Increase In ADG Research Articles

Effects of adding a kind of compound bio-enzyme to the diet on the production performance, serum immunity, and intestinal health of Pekin ducks.

The use of bio-enzyme as feed additives holds significant potential. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a kind of compound bio-enzyme supplementation (the main functional components are probiotics and astragalus polysaccharides) on the production performance, serum immunity, and intestinal health of Pekin ducks. A total of 126 male Pekin ducks were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (CG, no additive), a low-dose group (LG, 0.1% bio-enzyme), and a high-dose group (HG, 0.2% bio-enzyme), with 6 replicates per group. Ducks were raised until 35 days of age, with weekly measurements of growth performance. At day 35, serum immunoglobulins were measured, carcass traits were recorded, and cecal contents were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics. Results indicated a significant increase in ADG (P = 0.049) and a decrease in feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) (P = 0.020) in LG and HG compared to CG during rearing. The HG showed a notable improvement in half eviscerated yield (HEY) (P = 0.023) and full eviscerated yield (FEY) (P = 0.008). No substantial changes were observed in immunological parameters (P > 0.05). The jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) significantly increased (P < 0.001) in LG, with notable improvements in duodenal (P = 0.001) and jejunal (P < 0.001) VH/CD in HG. The Shannon index (P = 0.042) and Pielou index (P = 0.038) of cecal microbiota were markedly lower in HG. Notable changes in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were observed in LG and HG. Differential bacteria and metabolites among the treatments were identified, and their correlations were analyzed. KEGG enrichment pathways of the metabolites were also identified. In conclusion, this bio-enzyme can improve production performance, intestinal wall structure, and microbiota in Pekin ducks. A 0.1% concentration of this bio-enzyme is optimal for Pekin duck production.

133 Effect of feeding two different feed additives (Prime Force and Optipartum C+) on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract A feedlot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two feed additives, Prime Force (Furst-McNess Company, Rockford, IL) and Optipartum C+ (AB Vista, Plantation, FL), on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. In this experiment, steers [n = 320; 390 ± 9.5 kg of body weight (BW)] were used and four treatments were evaluated in a total of 32 pens, with 10 steers per pen and 80 steers per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial and included a control diet with no additives; a diet containing Prime Force targeted at 68 g/steer daily; a diet containing Optipartum C+, targeted at 20 g/steer daily; and a diet containing a combination of both products (68 g/steer Prime Force and 20 g/steer Optipartum C+). Cattle were fed for 151 d, but treatments were imposed the last 67 d before slaughter (i.e., fed control diet to all cattle until d 84). Performance is for the total 151-d feeding period. No interaction between feed additives was observed for performance or carcass traits (P ≥ 0.41), therefore main effects are presented. Feeding Prime Force increased final BW (P &amp;lt; 0.04) when compared with cattle not fed Prime Force. A tendency was observed for greater adjusted final BW (P = 0.06) and ADG (P = 0.08) for cattle fed Prime Force compared with cattle fed no Prime Force. Cattle fed Prime Force had numerically greater intake (P = 0.11) than cattle fed no Prime Force, therefore gain to feed (G:F) was not impacted (P = 0.54). Ribeye area and fat depth were not different (P ≥ 0.17) for cattle fed Prime Force versus cattle that had no Prime Force added to the diet, but marbling was numerically improved (P = 0.11) due to Prime Force. Carcass-adjusted final BW (P = 0.11) was numerically greater for cattle fed Optipartum C+ and ADG tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for cattle fed Optipartum C+ compared with cattle fed no Optipartum C+. Dry matter intake was not different (P = 0.54) for cattle fed Optipartum C+ versus cattle with no Optipartum C+ in the diet, therefore G:F was numerically improved (P = 0.13) by the increase in ADG for cattle fed Optipartum C+. Ribeye area, fat, and marbling were not different (P ≥ 0.30) between cattle fed Optipartum C+ and those that did not receive Optipartum C+ in the diet. Incidence of liver abscesses was not affected by feeding either additive (P = 0.40). Based on results from this study, adding Prime Force to a finishing diet tended to improve BW and ADG compared with cattle not fed Prime Force. Feeding Optipartum C+ tended to increase ADG and improve G:F due to equal DMI when compared with diets with no Optipartum C+ added.

