Digestibility Of Gross Energy Research Articles

PSII-17 Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on energy and nutrient utilization in diets fed to broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Abstract Beta-mannan (β-mannan) is a polysaccharide composed of repeating units of mannose, galactose, and glucose. The increased amount of β-mannan is present in various plant protein sources such as soybean meal, palm kernel meal, copra meal, and guar meal. β-mannan is considered an antinutritional factor for non-ruminant animals. Endo-β-mannanase enzymes are endo-hydrolases that can cleave the internal glycosidic bonds of the mannan backbone. As a result, β-mannanase is used to break down β-mannan in animal feeds, thereby aiming to reduce its potential anti-nutritional effects. Previous research has demonstrated that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves energy and nutrient utilization in broiler diets possibly by decreasing digesta viscosity in the gastrointestinal tract. However, results from previous studies have been inconsistent, mainly due to variable experimental conditions including animals, experimental design, and environment. Meta-analysis is a useful method to comprehensively evaluate and integrate various results from previous studies, thereby providing reliable and practical insights. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on digesta viscosity, and energy and nutrient utilization in diets for broiler chickens. Through an extensive literature search conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between January 2003 and December 2023, we identified 10 eligible studies. The meta-analysis was performed using the “metafor” package in R software version 4.1.3. (R Core Team, 2023), and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random effect model. The results revealed that dietary β-mannanase supplementation increased apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (SMD = 1.84; 95% CI: 0.46 to 3.21; P = 0.016), gross energy (SMD = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.12; P = 0.001), and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) in broiler diets (SMD = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.63 to 5.14; P = 0.002; Table 1). Moreover, dietary β-mannanase supplementation increased apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of gross energy (SMD = 6.65; 95% CI: 3.78 to 9.53; P = 0.002) and nitrogen (SMD = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.55 to 2.27; P = 0.006) in broiler diets (Figures 1 and 2). Finally, digesta viscosity (SMD = -3.35; 95% CI: -4.69 to -2.02; P < 0.001) in broiler chickens was decreased by dietary β-mannanase supplementation. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis indicates that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves the overall utilization of energy and nutrients in diets with decreasing digesta viscosity in broiler chickens.

PSI-29 Enhancing growth performance and reducing environmental impact with dietary protease supplementation in growing pigs fed high- and low-density diets

Abstract Exogenous protease has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing protein digestion and utilization in animal diets, offering potential benefits for both animal performance and environmental impact mitigation in pig farming. In a 6-wk trial involving 140 growing pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 24.10 ± 1.66 kg], the effects of dietary protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission were investigated. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of nutrient density and 0 or 125 g/ton supplementation of protease. The pigs were blocked by BW and housed in 28 pens with each pen consisting of 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts). The experimental design employed a randomized complete block design with 7 replicate pens per treatment. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, with differences between means assessed using Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). Results revealed no significant interaction (P > 0.05) between nutrient density and protease supplementation concerning growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission. Pigs subjected to high-density diets exhibited greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) compared with those on low-density diets. While protease supplementation did not impact ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI), there was a tendency towards reduced (P = 0.08) G:F throughout the 6-wk period. Pigs fed high-density diets demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) compared with their counterparts on low-density diets. Furthermore, the inclusion of protease significantly increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE. However, no discernible differences were noted among diets regarding the ATTD of dry matter and nitrogen. Regarding noxious gas emission, protease supplementation did not significantly affect total mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emission. Nonetheless, there was a notable trend towards reduced (P = 0.06) ammonia gas (NH3) emission with protease inclusion. Similarly, nutrient density did not exhibit a significant effect (P > 0.05) on noxious gas emission. In conclusion, the results of the study underscore the importance of nutrient density and protease supplementation in optimizing pig performance and environmental sustainability in swine production systems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine strategies for maximizing the benefits of these dietary interventions.

