Growth Performance Of Finishing Pigs Research Articles

PSII-18 Evaluating the effects of sodium diformate on finishing pig growth performance

Abstract A total of 2,200 pigs (Duroc sire (PIC 800 or DNA 600) × PIC Camborough; initial body weight = 24.2 ± 0.30 kg) were used in a 117-d growth trial to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary sodium diformate on finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs (25 pigs per pen) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 22 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based with the addition of none, 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75% sodium diformate (Formi NDF; ADDCON Nordic AS, Porsgrunn, Norway). Diets were fed in 6 phases from 24 to 141 kg. From d 0 to 32, increasing sodium diformate tended to decrease (quadratic, P = 0.081; Table 1) average daily feed intake (ADFI) up to the 0.50% inclusion level and had a quadratic (P < 0.001) effect on feed efficiency with the best gain to feed ratio (G:F) observed at 0.25% sodium diformate. From d 32 to 60, there was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) in average daily gain (ADG) or ADFI; however, there was a tendency for a quadratic effect (P = 0.093) on G:F, with 0.25 and 0.50% inclusion of sodium diformate having the least G:F. From d 60 to 93, increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P < 0.01) ADG and ADFI. Additionally, from d 93 to 117, increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F. For the overall period (d 0 to 117), pigs fed increasing sodium diformate had increased (linear, P < 0.01) ADG and a tendency for increased (linear, P = 0.075) ADFI; however, there was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) in G:F. Treatment did not impact carcass characteristics (P > 0.10). Overall mortality was 1.1% and was not influenced (P > 0.10) by treatment. For economics, increasing sodium diformate increased (linear, P < 0.001) feed cost and feed cost per kg of gain in both low and high price scenarios. However, there was a tendency for a quadratic effect (P = 0.059) for revenue with pigs fed 0.25% sodium diformate generating the greatest revenue in both the low and high price scenarios. Due to the increased feed cost and quadratic response in revenue, pigs fed increasing sodium diformate resulted in a quadratic (P < 0.05) response in IOFC with pigs fed no sodium diformate having the greatest IOFC. In conclusion, these data suggest that feeding increasing sodium diformate improved ADG and ADFI after d 60 (~82 kg) in the finishing period. However, it is currently not economical to feed sodium diformate throughout the entire finishing period.

252 Evaluation of phase feeding and complete diet blending at different standardized ileal digestible lysine levels on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics and diet costs

Abstract A total of 2,160 mixed-gender pigs [PIC 337 × 1050; initial body weight (BW) = 24.9 ± 0.97 kg) were used in the 120-d study to compare feeding strategies (phase feeding vs complete diet blending) at different SID Lys levels (90 vs 100% of suggested requirement estimates) on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economics. Pens of 27 pigs were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments in a completely randomized block design with barn and initial BW as blocking factors resulting in 20 pens/treatment. The treatments included two feeding programs: a 5-phase feeding strategy at either 90% (Phase-90) or 100% of SID Lys requirement estimates (Phase-100) or blending of complete diets with pre-defined mixing proportions of a low and high SID Lys diet to meet 90 (Blend-90) or 100% (Blend-100) of the SID Lys curve requirement estimates for 23 to 127 kg pigs. Lysine levels were based on PIC 2021 requirement estimates. The 90% SID Lys diets were formulated to contain 4.38, 3.73, 3.06, 2.66 and 2.44 g SID Lys per Mcal NE for phases 1 to 5, respectively. The 100% SID Lys diets were formulated to contain 4.86, 4.15, 3.40, 2.96 and 2.71 g SID Lys per Mcal NE for phases 1 to 5, respectively. Pigs in phase-feeding strategies were fed on a feed budget with 21, 65, 67, 63 and 62 kg per pig for phases 1 to 5, respectively. Final BW and overall average daily gain (ADG; d 0 to 120) were not affected by the feeding strategy nor by diet SID Lys levels. In contrast, overall average daily feed intake (ADFI0 of pigs fed by diet blending was less than those fed by phase feeding (P = 0.002) resulting in increased gain to feed ratio (G:F; P < 0.001) for pigs fed by diet blending (table). The SID Lys levels did not influence overall ADFI or G:F. Hot carcass weight, carcass yield, percentage lean, fat depth and loin depth were not affected by the feeding program. Despite the decreased overall ADFI and increased G:F of pigs fed by diet blending, feeding strategy resulted in no significant differences in economic criteria except for reduced feed cost per kg gain at high price scenario (P = 0.049) for diet blending. With low diet cost, the 90% SID Lys level resulted in decreased feed cost per pig and feed cost per kg gain than 100% SID Lys (P < 0.001), but differences were not detected in income over feed cost (IOFC). In conclusion, diet blending at either 90 or 100% of the SID Lys requirement estimate reduced ADFI and increased G:F without impacting average daily gain (ADG) or carcass characteristics. At ingredient prices used in this study, feeding strategies at either 90 or 100% SID Lys did not significantly affect IOFC, but feeding 90% of SID Lys recommendation reduced feed cost.

