Finishing Pig Performance Research Articles

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.

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

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

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

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

Características nutricionais de grãos secos destilados com solúveis e seus efeitos no desempenho e viabilidade econômica para suínos

Abstract The chemical and nutritional characteristics of the four distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were determined for dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and gross energy analyzed (GEa), from which the values of gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy (NE) were estimated. There were differences in the contents of EE, NDF, GEa, GE, DE, ME and NE between the lots. A total of 40 barrows with an initial weight of 72.69 ± 5.66 kg were assigned to a randomized block design, fed diets containing 0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg−1 DDGS for 28 days and were subjected to performance assessment. The inclusion of DDGS in the diets did not affect daily feed intake (DFI), daily weight gain (DWG) or feed conversion (FC) but linearly reduced the final weight. Based on the results of the performance and prices of ingredients in the local market, we calculated the costs of feed, revenue and gross operating profit (GOP). Inclusions of DDGS in pig diets reduced costs and revenues but did not affect GOP. DDGS presented chemical and nutritional variation between the lots. Levels of inclusion up to 300 g kg−1 DDGS do not affect finishing pig performance and profitability.

237 Effects of Increasing Soybean Meal and Valine:Lysine and Tryptophan:Lysine Ratios on Finishing pig Performance

Abstract A total of 621 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 62.9 kg) were used in a 65-day growth trial to determine the effect of increasing soybean meal (SBM) and Val:Lys and Trp:Lys (AA) ratios on finishing pig performance. Experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-based containing 25% DGGS and fed in 3 phases. The 6 dietary treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial, with main effects of SBM level (Low, Medium, High) and AA ratios (Standard, High). Ratios of Trp:Lys were: Phase 1: Standard 19, High 24%, Phase 2: Standard 19, High 23%, and Phase 3: Standard 19, High 23%. Ratios of Val:Lys were: Phase 1: Standard 70 to 83, High 87 to 88%, Phase 2: Standard 70 to 83, High 88%, and in Phase 3: Standard 76 to 96, High 96%. The additional amino acids provided by increasing levels of SBM in diets with standard AA ratios were expected to result in a greater ADG by balancing out the increased leucine from corn. Conversely, ADG was expected to stay the same as SBM increased when the Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios were increased. Pens of pigs were assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. There were approximately 10 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. No evidence (P > 0.05) of SBM × AA ratio interactions or treatment differences was observed for any response criteria for phases 1 and 2 (Table). In phase 3, a marginally significant SBM × AA ratio interaction was observed for ADG (P = 0.084). The medium level of SBM with standard AA ratios resulted in greater ADG compared with other SBM levels (quadratic, P = 0.003), whereas no differences in ADG were observed with increasing SBM when Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios were increased (P = 0.501). Additionally, G:F increased at the medium level of SBM in phase 3 (quadratic, P = 0.007). In spite of the improvements observed in phase 3, there were no significant differences (P > 0.10) observed in overall ADG or ADFI. A marginally significant SBM × AA ratio interaction was observed for overall G:F (P = 0.052). Increasing SBM in diets with greater Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios resulted in decreased G:F (P = 0.049), whereas no difference in G:F was observed with increasing SBM in diets with standard AA ratios (P = 0.435). In conclusion, in early finishing there were no responses to increasing SBM; however, in the late finishing period when diets included 0, 4 or 8% SBM, pigs fed 4% SBM diets with standard Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios had increased ADG and G:F. Throughout the study, increasing Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios had little effect on pig performance.

