNSP kg −1 dietary DM. The corresponding relative decrease in initial ammonia N concentration in manure and in gaseous nitrogen loss was at a similar level. In the case of protein reduction, the suppression of gaseous nitrogen loss mainly resulted from the associated lower daily nitrogen excretion of the pigs and only to a lesser degree from the alteration of manure composition.

The effect of using fibrous feeds as nutrient diluents on the carcass quality and performance of finishing pigs fed ad libitum

Satisfactory levels of performance and improved carcass and meat eating quality in growing pigs fed high levels of sugar beet pulp (SBP) have been recently demonstrated by Kay et al. (1990) and Longland et al. (1991). One of the main advantages from feeding SBP was a reduction in carcass fatness and increased returns from improved grading. The objective of this work was to determine whether these benefits could be sustained to heavier finishing weights and to compare differences in the response to SBP as a source of readily fermentable non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and to oat feed (OF), a cereal by-product high in insoluble NSP, which is less easily degraded.