PSI-16 Effect of HiPhorius phytase on finishing pig growth performance and bone mineralization with the use of two diet formulation strategies

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of HiPhorius (dsm-firmenich, Parsippany, NJ) phytase on finishing pig growth performance, serum chemistry, bone mineralization, and carcass characteristics. In Exp. 1, 1,161 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050, initially 36.7 ± 0.48 kg) were used in a 105-d trial. There were 27 pigs per pen and 10 or 11 replications per treatment. Treatments consisted of: 1) Control diet with no added phytase and formulated to NRC (2012) requirement estimates for standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P; 2) 600 FYT/kg added phytase formulated to the same STTD P as the control diet considering a release of 0.13% STTD P and 0.095% STTD Ca; 3) 1,000 FYT/kg added phytase formulated to the same STTD P as the control diet considering release of 0.16% STTD P and 0.107% STTD Ca, and 4) high STTD P (no phytase; approximately 22% above NRC requirement estimates). All diets were formulated to a 1.30:1 STTD Ca:STTD P ratio, but analysis suggested all phases were greater than the formulated target. Overall, pigs fed NRC (2012) or increased STTD P had increased average daily gain (ADG) and hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the treatments with added phytase. Pigs fed NRC (2012) STTD P had greater (P < 0.05) gain to feed ratio (G:F) compared with those with 1,000 FYT/kg with other treatments intermediate. In Exp. 2, 1,160 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050, initially 75.9 ± 1.32 kg) were used in a 58-d trial. There were 27 pigs per pen and 11 replications per treatment. Treatments were the same as in Exp.1 except diets were formulated to the same total Ca:P ratio [1.15:1 from 75 to 100 kg and 1.12:1 from 100 to 136 kg body weight (BW)] without a STTD Ca release consideration from phytase; however, diets analyzed with a wider Ca:P compared with the expected value (Table 1). Overall, there were no differences in ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI) or G:F among treatments (P > 0.10). For pigs fed NRC or increased STTD P, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in metacarpal bone density, and a tendency for increased (P < 0.10) bone ash weight and percentage bone ash compared with pigs fed treatments containing phytase. In conclusion, regardless of diet formulation strategy, pigs fed diets with phytase had decreased growth performance (Exp.1) and bone mineralization (Exp.2), which was unexpected and could be a result of the nutrient release values attributed to the phytase being overestimated, not enough phytate-bound P that is phytase-sensitive present in the diets, or too wide of a Ca:P ratio leading to reduced phytase activity in the analyzed diet samples compared with the intended ratio based on diet formulation.

PSIII-20 Impact of EnduraPig on Performance of PRRSV-Negative growing-finishing pigs