250 The Impact of Increasing Levels of Dried Distillers Grains and Solubles on Finishing Pig Performance

Abstract Due to ethanol plants continuing to be more efficient extracting corn oil out of dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS), it is necessary to understand how pigs are utilizing the energy in diets with increasing levels of current DDGS. A total of 1,120 finishing pigs (DNA 600 x 241, initially 17.5 kg) were used in a 120-day experiment to evaluate the effects of DDGS on growth performance from approximately 8 to 25 weeks of age. Dietary treatments consisted of a corn and soybean meal-based diet with either 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40% DDGS. Pigs were fed a seven-phase finishing diet program to meet their nutritional requirements. Dietary energy was allowed to fluctuate with changing levels of DDGS while maintaining a constant SID lysine to calorie ratio. Pens of pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of the 5 treatments, with 32 pigs per pen and 7 replicates per treatment. Sex was equally represented in each pen. Pigs were harvested (average final BW of 127 kg) at a commercial facility. Data were modeled in R (R Core Team, 2020) to test for both linearity and non-linear responses to DDGS levels in the diet. Models included DDGS treatment and trial start weight and pen was the experiment unit. Traits analyzed included average daily gain (ADG, kg/d), Gain to Feed (G:F), average daily feed intake (ADFI, kg/d), hot carcass weight (kg) and carcass yield (%). All traits were found to have linear trends with increasing DDGS inclusion levels (Linear: P ≤ 0.02; Quadratic: P ≥ 0.29). Overall, there was a reduction in ADG as DDGS inclusion increased from 1.00 (± 0.01) with 0% DDGS to 0.96 (± 0.01) kg/day for 40% DDGS (P = 0.04). There was a decrease in gain to feed ratio (0.39 to 0.35) with increasing DDGS inclusion (P < 0.001). Hot carcass weight decreased with increased inclusion of DDGS from 97.25 to 93.39 kg (P = 0.001), while carcass yield was not significantly different across DDGS inclusion levels ranging from 75.3% to 74.7% for 0% and 40% DDGS inclusion (P = 0.2), respectively. These data indicate that increasing levels of DDGS reduce ADG, feed efficiency, and carcass weight.

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 > 0.10) were observed between floor space allowance and phytase supplementation. Pig body weight was determined weekly and was reduced (P < 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 < 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 < 0.05). Similarly, ADFI was reduced in space restricted pigs for all periods (P ≤ 0.001), but gain:feed was not impacted (P > 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 > 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 < 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.

Evaluating the Effects of Soybean Meal Levels and Valine, Isoleucine, and Tryptophan Adjustment in Diets with or without Dried Distillers Grain Solubles on Finishing Pig Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Evaluating the Effects of Soybean Meal Levels and Valine, Isoleucine, and Tryptophan Adjustment in Diets with or without Dried Distillers Grain Solubles on Finishing Pig Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Effects of Increasing Energy or Lysine in Soybean Meal-Based Diets on Early and Late Finishing Pig Performance

Effects of Increasing Energy or Lysine in Soybean Meal-Based Diets on Early and Late Finishing Pig Performance

Effects of increasing soybean meal in corn-based diets on the growth performance of late finishing pigs.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increasing soybean meal (SBM) levels by replacing feed-grade amino acids (AA) in corn, corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and corn-wheat midds-based diets on growth performance of late finishing pigs (n = 4,406) raised in commercial facilities. Across all experiments, pens of pigs were blocked by initial bodyweight (BW) and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments. All diets were formulated to contain 0.70% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys and varying amounts of feed-grade AA. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed minimum essential AA requirement estimates as a ratio to Lys. In Exp. 1, 1,793 pigs (initially 104.9 ± 4.9 kg) were fed corn-based diets and pens of pigs were assigned treatments with increasing SBM from 5% to 20%. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) improved (linear and cubic, P ≤ 0.02) as dietary SBM increased, with the greatest improvement observed as SBM increased from 5% to 8.75% and little improvement thereafter. In Exp. 2, 1,827 pigs (initially 97.9 ± 4.3 kg) were fed diets containing 25% DDGS with SBM levels increasing from 0% to 16%. Overall, feed efficiency marginally improved (linear, P ≤ 0.10) as SBM increased, with the greatest performance observed when diets contained 8% SBM and similar performance thereafter with 12 or 16% dietary SBM. In Exp. 3, 786 pigs (initially 96.7 ± 3.2 kg) were fed diets that contained 30% wheat midds and dietary SBM from 0% to 16%. Final BW of pigs increased (linear, P < 0.05) and overall ADG and G:F improved (linear and cubic, P < 0.05) as SBM increased. The combined results of the three experiments suggest that inclusion of at least 4% to 8% dietary SBM at the expense of feed-grade amino acids in corn-based diets with or without grain coproducts can improve growth performance of late-finishing (greater than 100 kg) pigs.

