Nursery Growth Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF A MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR TRANSPLANTING SUGARCANE (Saccharum spp. Hybrids) SPROUTS

Manual planting of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrids) in Mexico is slow and eye-bud germination is deficient. Alternative planting methods have to be adopted in order to improve sugarcane field productivity. This work score the field performance of a tractor mounted planter prototype when transplanting two months old nursery growth sugarcane (Saccharum spp) sprouts, in relation to parameters; sound sprouts treatments, row separation between seedlings, up right placement into the soil, appropriate soil covering and field uniformity at planting. This mechanical equipment was trialed when operating on a readily soil tilled for sugarcane planting, although slightly stoned on the surface. Tractor and implement combination was set to travel at a field speed of 0.3 m s-1 when laying seedlings into the row at 900 mm separation. Transplanting separation between seedlings onto the row had a variation of 3.4%. When assisted by two laborers for planting, the tractor and implement combination can achieve a field capacity of 2.5 ha day-1. Thus, for a field capacity of 2 ha day-1 and operating a 120 workdays per planting season, investment on the machine can be claimed in two years’ time. Consequently, planting of sugarcane sprouts by using the planter prototype is up to eight times more economical when compared to manual transplanting.

Multiplication and development in the nursery of Pterocarpus erinaceus, an endangered agroforestry species in Cote d'Ivoire

Pterocarpus erinaceus is a multi-purpose species threatened with extinction. The present study aims to contribute to the improvement of multiplication and nursery growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus hulled seeds. To this end, four pre-treatments were applied to Pterocarpus erinaceus hulled seeds to lift their dormancy in order to facilitate germination of the species. These were: untreated seeds as Control (To), soaking in ordinary water for 24 h (T1), soaking in hot water at 60°C (T2) and soaking in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 20 min (T3). Germination parameters such as germination rate, germination time and average germination time were evaluated. Growth in height, diameter, number of leaves and root length were determined. Germination data and growth parameters were collected. Analyses showed that soaking shelled seeds in ordinary water for 24 h was the best treatment, with a germination rate of 43%. Pre-treatment of the seeds with sulfuric acid for 20 min showed the lowest germination rate (1%), due to the sensitivity of the seeds. Furthermore, these pre-treatments had no effect on seedling growth in the nursery. Those interested in producing Pterocarpus erinaceus seedlings are advised to soak shelled seeds in ordinary water for 24 hours to ensure better germination in the nursery.

Effect of three pretreatments on germination and nursery growth of Erythrophleum ivorense a. Chev, Aa little-known timber species in Cote d'Ivoire

Erythrophleum ivorense (A. chev), commonly known as Tali, is a tropical timber species found in savannah and forest zones. It is used for a wide range of purposes. The aim of this study is to contribute to the improvement of seed germination and seedling growth of Erythrophleum ivorense in nurseries by developing effective pre-treatment methods that will lead to a rapid lifting of seed dormancy. To achieve this, four pre-treatments were applied to Erythrophleum ivorense seeds. These were the control with no pretreatment (T0), soaking the seeds in ordinary water for 48 h (T1) and soaking the seeds in 95% dilute sulfuric acid for 20 min (T2). Germination and growth data were taken and statistically tested. The best germination rate was recorded when the seeds were soaked in 95% sulfuric acid for 20 min, with a value of 86%, while the lowest rate was obtained when the seeds were soaked in ordinary water for 48 h (10%). The analyses also showed that the different pre-treatments had a significant effect on growth parameters. Growth in height, diameter and number of leaves was greater in seedlings whose seeds had been treated with 95% dilute sulfuric acid for 20 min, with respective values of (19.19±4.13b; 14.55±0.43b; 6.51±1.75b). Pre-treatment with 95% dilute sulfuric acid for 20 min could be proposed for nursery propagation of Erythrophleum ivorense for long-term conservation. However, it should be used with precaution.