Abstract A total of 479 weaned pigs [PIC Camborough × PIC 337; initial body weight (BW) = 26.8 kg; Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, PRRSV-negative] were used to evaluate the effects of EnduraPig (PMI Additives), a patent-pending feed additive that has been designed to support health, performance, and immune function of pigs, on growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were blocked by initial BW and gender and assigned to 48 pens, which were allotted to one of 4 dietary treatments (12 pens/treatment, 9-10 pigs/pen), including T1) Control, T2) EnduraPig 0.1% (EP low), T3) EnduraPig 0.2% (EP medium), and T4) EnduraPig 0.3% (EP high). The EnduraPig inclusion levels were reduced by one-half when pigs reached approximately 70 kg BW (d 42). A five-phase feeding program was used with all diets formulated on a corn-DDGS-soybean meal basis to meet the nutrient requirements of growing-finishing pigs. Analysis of variance for growth measures was performed using the MIXED Procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4), and polynomial contrasts were used to evaluate linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of the EP levels. Significant differences were declared at P ≤ 0.05 and trends at P ≤ 0.10. During d 0-72, feeding EnduraPig tended to improve average daily gain (ADG) (0.96, 0.97, 1.00, and 0.97 kg, respectively; cubic, P = 0.06) with the greatest ADG observed in EP medium. During d 72 to market, feeding EnduraPig increased ADG (1.13, 1.14, 1.18, and 1.17 kg, respectively; linear, P = 0.02), average daily feed intake (ADFI; 3.48, 3.42, 3.55, and 3.49, respectively; cubic, P = 0.02) and feed:gain (3.08, 3.00, 3.01, and 2.98, respectively; linear, P = 0.10). Overall (d 0-market), feeding EnduraPig enhanced ADG (1.02, 1.02, 1.05, and 1.03 kg, respectively; linear, quadratic, and cubic, P = 0.04, 0.09, 0.01), with the greatest ADG observed in EP medium resulting in a 4.0 kg greater market BW compared with the control (128.9, 129.2, 132.9, and 130.5, respectively; linear and cubic, P < 0.05). In addition, feeding EnduraPig numerically improved feed:gain (2.51, 2.48, 2.48, and 2.48, respectively; linear, P = 0.14). With respect to BW variation, feeding EnduraPig reduced the standard deviation in market BW (10.65, 8.06, 8.86, and 9.54 kg, respectively; quadratic, P < 0.05), with the greatest reduction from EP low and EP medium (by 24 and 17%, respectively) compared with the control. In summary, data from this study indicate that feeding EnduraPig at 0.2% from 27 kg to 70 kg BW and 0.1% from 70 to market improves growth performance and reduces BW variation of PRRSV-negative growing-finishing pigs.

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.

PSIII-17 Comparative assessment of New Generation Phytase (HiPhorius vs. Ronozyme HiPhos in growing-finishing pigs

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of HiPhorius (DSM-Firmenich), a new generation of phytase with improved temperature and pH stability, as a replacement of Ronozyme HiPhos (DSM-Firmenich) on performance of growing-finishing pigs fed corn and soybean meal-based diet. A total of 1,200 growing pigs [PIC genetics, with average initial body weight (BW) = 26.8 ± 0.6 kg] were divided into 60 pens, with each pen consisting of 20 pigs and equal number of gilts and barrows. Each pen within a location block was randomly assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments consisting of 2 sources of phytase (Ronozyme HiPhos and HiPhorius) at a low or a high level of available Phosphorus release (AvP, 0.15 and 0.19% respectively). To achieve a low (0.15%) or high (0.19%) AvP, 1,000 or 2,000 FYT/kg of Ronozyme HiPhos was used respectively. To achieve the same levels of AvP, a decreased inclusion of HiPhorius was used (600 and 1,000 FYT/kg for the low and high AvP, respectively). A five-phase feeding program was utilized until pigs reached market weights. All performance data were analyzed using GLIMMIX procedure in SAS (SAS 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) in a randomized complete block design with initial body weight as covariate. Least squares means were compared using Fisher’s LSD (P < 0.05). Overall (d 0 to d 92), there were no differences observed in any of the performance parameters [final BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain to feed ratio (G:F] regardless of the dietary treatments provided (P > 0.20). There were also no differences in mortality and removals (P > 0.20) and in final weight variation (P > 0.20). In summary, using a reduced inclusion rate of HiPhorius (600 and 1,000 FYT/kg) resulted in similar overall growth performance as growing-finishing pigs fed Ronozyme HiPhos at 1,000 and 2,000 FYT/kg, respectively. The present study confirms the improved efficacy of the new generation phytase (HiPhorius) compared with Ronozyme HiPhos.

Effect of chronic cyclic heat stress and supplemented inorganic and organic zinc source levels on grow-finish pig growth performance and estimated body composition.