Effects of Protease in Soybean Meal-Reduced Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets.

This experiment was conducted in weaned piglets to determine the effects of exogenous protease to low soybean meal (SBM) diets on growth performance, diarrhea rate, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Seventy-two Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned barrows (21-day-old, 5.88 ± 0.95 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates in each following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of SBM levels (0 to 14 d, 9%, 7.5%; 15 to 42 d, 20%, 18.5%) and protease (0 or 150 mg/kg) for a 42-day trial. Fecal samples were collected on days 11 to 14 and 38 to 42 of the experiment, and serum, intestinal tissue, and chyme samples were taken at the end of the experiments. Adding protease in low SBM diets had a significant increase in ADG (p < 0.05) and a decrease in F/G (p < 0.05). Protease significantly reduced the diarrhea rate (p < 0.05). Low SBM level decreased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) and ash (p < 0.05) but increased the ATTD of dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), and CP after the addition of protease (p < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of aspartic acid (Asp), threonine (Thr), serine (Ser), alanine (Ala), lysine (Lys), and total amino acids (AAs) were significantly increased by protease supplementation (p < 0.05). Both the SBM-reduced and protease-added diets lead to lower albumin (ALB), albumin/globulin (A/G), and urea nitrogen (UREA) (p < 0.05), but greater globulin (GLOB) with low SBM diets (p < 0.05). The SBM-reduced and protease-added diets decreased the duodenum pH, respectively (p < 0.05). The protease increased the villus:crypt (V:C) in the duodenum and ileum, and ileal villus length (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of 150 mg/kg protease improved the intestinal health and performance of the weaned piglets and reversed the negative effect of a 1.5% SBM reduction in nutrient utilization, intestinal pH, and intestinal morphological parameters of weaned piglets.

202 Evaluation of Increasing Levels of Mycotoxin-Containing Corn Fines fed to Nursery Pigs on Growth Performance

Abstract The effects of feeding corn fines (screenings) containing mycotoxin levels at greater than the FDA cautionary levels were evaluated using crossbred pigs [n = 150, 90 barrows and 60 gilts; mean initial body weight (BW) = 6.42 ± 0.06 kg; n =] that were blocked by BW and sex, randomly allotted within block to 6 dietary treatments, and housed 5 pigs/pen resulting in a total of 5 replicates. The corn fines used in this study contained mycotoxin levels that were analyzed to be 20,334 ppb total fumonisin, 1,499 ppb zearalenone, and 5,075 ppb total deoxynivalenol. The corn fines were added into a corn-soybean meal basal diet at 0, 20, 40, and 60% total dietary corn fines (Diets 1-4, respectively). Diet 5 was created by adding 40 ppm of boron (as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, 11.34% B) to Diet 4. Diet 6 was created by adding 0.25% Biofix Plus with FUMzyme (DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) to Diet 4. Dietary treatments were fed for a total of 6 weeks; thereafter, all pigs received a common corn-soybean meal basal diet without fines for about 2 weeks. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS with the pen being the experimental unit. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine linear and quadratic effects with increasing dietary levels of corn fines in Diets 1-4 as well as preplanned single degree of freedom comparisons. Increasing fines linearly decreased ADG during week 1-6 (P = 0.03), as well as linearly decreased gain/feed ratio during week 1-6 (P = 0.04; Table 1). Comparing Diets 4 and 5 to Diet 1 during week 1-6, there was a decrease in ADG and gain/feed ratio (P &amp;lt; 0.05) but no effect on ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.05); subsequently, the difference in Diets 4 and 5 compared with Diet 1 was no longer significant for week 1-8. Comparing Diet 6 to Diets 1 and 4 during week 1-6, pigs fed Diet 6 were able to recover 57% of the lost ADG and 30% of the lost BW gain/feed ratio that occurred when corn fines were increased from 0 to 60%. During week 6-8 (all pigs on a common diet), pigs on Diet 5 and 6 had an increase in ADG compared with Diet 1. In conclusion, as mycotoxins increased pigs exhibited negative effects on ADG and gain/feed ratio but the enzyme FUMzyme ameliorated a portion of these effects. Further, the recovery from week 6-8 from all pigs does show the importance of feeding clean corn to optimize ADG, ADFI and gain/feed ratio.

