Pig Health Research Articles

66. Optimizing the use of antibiotics: Towards multi-criteria systems for monitoring the health and well-being of pigs and poultry

66. Optimizing the use of antibiotics: Towards multi-criteria systems for monitoring the health and well-being of pigs and poultry

Estimation of IL-8 and TNF-α Levels in Pediatric Diarrhea Patients Infected with Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7

Abstract Background: Verotoxins are bacterial virulence factors produced by E. coli O157:H7, transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Objectives: The aim of this article was to diagnose E. coli O157:H7 which causes diarrhea and sometimes develops into HUS, which considers pig health problems and estimates the levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the sera of pediatric patients infected with Enterohemorrhagic E. coli compared to the control group. Materials and Methods: Stool and blood samples were collected from 421 pediatric patients with diarrhea, ranging in age from birth to 13 years old, from March to October 2022. Samples were collected from Al Noor Teaching Hospital, Babylon Hospital for Pediatric and Gynecology, Hilla, Iraq. E. coli O157:H7 was cultured on eosin methylene blue (EMB) and Sorbitol MacConkey agar (SMA), confirmed by biochemical test and cultured on HiCrome E. coli O157:H7 selective medium which was an agar base supplemented with cefixime tellurite agar. Serum from 30 pediatric diarrhea patients infected with E. coli O157:H7 compared with 30 healthy children as control group used to determine serum levels of IL-8 and TNF-α by sandwich ELISA. Results: The results revealed that out of the total 421 samples used in this study, E. coli O157H:7, represented 7% (30 of 421) stool samples. This 30serum samples of infected children as well as 30 samples from healthy children subjected to the estimate serum level of IL-8 and TNF-α which record significant differences P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05 to this cytokines in different age group; the mean of IL-8 level was 283.62 ± 17.8 pg/mL (7–9 years), and the mean of TNF-α was 208.62 ± 28.7 pg/mL (10–13 years) comparative with the control group of 80.58 ± 15.4pg/mL and 32.50 ± 7.5 pg/mL, respectively, and also result showed an increased mean level of IL-8 than TNF-α in the male comparative with female 195.19 ± 10.4 pg/mL and 159.05 ± 12.4 pg/mL, respectively, comparative with the control group. The result showed no significant differences in IL-8 and TNF-α between watery diarrhea (192.43 ± 24.3 pg/mL and 136.05 ± 20.4 pg/mL) and bloody diarrhea (189.02 ± 22.5 pg/mL and 123.80 ± 13.5 pg/mL), and also result showed significant increase of mean sera level of IL-8 than TNF-α in formula feeding children comparative with breastfeeding children (187.87 ± 19.5 pg/mL and 119.93 ± 17.4 pg/mL, respectively). Conclusion: The finding of this study suggested that increased levels of IL-8 and TNF-α are present in all age groups, in male comparative with female, and also in pediatric diarrhea feeding by formula than breastfeeding and no differences of this cytokine according to consistency of diarrhea. These results contribute to using the immune profile as a serological marker for diagnosing diarrhea caused by E. coli O157:H7 in comparison with the control group.

Emergence of a novel GIII Getah virus variant in pigs in Guangdong, China, 2023.

From May to July of 2023, one pig farm in Heyuan city, Guangdong Province of China, suffered severe piglet death and sow reproductive disorders. The common pig viruses and bacteria tested negative. To uncover the possible cause of the disease, a metagenomic analysis was performed in the pooled small intestine samples from three 8-day-old diseased piglets. The results showed that Getah virus (GETV), an RNA virus, might be the potential pathogen that affects pig health. Subsequently, GETV nucleotide was detected in all of the 15 samples collected from three diseased piglets using quantitative reverse transcription PCR, suggesting GETV as the main pathogen of the disease. A GETV strain, designated as GDHYLC23, was successfully isolated using the swine testicle cell line. Sequence analysis showed that the epidemic strain had a unique 32-nucleotide repeat insertion in the 3' noncoding region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that GDHYLC23 belonged to the pandemic group III. The identification of GETV with new variations implies the continuous evolution of the virus, which poses potential threats to the swine industry.IMPORTANCEPig farms are faced with emerging and re-emerging viruses that may cause substantial economic loss. The identification of potentially pathogenic viruses helps to prevent and control the spread of diseases. In this study, by using metagenomic analysis, we found that a neglected virus, GETV with a unique insertion in the genome, was the main pathogen in one pig farm that suffered severe piglet death and sow reproductive disorders. Although the potential impact of such an insertion on viral pathogenicity is unknown, the surveillance of the continuing evolution of GETV in pig farms cannot be ignored.