Zinc (Zn) supplementation has proved to mitigate the effects of heat stress with varying effects evident with Zn source during acute heat events. However, the effects of Zn supplementation during long-term summer weather patterns have yet to be explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the effects of supplementation source and level of Zn to mitigate the negative effects of long-term, cyclic heat stress in finishing swine. Six hundred cross-bred pigs were housed under thermoneutral (TN) or cyclic heat (HS) conditions simulating summer heat with acute 3-d heat waves for a 70-d study. Thermoneutral conditions were 16.7 to 18.9 °C throughout the study. HS pigs were housed at the same temperature as TN from days 0 to 18, then 28 °C/24 °C for 12h/12h on days 18 to 21, followed by 30 °C/26.7 °C for 12h/12h on days 24 to 70, except during acute heat (32 to 33 °C/29 to 30 °C, 12h/12h) on days 21 to 24, 42 to 45, and 63 to 66. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial with main effects of environment (HS vs. TN) and dietary available Zn supplementation: (1) 50mg/kg zinc oxide (ZnO), (2) 130mg/kg ZnO, (3) 50mg/kg of organic Zn (Availa Zn), (4) 50mg/kg ZnO + 40mg/kg organic Zn, (5) 50mg/kg ZnO + 60mg/kg organic Zn, and (6) 50mg/kg ZnO + 80mg/kg organic Zn. Pigs (5 pigs/pen) were blocked by initial body weight (72.2kg) and randomly allotted to 1 of 12 temperature and diet treatment combinations across 10 replicates. Body weight and feed intake were determined at the beginning and end of each acute heat event. All pigs were ultrasonically scanned at the 10th rib (TR) to predict loin muscle area (LMA), backfat (BF), and percent lean. Data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure in SAS with pen as the experimental unit. At day 63, HS pigs were lighter (P < 0.05), had lower overall average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). A diet-by-environment interaction was observed for overall ADG (P < 0.05) with diet 5 HS pigs having a 3.9% reduction in ADG whereas diet 6 had 14.4% reduction in ADG, while under TN temperatures diet 6 had the greatest overall ADG of all treatments. Other diets were intermediate in their ADG under both HS and TN conditions. Pigs under HS had less BF at the TR (P < 0.05) and a smaller LMA (P < 0.05), and a greater calculated percent lean (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that a blend of supplemental Zn sources at 50/60mg/kg may mitigate the reduction in growth performance due to HS. While not directly contrasted, the NRC requirement of 50mg/kg Zn may be too low to optimize finishing pig growth performance under both TN and HS conditions.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein (CP) formulations with supplemental amino acids (AA) are used to enhance intestinal health, reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and maintain growth performance of pigs. However, extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met. Moreover, implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy (NE) content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition. Additional supplementation of functional AA, coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism, improving nitrogen utilization, and growth performance. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp. 1, 90 pigs (19.7 ± 1.1 kg, 45 barrows and 45 gilts) were assigned to 3 treatments: CON (18.0% CP, supplementing Lys, Met, and Thr), LCP (16.0% CP, supplementing Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, and Val), and LCPT (16.1% CP, LCP + 0.05% SID Trp). In Exp. 2, 72 pigs (34.2 ± 4.2 kg BW) were assigned to 3 treatments: CON (17.7% CP, meeting the requirements of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp); LCP (15.0% CP, meeting Lys, Thr, Trp, Met, Val, Ile, and Phe); and VLCP (12.8% CP, meeting Lys, Thr, Trp, Met, Val, Ile, Phe, His, and Leu). In Exp. 3, 72 pigs (54.1 ± 5.9 kg BW) were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases (grower 2, finishing 1, and finishing 2). Treatments were CON (18.0%, 13.8%, 12.7% CP for 3 phases; meeting Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp); LCP (13.5%, 11.4%, 10.4% CP for 3 phases; meeting Lys, Thr, Trp, Met, Val, Ile, and Phe); and LCPG (14.1%, 12.8%, 11.1% CP for 3 phases; LCP + Glu to match SID Glu with CON). All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.ResultsIn Exp. 1, overall, the growth performance did not differ among treatments. The LCPT increased (P < 0.05) Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum. The LCP and LCPT increased (P < 0.05) CAT-1, 4F2hc, and B0AT expressions in the jejunum. In Exp. 2, overall, the VLCP reduced (P < 0.05) G:F and BUN. The LCP and VLCP increased (P < 0.05) the backfat thickness (BFT). In Exp. 3, overall, growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments. The LCPG reduced (P < 0.05) BUN, whereas increased the insulin in plasma. The LCP and LCPG reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of Streptococcaceae, whereas the LCP reduced (P < 0.05) Erysipelotrichaceae, and the alpha diversity.ConclusionsWhen implementing low CP formulation, CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys, Thr, Met, Trp, Val, and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition. Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Effect of environmental conditions and feed forms on the performance and feeding behavior of group-housed growing-finishing pigs