448 Interactive effects of extrusion and particle size reduction of corn on metabolizable energy by weanling pigs

Abstract The objective was to test the hypothesis that there are interactive effects of extrusion and reduction of the particle size of corn on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) when fed to weanling pigs. Six corn-based diets were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with 3 particle sizes of corn (i.e., 700, 500, or 300 μm) and two forms (i.e., meal or extruded corn). The daily feed allowance was limited to 3.0 times the energy requirement for maintenance and pigs had free access to water. Pigs [n = 48; initial body weight (BW) = 12.8 kg; SD = 1.32) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to the 6 diets using a randomized complete block design with two blocks. Fecal and urine samples were quantitatively collected for 4 d following 5 d of adaptation. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and block as random effect. Contrast coefficients were used to determine effects of extrusion, linear effects of particle size, and the interaction. Results indicated that the ATTD of GE and DE and ME in corn increased by reducing the particle size of corn only if corn was in a meal form, but that was not the case for extruded corn (interaction; P < 0.001; Table 1). Regardless of particle size, the ATTD of GE and DE and ME in corn were increased (P < 0.001) by extrusion. In conclusion, reducing particle size of corn had a positive impact on energy digestibility in non-extruded corn. Regardless of particle size, extrusion of corn increased energy digestibility and DE and ME, which is likely a result of starch gelatinization in extruded corn. However, the effects of reducing particle size and extrusion were not additive, which indicates that it is not necessary to grind corn to 500 or 300 μm before extrusion.

380 Diet protein concentration does not influence dietary net energy by group housed growing pigs offered ad libitum access to feed

Abstract The objective was to test the hypothesis that net energy (NE) of diets is not increased by reducing soybean meal (SBM) and increasing crystalline amino acids (CAA) in diets fed to group-housed pigs on an ad libitum basis. Two “normal protein” diets with 17 and 14% crude protein (CP) were formulated. One diet was based on corn, SBM, and no CAA and the other diet was based on corn, SBM, and crystalline Lys, Met, and Thr. Four additional diets containing 13, 12, 11, or 10% CP were formulated by reducing SBM and increasing crystalline Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val, and Phe. Growing pigs (n = 24; initial body weight = 29.9 ± 2.4 kg) were randomly allocated to 6 calorimeter chambers with 4 pigs per chamber. The 6 chambers were allotted to the six diets using a 6 × 6 Latin square design with six 15-d periods providing 6 replicate chambers per diet. Pigs had ad libitum access to diets throughout the experiment except during the fasting periods. Consumption of O2 and production of CO2 and CH4 were measured, and fecal and urine samples were collected for 6 d after 7 d of adaptation. Fasting heat production (FHP) was determined for 12 h following a 24 h fasting period. Diets, fecal samples, and lyophilized urine samples were analyzed for gross energy (GE) and N. Data were analyzed using contrasts statements to determine linear and quadratic effects of reducing dietary protein. Results indicated that feed intake, fecal and urine GE output, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and GE, total heat production (THP), FHP, and retained energy were not different between pigs fed the 17 and the 14% CP diets (Table 1). The respiratory quotient (RQ) of pigs fed the 17% CP diet was less (P = 0.045) compared with the 14% CP diet. Digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in the 17% CP diet were greater (P < 0.05) than in the 14% CP diet, but NE was not different between these 2 diets. Feed intake, GE intake, and fecal GE output of pigs were linearly (P = 0.044) increased by reducing CP in diets, but reducing diet CP did not affect ATTD of dry matter or GE or urine GE excretion. Total heat production, FHP, retained energy, and DE, ME, and NE were also not affected by reducing CP in diets. In conclusion, reducing CP of diets for pigs by reducing SBM and increasing CAA did not increase NE of the diet when fed to group-housed pigs on an ad libitum basis, and dietary CP does not appear to influence diet NE.

Increasing digesta viscosity altered nutrient transporter gene expression and decreased nutrient utilisation in Eimeria-challenged birds

ABSTRACT 1. Two experiments were conducted, the first was to investigate the effect of increasing digesta viscosity by dietary carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the growth performance and intestinal morphology and characteristics of healthy birds. The second experiment evaluated the impact of increased digesta viscosity in birds during an Eimeria spp. challenge. 2. In experiment 1, a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet was supplemented with 0, 10 or 20 g/kg CMC at the expense of cornstarch and offered to seven birds in each of eight replicate cages per diet from d 8 to 22 post hatching. 3. Increasing digesta viscosity due to dietary CMC linearly reduced (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) gain and the apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients. The relative lengths of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum linearly increased (p < 0.01) with dietary CMC inclusion. 4. In experiment 2, on d 14, 256 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to eight replicate cages in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two CMC concentrations (0 or 10 g CMC/kg of diet), with or without an Eimeria challenge. On d 15, birds in the challenge groups were orally gavaged with a 1 ml solution containing 25,000, 25,000 or 125,000 oocysts of E. maxima, E. tenella and E. acervulina; or 1% PBS, respectively. 5. Increasing digesta viscosity in Eimeria-challenged birds decreased the total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy (p < 0.05). The ileal gene expression of glucose transporters was upregulated (p < 0.05) in challenged birds that received the CMC-supplemented diet. 6. In summary, increased digesta viscosity induced changes in the expression of nutrient transporter genes and decreased nutrient utilisation in Eimeria-challenged birds.