Prebiotic galactooligosaccharide improves piglet growth performance and intestinal health associated with alterations of the hindgut microbiota during the peri-weaning period

BackgroundWeaning stress reduces growth performance and health of young pigs due in part to an abrupt change in diets from highly digestible milk to fibrous plant-based feedstuffs. This study investigated whether dietary galactooligosaccharide (GOS), supplemented both pre- and post-weaning, could improve growth performance and intestinal health via alterations in the hindgut microbial community.MethodsUsing a 3 × 2 factorial design, during farrowing 288 piglets from 24 litters received either no creep feed (FC), creep without GOS (FG–) or creep with 5% GOS (FG+) followed by a phase 1 nursery diet without (NG–) or with 3.8% GOS (NG+). Pigs were sampled pre- (D22) and post-weaning (D31) to assess intestinal measures.ResultsCreep fed pigs grew 19% faster than controls (P < 0.01) prior to weaning, and by the end of the nursery phase (D58), pigs fed GOS pre-farrowing (FG+) were 1.85 kg heavier than controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, pigs fed GOS in phase 1 of the nursery grew 34% faster (P < 0.04), with greater feed intake and efficiency. Cecal microbial communities clustered distinctly in pre- vs. post-weaned pigs, based on principal coordinate analysis (P < 0.01). No effects of GOS were detected pre-weaning, but gruel creep feeding increased Chao1 α-diversity and altered several genera in the cecal microbiota (P < 0.05). Post-weaning, GOS supplementation increased some genera such as Fusicatenibacter and Collinsella, whereas others decreased such as Campylobacter and Frisingicoccus (P < 0.05). Changes were accompanied by higher molar proportions of butyrate in the cecum of GOS-fed pigs (P < 0.05).ConclusionsGruel creep feeding effectively improves suckling pig growth regardless of GOS treatment. When supplemented post-weaning, prebiotic GOS improves piglet growth performance associated with changes in hindgut microbial composition.

Efficacy of oleandrin and PBI-05204 against viruses of importance to commercial pig health management

BackgroundInfection by porcine respiratory and reproductive syncytial virus (PRRSV), swine influenza virus (SIV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PEDV) adversely affect worldwide pig production. Because effective control remains elusive the present research was designed to explore the in vitro antiviral activity of oleandrin and an N. oleander extract (PBI-05204) against each porcine virus.MethodsMonkey kidney (MARK-145) cells, Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK), and African green monkey kidney cells (VERO 76) were used for in vitro culture systems for PRRSV, SIV and PEDV, respectively. Cytotoxicity was established using serial dilutions of oleandrin or PBI-05204. Noncytotoxic concentrations of each product were used either prior to or at 12 h and 24 h following exposure to corresponding viruses. Infectious virus titers were also determined.ResultsOleandrin and PBI-05204 demonstrated strong antiviral activity against PRRSV, SIV and PEDV when added prior to or following infection of cells. Determination of viral loads by PCR demonstrated a decline in PRRSV replication reaching 99.57% and 99.79% for oleandrin and PBI-05204, respectively, and decrease of 95.36% and 99.54% in infectivity of progeny virus in PRRSV infected cultures. Similarly, oleandrin tested against SIV and PEDV was effective in near complete inhibition of infectious virus production.ConclusionThe research demonstrates the potency of oleandrin and PBI-05204 to inhibit infectivity of three important porcine viruses. These data showing non-toxic concentrations of oleandrin as a single common agent for inhibiting infectivity of the three different porcine viruses tested here support further investigation of antiviral efficacy and possible in vivo use.

Cytotoxicity effect and transcriptome analysis of PCV3-infected cells revealed potential viral pathogenic mechanisms

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) has become an important pathogen in the global swine industry and poses a threat to pig health, but its pathogenic mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we constructed an innovative, linear infectious clone of PCV3 for rescuing the virus, and explored the transcriptome of infected cells to gain insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. Subsequently, an in vivo experiment was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of the rescued virus in pig. PCV3 nucleic acid was distributed across various organs, indicating systemic circulation via the bloodstream and viremia. Immunohistochemical staining also revealed a significant presence of PCV3 antigens in the spleen, lungs, and lymph nodes, indicating that PCV3 had tropism for these organs. Transcriptome analysis of infected ST cells revealed differential expression of genes associated with apoptosis, immune responses, and cellular metabolism. Notably, upregulation of genes related to the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 pathway, glycolysis, and the AGE/RAGE pathway suggests activation of inflammatory responses, ultimately leading to onset of disease. These findings have expanded our understanding of PCV3 pathogenesis, and the interplay between PCV3 and host factors.

Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

BackgroundXylanase and β-glucanase combination (XG) hydrolyzes soluble non-starch polysaccharides that are anti-nutritional compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of XG on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs.MethodsForty pigs (6.5 ± 0.4 kg) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and corn distiller’s dried grains with solubles, contained phytase (750 FTU/kg), and were supplemented with 5 levels of XG at (1) 0, (2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg β-glucanase, (3) 560 and 250, (4) 840 and 375, or (5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance was measured. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta were collected to determine the effects of increasing XG levels and XG intake on intestinal health.ResultsIncreasing XG intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta (min: 1.74 mPa·s at 751/335 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing levels of XG quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630/281 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608/271 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing levels of XG tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio (max: 2.62 at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing XG intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing XG intake linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain.ConclusionsA combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase would hydrolyze the non-starch polysaccharides fractions, positively modulating the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. Increased intake of these enzyme combination possibly reduced digesta viscosity and humoral immune response in the jejunum resulting in improved intestinal structure, and ileal digestibility of nutrients, and finally improving growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized at a combination of 550 to 800 TXU/kg xylanase and 250 to 360 TGU/kg β-glucanase.

63 Impacts of dietary myristic acids on mucosa-associated microbiota in relation to intestinal health and growth parameters of nursery pigs

Abstract This study investigated the evaluate the role of dietary myristic acid on mucosa-associated microbiota for their relevance to intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 36 newly weaned pigs [6.6 ± 0.4 kg body weight (BW)] were assigned to 3 treatments (n = 12/treatment) using a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (10, 10, and 15 d, respectively). Treatments were 1) NC: basal diet; 2) PC: NC + 0.03% bacitracin in all phases; and 3) MA: NC + myristic acid complex at 0.20% in phases 1 and 2 and 0.12% in phase 3. Pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa and jejunal tissues for microbiome sequencing and measuring intestinal health parameters. Data were analyzed using preplanned contrasts (NC vs. PC and NC vs. MA) in the Proc MIXED procedure and correlation coefficients between microbiota and the intestinal health parameters were determined by the CORR procedure of SAS. The PC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (22.2 to 55.1%) compared with NC. The MA increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Veillonellaceae (1.7 to 5.2%), Lachnospiraceae (0.3 to 3.6%), Coriobacteriaceae (0.6 to 1.5%), and Ruminococcaceae (0.5 to 2.1%) and tended to increase (P = 0.072) Bifidobacteriaceae (6.9 to 18.2%) compared with NC. The PC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Simpson (0.72 to 0.89) index and the MA increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Chao1 (124.3 to 221.0), Shannon (3.4 to 5.0), and Simpson (0.7 to 0.9) indexes compared with NC. The relative abundance (RA) of Helicobacteraceae was positively correlated with IL-8 (r = 0.63; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and protein carbonyl (r = 0.65; P &amp;lt; 0.05). The RA of Bifidobacteriaceae was negatively correlated with IgG (r = -0.51; P &amp;lt; 0.05), IL-8 (r = -0.58; P &amp;lt; 0.05), TNF-α (r = -0.46; P &amp;lt; 0.05), and protein carbonyl (r = -0.64; P &amp;lt; 0.05) whereas it was positively correlated with average daily gain (ADG; r = 0.51; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; r = 0.49; P &amp;lt; 0.05). The RA of Lactobacillaceae negatively correlated with IL-8 (r = -0.59; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and protein carbonyl (r = -0.54; P &amp;lt; 0.05) whereas it was positively correlated with ADFI (r = 0.43; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and MDA (r = 0.44; P &amp;lt; 0.05). The RA of Veilonellaceae and Megasphaera sp were negatively correlated (r = -0.49; r = -0.61; P &amp;lt; 0.05) with IgG, respectively. In conclusion, MA mainly increased RA of Bifidobacterium and Megasphaera, whereas PC increased RA of Lactobacillus and Mitsuokella in the jejunal mucosa. The positive modulations of RA of mucosa-associated microbiota by PC and MA were strongly correlated with improved intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs.

200 Effects of zinc oxide removal and different nutritional plans on the growth performance, health, and behavior of nursery pigs from different genetic lines