Aim of study: To investigate the influence of environmental conditions and feed forms on productivity and feeding behavior of growing-finishing pigs. Area of study: Farm located in the North-East of Spain (42°03'11.0"N 2°06'59.5"E). Material and methods: Two trials were conducted (n = 72 pigs each). In the Hot-Temperate/Pelleted trial (HT-P), pigs were half the time under hot conditions (average temperature Ta=28.1℃) and half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=25.5℃) and were fed in pellet. In the Temperate-Hot/Mash trial (TH-M), pigs were half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=23.5℃) and half the time under hot conditions (Ta=27.3℃) and were fed in mash. Productivity and feeding behavior were registered. Main results: Hot conditions during the finishing period in TH-M trial reduced by 118 g/d growth rate and increased feed conversion ratio (2.28 vs. 2.07 kg/kg) compared to HT-P trial (p &lt; 0.001) due to feed intake reduction. Growing pigs under hot conditions and fed in pellet increased total feeder visits (12.8 vs. 7.9 visits/d) and reduced visit size (147 vs. 230 g/visit, p &lt; 0.001); whereas finishing pigs under hot conditions and fed in mash only tended to reduce visit size (308 vs. 332 g/visit, p = 0.08). Pigs fed with mash ate slower (22.8 vs. 34.8 g/min) than pelleted-fed pigs (p &lt; 0.001), independently of environmental conditions. Research highlights: Feed form and environmental conditions affect both feeding behavior and performance of growing-finishing pigs. Unfortunately, due to a design weakness, it was not possible to obtain the sharp effect of both factors.

Evaluating the effects of benzoic acid on nursery and finishing pig growth performance.

Three studies were conducted evaluating the use of benzoic acid in swine diets. In experiment 1, 350 weanling barrows (DNA 200 × 400; initially 5.9 ± 0.04kg) were allotted to one of the five dietary treatments with 14 pens per treatment. Diets were fed in three phases: phase 1 from weaning to day 10, phase 2 from days 10 to 18, and phase 3 from days 18 to 38. Treatment 1 contained no benzoic acid throughout all three phases (weaning to day 42). Treatment 2 included 0.50% benzoic acid throughout all three phases. Treatment 3 contained 0.50% benzoic acid in phases 1 and 2, and 0.25% benzoic acid in phase 3. Treatment 4 contained 0.50% benzoic acid in phases 1 and 2, and no benzoic acid in phase 3. Treatment 5 contained 0.50% benzoic acid in phase 1, 0.25% benzoic acid in phase 2, and no benzoic acid in phase 3. For the overall period, pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and 0.25% benzoic acid in the final phase had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (average daily gain) than pigs fed no benzoic acid through all three phases, or pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and no benzoic acid in the final phase, with pigs fed the other treatments intermediate. Pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and 0.25% benzoic acid in the final phase had improved (P < 0.05) gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) compared with pigs fed no benzoic acid throughout all three phases, pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and no benzoic acid in the third phase, or pigs fed 0.50%, 0.25%, and no benzoic acid, respectively. For experiment 2, a 101-d trial was conducted using two groups of 1,053 finishing pigs (2,106 total pigs; PIC 337 × 1,050; initially 33.3 ± 1.9kg). Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-dried distillers grains with solubles-based with the addition of none, 0.25%, or 0.50% benzoic acid. Overall, pigs fed increasing benzoic acid had a tendency for increased average daily feed intake (linear, P = 0.083) but decreased G:F (linear, P < 0.05). In experiment 3, 2,162 finishing pigs (DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initially 31.4 ± 2.2kg) were used in a 109-d trial. Dietary treatments were formulated with or without 0.25% benzoic acid. For the overall experimental period, pigs fed benzoic acid had increased (P < 0.05) G:F. In summary, feeding benzoic acid elicits improved growth performance when fed throughout the entire nursery period while improved G:F in growing-finishing pigs was observed in one experiment, but not in the other.