185 Effect of ad Libitum Versus Limit-Feeding Program at Receiving on Morbidity and Performance of Feedlot Calves

Abstract Despite advancements in both vaccine technology and antibiotic therapy, bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) remains the primary health challenge for cattle feeding operations in the United States. The strategy of limit-feeding calves during the early receiving period (first 28 days) has been proposed as a method to mitigate BRD risk, but limited data are available despite this strategy becoming more common. The objective of this study was to evaluate limit-feeding as a receiving protocol to determine impact on pull rates, receiving performance, and subsequent (Post-receiving) finishing performance. Steers (initial BW = 262 kg; n = 704) were blocked by arrival day (7 blocks) and housed in 44 open-lot pens. Pens were assigned to either limit-fed at approximately 75% of ad libitum or fed ad libitum for the 28-day receiving period. A subset of 216 steers in 14 pens was followed through finishing to evaluate carry-over effects in the finish period (192 days). Dry matter intake (DMI; P &amp;lt; 0.01), average daily gain (ADG; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and ending body weight (P &amp;lt; 0.01) were less for the limit-fed treatment compared with ad libitum due to the limitation of intakes as designed. Intake averaged 70.1% for limit-fed versus ad libitum whereas ADG was 72.6% for limit-fed compared with ad libitum. Because both DMI and ADG were decreased by similar amounts, G:F was not affected (P = 0.28). Numerically better G:F was observed for limit-fed cattle versus ad libitum but this 3.4% difference was not significant (P = 0.28). Morbidity rates for BRD were not statistically different, with ad libitum morbidity of 16.3% compared with 14.3% for limit-fed steers (P = 0.58) Low mortality for the receiving period was observed with 0.84% (3 steers) on limit-fed treatment, and 0% for the ad libitum treatment. For the subset of pens that were followed through finishing, there were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.18) in ADG or DMI. While not statistically different, there was a 2.2% increase in ADG for steers that were limit-fed during the receiving period, which allowed for similar HCW and final BW (P = 0.39) at slaughter. Other carcass characteristics were also similar (P &amp;gt; 0.74) between steers received with an ad libitum or limit-fed program. No statistical difference (P = 0.29) in the rate of liver abscess occurrence was noted. In conclusion, there was no statistical difference between treatments in early-period morbidity or finishing performance between ad libitum and limit-fed receiving management.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate: improving broiler health by reducing harmful microbial levels in the waterline.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is commonly used for treating drinking water, industrial water, and wastewater. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of NaDCC-treated waterline drinking water on the growth of AA+ broilers by reducing microbial levels in the waterline. A total of 480 healthy 1-day-old AA+ broilers (46.77 ± 0.50 g) were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 birds each. The control group received regular drinking water, while the test groups received drinking water with NaDCC concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mg/L. The test groups consumed the treated water on specific days throughout the 42-day experimental period. Results showed that NaDCC treatment significantly reduced the levels of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds in the drinking water at the waterline (p < 0.05). Drinking water with NaDCC also led to reduced broiler fecal emissions of NH3 and H2S, as well as reduced counts of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds (p < 0.05), particularly at 30 mg/L and 50 mg/L concentrations. Broilers consuming NaDCC at 50 mg/L exhibited a significant increase in ADG from days 1-42 (p < 0.05). The levels of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds in the drinking water at the waterline were significantly and positively correlated with the bacterial count in the feces (p < 0.05, R > 0.6). Additionally, bacterial levels in drinking water and broiler feces were negatively correlated with broiler production performance indicators, including ADG, ADFI, F/G and AWC. In conclusion, NaDCC can indirectly enhance broiler performance by reducing the levels of harmful bacteria in the waterline without affecting normal drinking water. The addition of 30 mg/L or 50 mg/L of NaDCC to the waterline in poultry production can effectively control harmful microorganisms and improve poultry health. Based on the experiment's results, it is recommended to preferentially use 30 mg/L NaDCC in the waterline to reduce farming costs.