Impact of water flow rate on finishing pig performance.

A survey of 23 South Dakota pork producers in 2019 reported that 68% of the waterers in finishing barns had water flow rates above the recommended rate of 500–1,000 mL/min. The objective of the two studies was to determine the impact of water flow rate on finishing pig performance in the summer months. Study 1 used a total of 396 pigs in two groups in a 77-day trial (35.0 to 104.3 kg BW) with 6 pigs/pen and 1 cup waterer/pen. Study 2, conducted in a commercial style barn, used a total of 1,227 pigs in an 84-day trial (60.9 to 117.4 kg BW) with 26 pigs/pen and 2 cup waters/pen. Pens were assigned to one of three water flow rates (high, medium, low) based on the 3-hole settings of the water nipples (2.0, 1.0, and 0.8 mm; n = 22 and 16 pens/treatment for Study 1 and 2, respectively). Room temperature, outside temperature and relative humidity were recorded daily for both studies. In Study 1, water disappearance was recorded daily, and individual pen water flow rates were recorded every two weeks. At every diet phase change (26 ± 2.6 days), feed disappearance and individual pig body weights were recorded. Water flow rates averaged 1856 ± 188, 906 ± 214, 508 ± 100 mL/min for high, medium, and low flow settings, respectively. In Study 2, individual pen water flow rate, water disappearance, BW, and feed disappearance were recorded every two weeks. Water flow rates averaged 1115 ± 98, 906 ± 209, and 605 ± 203 mL/min for high, medium, and low flow settings, respectively. In both studies, there were no differences in final BW, cumulative ADG, or G:F. Due to the variability of water flow rate within a setting, data was further analyzed using regression with flow rate as the independent variable. Apart from average daily water disappearance (adj. R2 = 0.87), there was a low relationship between pig performance and water flow rate (adj. R2 < 0.09). The low R2 values associated with pig performance and the high association with water disappearance suggests that water flow rate above current recommendations has little impact on finishing pig performance but does contribute to water wastage and its associated costs.

The effect of standardized ileal digestible isoleucine:lysine in diets containing 20% dried distillers grains with solubles on finishing pig performance and carcass characteristics.

In order to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Ile:Lys requirement in finishing diets containing 20% DDGS, a 56-d study was conducted utilizing 2,268 pigs (DNA 600 x Topigs Norsvin 70, initially 82.3 kg). A total of six dietary treatments were fed, including a standard corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet and five diets containing 20% DDGS with SID Ile:Lys ratios of 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75%. Dietary treatments were assigned to pens, incompletely balancing for previous treatment, with each treatment being replicated 14 times. Pair-wise comparisons were used to evaluate the impact of dietary treatment on performance and carcass traits, whereas single degree of freedom orthogonal polynomials were used to evaluate dose response of SID Ile:Lys in 20% DDGS diets. Increasing the SID Ile:Lys ratio in diets containing 20% DDGS did not impact pig growth performance criteria in a quadratic or linear fashion (P ≥ 0.18). However, increasing the SID Ile:Lys ratio in 20% DDGS diets resulted in decreased back fat (BF; Quadratic, P = 0.01), increased loin depth (Quadratic, P = 0.03), and tended to increase percent lean (Quadratic, P = 0.07) with optimal carcass parameters occurring when 65% SID Ile:Lys was supplied in 20% DDGS diets. Pigs fed the corn-SBM diet had a similar final body weight (BW; P = 0.26) and cumulative average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.12) compared to pigs fed a 20% DDGS diet containing 70% SID Ile:Lys ratio and 3% greater cumulative average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to pigs receiving diets with SID Ile:Lys ratios of 65% and 75% (P ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, these results suggest that when feeding 20% DDGS in late finishing swine diets, a SID Ile:Lys ratio of 70% should be utilized when attempting to achieve similar overall growth performance relative to a corn-SBM diet.