Potential Risk of Caffeoylquinic Acids, the Main Polyphenol Components in Coffee, on the Health of Piglets.

As the main coffee polyphenols, caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are abundant in coffee-derived products and have the potential to act as novel feed additives for animals. However, research on the side effects of dietary CQAs supplementation is scarce, especially in young animals. Here, we explore the safety of CQAs derived from green coffee beans. Results showed that ingesting 50, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of dietary CQAs for 55 days is associated with greater final body weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency in piglets compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CQAs also increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy at a dose over 50 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Interestingly, CQAs supplementation with 500 mg/kg increased the white blood cell count (P < 0.05). Moreover, CQAs supplementation at a dose over 50 mg/kg decreased the serum total cholesterol concentration but increased the immunoglobulin M level in serum (P < 0.05). Importantly, CQAs supplementation had no side effects on organ histopathology and organ weight (P > 0.05). These results suggest that CQAs could serve as a secure and effective additive to improve growth performance without negatively affecting the organs of piglets.

Ningxiang Pig-Derived Microbiota Affects the Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of Nursery Pigs.

The gut microbiota is crucial for maintaining the host's intestinal homeostasis and metabolism. This study investigated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Ningxiang pigs on the growth performance, fecal microbiota, and serum metabolites of the same-old DLY pigs. The results indicated that the average daily gain of FMT pigs was significantly greater than that of the control (CON) group. Compared to the CON group, the FMT group significantly improved the apparent digestibility of crude fiber, crude ash, gross energy, and calcium of the pigs. The analysis of serum antioxidant status revealed that the activities of total superoxide dismutase and catalase in the serum of pigs in the FMT group were significantly elevated, whereas the level of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the Ningxiang pig-derived microbiota altered the fecal microbiota structure and modulated the diversity of the gut microbiota in the DLY pigs. Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics demonstrated that pigs in the FMT group exhibited distinct metabolomic profiles compared to those in the CON group. Significant changes were observed in key metabolites involved in amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, a correlation analysis between serum differential metabolites and the gut microbiota revealed that the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Corynebacterium was highly correlated with lipid compounds. In conclusion, Ningxiang pig-derived microbiota can alleviate oxidative stress and enhance growth performance in DLY pigs by modulating their gut microbiota and metabolic features.

Reduction of particle size of field peas (Pisum sativum L.) increases net energy and digestibility of starch when fed to growing pigs, but there is no difference in nutritional value between peas from the U.S. and peas from Canada.

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that particle size of field peas and location where peas are grown do not affect apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and gross energy (GE), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch, or standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA). In both experiments, three sources of field peas were used. One source was obtained from the U.S., and two sources were obtained from Canada (i.e., Canada 1, Canada 2). The U.S. field peas were ground to 678, 457, or 265 µm, whereas the two sources of Canadian peas were ground to 411 and 415 µm. Therefore, five batches of field peas were used in both experiments. A basal diet contained corn and soybean meal as the only source of energy, starch, and AA, and five diets containing corn and soybean meal and 50% of each source of field peas were also formulated. The ratio between corn and soybean meal was 1.92:1 in all diets. In Exp. 1, an N-free diet was also used to calculate basal endogenous losses of AA and CP, but in Exp. 2, no N-free diet was used. In Exp. 1, seven barrows (initial body weight = 60.6 ± 2.1kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a 7 × 7 Latin square design with seven diets and seven periods. In Exp. 2, twenty-four pigs (initial body weight = 30.8 ± 1.0kg) were housed in six calorimeter chambers with four pigs per chamber. The six chambers were allotted to one of the six diets using a 6 × 6 Latin square design with six consecutive periods of 15 d. Results of Exp. 1 demonstrated that the SID of CP and AA was not influenced by the origin of the peas or by the particle size, but the AID of starch increased (linear, P < 0.001) as particle size was reduced from 678 µm to 457 or 265 µm. Results of Exp. 2 indicated that growing location did not affect concentrations of DE, ME, or NE of field peas, but concentrations of DE, ME, and NE increased (linear, P < 0.05) when the particle size was reduced from 678 µm to 457 or 265 µm. In conclusion, field peas grown in Canada or the U.S. have the same nutritional value, but starch digestibility and NE increase if the particle size of field peas is reduced.