A second iron injection administered to piglets during lactation improves hemoglobin concentration, growth performance, and carcass characteristics at slaughter.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of a second injection of iron dextran administered on days 6 to 8 of age. A total of 144 crossbred pigs (equal barrows and gilts; initial age 6 to 8 d; initial body weight [BW] = 2.86 ± 0.01 kg) were assigned to either the control (CON) or an added-injection treatment (+Fe). Pigs were paired by sex and BW within a litter and randomly assigned to the iron treatment within each pair. All pigs had received an initial intramuscular (IM) injection of iron dextran (200 mg Fe) <24 h after birth. Pigs assigned to the +Fe treatment received a second IM injection of iron dextran (200 mg Fe) on days 6 to 8. All pigs were weaned at 22 to 25 d, housed 6 pigs/pen, and received a common corn-soybean meal diet. BW and feed disappearance were recorded every 2 wk. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were measured at birth, initiation of experiment (days 6 to 8), weaning, and the end of the nursery and end of the study. At the end of the study, 1 pig/pen (n = 12 pigs/treatment), closest to the pen mean was selected and slaughtered for carcass characteristic measures. The individual pig served as the experimental unit for BW, Hb, average daily gain (ADG), and carcass characteristic data whereas the pen served as the experimental unit for average daily feed intake, and gain/feed ratio data. The +Fe pigs had a greater Hb at weaning (13.1 vs. 10.7 g/dL, respectively; P < 0.01) and end of the nursery (12.1 vs. 11.7 g/dL, respectively; P = 0.01) compared to CON pigs. During the finisher period, +Fe pigs had a greater ADG (0.94 vs. 0.91 kg, respectively; P = 0.05) compared to CON pigs. Overall, pigs receiving the second iron injection had an ~4% increase in ADG (P = 0.04) from weaning to the end of study. The cumulative improvement in ADG from weaning to the end of study observed for +Fe group resulted in +Fe pigs having a heavier BW at the end of the study (~3 kg; P = 0.04). Following slaughter, +Fe pigs had ~7.2% heavier trimmed loin (P = 0.04) compared to the CON pigs. In conclusion, administering a second iron injection resulted in greater Hb at weaning and the end of the nursery as well as improved growth performance from weaning to the end of study weight and increased carcass weight at slaughter.

Performance and enteric methane emission of growing beef bulls from different genetic groups subjected to two supplementation strategies grazing tropical grass in the rainy season

Improving livestock production through nutrition and breeding can increase efficiency and has the potential to mitigate methane (CH4) emissions. Additionally, supplementing beef cattle in the rainy season balances the dietary protein:energy (P:E) ratio, which can increase animal performance and reduce energy losses from CH4 production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation strategy (SS) and genetic group (GG) on the intake, digestibility, performance, and enteric CH4 emissions of growing beef bulls grazing tropical grass during the rainy season. One hundred sixty-two growing beef bulls averaging (mean ± SD) 10 ± 2 months old and 262 ± 31 kg of initial body weight (BW) were distributed, according to their BW, in a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Factors included (1) two SSs (mineral supplementation at 0.3 g/kg of BW per day and a corn-based supplementation at 3 g/kg of BW per day) and (2) three GGs (Nellore [NN], ½Senepol½Nellore [SN], and ½Angus½Nellore [AN]). Animals were allocated in 12 paddocks composed of Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Xaraés for 99 days during the rainy season. Regardless of the GG, the intakes of total DM, supplement DM, OM, CP, aNDFom, EE, and NFC were increased in animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement. The SN bulls had a greater digestibility of DM, OM, and CP, and animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement had greater CP and EE digestibility. There was an interaction between GG and SS for NFC digestibility, which was decreased in AN animals fed a corn-based supplement. However, the corn-based supplementation improved the animal’s performance and carcass characteristics as demonstrated by the increase of final BW (kg), ADG (kg), REA (cm2), and FT (mm). Moreover, NN animals fed a corn-based supplement showed an increase in ADG (kg). An interaction between SS and GG was observed for GPH (kg/ha) and CaG (kg), with the greatest values observed in NN and SN animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement. Enteric CH4 emissions (g/d, g/kg of DMI, and g/kg of dOM) were lower in animals fed a corn-based supplement. A decrease in CH4 emissions (g/d) was observed in SN compared to NN animals. In addition, there was an interaction between SS and GG for CH4 emissions (g/kg of CaG), with the lowest values for NN and SN animals supplemented with a corn-based supplement. Taken together, our results demonstrate that corn-based supplementation is an effective nutritional strategy for use in the rainy season, especially for NN and SN genetic groups, to improve animal’s performance and carcass characteristics and to decrease enteric CH4 emissions, per unit of product, of growing beef bulls grazing tropical grass.