The effects of dietary supplementation with mushroom or vitamin D2 enriched mushroom powders on finisher pig performance and meat quality

The growing demand for antibiotic and additive free pork amongst consumers is driving the exploration of alternative feed additives that will support pig growth and performance whilst improving meat quality. The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of mushroom powder (MP) and vitamin D2 enriched mushroom powder (MPD2) in finisher pig diets on growth performance, meat quality and the antioxidant status of the meat. Sixty pigs were blocked according to liveweight and sex and randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments for a 69-day period. The dietary treatments consisted of: (1) Basal diet (control); (2) Basal diet + MP; (3) Basal diet + MPD2. Mushroom powders were included at 1 g/kg of feed achieving a β-glucan content of 100 mg/kg. Vitamin D content was enhanced in MPD2 using synthetic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure to obtain a vitamin D2 level of 50 µg/kg of feed. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were calculated for periods of days 1–21, 22–42 and 43–69. While pig weight remained constant (P > 0.05), dietary supplementation with MP and MPD2 reduced feed intake (P < 0.001) and improved gain to feed ratio (G:F; P < 0.01). Dietary supplementation with MP and MPD2 improved the Longissimus thoracis (LT) colour (P < 0.05) and water-holding capacity (P < 0.05) of the meat. The MP and MPD2 supplementation had no effect on the antioxidant status or lipid peroxidation of pork LT samples during the 69-day feeding period. In conclusion, MP and MPD2 supplementation decreased feed intake, improved G:F and improved the colour stability and water-holding capacity of the LT samples. Mushroom powder and MPD2 supplementation may be a promising dietary strategy to enhance both pig performance and meat quality.

PSIII-18 Effect of Increasing L-Lysine-HCl and Amino Acid Ratios on Performance of Finishing Pigs from 109 to 129 Kg

Abstract A total of 1,789 pigs (PIC; 337×1050; initial BW 108.9 ± 1.14 kg) were used to determine the effects of increasing L-Lys-HCl and AA ratios on performance of late finishing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets without DDGS. The study used 2 groups of pigs and each study lasted 18 and 27 d, respectively. Pigs were housed in mixed gender pens with 20 to 25 pigs/pen and 19 replications/treatment (10 and 9 replications/group, respectively). Pens of pigs were blocked by BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments. Treatment diets were formulated to 0.70% digestible Lys and consisted of low, medium, or high levels of feed-grade AA and moderate or high AA ratios relative to Lys. Low, medium and high feed-grade AA treatments had increased L-Lys-HCl (0.15, 0.30 and 0.39%) replacing soybean meal to achieve CP levels of 13.6, 12.0, and 11.0. Minimum AA:Lys ratios were 53% Ile, 128% Leu, 58% Met&amp;Cys, 66% Thr, 18.5% Trp, 68% Val, and 34% His in Moderate AA ratio diets and 60% Ile, 128% Leu, 60% Met&amp;Cys, 70% Thr, 21.2% Trp, 72% Val, and 33% His for the high AA ratio treatment. Overall, there was a marginally significant increase in ADFI (quadratic, P = 0.097) observed in pigs fed medium feed-grade AA and moderate AA ratios. Treatment diets had no effect on ADG or G:F. At the end of group 2, carcass data was collected with no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) observed for HCW, carcass yield, backfat depth, loin depth or percentage lean. In summary, differing levels of feed-grade AA and AA ratios used in this study did not impact growth performance or carcass characteristics of late finishing pigs with the exception of a marginally significant increase in ADFI.