Dihydromyricetin improves growth performance, immunity, and intestinal functions in weaned pigs challenged by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

Enteric infection is a major cause of enteric disorder in neonatal pigs during the weaning transition. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a natural flavanonol compound extracted from Ampelopsis grossedentata with numerous biological activities such as antioxidative and immunomodulatory functions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary dihydromyricetin supplementation on growth performance, immunity, and intestinal functions in weaned pigs challenged by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). In total, 24 weaned DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs were allotted to 3 treatments. Pigs fed with basal diet or basal diet containing 300 mg/kg DMY were orally infused with sterilized culture or ETEC (2.5 × 1011 colony-forming units). Dietary DMY supplementation significantly elevated the final weight and average daily gain (ADG) but reduced diarrhea incidence in the weaned pigs of the EDMY group compared to the pigs of the ECON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the ECON group, DMY also improved the digestibility of dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), gross energy (GE), and ash of the EDMY group (p < 0.05). Moreover, DMY not only significantly decreased the ratio of albumin/globulin but also elevated serum concentrations of immunoglobulins (e.g., IgA and IgG) in the weaned pigs of the EDMY group compared to the pigs of the ECON group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the villus height, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V:C), and the activities of mucosal alkaline phosphatase, sucrase, and maltase in the duodenum and jejunum of the EDMY group were higher than those in the ECON group (p < 0.05). Importantly, DMY significantly elevated the expression levels of jejunal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1), and fatty acid transport protein-1 (FATP-1) in the weaned pigs of the EDMY group compared to the pigs of the ECON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the ECON group, DMY increased the concentrations of microbial SCFA metabolites (e.g., acetic acid and propanoic acid), but reduced the abundance of Escherichia coli in the cecum of the EDMY group (p < 0.05). Dietary DMY supplementation can attenuate the ETEC-induced growth retardation and intestinal injury, which was attributed to the amelioration of intestinal nutrient digestion and transport functions as well as the improved microbiota.

Effects of Replacing Soybean Meal with Cottonseed Meal, Peanut Meal, Rapeseed Meal, or Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Lambs.

Considering the frequently large price fluctuations for soybean meal, an alternative is the increased use of locally produced high-protein ingredients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the total replacement of soybean meal with different sources of protein on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, rumen fermentation parameters, and bacterial communities in growing lambs. Sixty sheep with similar body weights (38.46 ± 0.71 kg) were distributed to one of five treatments: soybean meal (SBM); cottonseed meal (COM); peanut meal (PEM); rapeseed meal (RAM); and distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The experiment lasted 62 days with a 10-day adaptation period and a 52-day growing period. The results indicated that the body weight and average daily gain were not affected by different protein sources (p > 0.05), but the dry matter intake of the SBM group was lower than that of the other groups (p < 0.05); otherwise, the feed efficiency was higher (p < 0.05). The digestion of dry matter was higher in the SBM, COM, and RAM groups than in the DDGS and PEM groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared to the other groups, the SBM group had the highest digestion of gross energy and crude protein (p < 0.05). In addition, the concentration of glutathione peroxidase was highest in the SBM group (p < 0.05). Regarding the rumen fermentation, the SBM group had the highest concentration of NH3-N (p < 0.05). The rumen bacterial community was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the total replacement of soybean meal with cottonseed, peanut, rapeseed, or DDGS reduced digestibility but did not impact the body weight or average daily gain of growing lambs and had no effect on the immune function and rumen bacterial community; thus, they can be used to substitute the soybean meal.

Feeding a Multi-Enzyme Blend to Enhance the Nutrient Digestibility of Wheat-Canola Expeller Diets in Ileal-Cannulated Weaned Pigs.

Canola expeller (CE) contains ~200 g/kg residual oil, but also fiber that impairs nutrient digestibility in weaned pigs. To study if feed enzymes increase digestibility, six diets containing either the basal or two CE samples mixed in at 250 g/kg (CE-A or CE-B) were formulated with or without a multi-enzyme blend containing cellulase, xylanase, glucanase, amylase, protease, invertase, and pectinase. The basal diet containing 620 g/kg wheat and 150 g/kg barley served as control. Twelve ileal-cannulated barrows (9-15 kg) were fed the six diets in a replicated 6 (pigs) × 3 (periods) Youden square. Ileal digestibility of gross energy and amino acids was 5% greater for basal than CE diets without differences between CE samples. Diet energy values were 4% greater for CE than basal diets due to residual oil in CE. Inclusion of the multi-enzyme blend increased total tract digestibility of energy of the basal but not CE diets by 2%. Net energy value was greater for CE-A than CE-B because CE-A contained more residual oil. In conclusion, feeding 250 g/kg CE increased diet energy values; thus, CE can substitute added fat in weaned pig diets. Feeding the multi-enzyme blend increased the energy digestibility of wheat and barley-based diets fed to weaned pigs. However, research is needed to identify enzyme combinations that increase the nutrient digestibility of CE.