PSIII-11 Evaluating the Effects of Benzoic Acid on Finishing Pig Growth Performance

Abstract Addition of acidifiers such as benzoic acid have shown to be effective at weaning due to limited HCl production in the stomach. With positive responses seen throughout the entire nursery period (approximately 25 kg), there is potential for this impact to carry over into the growing-finishing period. A total of 2,106 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050, Hendersonville, TN; initially 33.3 ± 1.91 kg) were used in a 101-d growth study to evaluate the effects of dietary benzoic acid level on commercial grow-finish pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs (27 pigs per pen) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 13 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-DDGS-based with an inclusion of none, 0.25, or 0.50% benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ). Diets were fed in 4 phases from 34 to 50, 50 to 75, 75 to 100, and 100 to 132 kg body weight. All treatments were formulated to meet or exceed NRC requirement estimates for growing-finishing pigs for their appropriate weight ranges. In the grower period (d 0 to 44), there were no evidence of differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for pigs fed increasing benzoic acid for any growth response criteria (Table 1). For the finisher period (d 44 to 101) and overall (d 0 to 101), increasing benzoic acid tended to increase ADFI (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.10) and decrease G:F (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was no evidence of differences in ADG (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for the overall experimental period. For carcass characteristics, no evidence of differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed for any response criteria. In conclusion, these data suggest that feeding benzoic acid in the grow-finish period had no impact on ADG, but tended to increase ADFI and worsen G:F without affecting carcass characteristics.

PSIV-13 Evaluation of Floor Space Restriction and Hyper-Dosing of Phytase on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Serum Chemistry of Late Finishing Pigs

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of strategically applied hyper-dosing of phytase on growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum chemistry profile of late finishing pigs housed under space-restricted conditions. A total of 375 finishing pigs (94.63 ± 0.61 kg) were randomly assigned to 48 pens, with 7 to 8 pigs per pen equally balanced for gilts and barrows. Two phytase supplementation doses (control of 2,500 FTU/kg or hyper-dose of 5,000 FTU/kg) and two space allocation dimensions (adequate with 0.85 m2/pig or restricted with 0.66 m2/pig) were combined to create 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Pigs were fed a finishing diet formulated to contain 0.68% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine, 0.55% Ca, and 0.24% available P and phytase was given equal matrix values for Ca, P, SID amino acids, and net energy for both supplementation levels. Analyzed dietary phytase concentrations were 2,970 and 6,560 FTU/kg for the 2,500 and 5,000 FTU/kg treatments, respectively. The 3 heaviest pigs per pen (2 barrows and 1 gilt) were marketed on d 28 and the remaining pigs were marketed on d 42. No interactions; P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed between floor space allowance and phytase supplementation. Pig body weight was determined weekly and was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.008) by restriction of space on week 3 (116.7 vs. 118.4 kg), and 4 (time of first marketing; 123.6 vs. 125.4 kg) and tended to be reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.08) on week 5 (125.5 vs. 127.8 kg), and 6 (second marketing; 133.0 vs. 135.3 kg). Body weight considering all pigs marketed (d 28 and d 42) was reduced (P = 0.009; 133.9 vs. 135.4) by space restriction. Space restriction reduced ADG during week 1, 3, the first marketing period, and for all pigs marketed (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Similarly, ADFI was reduced in space restricted pigs for all periods (P ≤ 0.001), but gain:feed was not impacted (P &amp;gt; 0.08). Back fat depth and loin eye area measured using ultrasound was not impacted by space restriction. Hyper-dosing with phytase did not impact (P &amp;gt; 0.06) growth performance or carcass characteristics, regardless of space allowance. Space restriction and phytase supplementation did not impact serum chemistry except for increased serum total protein and decreased urea N (P &amp;lt; 0.05) due to space restriction and decreased aspartate transaminase with hyper-dosing phytase. Results indicate that restricted floor space allowance reduced growth rate, feed intake and body weight of late finishing pigs and that hyper-dosing phytase was not an effective strategy in improving growth performance regardless of space allowance.