255 Impact of Water Flow Rate on Finishing Pig Performance Under Commercial Conditions

Abstract A survey of South Dakota pork producers in 2019 reported that 68% had water flow rates above the recommended rate of 500-1,000 mL/min. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of water flow rate on finishing pig performance during from June to September in a commercial barn. A total of 1,227 mixed sex pigs (61 ± 4.38 kg) at 8-weeks post-wean were utilized in an 84-d trial with 26 pigs/pen and 2 cup waterers/pen. Pens were assigned to 1 of 3 water flow rates (high, medium, low) based on the 3-hole diameter of the water nipples (2.0, 1.0, 0.80 mm; n = 16 pens/setting). Individual pen water flow rate, water disappearance, BW, and feed disappearance were recorded every 2 weeks. Carcass data was collected at the conclusion of the trial. Water flow rates averaged 1,565±96, 1,115±265, and 605±203 mL/min for high, medium, and low flow rates, respectively. Ambient temperature ranged from 4 to 37 °C. There was no difference in growth performance based on means separation test. Due to variability of water flow rate within a setting, data was further analyzed using regression with flow rate as the independent variable. There was a positive quadratic relationship (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for daily water disappearance (adjR2 =0.87) and daily gain (adjR2 =0.11) with water flow rate and a tendency for positive linear relationship between final BW (P = 0.07, adj. R2 = 0.06) and flow rate. Feed conversion had a negative cubic relationship with water flow rate (P &amp;lt; 0.05, adj. R2 = 0.20) and no relationship between hot carcass weight or average daily feed intake and water flow rate. The low R2 values associated with pig performance and high association with water disappearance suggest that excess water flow rate has a low impact on finishing pig performance but contributes to water wastage and its associated costs.

PSII-12 Effect of a Supplemental Water Source on Growth Performance of Finishing Pigs

Abstract Crossbred pigs (Fast Genetics 276 × PIC 800; n = 2,388; initial BW = 74.1 ± 2.0 kg) were used in two, 63-d growth trials to evaluate the addition of a water source (fixed double nipple waterer) to wet/dry feeders on finishing pig performance. Pigs were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments with 27 to 30 pigs per pen and 40 pens per treatment. Pens were equipped with a wet/dry feeder (SDI, drop shelf wet/dry feeder) with no supplemental water or a wet/dry feeder with a supplemental water source available from 74 kg BW until marketing. Growth data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure with repeated measures over time. The model included fixed effects of water treatment, trial, and time with all possible two-way interactions. Removals, mortalities, and total removals were analyzed using a binomial distribution. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in body weight were observed initially or at the last marketing event between water source treatments; however, a supplemental water source tended (P = 0.061) to decrease average market weight compared to pigs not given a supplemental waterer (Table). Overall average daily gain (ADG) was lower (P = 0.011) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) was decreased (P = 0.002) for pigs given a supplemental waterer compared to pigs only drinking from a wet/dry feeder. No differences were observed for the percentage of mortalities, pigs removed, or total removals (P &amp;gt; 0.05) regardless of treatment. Finally, daily water disappearance was 2.5 liters greater for pigs with a supplemental waterer compared to pigs with no supplemental waterer. In conclusion, the addition of a supplemental water source to wet/dry feeders decreased growth performance.