Effects of bulk tank milk, waste milk, and pasteurized waste milk on the nutrient utilization, gastrointestinal tract development, and antimicrobial resistance to Escherichia coli in preweaning dairy calves

This study aimed to assess the effect of bulk tank milk (BTM), waste milk (WM), and pasteurized waste milk (PWM) on nutrient digestibility, ruminal and cecal fermentation, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, and antimicrobial resistance of fecal Escherichia coli from dairy calves at 2 periods (30 and 60 d of age). Calves were grouped according to BW, serum protein levels, and breed composition. Three treatments were included: BTM (n = 21), WM from cows under antibiotic treatment (n = 21), and PWM (WM submitted to HTST pasteurization; n = 21). A total of 63 calves were used, of which 18 animals (n = 6 per treatment) were evaluated in the period of 4 to 30 d, and 45 (n = 15 per treatment) from 4 to 60 d. During the experimental period, a daily intake of 6 L of milk was divided into 2 equal meals, with ad libitum access to water and starter. Milk and feed intakes were recorded daily. Apparent total-tract digestibility and nitrogen balance were conducted from 25 to 29 d of age (n = 6) and from 53 to 57 d of age (n = 15). Animals were slaughtered at 30 ± 1 and 60 ± 1 d of age for the assessment of ruminal and cecal fermentation and GIT development. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted at 1, 30, and 60 d of age (n = 15/treatment). Statistical analysis used a linear mixed-effects model for continuous outcomes and generalized linear models for single measurements (R software). Treatments WM and PWM had lower rumen pH, higher ruminal acetate concentration, larger reticulorumen and liver, and a higher prevalence of fecal-resistant E. coli compared with BTM at both 30 and 60 d. Up to 60 d, both BTM and WM treatments exhibited higher digestibility of ether extract and gross energy compared with the PWM, whereas WM and PWM treatments showed increased nitrogen intake and retention compared with the BTM treatment. These findings suggest that pasteurization of WM negatively affects nutrient digestibility and calf performance, while also affecting rumen development. Additionally, the use of milk containing antibiotic residue leads to the selection of resistant E. coli in the GIT over time.

Evaluation of Effective Energy Values of Six Protein Ingredients Fed to Beagles and Predictive Energy Equations for Protein Feedstuff.

This study evaluated the nutrition composition, the nutrient digestibility, and the energy value of six protein ingredients used in pet food by the difference method in six beagles within a 7 × 6 incomplete Latin square design. The results showed that the apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy (GE) and organic matter (OM) in beagles fed the fish meal (FM) and corn gluten meal (CGM) diets was higher than for those fed the meat and bone meal (MBM), soybean meal (SBM), mealworm meal (MM), and yeast extract (YE) diets (p < 0.05). The digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) of the MM diet were greater than the other diets, and MBM was the lowest (p < 0.05). The ME of protein ingredients was positively correlated with organic matter and negatively correlated with the ash content. The NE of protein ingredients was positively correlated with the crude protein content and negatively correlated with the ash content. The study resulted in predictive energy equations for protein ingredients that were more accurate than the NRC's predictive equation of ME when the ash content of the ingredient was more than 30% DM. In conclusion, the nutrient digestibility and energy value of corn gluten meal were similar to those of fish meal and those of soybean meal were similar to yeast extract. All predictive energy equations for six protein feedstuffs had slight differences with measured energy values.

Exogenous xylanase increases total tract digestibility of energy and fiber in diets for gestating and lactating sows, but does not influence reproductive performance of sows

The hypothesis that exogenous xylanase added to diets for gestating and lactating sows will increase the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and total dietary fiber (TDF), increase digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy, and improve the reproductive performance of sows was tested. Two diets for gestating sows and two diets for lactating sows were formulated without or with 100 g per ton of an exogenous xylanase (16,000 units/kg). Diets were fed in two consecutive reproductive cycles. From 106 animals, 48 pregnant sows, organized in 4 blocks of 12 sows (6 sows per treatment in each block), were placed for 10 days in metabolism crates starting on day 35 (mid-gestation) and again on day 95 (late-gestation) with feces and urine being collected for 4 days. Sows were moved to the lactation unit on day 106 of gestation and feeding of lactation diets was initiated. Fecal samples were collected (grab-sampling) from days 10–14 post-farrowing. The number and weight of pigs born, mummified, stillborn, and weaned per sow were recorded, and survival rate and litter average daily gain were calculated. Litters were weaned on day 20 ± 1. All animals were rebred and 46 sows were placed in metabolism crates in mid and late-gestation as in the first cycle, and treatments in the farrowing unit during the second cycle were also as in the first cycle; however, colostrum and milk samples were collected from sows in the second cycle. Results indicated that reproductive performance was not different between sows fed control diets and sows fed diets with xylanase during the two reproductive cycles. In the first gestation period, the ATTD of TDF in late-gestation was greater (P < 0.05) in sows fed the diet with xylanase than in sows fed the control diet. During the first lactation, sows fed the diet with xylanase had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE and TDF, and greater (P < 0.05) DE than sows fed the control diet. During the second gestation, sows fed the diet with xylanase had greater (P < 0.05) DE in mid-gestation. During the second lactation, sows fed the diet with xylanase had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE and TDF, and greater (P < 0.05) DE than sows fed the control diet. In conclusion, DE was greater in diets with xylanase than in control diets during the two reproductive cycles, and sows fed the lactation diet with xylanase had greater digestibility of fiber than sows fed the control diet.

168 Effects of feeding barley-based diets differing in fermentable starch and fiber on nutrient digestion and body composition in weaned pigs

Abstract Hulled and hull-less barley grains containing low insoluble fiber are alternative energy sources in weaning diets but are typically not part of weaned pig diets. The range in fermentable starch and fiber content among barley cultivars presents opportunities to investigate whether these fermentable carbohydrates of barley grain do influence nutrient digestion, gut short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile and body composition. To explore, pigs [n = 40; body weight (BW) = 8.6 kg; 1-wk post-weaning] were housed individually and fed 1 of 4 diets containing 600 to 705 g of cereal grain/kg: 1) low-fermentable wheat (LFW); 2) high β-glucan, hull-less barley (HFBB); 3) high amylose, hull-less barley (HFAB); or 4) low-fermentable hulled barley (LFB). Diets provided 10.2 and 9.8 MJ NE/kg, and 1.32 and 1.21 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine/MJ NE for phase 1 (d 0–14) and phase 2 (d 15–28), respectively. At the end of the trial, feces were collected, and pigs were slaughtered to collect digesta and the carcass that was subsequently ground. Subsamples of feces, digesta, and carcasses were freeze-dried and analyzed. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) did not differ among diets. The AID of β-glucan was 3 times greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for LFW than HFBB and HFAB, while AID of starch was 12% less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for HFAB than the other diets. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE and CP was 4.2 and 8.9% less (P &amp;lt; 0.05), respectively, for the 3 barley diets than the wheat diet. The apparent hindgut fermentation (AHF) of β-glucan was 2.6 times greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for HFAB and HFBB than LFW, while AHF of starch was 7.5 times greater for HFAB than LFW. The calculated NE value was greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for HFBB and HFAB, and least for LFB. Among diets, HFAB increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the concentration of butyrate (indicator of gut health) and propionate in cecal and colonic digesta, with butyrate up to 50% more (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of LFW. Carcass protein and lipid concentration did not differ among pigs fed the 4 diets. In conclusion, feeding barley instead of wheat grain to weaned pigs reduced diet nutrient digestibility but did not affect carcass protein and lipid concentration. Feeding high amylose barley increased gut SCFA concentration. Barley grain with increasing fermentable carbohydrates can thus be included as alternative ingredient in diets of young pigs.

247 Evaluating the use of soybean hulls on growth performance, carcass composition, and digestibility when fed to grow-finish pigs

Abstract The addition of fiber to grow-finish diets is commonly utilized in swine production formulation as energy costs increase. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding soybean hulls (SBH) at increasing levels to grow-finish pigs on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. Utilizing 192 grower pigs [PIC 337×1050, initial body weight (BW) = 21.99 ± 2.75 kg] that were randomly assigned to split sexed pens (n = 12 pens/treatment), pens were assigned to one of four dietary treatments and fed over three feeding phases for the estimated BW ranges of 22 to 50 kg, 50 to 86 kg, and 86 to 127 kg. Diets were formulated to represent conventional corn and soybean meal diets, containing increasing levels of SBH at: 1) 0% SBH (0%); 2) 7.5% SBH (7.5%); 3) 15% SBH (15%); and 4) 22.5% SBH (22.5%). Within phase, diets had equal SID Lys:ME and energy was allowed to float. Individual BW and pen feed disappearance were collected for each phase to calculate pen average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency gain to feed ratio (G:F). On d 56 of study and during phase 2, 32 gilts (n = 8) were placed into individual metabolism crates, where total urine and feces were collected for 72 h to measure ATTD of gross energy (GE), nitrogen (N), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF), then returned to original pens. At the completion of study, carcass weight, backfat depth, and loin depth were collected. Data were analyzed with the fixed effects of dietary treatment by ANOVA, linear, and quadratic contrasts. Pen served as the experimental unit for performance and carcass characteristics and pig as the experimental unit for ATTD analyses. Overall, as SBH increased from 0% to 22.5%, ADG tended to decrease (linear P = 0.060) with no difference in ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.05), resulting in an overall decrease in G:F (0.38, 0.37, 0.36, 0.35; linear P &amp;lt; 0.001; 0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5% SBH, respectively). Final BW tended to decrease (linear P = 0.069) and carcass weight decreased (102.9, 102.7, 99.7, and 96.5 kg, linear P &amp;lt; 0.001) as SBH increased in diet. Carcass fat depth (P = 0.014) and loin depth (P = 0.006) linearly decreased with increasing levels of SBH in the diet. Increasing levels of SBH from 0% to 22.5% decreased ATTD of GE and N (linear P &amp;lt; 0.001) and tended to increase ATTD NDF and ADF (linear P = 0.056 and P = 0.073, respectively). Altogether, these data suggest increasing dietary SBH in grow-finish pig diets decreases growth efficiency and the digestibility of GE and N. Further, feeding high inclusion rates of SBH negatively impacts carcass yield, backfat and loin depth.

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

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

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids and metabolizable energy in three sources of high-protein corn distillers dried grains fed to weanling pigs

Two experiments were conducted to test the null hypothesis that there are no differences in the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and metabolizable energy (ME) among three sources of high-protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) fed to weanling pigs. The three sources included an experimental HP-DDG product and two commercial HP-DDG products (i.e., HP-DDG 40 and HP-DDG 50) that were fed to weanling pigs. In experiment 1, eight barrows (initial body weight: 11.09 kg) were allotted to one of four diets using a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and four periods of seven days in each square. A nitrogen-free diet and three diets containing each source of HP-DDG as the sole source of AA were prepared. Results indicated that values for the SID of Lys in the experimental HP-DDG; HP-DDG 50, and HP-DDG 40 were 0.524, 0.638, and 0.642, respectively. The SID of most AA in the experimental HP-DDG was less (P < 0.05) than in the other sources of HP-DDG, but no differences were observed between HP-DDG 40 and HP-DDG 50. In experiment 2, thirty-two weanling pigs (initial body weight: 18.0 kg) were randomly allotted to one of four diets. A corn diet was formulated to contain corn as the sole source of energy and three additional diets contained corn and each source of HP-DDG. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates and feces and urine were collected separately for four days after five days of adaptation. Digestible energy (DE) and ME in the three sources of HP-DDG were calculated by difference. Results from experiment 2 indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) in the corn diet was greater (P < 0.05) than in the diets containing the experimental HP-DDG or HP-DDG 40, and the ATTD of GE in the diets containing the experimental HP-DDG or HP-DDG 50 was greater (P < 0.05) than in the diet containing HP-DDG 40. On a dry matter basis, ME in the experimental HP-DDG, HP-DDG 40, and HP-DDG 50 were 17.05, 16.72, and 18.23 MJ/kg, respectively, with the ME of HP-DDG 50 being greater (P < 0.05) than in HP-DDG 40, but not different from the ME in the experimental HP-DDG. In conclusion, the SID of most AA in HP-DDG 40 and HP-DDG 50 was greater than in the experimental HP-DDG. The DE and ME in HP-DDG 50 was greater than in HP-DDG 40, but DE and ME in HP-DDG 40 were not different from DE and ME in the experimental HP-DDG.

49 Effects of xylanase or a stimbiotic on growth performance and total tract digestibility of nutrients by pigs weaned from sows fed a lactation diet without or with xylanase

Abstract Two hypotheses were tested 1) the offspring of sows fed xylanase in lactation have greater growth performance after weaning than offspring of sows fed no xylanase, and 2) xylanase and a stimbiotic (i.e., xylanase in combination with xylo-oligosaccharides) improve growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and total dietary fiber (TDF), and digestible energy (DE) of diets for weanling pigs. A total of 120 newly weaned pigs from sows fed a lactation diet without xylanase and 120 pigs from sows fed a lactation diet containing 16,000 beechwood xylanase units (BXU) per kg of an exogenous xylanase were used [initial body weight (BW) = 5.81 ± 0.50 kg]. Pigs were allotted to a 2 × 3 factorial with two sow groups (lactation diet without or with xylanase) and three dietary treatments (i.e., control, control plus 100 g/t of xylanase, or control plus 100 g/t of stimbiotic). The xylanase (Econase XT) and the stimbiotic (Signis) were procured from AB Vista, Marlborough, UK. Pigs were weaned in 4 blocks and allotted to 12 pens per block, with 5 pigs per pen for a total of 8 replicate pens per treatment. Pigs were fed phase 1 diets from d 1 to 14, phase 2 diets from d 15 to 28, and phase 3 diets from d 29 to 42 post-weaning. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were calculated. Fecal samples were collected at the end of phases 2 and 3. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Sow group, diet, and the interaction between sow group and diet were fixed effects, and block and replicate within block were random effects. Results indicated that for the overall experiment, there were no interactions between sow group and diet, and sow lactation diet treatment did not impact any post-weaning growth or digestibility parameters in the weaned pigs (Table 1). However, weaned pigs had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG, G:F, ATTD of GE and TDF, and DE in phase 2 if fed the diet with stimbiotic than if fed the xylanase diet or the control diet, but pigs fed the xylanase diet had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG, G:F, ATTD of GE and TDF, and DE than pigs fed the control diet (Table 2). In phase 3, pigs fed the diet with xylanase or stimbiotic had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG, ATTD of GE and TDF, and DE than pigs fed the control diet. In conclusion, pigs fed diets containing xylanase or stimbiotic had greater nutrient digestibility and DE, resulting in greater overall ADG, G:F, and final body weight on d 42 post-weaning, but feeding sows xylanase in lactation did not influence post-weaning growth performance.

153 Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids and concentration of metabolizable energy in three sources of corn protein fed to weanling pigs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), and concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) are not different among three sources of corn protein (i.e., new corn protein, ANDVantage 50Y, ANDVantage 40Y) when fed to weanling pigs. In Exp. 1, ileal-cannulated barrows [n = 8; initial body weight (BW) = 11.09 kg; SD = 0.46] were fed an N-free diet or three diets containing each corn protein as the sole source of AA. Pigs were allotted to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 diets and 4 periods of 7 d in each square. Ileal digesta were collected for 2 d and the SID of AA was calculated. In Exp. 2, weanling pigs (n = 32; initial BW = 18.0 kg; SD = 1.21) were fed a corn-based basal diet or three diets containing corn and each source of corn protein. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates and feces and urine were quantitatively collected for 5 d after 7 d of adaptation. Concentrations of DE and ME in all diets were calculated and DE and ME in the three sources of corn protein were calculated by difference. Data from both experiments were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with pig as the experimental unit. In Exp. 1, the statistical model included diet as the fixed effect and square, pig, and period as random effects. In Exp. 2, the model included ingredient as the fixed effect. Results from Exp. 1 demonstrated that the SID of all indispensable AA except Arg and His in ANDVantage 40Y and ANDVantage 50Y were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with the new corn protein, but no differences were observed between ANDVantage 50Y and ANDVantage 40Y (Table 1). Results from Exp. 2 indicated that on a dry matter basis, concentration of DE in ANDVantage 50Y was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than in ANDVantage 40Y, the new corn protein, and corn, but ME in ANDVantage 50Y was not different from the ME in the new corn protein (Table 2). Concentration of ME in the new corn protein was not different from ME in corn, ANDVantage 40Y, or ANDVantage 50Y. In conclusion, the new source of corn protein had concentrations of AA that were not different from ANDVantage 50 Y, but this new corn protein had decreased digestibility of AA compared with other corn proteins. The new corn protein also had less DE compared with ANDVantage 50Y, but ME in the new corn protein was not different from corn, ANDVantage 40Y, or ANDVantage 50Y.