The Potential Benefits of Palm Oil Waste-Derived Compost in Embracing the Circular Economy

The environmental impact of peat extraction in plant nurseries requires urgent attention due to climate change and habitat destruction. Substituting peat moss with compost derived from palm oil waste in oil palm nurseries presents a viable solution. However, the challenges in its implementation must be considered. This research focuses on optimizing composting conditions for palm oil waste and examines the impact of the compost on soil quality, nutrient availability, and seedling growth. Measurements such as the culling rate, plant height, leaf length, and chlorophyll content were taken to assess seedling growth in nurseries. The compost was also tested as a soil amendment for 5-year-old palm trees, with foliar analysis conducted to evaluate the nutrient assimilation. The results show that optimized compost significantly enhanced the seedling growth by 20–50%, evidenced by the increased plant height, longer leaf length, and higher chlorophyll content. Additionally, the foliar analysis demonstrated an improvement of 5–15% in the nutrient assimilation in the 5-year-old palm trees. This research highlights the potential of optimizing oil palm waste composting for sustainable planting media in nurseries, mitigating environmental impacts and promoting productivity in oil palm plantations. Adopting this circular economy model can address waste management challenges while ensuring a resilient and sustainable approach in the palm oil industry.

Fertigation with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Improve Plant Growth, Root Growth, and Buddability of Containerized Citrus Nursery Plants

ABSTRACT Large-scale multiplication of quality planting material is needed to meet the huge demand of planting material in fruit crops. Little information is available on the effect of fertigation on rootstock growth, budding success, and buddling growth in containerized citrus nursery. The present studies were undertaken to study the effect of eight fertigation treatments viz. control (N0P0), N60, N80, N100, N0P100, N60P100, N80P100, and N100P100 on the growth of rough lemon rootstock and subsequently budded three citrus varieties. Among the treatments, N60P100 significantly improved seedling height, diameter, leaf number, root growth, leaf area in rough lemon, Blood Red orange, Kinnow mandarin, and Daisy mandarin over the control. The stomatal conductance was higher with treatments N60, N80, N60P100, and N80P100. While higher photosynthetic rates were observed with N60P100 and N80P100, N60P100 also improved the budding success in Blood Red, Kinnow, and Daisy. Fertigation treatments increased the nutrient concentration in leaves of all the varieties. The principal component analysis revealed that plant height and diameter were positively correlated with root length, root diameter, root number, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content in rough lemon. In all the varieties, the sprout length and diameter showed a positive correlation with leaf area, leaf number, root length, root diameter, fibrous root number, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content. Among different treatments, N60P100 was the best treatment in improving the shoot growth, root growth, and physiological parameters of rough lemon rootstock. Besides, it also improved budding success and buddling growth in all three citrus varieties.

Enhancing the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei nursery and grow-out by modifying Mg/Ca ratios in biofloc systems using low-salinity groundwater of Kuwait Desert

Kuwait has one of the most arid climates in the world, with brackish groundwater that has excessively high hardness due to limestone-rich aquifers with suboptimal ionic compositions, high evapotranspiration, and scarce water sources for shrimp farming. The study aimed to assess whether increasing the magnesium to calcium (Mg/Ca) ratio through Mg-supplementation could enhance shrimp performance, despite the absolute magnesium concentration being higher than diluted seawater of the same salinity. The study comprised a 4-week nursery and an 8-week grow-out trial with Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in low-salinity groundwater in a biofloc system. Experimental groups included a groundwater control (Mg/Ca ratio 0.49) and three different Mg/Ca ratios (about 1, 2 and 3) in three replicates. Postlarvae (0.02 g) and juveniles (0.54 g) were stocked at a density of 1250 and 250 m−3 in the nursery and grow-out trials, respectively, in 1,000 L tanks. In the nursery trial, the control exhibited a final weight of 0.174 g and a survival rate of 58.5%, which was significantly lower in comparison to all Mg+2 treatments, exceeding 0.215 g and 92.5%, with no significant differences between the three treatments. The grow-out trial revealed a proportional increase in growth rate with the Mg/Ca ratio, showing a significantly better performance in treatments with Mg/Ca ratios of 2.12 or higher. The Mg/Ca 2 treatment exhibited the best performance, with a survival rate of 70.8% and a yield of 2.89 kg m−3 of mean weight 16.3 g. The results showed that Mg/Ca ratios have an affect both survival and growth in postlarvae, but only growth in juveniles and larger shrimp. The study suggests that increasing the Mg/Ca ratio above 1.07 and 2.12 through magnesium supplementation can significantly improve shrimp growth in nursery and grow-out phases in low-salinity water. Additionally, the expression of immune-related genes such as prophenoloxidase (proPO), transglutaminase (TGase) and cytosol manganese superoxide dismutase (cMnSOD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity within different Mg/Ca ratios were analyzed. The results revealed significant differences in gene expression and higher SOD activity in the Mg/Ca 2 treatment of the grow-out phase, suggesting that Mg/Ca ratio closer to seawater may enhance the immunity and antioxidant activity of L. vannamei in a low-salinity biofloc system. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights for shrimp producers using groundwater with high calcium hardness. The findings emphasize the importance of Mg/Ca ratio, rather than the absolute Mg+2 concentration, in improving shrimp growth and suggest potential benefits for shrimp immunity and antioxidant activity in low-salinity environments.