101 Evaluation of Vitamin D on Performance and Bone Mineral Density in Finishing Pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D3 (vitD) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) requirements for finisher pig performance and bone density. Seventy-two pigs (62 ± 11.1 kg BW) were allotted to 36 pens (n = 2 pigs/pen) and across 4 dietary treatments (n = 9 pens/trt) for 51 d. Corn-soybean meal mash diet treatments were: 1) Diet containing 75 IU/kg vitD; 2) Diet containing 150 IU/kg vitD (NRC requirement); 3) Diet containing 750 IU/kg vitD; and 4) As 1 plus 0.0125% 25-OHD to achieve total diet equivalent of 750 IU/kg vitD. Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance recorded at the start and end of the study to calculate ADG, ADFI and G:F. Serum 25-OHD concentrations were determined on d 42. On d 51, one pig per pen was euthanized and bone mineral density determined on the rib, tibia and fibula. Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design with pen as the experimental unit. Overall, ADG did not differ between treatments 1 through 4 (1.26, 1.31, 1.34, 1.27 kg/d, respectively (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Further, ADFI did not differ between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, G:F tended to increase as dietary vitD concentrations increased (0.34, 0.36, 0.37 and 0.35, respectively, P = 0.068). Rib, fibula and tibia bone mineral density did not differ between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Serum 25-OHD concentrations were 9.9, 11.9, 23.3 and 36.6 ng/mL for treatments 1-4, respectively (P &amp;lt; 0.001). In conclusion, vitamin D3 deficiency was not achieved with treatment 1 in finishing and all treatments had equal pig performance and bone mineral density. Further, 0.0125% 25-OHD provided equal performance and bone density to 750 IU/kg of vitamin D3.

Evaporative Pad Cooling Impacts on Barn Environment and Finishing Pig Performance

HighlightsFirst study to evaluate evaporative cool cell pad impacts on finishing pig performance in commercial barnsThe cool cell pad reduced air temperature from 31.5°C by 3.9°C with a cooling efficiency of 52%Cool cell pads improved pig well-being by providing more cooling than sprinklers but pig performance was unaffectedTunnel ventilation (cool cells or sprinklers) improved daily weight gain over natural ventilation with sprinklersAbstract. Since heat stress reduces pig growth, cooling is required to optimize barn environment to maintain performance of modern lean-type swine. Hence, summertime barn environment and finisher pig performance were compared between tunnel ventilated barns with sprinklers (TUNNEL; n=3) and tunnel ventilated barns with evaporative cool cell pads (COOLCELL; n=2). Pig performance was also measured in naturally-ventilated barns with sprinklers and mixing fans (NATURAL; n=4). Evaporative cool cell pad performance was also quantified. Barns with identical dimensions and fully slatted flooring were located at the same commercial production site in eastern North Carolina and were monitored from 2014 to 2016. Barn temperature, relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), and thermal images to assess pig temperature were compared between the COOLCELL and TUNNEL treatments. Average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), pig survival, culls, and medication costs were compared across all three barn types and seasons (SUMMER vs. NON-SUMMER) on 72 batches of pigs (46,459 total pigs). Between 12 noon and 1 p.m., the evaporative cool cell pads reduced temperature by 3.9°C and had a cooling efficiency of 52%. COOLCELL barn temperature and THI were significantly lower and RH was significantly higher than TUNNEL. There were no significant differences in pig performance or pig temperature between TUNNEL and COOLCELL. Pig ADG was significantly higher in TUNNEL and COOLCELL vs. NATURAL. SUMMER FCR and medication cost were significantly improved vs. NON-SUMMER. Despite lack of treatment effect on pig performance, COOLCELL improved thermal comfort vs. TUNNEL. Keywords: Growth, Heat stress, Pig, Temperature-humidity-index.

Effects of Increasing Soybean Meal and Valine:Lysine and Tryptophan:Lysine Ratios on Finishing Pig Performance