PSIX-7 Sorghum Silage: Effects of Processing on Performance of Backgrounding Beef Cattle

Abstract The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of processing sorghum silage (SS) at harvest, on ADG, DMI and FE of beef heifers. We used 96 Angus heifers in a completely randomized design with 6 pens of 8 heifers per treatment. Mixed model of SAS was used, and the model included the fixed effect of treatment [SS processed (PRO) or not (NPR)] with initial BW used as covariate. Significance was declared at P&amp;lt; 0.05. A dual-purpose sorghum (ADV2450IG, Advanta seeds, Irving, TX) was harvested (Claas Jaguar 930, Harsewinkel, Germany) at the late drought stage of grain maturity and PRO or NPR were obtained with a specific SS cracker (196 mm rolls of 125 teeth each, 40% speed differential, 1.1 mm roll gap). Each treatment was chopped at 15 mm theoretical length of cut and ensiled in polyethylene ag-bags (60 m long and 2.74 m diameter), for 45 d until starting the feeding trial. Two backgrounding diets containing (DM basis), 91.5% SS PRO or NPR (31.4±1.4% grain content on average), 6.5% soybean meal (expeller) and 3% supplement (ROC90, Provimi, Argentina); were offered for a 15 d of adaptation and 60 d of experimental period. Diets were adjusted daily to score 0.5, using the SDSU 4-point bunk scoring system and samples were taken for analyses (Rock River Laboratories, Argentina). Initial, middle and final BW was measured, while DMI was calculated from differences between DM offered and refused, within each pen. In conclusion, harvesting SS using a sorghum-specific cracker led to a 15 and 21% increase in ADG and FE, respectively, when SS was included in diets fed to backgrounding Angus heifers.

370 Effects of the Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) for the Efficient Ruminant Product

Abstract Feeding high-grain diets can result in reduced ruminal pH, inflammation of ruminal and other tissues, and subacute ruminal acidosis. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), a gut hormone with anti-inflammatory and other functions, could have a beneficial role in ruminants fed high-concentrate diets. To determine the effects of VIP injection on dry matter intake, average daily gain, gain:feed, and ruminal pH, wether lambs (n=16; BW=68.5 ±1.8 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to VIP treatment (n=8) or control (n=8). All lambs were housed in individual pens, adapted to the same high concentrate diet (75% whole corn and 25% supplemental pellet; DM basis), and feed intake and average daily gain were measured from day 1 to 21 when lambs were placed in metabolism crates. Lambs in the treatment group were injected intraperitoneally with VIP (1.3 nmol/kg BW in 0.9% NaCl), whereas lambs in the control group were injected with 0.9% NaCl every second day over 28 days. Nutrient balance was measured over the final seven days (data will be reported elsewhere), and lambs then were slaughtered and ruminal fluid and tissues collected. The average daily gain was greater (p = 0.04) in VIP treated lambs than in control lambs. However, no difference (p &amp;gt; 0.05) in daily feed intake was observed between treatments. Ruminal fluid pH was not significantly influenced by treatment (5.2±0.11 vs 5.0±0.11 for the control and VIP treatments, respectively). These data indicate that VIP injection may increase ADG and gain:feed in lambs fed high concentrate diets. Further research is needed to verify these results and to delineate the mechanisms responsible for the observed increases in ADG and gain:feed.

Meta-analysis of the effects of monensin on growth and bloat of cattle on pasture.