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of the removal of zinc oxide (ZnO) supplemented at pharmaceutical levels and different nutritional plans on the growth performance, health, and behavior of nursery pigs from different genetic sire lines. A total of 1,440 newly weaned barrows and gilts were housed into nursery pens with 30 pigs/pen (0.25m2/pig). Pigs were assigned to eight groups following a randomized complete block design arranged on a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement [Genetic sire line: PIC 337 or PIC 800; ZnO supplementation: 0 or 2,500 ppm; nutritional plan: Control (PIC recommendation) or Treatment (TRT)]. Pigs were fed in three dietary phases (P1:7 d; P2: 21 d; P3: 21 d). The nutrient levels of the TRT for each phase consisted of reduced crude protein (P1: 21 vs. 18.43%; P2: 20.80 vs. 18.73%), SID Lys (P1: 1.40 vs. 1.20%; P2: 0.35 vs. 1.20%), net energy (P1: 2,450 vs. 2,352 kcal/kg; P2: 2,450 vs. 2,377 kcal/kg) and lactose levels (P1: 15 vs. 7%; P2: 7 vs. 5%), and use of calcium formate instead of calcium carbonate for both P1 and P2, and pigs receiving the same diet in P3. Health and behavior were assessed through ear lesion (weekly during P3) and fecal (weekly during P1 and P2) scoring, mortality/removals, and medication control. Growth performance was assessed by individually weighing pigs and recording feed disappearance every week throughout the experimental period. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model considering pen as the experimental unit. Models included treatments and their interactions as fixed effects, and block and pen within block as the random terms. Pigs fed ZnO showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG; 495 vs. 456 g/d) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; 681 vs. 633 g/d); and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) diarrhea incidence (DI; 3.64 vs 10.21%) at d 14 after weaning and mortality/removals (2.31 vs. 5.11%) compared with pigs fed no ZnO. No significant differences were detected between the nutritional plans for performance traits (P &amp;gt; 0.05); however, pigs fed the TRT had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) DI (7.54 vs. 11.43%) at d 7 after weaning than pigs fed the control nutrition plan. Regarding the genetic sire lines, PIC 337 pigs showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) overall body weight (26.1 vs. 25.4 kg), ADG (486 vs. 465 g/d) and ADFI (666 vs. 648 g/d); and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) mortality/removals (2.54 vs. 4.66%) and DI (6.92 vs. 12.41%) at d 7 after weaning compared with PIC 800 pigs. In summary, PIC 337 pigs fed ZnO under the control nutritional program showed greater growth performance during the nursery period. This study reaffirmed the benefits of ZnO fed to nursery pigs during the post-weaning period; however, since different countries are banning or reducing the use of ZnO, nutritional strategies should be considered to not negatively impact the health and subsequent performance of nursery pigs.

45 Awardee Talk: Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs affected by dietary supplementation of increasing levels of xylanase and b-glucanase combinations. Pigs [n = 40; initial body weight (BW) = 6.5 ± 0.4 kg] were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and distiller’s dried grains with solubles with phytase (750 FTU/kg) supplemented with 5 levels of xylanase and b-glucanase combinations (NSPase) at 1) 0, 2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg b-glucanase, 3) 560 and 250, 4) 840 and 375, or 5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance and fecal score were measured for each phase. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and collected jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta to determine the effects of increasing NSPase levels (%) and NSPase intake on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, jejunal digesta viscosity, immune responses, intestinal morphology, feed digestibility, and growth performance. Increasing NSPase level quadratically decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Bacteroidetes (min: 0.7% at 636 TXU/kg and 284 TGU/kg), Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630 TXU/kg and 281 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake quadratically increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Firmicutes (max: 72.7% at 604 TXU/kg and 270 TGU/kg), Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608 TXU/kg and 271 TGU/kg), and Lactobacillus (max: 40.3% at 608 TXU/kg and 271 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake also quadratically decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Proteobacteria (min: 3.8% at 562 TXU/kg and 251 TGU/kg), Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg), and Helicobacter (min: 1.6% at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta reaching the minimum (1.74 mPa·s) at 751 TXU/kg and 335 TGU/kg. Increasing NSPase level tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio reaching the maximum (2.62) at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg. Increasing NSPase intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing NSPase intake linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG). In conclusion, increasing the combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase positively modulated jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, reduced jejunal digesta viscosity, reduced intestinal humoral immune response, enhanced villus morphology, increased ileal digestibility of nutrients, and increased growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized when xylanase and β-glucanase were supplemented at a range of 550 to 800 TXU/kg and 246 to 357 TGU/kg, respectively.

265 Effect of L-glutamine and enzyme supplementation of liquid creep feed from d 8 to 28 of age on pre-weaning growth and health of pigs

Abstract The provision of liquid creep feed has been shown to increase dry matter intake (DMI) compared with dry creep feeding. The greater DMI associated with liquid feeding means that it could be used as an effective route for feed additive supplementation of suckling pigs to optimize growth and health at weaning. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of L-glutamine or enzyme supplementation of liquid creep feed on growth and medication usage in suckling pigs. Sows (n = 60) were blocked on parity, previous number of piglets weaned and body weight (BW) at d 107 of gestation, and randomly assigned to one of 3 dietary treatments from d 8 of age to weaning at d 28: 1) liquid starter (control); 2) control supplemented with 10 kg of L-glutamine per tonne of starter diet (glutamine); and 3) control supplemented with a cocktail of enzymes (lipase, protease and α-amylase included at 200 g, 50 g and 112.5 g, respectively per tonne of starter diet; enzymes). Individual piglets were weighed on d 8, 14, 21 and 27 of age. Litter dry matter intake, the volume of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories administered per pig and per sow were recorded for the pre-weaning period. Data were analyzed using the mixed models procedure in SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc.) with treatment as a fixed effect, and day post-partum as the repeated measure. Block was included as a random effect and the number of pigs/litter at d 8 and the average pig BW at d 8 were included as co-variates when significant in the model. Means separation was by Tukey’s adjustment for multiple comparisons. The piglet nested within sow was the experimental unit. The DMI of creep feed did not differ between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). From d 14 to 21, glutamine decreased average daily gain (ADG) by 7% compared with the control (P &amp;lt; 0.05). However, ADG did not differ between treatment groups from d 8 to 14 or from d 21 to 27. Body weight was not affected by treatment at d 8 or 14 (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, at d 21, glutamine tended to reduce BW by 2% compared with the control (P = 0.09) and at d 27, it tended to reduce BW by 2% compared with the control and enzymes (P = 0.08). The volume of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories administered to piglets or sows was not affected by treatment. However, glutamine tended to increase diarrhea incidence by 12% between d 8 and 27 compared with the control (P = 0.09). In conclusion, supplementing liquid creep feed with 10 kg of glutamine/tonne of feed reduced pre-weaning growth and tended to increase diarrhea incidence in piglets. In addition, supplementing liquid creep feed with enzymes had no effect on pre-weaning growth and medication usage in piglets.