Effects of fermented bamboo powder on growth performance, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs

The purpose of this experiment is to study the effects of fermented bamboo powder (FBP) on growth performance, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 72 barrows (initial body weight, 90.37 ± 0.73 kg) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments in a 42 d trial, including a control (CON) diet and 3 FBP supplementation diets. In this experiment, the CON group was fed the basic diet, whereas, in the FBP group, wheat bran was replaced with different proportions of FBP, which were 2.5 % (FBP 2.5 %), 5.0 % (FBP 5 %), 10.0 % (FBP 10 %), respectively. The results showed that FBP of 2.5 % and 5 % had no negative effect on the performance of growing-finishing pigs (P > 0.05), FBP could increase the digestibility of feed, decrease the average backfat thickness, increase the loin eye muscle area, and make the meat color fresher (P < 0.05), more in line with Chinese consumers' buying habits. Adding 10 % FBP increased the feed-to-gain ratio; increased water holding capacity and drip loss of pork (P < 0.05) and decreased the content of intermuscular fat of pork (P < 0.05), thus decreasing the taste of pork. To sum up, FBP can be used as a feed raw material to replace part of the grain, and the recommended addition ratio is 5 %.

69. Effect of supplementation with a copper-exchanged clay on the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs restrictedly fed with a liquid feeding system

69. Effect of supplementation with a copper-exchanged clay on the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs restrictedly fed with a liquid feeding system

Nutritional strategies to improve the growth performance of pigs marketed in summer

To improve the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs and maximize economic returns for summer marketing, producers can feed increased dietary energy while pigs are still in their energy dependent growth phase. Removal of high-fiber ingredients such as dried distillers’ grains with solubles can increase dietary energy and improve gain. During the summer when feed intake is low, formulating diets at or slightly above amino acid requirements may be beneficial. Feed additives that increase growth rate should be considered to improve market weight. Market prices and optimal market weights should drive formulation decisions to maximize income over feed costs.

Dietary replacement of inorganic trace minerals with lower levels of organic trace minerals leads to enhanced antioxidant capacity, nutrient digestibility, and reduced fecal mineral excretion in growing-finishing pigs.

More effective and environment-friendly organic trace minerals have great potential to replace the inorganic elements in the diets of livestock. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary replacement of 100% inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) with 30-60% organic trace minerals (OTMs) on the performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, nutrient digestibility, and fecal mineral excretion and to assess whether low-dose OTMs could replace whole ITMs in growing-finishing pigs' diets. A total of 72 growing-finishing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial average body weight of 74.25 ± 0.41 kg were selected and divided into four groups with six replicates per group and three pigs per replicate. The pigs were fed either a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing commercial levels of 100% ITMs or a basal diet with 30, 45, or 60% amino acid-chelated trace minerals instead of 100% ITMs, respectively. The trial ended when the pigs' weight reached ~110 kg. The results showed that replacing 100% ITMs with 30-60% OTMs had no adverse effect on average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed/gain, carcass traits, or meat quality (P > 0.05) but significantly increased serum transferrin and calcium contents (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, replacing 100% ITMs with OTMs tended to increase serum T-SOD activity (0.05 ≤ P < 0.1), and 30% OTMs significantly increased muscle Mn-SOD activity (P < 0.05). Moreover, replacing 100% ITMs with OTMs tended to increase the apparent digestibility of energy, dry matter, and crude protein (0.05 ≤ P < 0.1) while significantly reducing the contents of copper, zinc, and manganese in feces (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 30-60% OTMs has the potential to replace 100% ITMs for improving antioxidant capacity and nutrient digestibility and for reducing fecal mineral excretion without compromising the performance of growing-finishing pigs.