A total of 621 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 138.0 ± 5.5 lb) were used in a 65-d growth trial to determine the effect of increasing soybean meal (SBM) and Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios on finishing pig performance. Experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-DDGS-based and fed in 3 phases. The 6 dietary treatments were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with main effects of SBM level (low, medium, high) and Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios (standard and high). The additional amino acids (AA) provided by increasing levels of SBM in diets with standard AA ratios were expected to result in a higher ADG by balancing out the high leucine from corn. Conversely, ADG was expected to stay the same as SBM increased when the Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios in the feed were increased. Pens of pigs were assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. There were approximately 8 or 9 pigs per pen and 12 replicate pens per treatment. No evidence (P > 0.05) of SBM × AA ratio interactions or treatment differences were observed for any response criteria for phases 1 and 2 of the study. In phase 3, a marginally significant (P = 0.084) SBM × AA ratio interaction was observed for ADG. The medium level of SBM with standard Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios resulted in greater (quadratic, P = 0.003) ADG compared to other SBM levels. No differences in ADG were observed with increasing SBM when Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios were increased (P = 0.501). Additionally, F/G improved (quadratic, P = 0.007) at the medium level of SBM in phase 3. In spite of the improvement observed in phase 3, there were no significant differences (P > 0.10) observed in overall ADG or ADFI. A marginally significant (P = 0.052) SBM × AA ratio interaction was observed for overall F/G. Increasing SBM in diets with greater Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios resulted in poorer (P = 0.049) F/G. There was no difference (P = 0.435) in F/G observed with increasing SBM in feeds with standard Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios. In conclusion, in early finishing there were no responses to increasing SBM; however, in the late finishing period when diets included 0, 4, or 8% SBM, pigs fed 4% SBM diets with standard BCAA ratios had improved ADG and F/G. Throughout the study, increasing Val:Lys and Trp:Lys ratios had little effect on pig performance.

Effects of Extruded-Expelled Soybean Meal and Benzoic Acid on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Carcass Iodine Value of Finishing Pigs

A total of 2,162 pigs (PIC 1050 × DNA 600; initially 69.2 ± 4.9 lb) were used in a 109-d finishing trial to evaluate the effects of extruded-expelled soybean meal (EESBM) and benzoic acid on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass iodine value. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 27 to 28 pigs per pen and 20 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of soybean meal source and benzoic acid. Diets contained either conventional soybean meal (SBM) or extruded-expelled soybean meal (EESBM; Lester Feed and Grain, Lester, IA) with or without 0.25% VevoVitall (DSM Products; Parsippany, NJ), a source of benzoic acid. The EESBM was analyzed to be 43.2% CP and 7.73% fat (acid hydrolysis). Experimental diets were not balanced for energy, but rather formulated to the same SID Lys:ME ratio and fed based on a feed budget from d 0 to 109 in 6 phases. Overall (d 0 to 109), there were no interactions between soybean meal source and benzoic acid addition. There was a main effect of soybean meal source where pigs fed conventional SBM had greater (P = 0.01) ADFI compared to pigs fed EESBM without influencing ADG, resulting in improved (P < 0.001) F/G. Also, pigs fed diets without benzoic acid had greater (P = 0.02) ADFI compared to pigs fed diets that contained benzoic acid without influencing ADG, resulting in pigs fed benzoic acid having improved (P = 0.01) F/G. When evaluating caloric efficiency, pigs fed diets containing benzoic acid had improved (P < 0.001) caloric efficiency compared to pigs fed diets without benzoic acid, with soybean meal source not having any impact. For carcass characteristics, pigs fed EESBM had increased (P < 0.001) carcass fat iodine value compared to pigs fed conventional SBM. For economics, there was a main effect of soybean meal source where pigs fed EESBM had a higher (P ≤ 0.002) feed cost per pig placed in the low and high feed cost scenarios. There were no differences in revenue per pig placed in the low or high revenue scenarios regardless of soybean meal source or the inclusion of benzoic acid. Pigs fed conventional SBM had a higher (P ≤ 0.02) income over feed cost (IOFC) compared to pigs fed EESBM in the high feed cost, high revenue; high feed cost, low revenue; and low feed cost, low revenue scenarios. In summary, replacing conventional SBM with EESBM improved feed efficiency, but due to increased feed cost without influencing gain, it was less economical as measured by IOFC. Also, the addition of benzoic acid improved feed efficiency but did not improve IOFC.