201 The effects of the supplementation of a Zinc-amino acid complex in pig nursery diets with differing pharmacological levels of zinc oxide and complexity

Abstract Diet complexity (DC), which has significance in nursery pig production, generally refers to a greater number of highly digestible ingredients. Increased DC may have even greater significance in scenarios of reduction or withdrawal of zinc oxide (ZnO) in nursery diets. The objectives were to determine 1) the impact of adding Zn-amino acid complex (Zinpro ProPath Zn) to mid- (MC) and low-complexity (LC) diets on nursery pig performance and health compared with a high complexity (HC) diet, and 2) the impact of Zinpro ProPath Zn in diets with and without pharmacologic levels of ZnO. A total of 2,400 mixed-sex weanling pigs [initial body (BW) weight = 5.79 ± 0.15 kg] were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments during nursery (42 d) as follows: 1) HC; MC diet with 2) MC+ZnO) or without 3) MC-ZnO) pharmacologic ZnO; and LC diet with 4) LC+ZnO) or without 5) LC-ZnO) pharmacologic ZnO. All diets except HC were supplemented with Zinpro ProPath Zn (125 mg/kg Zn) and ZnO [3,000, 2,000, and 0 mg/kg Zn during Phases I (14 d), II (14 d) and III (14 d), respectively]. Different DC were achieved by manipulating the inclusion of spray-dried plasma, soy protein concentrate, and whey protein. Growth performance, onset of feed intake, fecal dry matter, number of injectable treatments administered, and serum acute-phase response were assessed. Pigs fed HC (20.0 kg) had greater final BW (FBW) compared with pigs fed MC-ZnO (18.8 kg), which had greater FBW compared with pigs fed LC-ZnO (17.5 kg; SEM = 0.34; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was greater in pigs fed HC (0.46 kg/d) compared with MC-ZnO (0.43 kg/d) and LC+ZnO (0.42 kg/d), which had greater ADFI compared with LC-ZnO (0.39 kg/d; SEM = 0.01; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Similarly, average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were greater in pigs fed HC (0.33 kg/d, 0.72 kg/kg, respectively) compared with pigs fed LC (0.27 kg/d, 0.67 kg/kg, respectively), regardless of ZnO (SEM = 0.01; P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was no effect of dietary treatments on the fecal dry matter or on the onset of feed intake of pigs (P &amp;gt; 0.10). The number of injectable treatments administered was greatest in LC-ZnO (62.7%), followed by LC+ZnO (50.6%), MC regardless of ZnO (44.0%), and HC (36.7%; SEM = 1.04; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Serum alkaline phosphatase was less in LC-ZnO than the other groups (229.8 vs. 280.9 ± 11.9 IU/L; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Taken together, feeding HC diets during the nursery appears to be effective in improving performance and health of pigs, particularly when compared with MC and LC diets without ZnO. Moreover, the addition of Zinpro ProPath Zn may partially attenuate the negative effects of ZnO removal in MC, but not LC, diets.

PSIV-20 Evaluation of pectinase on nursery pig performance

Abstract Non-starch polysaccharidases have been widely employed in swine production to enhance fiber digestion and nutrient utilization, yielding mixed results. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of an exogenous pectinase on performance of early nursery pigs. The study utilized 320 mixed sex freshly weaned pigs, 19-21 d of age [5.4 ± 1.1 kg body weight (BW), Camborough (1050) x 337, (PIC, Hendersonville, TN)], sourced from a commercial sow farm. Upon arrival, pigs were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (10 pens/treatment, 6 gilts and 2 barrows/pen). All diets were fed in two phases consisting of 7 and 14 d over a 21-d study period. Phase 1 basal diets consisted of 40% soybean meal, 1.45% SID Lys, and 3,396 kcal/kg ME. Phase 2 basal diets consisted of 40% soybean meal, 1.375% SID Lys, and 3,396 kcal/kg ME. In both phases, exogenous pectinase was included at 0, 8, 40, and 80 (g/MT). Pen bodyweights and feed disappearance were collected at the start and end of each phase to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). Fecal consistency was scored for diarrhea presence daily. In all analyses, pens served as the experimental units. Growth performance and mortality/removals data were analyzed within phase and overall with the fixed effect of pectinase level, including the linear and quadratic effects of varying pectinase levels across the diets. No discernible health impacts were identified based on observations of mortality/removals and fecal consistency scores (P &amp;gt; 0.10). There were no notable main, linear, or quadratic effects observed on pig bodyweights during the trial. Overall, the diet had a significant impact on ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.05), showing a positive trend associated with pectinase inclusion (linear P = 0.08). This trend was supported by a 14% increase in the ADG of pigs that consumed the diet with 80 g/MT of pectinase, in contrast to pigs fed the control diet. Phase 1 did not exhibit any notable effects on performance in terms of main, linear, or quadratic trends. In contrast, during phase 2, the diet significantly affected the ADG of pigs, with all pectinase-containing diets promoting greater body weight gain compared with control-fed pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Additionally, there was a tendency for a diet effect on GF in phase 2 (P = 0.09). Pigs that were fed the diet with 80 g/MT of pectinase observed a 14-22% improvement in feed efficiency compared with all the other dietary groups. In conclusion, the addition of pectinase to early nursery pig diets had the capacity to enhance pig performance without any adverse effects on pig health when feeding high soybean meal.

105 Water quality analysis and flow rate comparison between wean-finish swine barns

Abstract Water is an essential nutrient to sustain life and a vital component of biological functioning, impacting regulation of pig body temperature along with transporting nutrients to the body. Drinker availability, position, design, water flow rate and pressure, and water quality are major components of pig water intake. The ideal water flow rate for wean-to-finish pigs is 1 L m-1. Excessive flow rates could limit pig water intake and increase humidity in the barn, while too little water flow can lead to a decrease in water intake and biological functioning of the pig. Water should not contain harmful substances and should be readily accessible to pigs. Compounds in water are highly variable depending on region, water source, and pH. Quality of water influences feed consumption along with pig health. Water can contain a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, and protozoa; while not all microorganisms are harmful a highly contaminated water analysis is an index of poor water quality. In this study water quality and water flow rates were analyzed across five wean-finish sites comprising 16 barns for three turns of finishing pigs. Water flow rates were measured twice per turn, wk 1 and wk 17. Each barn contained 36 pens and flow rate measurements were collected in 8 pens evenly distributed within the barn. One suspended water source was available per pen, with two nipple drinkers per water source. Water flow rates were averaged over each turn within barns. Average water flow rates were 1.42 L m-1 with standard deviation of 0.44 L m-1. Overall barn water flow rates ranged from 0.78 to 2.19 L m-1. Barn flow rates were compared over time to evaluate performance and maintenance of facilities. Water quality samples were also collected and submitted for standard water analysis. Results will provide information on management strategies to assess water quality and water flow rates in wean-finish facilities.

203 The relationship between potentiated zinc oxide and monovalent copper in a dietary administration for weanling piglets

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate different dietary level of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) supplementation according to European and non-European levels on the health and performance of pigs 14 d after weaning. A total of 120 piglets [initial body weight = 7.14 ± 0.92 kg] were divided into 4 experimental treatments: positive control (PC, 2,500 ppm of Zn, ZnO) and 3 treatments in which Zn and Cu were added through potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to different European and non-European levels of inclusion: EU (120 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu), non-EU+ (300 ppm of Zn; 200 ppm of Cu) and non-EU- (300 ppm of Zn; 140 ppm of Cu). Growth performance, serum Zn and Cu concentrations, fecal score, blood biomarkers of intestinal integrity, and fecal microbial composition were examined and analyzed using GLM and MIXED procedures of SAS. Fecal samples at 14 d were collected and the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S gene were sequenced in one Illumina MiSeq run. Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and (feed efficiency (FE) were not affected by the experimental treatments. The fecal score suggests that during the first 14d, the consistency of the feces tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to be less in the three treatment groups while in PC, the greatest concentration of Zn favored a better fecal consistency. The initial serum Zn and Cu concentrations were similar for all dietary treatment groups. After 14 d, serum Zn concentration was significantly greater in PC (15.71 ± 6.25 µg/L, P &amp;lt; 0.05). No differences were highlighted in serum Zn concentration among the other 3 treatment groups. Serum Cu concentrations revealed statistically significant results (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on 14 d after weaning in EU, non-EU+ and non-EU- groups, showing greater concentrations of Cu (17.65 ± 5.49 µmol/L, 17.73± 3.46 µmol/L 18.33 ± 4.13 µmol/L, respectively) compared with PC (11.87 ± 3.60 µmol/L). These results suggested that the EU level of inclusion of both potentiated Zn and monovalent Cu is enough to reach the same Cu and Zn plasma concentrations of non-EU treatments. Plasma DAO was negatively (P &amp;lt; 0.05) affected in non-EU-. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla in fecal microbiome. Non-EU- contributed to a significant decrease in biodiversity in fecal microbiota as depicted with Shannon for diversity and Simpson for evenness indexes (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In fecal samples, the presence of genera linked to a greater disruption of the gut barrier (Escherichia-Shigella) was depicted in non-EU- group, indicating significant modifications of the microbial community. These results suggest the need for a balanced supplementation of Cu and Zn through more bioavailable sources. The use of potentiated ZnO and Cu2O according to European levels could represent a valid strategy to enhance weanling piglets gut health and to reduce the environmental impact.

301 Maxwell Lecture: Bacillus probiotics in nursery pigs: The effects of dose on gut health and performance

Abstract Weaning is one of the most stressful events in the life of a pig and critical for their health and development. To reduce the use of antibiotics and zinc oxide in nursery diets, many feed additives have been tested to demonstrate their efficacy in weaning pigs. Bacillus subtilis, a heat-resistant spore-forming bacteria, consumes oxygen in the digestive tract and can provide a favorable anaerobic environment for lactic acid-producing bacteria, resulting in their proliferation. It also produces several digestive enzymes, such as amylase, protease, and antioxidant enzymes. In addition, Bacillus species are known to alter the gut microbiome and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. Therefore, Bacillus probiotics have been widely used in nursery diets to effectively improve growth performance and protect piglets from weaning stress and postweaning diarrhea. However, when the probiotics are supplemented in diets for weaning pigs, their efficacy is dependent on multiple factors, such as strains, the health condition of the animals, product composition, and the dose of the probiotics. There has been tremendous effort in establishing the optimal supplementation level of probiotics for nursery pigs to maximize the efficacy of their supplementation, but a high dose of probiotics could be detrimental to the gut health and microflora of nursery pigs, as it could increase the incidence of diarrhea and may have potential side effects in the immune system, antibiotic resistance, and the production of unfavorable metabolites in the gut. A study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of Bacillus probiotic supplementation for nursery pigs at the recommended and high doses (10 times greater bacterial counts than the recommended dose) compared with a control treatment with no probiotic supplementation. In the study, the Bacillus supplementation at the recommended dose did improve the early postweaning growth rate, increase the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), and blood glucose concentrations, and alter the fecal microbiome. However, high-dosing probiotics in nursery diets did not show any beneficial effects that were shown in the pigs fed diets with Bacillus probiotics at the recommended dose. Bacillus-probiotic supplementation in nursery diets may enhance growth performance and benefit gut health, but a high dose of probiotics does not always lead to comparable positive effects for pigs. Therefore, it is critically important to test probiotics to optimize their efficacy and avoid unnecessary high-dosing in nursery diets, as it could be cost-ineffective and may not show benefits that can be observed with the recommended dose.

183 Evaluation of phytogenic formulations on intestinal health and the performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate phytogenic formulations on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli. Weaned pigs [n = 40; initial body weight (BW) = 6.4 ± 0.1 kg] at 21 d of age were individually housed and assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design, with initial BW and sex as blocking factors. Basal diets were formulated following NRC (2012) and fed to pigs for 28 d in 3 phases (P1:11 d, P2:10 d and P3:7 d). Treatments were NC: basal diet, non-challenge; PC: basal diet, challenged with F18+E. coli; AV1: basal diet supplemented with 1% phytobiotic containing herbal extracts and essential oils in powder form, challenged with F18+E. coli; AV2: basal diet + 1% phytobiotic containing herbal extracts and essential oils in liquid form, challenged with F18+E. coli. Growth performance and fecal score (FS) were measured weekly. On d 7, the challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.0 × 1010), whereas unchallenged pigs received a sterile saline solution. On d 28, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal samples to evaluate inflammatory status, oxidative stress, and diversity and relative abundance of mucosa-associated microbiota. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. During the post-challenge period, PC decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) when compared with NC. The PC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) FS during d 7 to 11 when compared with NC, whereas AV1 and AV2 decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) FS during d 7 to 11 when compared with PC. The AV1 decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Chao1 and Shannon indexes when compared with PC. The PC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae compared with NC. The AV1 reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the relative abundance of Veillonellaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and tended to reduce (P = 0.062) the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae when compared with PC. The AV2 tended to reduce the relative abundance of Streptococcaceae (P = 0.073) and Ruminococcaceae (P = 0.074) when compared with PC. The PC increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) occludin and tended to increase (P = 0.096) TLR4 when compared with NC. The AV1 tended to increase (P = 0.053) protein carbonyl when compared with PC. In conclusion, F18+E. coli challenge increased FS, disrupted the mucosa-associated microbiota, increased TLR4 expression, consequently reduced growth performance of pigs. The AV1 showed promise in reducing oxidative stress during F18+E. coli challenge, seen through decreased protein carbonyl levels possibly due to alterations on mucosa-associated microbiota, although without affecting growth performance. The AV2 had a moderate impact on reducing FS and altering mucosa-associated microbiota, without effect on growth performance.

190 Phytogenic feed additive improved growth performance and health of nursery pigs in diets with and without combination of several feed additives

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that a phytogenic feed additive (Fresta Protect, Delacon, Austria) would improve growth performance and health indices of nursery pigs fed diets with or without other feed additives. Weaned pigs (n = 1,380; 19 d old with initial body weight (BW) = 5.5 ± 0.3 kg] were allotted to 10 replicate pens per treatment (23 pigs per pen) in 2 barns. Pens were blocked by location within barn and randomly allotted to one of 6 treatments: 1) Basal nursery feed without other feed additives (NC), 2) NC + 0.1% phytogenic (NC+P0.1), 3) Basal nursery feed with other feed additives such as organic acids, antioxidants, and blend of preservatives (PC), 4) PC + 0.05% phytogenic (PC+P0.05), 5) PC + 0.1% phytogenic (PC+P0.1), or 6) PC + 0.2% phytogenic (PC+P0.2). The experiment lasted for 39 d, with pigs fed experimental diets during phase 1 (d 0-10) and 2 (d 10-23) and a common diet without addition of PC or phytogenic during phase 3 (d 23-39). Pig and feed weights were recorded at the beginning and end of each phase. Performance data were analyzed using the lme4 package of R with treatment as fixed effect and barn and pen location within barn as random effects. Contrasts were used to test linear and quadratic effects of phytogenic in PC diets (diets 3 to 6), and diets 1, 2, 3, and 5 were used to compare main effects of phytogenic, diet type, and interaction between phytogenic and diet type. Results indicated that pigs fed diets with phytogenic, regardless of diet type, had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) in phase 1, final BW, ADG, and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in phase 2, as well as overall ADG and ADFI. The changes observed in final BW and ADFI in phase 2 had a quadratic response (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as dietary inclusion of phytogenic increased, whereas overall ADG linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with greater levels of phytogenic supplementation (Table 1). In phase 2, the phytogenic supplementation increased G:F to a greater extent when diets did not contain other feed additives compared with PC diets (phytogenic x feed type interaction: P &amp;lt; 0.05). Phytogenic supplementation numerically reduced mortality. Pigs fed PC diets, regardless of inclusion of phytogenic, had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) final BW, ADG, and G:F in phase 1, final BW, ADG, and ADFI in phase 2, and overall ADG and ADFI compared with pigs fed NC diets. In conclusion, phytogenic supplementation with an optimal dietary inclusion of 0.1% improved growth performance, regardless of supplementation of other feed additives in the diet, and diets containing additional feed additives further improved performance of pigs.

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

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

44 Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of mannanase on intestinal health and growth of newly weaned pigs fed a low-cost formulated diet

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the nutritional and functional roles of mannanase on the intestinal health and growth of newly weaned pigs fed a typical or low-cost formulated diet reducing the inclusion of highly digestible protein ingredients. Twenty-four newly weaned pigs at 6.2 ± 0.5 kg initial body weight (BW) were allotted to three dietary treatments based on a randomized complete block design with sex and BW as blocks. Pigs were fed for 37 d in three phases (P1, P2, and P3) and weighed at the end of each phase. Low-cost formulation was achieved by reducing the use of animal protein (fish meal, poultry meal, and blood plasma) and processed soybean meal whereas increasing the use of soybean meal from 13% in typical diets to 28% in P1, from 15% to 32% in P2, and 20.5% to 35% in P3. Treatments were 1) control diet (CON, typical nursery feed), 2) low-cost formulated diet (LCD), and 3) LCD + mannanase inclusion (0 vs. 100 g/t of Natupulse, BASF, providing 800 Thermostable Mannanase Unit, TMU, per ton of feed). On d 37 of feeding, all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosal tissues were taken to analyze intestinal health parameters, and gene expression of tight junction proteins and mucins. Pigs fed LCD had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the overall period and increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal score during P3. The LCD decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) malondialdehyde and the gene expression of Zona occludens-1 (ZO-) in the jejunum and increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) serum insulin. The inclusion of mannanase in LCD tended to increase (P = 0.059) BW at d 37, increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADFI during P1, increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG and gain to feed ratio (G:F) during the overall period, reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) fecal score during the overall period, and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the viscosity of jejunal digesta. However, no effects were observed on intestinal immune response at d 37. In conclusion, feeding LCD negatively affected growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs. The inclusion of mannanase to the LCD (800 TMU/t feed) mitigated the negative effects of lowering feed quality observed in growth performance by reducing digesta viscosity and fecal score.