Phosphorus Uptake Model of Oil Palm Seedlings in the Main Nursery

Oil palm is generally cultivated on tropical soils that have low levels of chemical fertility and various physical fertility. Environmental factors, genetics, and cultivation techniques generally influence oil palm productivity. This study aimed to obtain a model of oil palm growth and phosphorus (P) uptake in the main nursery. The oil palm growth model was carried out through literature studies and field trials. The trial was conducted at Leuwikopo Trial Farm (Bogor Agricultural Institute) IPB University from May 2021-January 2022. The experiment was designed using a non-factorial randomized block design with five replications. The experiment consisted of one treatment with five levels of P fertilization: P0 = no fertilizer; P1 = 50% standard fertilization; P2 = 100% standard fertilization; P3 = 150% standard fertilization; and P4 = 200% standard fertilization. The fertilizer dose of 100% using the standard fertilization for oil palm of the Damimas variety was 28 g P seedling-1. This study concluded that the model of oil palm nutrient P uptake for the main nursery was able to simulate oil palm nutrient uptake as shown by actual measurements (observations in the field). The dry weight simulation results fell within the range of standard deviation values for average measurements in the field. The nutrient uptake simulation model is thus a valid tool for planning the optimal fertilization of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery.

Effect of synthetic fertilization dose on the diameter increase, height and mortality of Cinchona officinalis L. (Rubiaceae)

Cinchona officinalis, is a South American tree species, commonly used for medicine, and is currently threatened by agricultural expansion and cattle ranching. The objective was to determine the effect of chemical fertilization on the nursery growth to increase growth potential and survival of C. officinalis. A completely randomized design with six treatments and three replicates was used; 20 C. officinalis plants were used per replicate. Two months after transplanting the C. officinalis seedlings to the polyethylene bags, inorganic fertilizer (YaraMila® HYDRAN) was applied. Monthly evaluations were carried out and the number of dead plants, plant height, diameter and number of leaves were recorded. The highest mortality rate was recorded when fertilizer was applied (73%) while in the non-fertilized treatment mortality reached 36%. Regarding the increase in height, diameter and number of leaves in all cases, the best results were obtained in the fertilized treatments, exceeding by 85, 70 and 17% (respectively) those obtained in the treatment to which fertilization was not applied. This study shows the effects that the application of fertilizers to C. officinalis plants at the nursery level can have on growth and mortality variables, the results suggest the use of this product for a sustainable and large-scale production of this species taking into consideration the appropriate dosage.

Effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of <i>Rhizophora racemosa</i> g. Mayer grown in garden soil

This study investigated the effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of mangrove seedlings Rhizophora racemose G. Mayer grown in garden soil. The aim was to discover means of improving mangrove nursery growth and survival in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Rhizophora racemose was planted in garden soil amended with four different treatments: C (Garden soil only), PC (Garden soil + Charcoal), PCSEO (Garden soil + Charcoal + 6% Spent engine oil), and SSEO (Garden soil + 6% Spent engine oil), with three replicates each and randomized complete block design was adopted for the study. The effect of these treatments was monitored biweekly on some growth indices – plant height, leaf area, leaf length, number of leaves and stem girth, except for root length, number of roots, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content of R. racemosa which were obtained at 18th week after planting. The study revealed that PC treatment had the highest values for plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, plant girth, root length when compared to other treatments (C, PCSEO and SSEO) while SSEO recorded the least values. Among the treatments, there were significant differences in the plant height, fresh weight and root length of R. racemosa at P = 0.05. The garden soil amended with charcoal improved the performance of R. racemosa than in spent engine oil alone (PC > PCSEO > SSEO). This could be attributed to the presence of heavy metals in spent engine oil. Again, the charcoal amended soil had higher values for growth indices when compared with the control (C) treatment. This suggest that charcoal has the potency of improving garden soil fertility, plant survival and productivity. Therefore, charcoal could be beneficial in environmental conservation, restoration of endangered forest especially the mangroves in the Niger Delta polluted with crude oil. The study recommends that, charcoal should be incorporated in reforestation and afforestation approaches of mangrove forests.

Use of Palm Oil Medium (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) in Pre-Nursery Solid Application

The objective of the research is to determine the impact of solid application on the growth of oil palm seedlings and to identify the optimal dosage for promoting their growth in the main nursery. From June to October of 2022, the research was carried out at the Islamic University of Indragiri's Agriculture Faculty's experimental farm. The investigation was conducted using a completely randomised design (CRD) with six treatments: no solid, 150 g/polybag, 200 g/polybag solid, 250 g/polybag solid, 300 g/polybag solid and 350 g/polybag solid used. Each treatment was replicated three times. The collected data were subjected to a 5% level Duncan Multyple Range Test after being statistically analysed using analysis of variance. The findings demonstrated a strong relationship between solid application in oil palm medium and the height of the seeds, the number of leaves, the diameter of the hump, and the dry weight of the oil palm seedlings. The optimal dosage for promoting oil palm seedling growth in pre-nursery is 300 grammes per polybag, applied in a solid form

Analysis of growth in high saline nursery and grow-out culture of Litopenaeus vannamei on the southeast coast of India

Analysis of growth in high saline nursery and grow-out culture of Litopenaeus vannamei on the southeast coast of India

Effects of increasing dietary arginine supply during the three first weeks after weaning on pig growth performance, plasma amino acid concentrations, and health status.

A total of 425 weaned pigs (Exp. 1: 225 pigs [5.8 ± 0.9 kg]; Exp. 2: 200 pigs [6.1 ± 1.2 kg]) were used to determine the optimal dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) arginine (Arg) level in early nursery diets based on growth and health responses. The basal diet in Exp.1 was formulated to meet SID Arg recommendation (0.66%; NRC, 2012) and in Exp. 2, SID Arg was set to simulate current industry practices for feeding nursery pigs (1.15 %). Basal diets were supplemented with 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2% of l-arginine to provide five levels of dietary SID Arg. Experimental diets were fed during phases I (days 0 to 7) and II (days 8 to 21) with common diets until market. Feed disappearance and body weight (BW) were measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 43. Final BW was recorded at first removal of pigs for market. Pen fecal score was assigned daily from days 0 to 21. Plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) was determined on days 0, 7, and 14 and amino acids (AAs) concentration and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) on days 0 and 14. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of dietary Arg. Optimal SID Arg was determined by fitting the data with piecewise regression, using growth performance as the primary response variable. In Exp. 1, dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.1) BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) ratio on day 21, as well as reduced (χ2 = 0.004) the percentage of pigs that lost weight (PLW) in week 1 by 29%. Dietary Arg resulted in linear improvement (P = 0.082) of ADG for the overall nursery period and quadratic improvement (P < 0.1) of final BW at marketing. In Exp. 2, dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.05) ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in week 1, BW and ADFI (P < 0.1) on day 14, as well as reduced (χ2 ≤ 0.001) PLW in week 1. From days 0 to 21, G:F was improved quadratically (P < 0.1). Dietary Arg linearly increased (P < 0.1) ADG and BW on day 43. Dietary Arg supplementation decreased the incidence (χ2 < 0.05) of soft and watery feces during the first weeks after weaning and lower concentration of plasma IgA on days 7 and 14. Dietary Arg linearly and/or quadratically influenced plasma AA concentrations (P < 0.05), including an increase in Arg, Leu, Phe, Val, citrulline, ornithine, and PUN concentrations. Overall, weaned pigs exhibit optimal nursery growth performance and health when provided with dietary SID Arg ranging from 1.5% to 1.9%. This dietary range contributes to a reduction in the occurrence of fall-back pigs and improvements in final BW at marketing.

Indigenous Biopreparations and Biocontrol Agents for Growth and Disease Management in Black Pepper Nursery

The present study was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India during December, 2020–July, 2021 to evaluate the efficacy of native biocontrol agents and fermented organic preparations viz; fish-jaggery extract, egg-lemon juice extract and jeevamrutha on growth enhancement and suppression of Phytophthora infection in black pepper nursery. The plants were challenge inoculated with Phytophthora capsici at the collar region. The plant growth parameters were recorded before and one month after treatment application. Results showed that a considerable increase in plant height (49.30%) and number of leaves (57.89%) with the application of bacterial antagonists A1 and S2 respectively. Application of fish-jaggery extract increased the shoot girth by 29.6%. Soil application of Trichoderma combined with spraying of bacterial antagonists A1 and S2 also increased the shoot girth considerably. Application of jeevamrutha increased the total leaf area by 49.98% and chlorophyll contents viz. chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll was also maximum with this application. Phytophthora infection at collar region was not observed in plants treated with potassium phosphonate and fish-jaggery extract. Application of egg-lemon juice extract, jeevamrutha and bioagents also recorded less infection on collar region. The study indicated the efficacy of fermented organic fertilizers and bioagents in improving plant growth and also in reducing pathogen infection at nursery stage. Hence a combination of native antagonistic microflora and indigenous biopreparations could be effectively utilized in commercial production of healthy planting materials in black pepper nurseries.

Solarized IPM Module for Biocontrol of Root-knot Nematode on Tomato at Nursery Level in District G.B Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

Background: The role of soil solarization in suppression of soil borne pathogens and weeds has been established by several researchers around the globe It involves capturing solar radiations when the soil receives the maximum sunlight in May-June using a polythene mulch. Its effectiveness depends on ambient temperature, duration of the treatments and soil moisture. This not only acts as a soil disinfectant but also as soil decontamination. It includes various changes in the soil like physical, chemical and biological properties. Methods: The field to lab and vice-versal based investigations were carried during 2021-2022 at Amity Centre for Biocontrol and Plant Disease Management, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida and identified tomato nurseries of district G B Nagar where heavy infestation (10-12 J2/cc soil) of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood was recorded. The treatments comprised of sustainable components viz. deoiled seed cake of neem, a Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices and indigenous fungal strain of Trichoderma harzianum, (Th7) alone and together applied for evolving IPM module at solarized and unsolarized sets. Under microplot trials, the entire solarized treatments were carried out measuring 3 × 1 sq. meter each in which one set of all the treatments including control covered with clear transparent polythene sheet (400 ì gauge) for solarization. The treatments were replicated thrice in randomized block design. Result: The observations of solarized and unsolarized treatments clearly revealed that the soil solarization in treatments where the sun radiant energy was trapped by 400 µ transparent polysheets significantly reduced the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita population both in root and soil in comparison to unsolarized treatments where no solar energy trapping was done. The combined application of locally isolated Trichoderma harzianum (Th7) and VA mycorrhiza, Glomus intraredices enhanced germination and plant growth in nurseries. In the present investigation, the solarized IPM module- 4 comprising of other sustainable components viz. neem oil-seed cake, T. harzianum (Th-7) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungus G. intraredices is proved to be an ideal one in root-knot nematode pest management in tomato nurseries.

PSI-20 Effects of Prebiotic Galactooligosaccharide (Gos) on Piglet Growth and Jejunal Morphology During the Peri-Weaning Period

Abstract Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is a specific prebiotic that is enzymatically synthesized from lactose to form beta-linked oligosaccharides containing 2-8 galactose units. In this study, GOS-enriched whey permeate (Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie MN) was supplemented to piglets in lactation and nursery phases. To maximize pre-weaning GOS intake, novel gruel creep feeders were utilized. Using a 3x2 factorial design, piglets from 24 litters received either no creep feed (NC), creep without GOS (CG-) or creep with 5% GOS (CG+) followed by a phase 1 nursery diet without (NG-) or with 3.8% GOS (NG+). After 1 week, pigs were fed common phase 2 and phase 3 diets. At d 22 (pre-weaning) and d 31 (post-weaning), 6 pigs per treatment were euthanized for intestinal measurements. Pre-weaning, creep fed pigs grew 19% faster than controls (P &amp;lt; 0.01) but GOS effects were not detected (P &amp;gt; 0.1). In contrast, pigs fed GOS in phase 1 grew 34 % faster than controls (P &amp;lt; 0.04), irrespective of creep treatment (interaction P &amp;gt; 0.1), and with corresponding greater intakes (P &amp;lt; 0.06). These GOS effects were sustained for overall nursery performance. Furthermore, overall ADG of CG+ piglets in the nursery tended to be greatest (P = 0.09), gaining 361g/d, followed by NC (324 g/d) and CG- (310 g/d) treatments (Table 1). No effects on jejunal morphology were detected at d 22, although there was an effect of age with decreased villi length, villus area, villi:crypt ratio and increased crypt depth at d 31 (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Supplementation of GOS in phase 1 increased villus length (36%) and area (51%) but only in pigs previously fed the control creep (CG-) diet (interaction, P &amp;lt; 0.01). Treatment effects on cecal pH and VFA concentrations were not detected, although there was an effect of age with a decrease in pH (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and increase in propionate and butyrate concentrations post-weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.01). We conclude that gruel creep feeding increases weight gain regardless of GOS treatment and that nursery growth and intestinal morphology are improved by post-weaning GOS supplementation. Funded in part by Milk Specialties Global, USDA-NIFA 2022-67015-37125 and Hatch 1016618.

228 Effect of Benzoic Acid Feeding Strategy on Weanling Pig Growth Performance

Abstract Weanling barrows (n = 350; Line 200 × 400, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 5.9 ± 0.04 kg) were used in a 38-day study to evaluate the effects of different benzoic acid feeding strategies on nursery growth performance. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (5 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 14 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were formulated to provide 0, 0.25, or 0.50% benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) at the expense of corn. Treatment 1 served as the control without benzoic acid throughout all three dietary phases. Treatment 2 included 0.50% benzoic acid throughout all three phases. Treatment 3 contained 0.50% benzoic acid for phase 1 and phase 2, and 0.25% benzoic acid in phase 3. Treatment 4 contained 0.50% benzoic acid for phase 1 and phase 2, but no benzoic acid in phase 3. Treatment 5 contained 0.50% benzoic acid in phase 1, 0.25% benzoic acid in phase 2, and no benzoic acid in phase 3. From d 0 to 10 (Phase 1), pigs fed 0.50% benzoic acid had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG and G:F, and were heavier (P = 0.040) on d 10 than those fed the control diet (Table). From d 10 to 18 (Phase 2), pigs fed 0.50% benzoic acid had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) ADG compared with pigs fed either none or 0.25% benzoic acid, while pigs fed 0.25% benzoic acid had poorer (P &amp;lt; 0.001) feed efficiency compared with pigs fed none or 0.50% benzoic acid. From d 18 to 38 (Phase 3), pigs fed 0.50% and 0.25% benzoic acid had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) ADG and ADFI compared with pigs fed no benzoic acid. Overall, pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and 0.25% benzoic acid in the final phase had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG than pigs fed no benzoic acid through all three phases or pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and no benzoic acid in the final phase, with the other treatments intermediate. Additionally, pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and 0.25% benzoic acid in the final phase had improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F compared with pigs fed no benzoic acid throughout all three phases, pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and no benzoic acid in the third phase, or pigs fed 0.50%, 0.25%, and no benzoic acid. These data suggest that nursery pigs fed benzoic acid had improved growth performance. However, when the benzoic acid was removed from the diet before the end of the nursery phase, the pigs experienced a reduction in performance resulting in similar overall performance to the control diet without benzoic acid.

200 Effect of Utilizing Nurse Sows Compared with no Nurse Sows on Nursery Productivity

Abstract The use of nurse sows is one strategy producers use to manage increasing litter sizes. The impact of nurse sows on nursery finish performance is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate differences in nursery performance given two different farrowing room management systems. Crossbred sows (n = 618) were allotted to farrowing rooms based on farrowing date (DNA L241, DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE). One treatment (NoNurse) had 0% nurse sows and the second (Nurse) had 7% nurse sows allocated per room. All pigs (n = 9,109) were individually identified and weighed at birth. Within 24 hours post farrowing, cross-fostering was allowed for both treatments. Pig movements were limited for sows with 13 to 15 live born pigs, which maximized sows rearing her own pigs. If cross-fostering occurred, pigs were moved within treatment to maximize functional teats. In both treatments, fall-behind pigs, those that were lagging in body weight gain compared with their peers, were identified, and weighed. Litter mates of the fall-behind pigs were also weighed. Fall-behind pigs were left in their original crates for the NoNurse treatment and were moved to a nurse sow for the Nurse treatment. Pigs were weaned and weaning weights were collected at approximately 21.5 days of age. At weaning, (n = 7,928) pigs were placed in commercial nurseries where mortality date and reason were recorded. Nursery mortality was not significantly different between NoNurse and Nurse treatments, with 2.34 % versus 2.64 % mortality, respectively (P = 0.48). Nursery mortality was also not significantly different for the fall-behind pigs and their litter mates in the Nurse (P = 0.80) or NoNurse treatments (P = 0.84). At approximately 10 weeks of age, a subset (n = 2,169) of pigs were placed in a research finishing barn and body weights were collected. Body weights at 10 weeks of age were 1.51 kg (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and 1.66 kg (P &amp;lt; 0.05) less for fall-behind pigs in comparison with their litter mates for the NoNurse and Nurse treatments, respectively. Body weights at 10 weeks of age for fall-behind pigs in the NoNurse treatment were 1.55 kg (P &amp;lt; 0.05) less than fall-behind pigs in the Nurse treatment. Management decisions can impact nursery finish performance, in this study it was observed that not utilizing nurse sows could negatively impact nursery growth, particularly for fall-behind pigs.

PSVI-9 Pigs Weaned from Sows Fed a Feed Flavor Had Improved Nursery Growth Performance, But Added Feed Flavor in Nursery Diets Did Not Impact Performance

Abstract A total of 360 weanling pigs (DNA 241 × 600: initially 5.7 ± 0.03 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of a sow lactation feed flavor treatment (control vs added flavor) with or without added feed flavor in nursery diets on pig growth performance. Pigs were weaned at approximately 19 d of age from sows fed diets with or without 0.05% feed flavor (Krave AP, Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA). Pigs were placed in pens within sow treatment with 5 to 6 pigs per pen and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary nursery treatments. There were 14 to 17 replications per treatment and the trial lasted 38 days. Nursery treatments were either a control diet or a diet containing a feed flavor (Delistart #NA 21, Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA) added at 0.05% of the diet. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of sow and nursery treatment. Offspring from sows fed the flavor diet were heavier at weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.001) which was maintained throughout the nursery portion of the study (Table 1). No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed for ADG, ADFI, or G:F during phase 1 (d 1 to 9). During phase 2 (d 9 to 24), there was a tendency (P &amp;lt; 0.10) for a main effect of both nursery and sow diet on ADG, with pigs from sows fed the flavor diet having greater ADG compared with pigs from sows fed the control diet and pigs fed the nursery diet without flavor having increased ADG compared with those fed the flavored diet. A tendency (P = 0.094) was observed for a main effect of sow treatment on ADFI during phase 2, with pigs from sows fed the flavor diet having greater ADFI. During phase 3 (d 24 to 38), a tendency (P = 0.075) was observed for an interaction between sow and nursery diet for ADG with pigs fed the flavor diet from sows fed the flavor diet having greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG but no difference (P &amp;gt; 0.10) was observed when pigs were obtained from sows fed the control diet. There was also a main effect (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of nursery treatment on both ADFI and G:F, where pigs fed the feed flavor diet had greater ADFI but poorer G:F. Overall, progeny from sows fed a diet containing a feed flavor had greater ADG (P = 0.038), ADFI (P = 0.043), and final BW (P &amp;lt; 0.001) during the nursery trial. In conclusion, offspring from sows fed a feed flavor during lactation had increased ADG, ADFI, and BW, but the presence of a feed flavor in the nursery diets did not elicit differences in overall nursery performance.

293 The Effect of Creep Feed and Nursery Diet Flavoring on Piglet Lactation and Nursery Performance

Abstract Larger litter sizes in swine production systems and potential milk limitations for piglets have given new opportunities to incorporating creep feeding as a management strategy. Sows (n = 51) and their litters were used to test the effects of creep feed and nursery diets on piglet lactation and nursery growth performance. Ten days before weaning, litters were assigned to one of three creep feeding treatments: 1) Control diet: 2) Control+Flavoring (50 ppm Allium XL, Pancosma): 3) No creep feed. Creep feed was delivered twice/day via one bowl creep feeder/litter. Sows and litters (17/treatment) were allotted to equalize parity (average = 2.8), genetics, number of piglets (average = 10.9), and weaning age (average = 19.1). Litter weights and creep feed intake were recorded on d 0, 4, and 10 (weaning). Post-weaning pigs were allotted to Control or Flavoring (50 ppm Allium XL) diets in a 3x2 factorial arrangement. During nursery there were 10 pens/treatment with 7 or 8 pigs/pen, blocked by initial BW within creep treatment. Nursery treatments were fed in phase 1 (1.13 kg/pig) and 2 (2.27 kg/pig) diets followed by common phase 3 (6.8 kg/pig) and 4 (ad lib to d 35) diets. Weekly pig BW and feed intake were used to calculate nursery pen ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Creep feeding treatment during lactation did not affect litter or piglet BW gain pre-weaning. Flavoring did not affect total creep feed intake (control = 114 g/pig vs. flavoring = 110 g/pig). Providing creep feed during lactation increased ADFI on days 2, 3, and 4 post-weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.013). Pigs fed either creep feed increased week 1 nursery ADFI (8.8%; P&amp;lt; 0.02), numerically increased ADG (5.2%), and greater d ay7 BW (P = 0.055). Week 3 ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and ADFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) were greater for the no creep pigs than pigs fed the control creep feed, flavored creep feed pigs were intermediate. For week 4, ADG, and week 4 and 5 ADFI, pigs previously fed control creep had greater growth performance than pigs previously fed flavored creep with pigs fed no creep being intermediate (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Overall (days 0-35), pigs fed control creep had greater ADG ( P&amp;lt; 0.05) and ADFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than flavored creep fed pigs with no creep pigs being intermediate in ADG and greater ADFI than flavored creep fed pigs. Final BW (P &amp;lt; 0.05) was greater for control creep fed pigs than flavored creep fed pigs with no creep pigs being intermediate (23.5 kg, 23.0 kg, 23.3 kg, respectively). Nursery dietary flavoring treatment did not affect post-weaning ADG, ADFI, or G:F at any point during the study (P &amp;gt; 0.12). Lactation creep feeding significantly increases ADFI and ADG during the first week post-weaning, which could improve post-weaning performance and reduce the rate of pigs failing to thrive post-weaning.

Physiological Behavior of Native Avocado in Nursery

In the State of Guerrero, Mexico, there are several types of native avocados that grow in backyards which die mainly because of adverse environmental conditions and various harmful activities of farmers. This study is one of the pioneers in the area. The aim of this research was to follow the growth in nursery and the physiological behavior of 12 native avocados from the municipality of Ometepec, Guerrero, Mexico, in order to explore their possible use as rootstocks. Thus, 20 fruits per tree of each genotype were harvested, and they were sown on substrate (85% river lama, 5% peat moss and 10% agrolite), at one month of age. A randomized complete block design was used with 12 treatments (each genotype was considered as treatment) and four repetitions. An analysis of variance and Tukey's means tests were performed (P ≤ 0.01 and 0.05) and LSD (P ≤ 0.05). The most vigorous rootstock was OME-7, followed by OME-10. The OME-7 showed higher NO3- and Na+ content; while OME-8, was superior in K+ and Ca++. The length*width of the avocado leaves, multiplied by its conversion factor (0.991), estimated a foliar area very similar to that obtained by the leaf area integrator. It was concluded that the OME-7, OME-3 and OME-10 rootstocks, were the most vigorous and they meet all the characteristics to be used as rootstocks.