The impact of the interaction between dietary total phosphorus level and efficacy of phytase on the performance of growing-finishing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the interaction between dietary total phosphorus (P) level and phytase on the performance of growing-finishing pigs. In experiment 1, a total of 96 growing pigs [Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (barrows, initial body weight (BW) = 39.1 ± 0.5 kg), 8 pigs per treatment] were used in a 5-d total fecal and urine collection study to determine the apparent total tract digestible (ATTD) P release value of phytase in 2 dietary standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P levels (1.49 vs 2.87 g/kg of STTD P) with 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 FTU/kg of phytase. The results indicated that there was an interaction between P level and phytase in the determination of coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility of P (P < 0.01). The determined P release curves were STTD P = −1.4 phytase2 × 10−6 + 20.8305 phytase × 10−3 + 6.88392 × 10−2, R² = 0.9766 [1] in low-P diets, and STTD P = −1.2 phytase2 × 10−6 + 20.2754 phytase × 10−3 + 1.86325 × 10−2, R² = 0.9965 [2] in high-P diets. In experiment 2, a total of 1344 growing pigs [Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (initial BW = 69.4 ± 0.6 kg), 28 pigs per pen] were used in a 35-d growth performance study. The study had 4 dietary treatments which included low-P (1.0 g/kg of STTD P) diet group, high-P (1.9 g/kg of STTD P) diet group, low-P diet + 1100 FTU/kg phytase group, and high-P diet + 250 FTU/kg phytase group. The two treatments with phytase were formulated to the same STTD P level using the P release value of phytase determined by equation [1] from Experiment 1. The results showed that the treatment with 1100 FTU/kg phytase had greater gain to feed ratio compared to the treatment with 250 FTU/kg phytase, 1.0 g/kg total STTD P group and 1.9 g/kg total STTD P group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the determination of P release of phytase may be impacted by the total P level in the diet. The P release value determined in low-P diets may not be accurate for the diet formulation when dietary total P level is greater.

Long-Term Dietary Supplementation with Betaine Improves Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary betaine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality and muscle lipid metabolism of growing-finishing pigs. Thirty-six crossbred pigs weighing 24.68 ± 0.97 kg were randomly allotted into two treatments consisting of a basal diet supplemented with 0 or 1200 mg/kg betaine. Each treatment included six replications of three pigs per pen. Following 119 days of feeding trial, dietary betaine supplementation significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and tended to improve average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p = 0.08) and decreased the feed intake to gain ratio (F/G) (p = 0.09) in pigs during 100~125 kg. Furthermore, a tendency to increase ADG (p = 0.09) and finial body weight (p = 0.09) of pigs over the whole period was observed in the betaine diet group. Betaine supplementation significantly increased a*45 min and marbling and decreased b*24 h and cooking loss in longissimus lumborum (p < 0.05), tended to increase intramuscular fat (IMF) content (p = 0.08), however had no significant influence on carcass characteristics (p > 0.05). Betaine supplementation influenced the lipid metabolism of pigs, evidenced by a lower serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), an up-regulation of mRNA abundance of fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (p < 0.05), and a down-regulation of mRNA abundance of lipolysis-related genes, including the silent information regulators of transcription 1 (p = 0.08), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα (p < 0.05), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (p = 0.07) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (p < 0.05) in longissimus lumborum. Moreover, betaine markedly improved the expression of microRNA-181a (miR-181a) (p < 0.05) and tended to enhance miR-370 (p = 0.08). Overall, betaine supplementation at 1200 mg/kg could increase the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. Furthermore, betaine had a trend to improve meat quality and IMF content via increasing lipogenesis and down-regulating the abundance of genes associated with lipolysis, respectively, which was associated with the regulation of miR-181a and miR-370 expression by betaine.

Effects of Various Feed Additives on Finishing Pig Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics: A Review.

Feed additives have shown benefits throughout the literature in improving grow-finish pigs' growth performance and carcass characteristics. However, the results have not been well summarized. Therefore, this review summarizes the available research (402 articles) on 14 feed additive categories fed to grow-finish pigs. The categories were acidifiers, betaine, Cr, conjugated linoleic acids, Cu, direct-fed microbials, carbohydrases, proteases, phytases, multi-enzymes, essential oils, L-carnitine, yeasts, and Zn. Qualified articles were collected and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from online databases. The percentage difference for each response variable between the treatment and control group was calculated and summarized. Most results were positive for each feed additive; however, the magnitude of improvement varied, and most were not statistically significant. For ADG, DFM, Cu, L-carnitine, and multi-enzymes showed relatively large positive effects (&gt;2.1% improvement) across a reasonable number of articles. Acidifiers, betaine, CLA, multi-enzymes, DFM, L-carnitine, and yeasts showed relatively large positive effects (&gt;2.5% improvement) on improving G:F. Moreover, except for betaine, Cr, CLA, and L-carnitine, most feed additives showed little and non-significant effects on BF thickness (&lt;1.7% improvement). This review provides a descriptive analysis for commonly used feed additives in the hope of better understanding feed additives' effects on grow-finish pigs.

Determining the Impact of Probicon L28 and BioPlus 2B on Finishing Pig Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Determining the Impact of Probicon L28 and BioPlus 2B on Finishing Pig Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics