Greater Apparent Total Tract Digestibility Research Articles

Effect of supplementing rumen-protected fat during the second half of gestation on maternal performance and metabolism in ewes during pregnancy and subsequent lactation

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing ewes' diet with calcium salts of soybean oil (CSSO) during the second half of gestation on their nutritional, metabolic, and physiological parameters. Additionally, it also aimed to assess the their offspring's sex effect and its interaction with rumen-protected fat. To achieve this, 30 multiparous hair ewes pregnant from a single fetus and weighing 44.1 ± 6.9 kg were randomly divided into two feeding regimens at 75 days of gestation: (1) Control (CON; n = 16), which received a basal diet that met the basic nutritional requirements of ewes gestating a single fetus, and (2) CSSO (n = 14), which received the basal diet plus calcium salts of soybean oil at a level of 1.5 g per kg of body weight (5 % inclusion based on dry matter). The ewes and their offspring were kept together after birth, and lambs were weaned once they reached 20 kg of body weight. Results showed that CSSO ewes were heavier during late gestation and had higher body weight at lactation than CON ewes (P ≤ 0.05). However, CSSO ewes showed an earlier decline in dry matter intake during late gestation (P ≤ 0.05). CSSO ewes also had greater apparent total tract digestibility of ether extract (P < 0.01) and tended to have lower fat milk concentration by approximately 17 % (P = 0.08). In terms of gene expression, CSSO ewes had greater CPT2 expression and ACACA mRNA levels in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (P = 0.08 and P = 0.04, respectively). ACACA mRNA expressions in the maternal liver tissue were also greater (P ≤ 0.01) for CSSO ewes gestating female offspring. However, liver mRNA expressions of IGF1, PC, PCK1, GK, and PPARy were similar between feeding regimens (P > 0.05). Lambs from CSSO ewes were born 0.57 kg heavier than those from CON ewes (P = 0.01) and tended to be weaned at an younger age (P = 0.06). Additionally, CSSO lambs had greater MyoG expression than CON lambs (P = 0.05). In summary, the supplementation of ewes' diet with CSSO during the second half of gestation shows promise as a technology to enhance fetal development, as well as improve long-term maternal and offspring performance.

Effects of xylanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and fecal microbiota in growing pigs fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets.

This experiment investigated the effects of xylanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and fecal microbiota in growing pigs fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets. Seventy-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Large White]) pigs (body weight of 23.30 ± 1.51 kg) were allotted two treatments with six pens per treatment and six pigs per pen. The diets were a wheat-soybean meal-based diet (Control group) and a wheat-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 500 U/kg xylanases (XYL group). The experiment was divided into two periods (phase 1: days 1 to 35 and phase 2: days 36 to 70). Xylanase improved G:F during phase 1 and the entire experiment (P < 0.05) and tended to improve G:F during phase 2 (P = 0.09). Compared with the control group, pigs in the XYL group had greater apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy on days 35 and 70 (P < 0.05) and had greater apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids (histidine, lysine, methionine, and serine) on day 70 (P < 0.05). The fecal microbiota in the XYL group contained greater abundances of g_Terrisporobacter, g_Lactobacillus, g_Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and g_Romboutsia than the Control group on day 70. Xylanase increased the fecal Lactobacillus populations on day 35 (P < 0.05). On days 35 and 70, xylanase reduced the fecal E. coli populations (P < 0.05). Supplementing xylanase to wheat-soybean meal-based diets collectively improved fecal microbiota, and nutrient digestibility, thereby improving growth performance in growing pigs.

Effect of oat particle size on energy and nutrient utilization in growing pigs.

An experiment was conducted to determine the energy content of oats and to investigate the effects of oat particle size on nutrient and energy balance in growing pigs. Eighteen barrows (23.56 ± 0.94 kg initial body weight) were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment. Whole oats were ground with a hammermill fitted with 4.8- and 3.2-mm screens to make coarse and medium particle size oats, respectively. Medium oats were further ground with a rotary steel cutting grinder fitted with a 2.0-mm screen, and the further ground oats were mixed with medium oats in a 1:3 ratio to make fine oats. Three experimental diets consisted of 96.3% of the coarse, medium, or fine oats as a sole source of energy were used. Pigs were fed diets for 16 d, including 10 d for adaptation and 6 d for total fecal and urine collection. Pigs were then moved into indirect calorimetry chambers to determine 24-h heat production and 12-h fasting heat production. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the individual pig as the experimental unit. The geometric mean particle sizes for coarse, medium, and fine oats were 765, 619, and 569 μm, respectively. Pigs fed the medium oats diet tended to have (P < 0.10) greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of starch, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy than those fed coarse oats diet. The medium oats diet contained greater (P < 0.05) digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) than the coarse oats diet. Pigs fed the fine oats diet had lower (P < 0.05) ATTD of Ca and P than those fed the coarse oats diet. The DE, ME, and NE contents of fine oats were comparable with those of coarse oats. The determined NE contents for coarse, medium, and fine oats were 2,335, 2,615, and 2,521 kcal/kg on a dry matter basis, respectively. The NE content in medium oats was greater (P < 0.05) than the NE values predicted using published equations. In conclusion, it was suggested to grind whole oats for 619 μm concerning energy utilization. Further grinding to 569 μm reduces Ca and P digestibility.

Interactive Effects of Copper Sources and a High Level of Phytase in Phosphorus-Deficient Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Tissue Mineral Concentrations, and Plasma Parameters in Nursery Pigs

The present study investigated the interactive effects of copper sources and a high level of phytase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, tissue mineral concentrations, and plasma parameters in nursery pigs. Weaning piglets (N = 192; 6.06 ± 0.99 kg), blocked by body weight, were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments, with 12 pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. A basal diet for each phase was formulated to meet nutrient requirements for nursery pigs with the exception that standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) P was reduced by 0.12% and Ca was adjusted to achieve Ca/STTD P = 2.15. The 4 dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with 2 Cu sources (125 mg/kg Cu from copper methionine hydroxy analogue chelate (Cu-MHAC) or copper sulfate (CuSO4)) and 2 phytase levels (0 or 1500 phytase units (FTU)/kg). Results showed that there was an interaction (P < 0.05) between Cu sources and phytase on ADG during days 0–41. When phytase was not present in the diets (P deficient), there was no difference between the two Cu sources in terms of ADG during days 0–41, whereas with phytase in the diets, Cu-MHAC tended to improve (P < 0.10) ADG during days 0–41 compared with CuSO4. Pigs fed Cu-MHAC had greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of neutral and acid detergent fiber and STTD of P than those fed CuSO4. Phytase increased (P < 0.05) growth performance, ATTD of Ca and P, and plasma inositol and growth hormone concentrations. In conclusion, Cu-MHAC may be more effective in improving growth rate than CuSO4 when phytase was supplemented at 1500 FTU/kg. Cu-MHAC enhanced fiber and P digestibility regardless of phytase, compared with CuSO4. Phytase addition in P-deficient diets was effective in improving growth performance, Ca and P digestibility, and plasma inositol and growth hormone concentrations.

117 Functionality of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant in enhancing phosphorus digestibility in gestating and lactating sows

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of phytase on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus (P) in gestating and lactating sows. In Exp. 1, a total of 40 sows (parity 2–6) at d 78 of gestation were randomly assigned, based on parity, over 4 experimental diets. In Exp. 2, 40 sows (parity 2.0–6.0) at d 4 of lactation were randomly assigned based on parity, over 4 experimental diets. Both studies had a positive control (PC) diet with adequate levels of calcium (Ca) and digestible P (6.5 and 2.5 g/kg and 7.0 and 3.2 g/kg for gestation and lactation diets, respectively), a negative control (NC) diet with low Ca and digestible P levels (5.0 and 1.0 g/kg and 5.0 and 1.5 g/kg for gestation and lactation diets, respectively), and NC supplemented with a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) or a commercial Buttiauxella sp. phytase (PhyB), both at 500 FTU/kg. Diets were corn, soybean meal and sunflower meal based (phytate P of 3.0 g/kg) with restricted feeding during gestation and ad libitum during lactation. In both studies, fecal samples were collected after an adaptation of 14 d on 4 successive days to determine ATTD of P. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, treatment mean comparison using Tukey test using JMP 14. In addition, data from the Exp. 1 and 2 were pooled to further investigate their combined effect, using trial as random effect. In both studies, supplementation of both phytases improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ATTD of P vs NC. With data combined from two trials, sows fed PhyG showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ATTD of P when compared those fed PhyB. In conclusion, PhyG at 500 FTU/kg showed a greater ATTD of P in sows when compared to the PhyB at 500 FTU/kg, when data combined from two trials.

Effect of high concentration of phytase supplementation on energy and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs fed with reduced dietary crude protein balanced with limiting amino acids

There is a need to improve pig production at least cost through various dietary manipulations and nutrient management strategies that will foster reduced environmental wastes of N, amino acids (AA), P, and Ca. This experiment was designed to estimate the effect of phytase supplementation on energy and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs fed with reduced dietary crude protein (CP) balanced with limiting AA. Experimental diets were formulated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of 6 dietary treatments containing 3 CP concentrations (14, 16, and 18%) supplemented with or without 5,000 units phytase/g. Limiting AA of the diets were balanced using crystalline Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp. The 6 experimental diets were fed to 6 cannulated growing pigs (30.00 ± 2.10 kg) in a 6 × 6 Latin square arrangement of 6 diets and 6 periods. Fecal and ileal samples were collected to estimate the apparent and ileal digestibility of nutrients and energy. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), N, crude fibre, ether extract, and energy decreased (P< 0.05) linearly as CP concentration increased in the diets. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and ATTD of N linearly decreased (P = 0.000) by increasing CP concentration in the diets from 14 to 18%. Increasing CP concentration linearly increased ATTD (P = 0.002) and AID (P = 0.003) of P. Greater ATTD and (AID) (P< 0.001) of nutrients and energy were observed with pigs fed diets supplemented with phytase. Apparent ileal digestibility of Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, and Glu decreased linearly and quadratically (P< 0.005) while, AID of Arg, His, Iso, Leu, Phe, Val, Ala, Asp, Cys, Gly, Pro, Ser and Tyr improved (P = 0.000) linearly and quadratically as dietary CP increased from 14 to 18% CP. Dietary supplementation with phytase improved (P< 0.001) AID of all the essential amino acids. Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Asp, and Pro were not affected by CP and phytase interaction. Greater (P< 0.001) AID values were observed for all AA following phytase supplementation. It was concluded from the present study that 2 and 4% reduction in dietary CP balanced with Lys. Met, Thr, and Trp resulted in improved ATTD and AID of DM, N and AID of the supplemented AA in growing pigs. Pigs fed diets supplemented with phytase had better ATTD and AID of nutrients and energy than those fed without phytase supplementation.

PSVII-20 Meta-analysis: Effect of increasing dietary calcium and phytase dose on phosphorus digestibility in weaning piglets and growing pigs

Abstract A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary calcium (Ca) levels and phytase dose on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus (P) in pigs fed corn or wheat-based diets. A database was constructed using 19 studies (published and unpublished), contributing 766 data points with 464 in nursery pigs and 303 in growing pigs. A Buttiauxella sp. phytase was added at 4 doses (250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg) to P and Ca deficient negative control diets (NC) among different studies. Total analysed dietary Ca, total P and calculated phytate P levels varied from 0.41 to 0.97%, 0.36 to 0.67%, and 0.21 to 0.31%, respectively among studies. Data were analysed using Mixed Model by JMP 14.0. Since no significant differences were observed in ATTD P between nursery pigs (average initial body weight 7.5kg) and growing pigs (average initial body weight 40.0kg), the data were combined for the meta-analysis. Nonlinear modelling was used to evaluate the effect of dietary Ca on ATTD P and P digestibility improvement over the NC at different phytase levels. Increasing phytase dose from 0 to 2000 FTU/kg, improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ATTD Ca and P in an exponential manner, with a greater ATTD P (P &amp;lt; 0.05) over NC. With multivariate analysis, ATTD P had a negative correlation (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with dietary Ca levels (-0.26), Ca:P ratio (-0.30) and dietary phytate content (-0.40). An interaction was found between Ca level and phytase dose for P digestibility improvement over NC, which was not significantly different at dose between 250 to 1000 FTU but increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at phytase dose of 2000 FTU/kg with increasing dietary Ca. These findings suggest that supplementation of 2000 FTU phytase /kg could restore Ca and P balance and mitigate the negative effects of increasing dietary Ca on P digestibility.

Enhancing digestibility of corn fed to pigs at two stages of growth through management of particle size using a hammermill or a roller mill.

The experimental objective was to determine the role of mean particle size (PS), grinding method, and body weight (BW) category on nutrient, fiber, and energy digestibility of corn. A total of 48 barrows were housed in individual pens and randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments for 11 d at two BW categories (55 kg and 110 kg). The six treatments consisted of corn ground at three different targeted mean PSs (300, 500, and 700 µm) using either a roller mill or a hammermill. Fecal samples were collected for the last 3 d of each feeding period. Titanium dioxide was used as an indigestible marker. Digestibility data were analyzed as a linear mixed model using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Finishing pigs had greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and N than growing pigs (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, and P <0.01, respectively). The ATTD of DM, GE, and N was similar in pigs fed hammermilled corn across all PS treatments. However, in roller-milled corn, they increased as PS was reduced (P < 0.05). The ATTD of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) in growing pigs was similar between corn ground at 700 and 500 µm, but it was increased by further reducing PS to 300 µm (P < 0.05). In finishing pigs, the ATTD of AEE increased as mean PS decreased from 700 to 300 µm (P < 0.05). The ATTD of AEE was similar in hammermilled corn at all three PS treatments. On the other hand, the ATTD of AEE was similar in corn ground in a roller mill to 700 and 500 µm, but it increased when PS was reduced to 300 µm (P < 0.05). In conclusion, reducing PS of corn with a roller mill increased digestibility of energy and nutrients, but there was less effect using a hammermill. It is possible that differences in SD, distribution, chemical composition, and the shape of the particles resulting from the two grinding processes help to explain the different response.

Evaluation of different dietary electrolyte balance in weanling pigs diets

A total of 160 weanling pigs ((Duroc×Landrace)×Yorkshire; average initial body weight of 7.67±0.97kg, 28±1 d of age) were allotted into 1 of 4 treatments to determine effects of dietary electrolyte balance (dEB, Na+K−Cl mEq/kg of the diet) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Pigs were fed 4 diets with different dEB levels: 0, 83, 166, and 250mEq/kg of dEB for 4 weeks. Various dEB values were obtained by altering the concentrations of calcium chloride, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. Pigs fed diets with dEB of 166 and 250mEq/kg exhibited greater average daily gain (ADG) than those fed 0mEq/kg diet throughout the experiment (P<0.05). During d 14–28 and d 0–28, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) was greater in 166 and 250mEq/kg dietary treatments compared with 0mEq/kg dietary treatment (P<0.05). However, no difference was observed on gain to feed ratio between dietary treatments throughout the experiment (P>0.05). 166 and 250mEq/kg dietary treatments had greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and nitrogen compared with 0mEq/kg dietary treatment (P<0.05). There was no effect on ATTD of gross energy between dietary treatments (P>0.05). Taken together, these results suggested that weanling pigs obtained optimal growth performance and nutrient digestibility when fed diets with dEB in the range of 166–250mEq/kg.

Effects of diet complexity and multicarbohydrase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, intestinal morphology, and fecal score in newly weaned pigs.

To study the effects of diet complexity and multicarbohydrase (MC) supplementation, 144 piglets (6.70 ± 0.81 kg of BW) weaned at 21 ± 2 d of age (1:1 male to female ratio) were assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement based on diet complexity (complex1, complex2, and simple) and MC addition (0 vs. 0.1% of MC). Diets were provided in a 2-phase feeding program with phase I (d 1 to 14) and phase II diets (d 15 to 28). Complex1 was formulated to mimic a conventional weaner diet with blood plasma, fish meal, dried whey, and skim milk powder, whereas complex2 partially or totally replaced these ingredients with various plant-based ingredients. The simple diet primarily comprised corn, wheat, and soybean meal. No interactions were found between diet complexity and MC supplementation ( > 0.10), except for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of ash and globulin concentration on d 28 ( < 0.05). Pigs fed the complex1 diet had greater ( < 0.01) ADG, ADFI, and G:F than those fed the other diets during the first week after weaning. However, no differences in ADG or ADFI were observed for pigs fed the complex1 and simple diets throughout the 28-d experimental period ( > 0.10), whereas the complex2 diet led to lower ADG and ADFI compared with the complex1 diet ( < 0.05). Overall, G:F was greater for pigs fed the simple diet compared with those fed the complex1 diet ( < 0.01). Pigs fed the simple diet showed ATTD of DM, OM, GE, and ash comparable to those fed the complex1 diet on d 14 ( > 0.10). In contrast, greater ATTD of DM, OM, NDF, GE, and ash was observed ( < 0.05) in pigs fed the complex1 diet than in those fed the complex2 diet or the simple diet on d 28. The simple diet increased the lymphocyte proportion in serum compared with the complex1 diet ( < 0.01) on d 14. Pigs fed the complex1 diet had a greater ( < 0.05) ratio of villus height (VH) to crypt depth (CD) in the ileum compared with the other diets. The complex2 diet decreased ( < 0.05) the fecal score during 3 wk of the postweaning period compared with the complex1 diet. Dietary MC supplementation increased ( < 0.05) G:F during the overall experimental period, VH in the ileum, VH:CD ratio in the duodenum, and ATTD of DM and GE but it reduced fecal score ( < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a simple diet resulted in BW comparable to feeding the complex1 diet, but it led to inferior intestinal morphology and ATTD of nutrients on d 28. Also, MC supplementation could be beneficial regardless of diet complexity.

Effect of purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.) hay and its condensed tannins on growth performance, wool growth, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and ruminal fermentation in lambs fed total mixed rations

This study evaluated the effects of purple prairie clover (PPC, Dalea purpurea Vent.) hay and its condensed tannins (CT) on feed intake, growth performance, wool growth, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation in lambs fed diets containing PPC and alfalfa hay. Alfalfa and PPC were harvested at similar growth stage, sun-cured to <12% moisture, and stored in a shed for 120 d. Thirty six individually fed lambs were randomly allocated into three groups and fed total mixed ration containing 40% (dry matter (DM) basis) of a pelleted barley grain based concentrate and 60% of alfalfa hay (AH), or 60% PPC hay (PH) or PH supplemented with polyethylene glycol (PH-p) for 77 d. Lambs were fed once daily and weighed bi-weekly. Faeces samples were collected in the 5th wk for 5 d to determine nutrients digestibility using acid insoluble ash as a marker. Lambs were slaughtered at the end of experiment to evaluate the carcass characteristics. Wool yield and quality were measured using a 10cm dye band applied on d 0 and harvested on d 75. Blood samples were collected to analyze serum metabolites and antioxidant enzymes, and rumen fluid was sampled to analyze rumen fermentation products. Lambs fed PH had lower (P<0.01) DM intake than AH or PH-p. Growth performance, wool growth parameters and carcass characteristics did not differ among diets. Lambs fed PH-p had greater (P<0.05–0.001) DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (aNDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility than those fed AH, and greater (P<0.05–0.001) CP, aNDF and ADF digestibility than those fed PH diet. Lambs fed PH exhibited greater apparent total tract digestibility of DM (P<0.05) and OM (P<0.05) and tended (P=0.059) to have greater CP digestibility compared to those fed AH. Lambs consuming PH diet had lower (P<0.05) blood urea nitrogen and creatinine than AH and lower (P<0.05) blood glucose and urea than PH-p, but greater (P<0.01) total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity than AH diet. Lambs fed PPC CT had lower (P<0.05) concentrations of ammonia, total VFA, propionate, iso-butyrate, iso-valerate and protozoa. It was concluded that PPC hay had greater nutritive value to alfalfa hay owing to its greater DM, OM and protein digestibility, but did not improve lamb growth.

Impact of dietary enzyme complex on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs

Growing pigs (180, Yorkshire-Landrace × Duroc) with an average body weight (BW) of 26.40 ± 2.29 kg were used in a 6-week study to evaluate the effect of dietary enzyme complex on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal noxious gas emission in growing pigs. Pigs were sorted by their initial BW and sex, and allotted to pen given a basal diet with 0, 0.05 and 0.10% enzyme complex. Overall (d 0 to 36), pigs fed the enzyme complex supplementation diets had a greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) than pigs fed the basal diet (CON). Fecal ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, total mercaptans, and acetic acid emissions were not affected by the enzyme complex supplementation on d 1, 3, 5, and 7. No effects were observed on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal noxious gas emissions between the enzyme complex supplementation treatments. In conclusion, enzyme complex supplementation in corn-soybean based diets improved the ATTD of DM and N, but neither improved growth performance nor decreased fecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs.

A new phytase continuously hydrolyzes phytate and improves amino acid digestibility and mineral balance in growing pigs fed phosphorous-deficient diet.

Ten ileal T-cannulated pigs (19.26 ± 1.06 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of a novel phytase on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and hindgut disappearance of DM, GE, CP, crude fiber, NDF, and ADF as well as minerals balance. Pigs were fed in a duplicated 5 × 4 incomplete Latin square design (5 diets with 4 periods). Each period consisted of a 5-d adjustment period followed by a 3-d total collection of feces and urine and then a 2-d collection of ileal digesta. The 5 diets included a P-deficient basal diet (0.43% Ca and 0.38% total P) that was supplemented with 0 (negative control [NC]), 500, 1,000, or 20,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg phytase and a positive control (PC) diet that was P adequate (0.64% Ca and 0.52% total P). The addition of phytase to the NC diet improved ( < 0.05) AID of phytate from 11.1 to 62.8, 70.6, and 90.5% at the inclusion rates of 500, 1,000, and 20,000 FTU/kg, respectively. In general, phytase supplementation at a dose of 20,000 FTU/kg further increased ( < 0.05) AID of Ca, total P, and phytate and reduced ( < 0.05) the ileal phytate concentration compared with diets with 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg phytase. Pigs fed the diet with 20,000 FTU/kg phytase but not diets with 500 and 1,000 FTU/kg phytase showed improved ( < 0.05) ATTD of CP and AID of DM, GE, CP, Leu, Lys, Thr, Val, Asp, and Ser compared with pigs fed the PC or NC diet. However, hindgut disappearance of crude fiber and NDF ( < 0.05) were reduced in pigs fed the diet with 20,000 FTU/kg phytase compared with pigs fed the PC or NC diet. Pigs fed diets with 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg phytase had greater ATTD and retention of Ca and P than pigs fed the NC diet but less compared with pigs fed the diet with 20,000 FTU/kg phytase. Supplementation of 20,000 FTU/kg phytase to the NC diet improved ( < 0.05) digestibility of Na, Mn, and Zn as well as retention (%) of Zn. Increasing phytase supplementation doses from 0 to 1,000 FTU/kg linearly improved ( < 0.05) retention of Mg; meanwhile, digestibility of Mg and Mn and AID of Thr showed a linear increase trend ( = 0.084). In conclusion, supplementation of the novel phytase at doses up to 20,000 FTU/kg hydrolyzed most of the phytate (90%) and consequently further improved mineral and protein utilization.

Effect of plant extracts on growth performance and insulin-like growth factor 1 secretion in growing pigs

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of plant extracts on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and immune blood characteristics in growing pigs. A total of 80 [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.31±2.15 kg were used in a 6-wk experiment. Pigs were allotted to one of four treatments (1 - Control (CON) (basal diet); 2 - PE1 (CON + 0.05% plant extracts); 3 - PE2 (CON + 0.10% plant extracts); and 4 - PE3 (CON + 0.15% plant extracts)) in a randomized complete block design according to sex and initial BW. The PE1 and PE2 treatments provided a greater average daily gain than the CON treatment. From weeks 0 to 6 the pigs fed diets PE2 and PE3 showed greater apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter than those fed the CON diet. Pigs fed the plant-extract treatments had a reduction in total mercaptan emission on day 3 compared with control treatment. On day 5, fecal acetic acid content was decreased with increased blood WBC (white blood cells) and lymphocyte counts and serum IGF-1concentration by plant extract supplementation compared with the control treatment. All the results showed a 95% significance level. Supplementation of plant extracts can improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs, decrease fecal gas emission, and increase immune components such as WBC and lymphocytes, and serum IGF-1 concentration in growing pigs.

Effects of Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 on weanling pigs were influenced by dietary energy and crude protein density

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 supplementation, in different energy and crude protein density diets, on the growth performance, macronutrient digestibility, blood profile, fecal microbiota, and fecal noxious gas content of weanling pigs. A total of 140pigs, with an average BW of 6.1±0.35kg, were randomly allocated into four treatments, with two levels of E. faecium (0 or 1×109 cfu/kg of feed), and two levels of energy and crude protein density. The experiment lasted 28d. There were seven replicate pens per treatment with five pigs per pen. During d 15 to 28 and overall, average daily gain and gain:feed ratio were increased in pigs fed the high density (HD) and E. faecium diet (P<0.05). Pigs fed the diet with E. faecium showed greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen on d 14 and 28 than those fed the non-supplemented diet (P=0.033 and 0.030, respectively). The ATTD of energy in pigs fed the HD and E. faecium treatment was greater than in pigs fed the low density (LD) and non-E. faecium treatment (P<0.05). Supplementation with E. faecium in the HD diet increased the serum IgG concentration compared with the LD and non- E. faecium treatment (P=0.039). The fecal lactobacilli population was increased (P=0.009 and 0.013, respectively), and fecal NH3 content was decreased (P=0.013 and 0.032, respectively) on d 14 and 28 in pigs fed the E. faecium supplemented diet. Fecal E. coli counts were decreased on d 28, with the application of E. faecium (P=0.024). In conclusion, a HD diet containing 1×109 cfu E. faecium DSM 7134/kg of diet led to better growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs.

Comparison of ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility of dry dog foods1

The apparent total tract and ileal digestibility assays to measure AA absorption in commercial canine diets were compared in the present study. Five ileal cannulated dogs were fed 5 commercial dry canine foods selected to contain 19 to 30% CP in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Ileal and total tract digestibility (apparent and standardized) of DM, OM, CP, crude fat (CF), carbohydrate, and AA (including reactive Lys) were calculated using Cr2O3 as an indigestible marker. Greater apparent total tract digestibility values were found for DM, OM, and CP (P ≤ 0.034) compared with ileal digestibility values; however, CF (P = 0.058) had a greater ileal apparent digestibility. Apparent and standardized CP digestibility values were, respectively, 5.7 and 7.4 percentage units greater when measured over the total digestive tract compared with measurement at the ileum (P = 0.034 and 0.011, respectively). Ileal apparent digestibility for N of AA (P = 0.009) and most AA (P < 0.05), except for Met, Ile, Lys, Phe, and Ala, was decreased if measured at the ileum. However, correction for endogenous losses showed only Met digestibility did not differ between measurement sites. Differences between sites in excess of 15 percentage units were recorded for AA. Apparent and standardized ileal reactive Lys digestibility was 3.1 to 15.3 percentage units greater than corresponding total tract digestibility values. For several indispensable AA, the bioavailability estimates currently used by the 2006 NRC and the 2011 Association of American Feed Control Officials to derive allowance estimates for canine adult maintenance were greater than the digestibility values of these AA in the commercial dog foods evaluated. Although the canine large intestine is relatively short, the total tract digestibility assay in dogs can overestimate the digestibility of dietary AA and CP and may not be an accurate method for the measurement of absorption. In this study, bioavailability estimates of AA appeared to be less than those used to derive allowance estimates for commercial dog foods. Further work is required if current recommendations warrant adjustment.

Influence of bamboo vinegar supplementation on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, blood characteristics, meat quality, fecal noxious gas content, and fecal microbial concentration in finishing pigs

A 42-day trial with 60 [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] pigs (79.7±1.42kg) was conducted to evaluate the effects of bamboo vinegar (BV) supplementation in finishing pigs. Pigs were allocated to 1 of 3 treatments with 0, 0.1(BV1) and 0.2% (BV2) BV supplementation in a randomized complete block design according to sex and BW. Each treatment contained 5 replicates with 4 pigs (2 barrows and 2 gilts) per pen. Dietary BV resulted in a greater ADG (p<0.05) than CON group during 0 to 3weeks and 0 to 6weeks. Pigs fed BV2 diet had a greater G:F ratio than other diets. The inclusion of BV led to a greater apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and nitrogen (p<0.05) than pigs fed CON diet at 6week. Pig fed BV supplemented diet had a greater lymphocyte percentage than those fed CON diet (p<0.05). The fecal E. coli numbers were reduced by increasing BV supplementation (p<0.05). Pigs fed BV2 diet evidenced better meat color and firmness (p<0.05) than other groups. Pig fed BV2 increased redness values (p<0.05), and reduced the lightness value (p<0.05) compared with CON group. Fecal NH3 emission was reduced in a linear fashion (p<0.05) by dietary BV supplementation on the day 0, 5, and 10. The fecal H2S emission was also descended (p<0.05) by BV2 treatment on day 5 and 10. In conclusion, dietary BV supplementation increased growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility, along with its beneficial effect on the intestinal microbial population, meat quality and fecal noxious gas concentrations.