Monensin has been part of the beef production landscape for over 45 years. Although first approved for use in finishing cattle, it has since been approved for cattle in extensive production systems and has been an economical way to increase performance of forage-fed animals. This meta-analysis investigated the impacts of monensin on performance of stocker cattle on high-forage diets. The stocker performance analysis resulted from 38 experiments with 73 mean comparisons; bloat analysis was conducted with 12 experiments with 23 mean comparisons. The metaphor package (version 2.4-0) for R (version 4.0.3; www.r-project.org) was used to determine the overall effect size of monensin compared to a negative control. Each study’s n, means, and SEM or P-value was used to calculate the mean difference and estimate of within-study variance for responses of interest. Moderators of monensin response considered in the analysis were delivery method, dose, study duration, initial calf BW, diet ME and CP, and forage category. Initial BW and basal ADG averaged 236 ± 45.9 kg and 0.72 ± 0.28 kg, respectively. In the ADG analysis, the only significant moderator of those considered was length of the study (P < 0.01); as duration of the study increased, the ADG response to monensin decreased by 0.0007 kg/day. For the average 112-day length of study, the average monensin response was estimated to be 0.0784 kg/day increase in ADG, approximately 10% above controls. Sufficient information was presented in 18 citations representing 40 mean comparisons for determining the effect of monensin on BW at the end of the experiment. The response model (P < 0.01) for ending BW, kg = 22.3–0.05 (initial calf BW, kg). Thus, for the average initial BW of 235 kg the average monensin response was estimated to be 10.6 kg increase in average ending BW. The incidence (−20%) and severity (−0.7 bloat score) of bloat was found to be reduced in bloat-prone pastures. There is ample evidence that monensin increases performance of growing calves on high forage diets along with reducing the incidence and severity of bloat.

Effects of feeding different doses of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on the growth performance, blood minerals, antioxidant status and immunoglobulin of preweaning calves

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effects of feeding different doses of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) on the growth performance, blood minerals, vitamin D3 metabolites, antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin of pre-weaned calves. In this experiment, eighteen Holstein calves (3.5 ± 1.24 days, average body weight: 40.68 ± 1.21 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (6 calves per group): the control group (0 IU 25(OH)D3 per calf per day), low-dose group (6000 IU 25(OH)D3 per calf per day) and high-dose group (12,000 IU 25(OH)D3 per calf per day). The 25(OH)D3 was mixed into the milk and offered to the calves. Calves fed 25(OH)D3 showed a linear increase in ADG (P = 0.013) and feed efficiency (P = 0.039) from 1 to 8 weeks, the withers height showed an improvement (P < 0.05) at 56 d. The plasma total calcium level tended to increase (P = 0.074) at 28 d and linearly increased (P = 0.012) at 56 d, and plasma 25(OH)D3 in calves linearly increased (P < 0.001) by feeding 25(OH)D3. The plasma total phosphorus content linearly increased (P = 0.003) at 56 d, but there was no difference in plasma total magnesium content by increasing feeding 25(OH)D3. Plasma growth hormone (P = 0.276) and insulin-like growth factor Ⅰ (P = 0.117) were not affected by treatment at 28 d, but growth hormone tended to increase (P = 0.058) and insulin-like growth factor Ⅰ linearly increased (P = 0.018) by increasing feeding 25(OH)D3 at 56 d. Plasma catalase (P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (P = 0.010) contents linearly increased by increasing feeding 25(OH)D3. Additionally, increasing 25(OH)D3 supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) the plasma immunoglobulin G concentration. In conclusion, the results indicated that feeding 25(OH)D3 (especially high dose of 25(OH)D3) could effectively improve growth performance, plasma minerals and hormones concentration and enhance the antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin of calves. Feeding 25(OH)D3 is expected to be an effective means of promoting growth and maintaining the health of calves before weaning.

Influence of supplemental condensed tannins on initial 112-d feedlot growth-performance and characteristics of digestion of calf-fed Holstein steers.

In experiment 1, 150 calf-fed Holstein steers (119±6kg) were used to evaluate the effects of level of supplemental condensed tannin (0, 14, and 28g/kg diet DM) in a conventional steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet on feedlot growth performance. There were no treatment effects on growth performance during the initial 56-d period. However, during the subsequent 56-d period, supplemental condensed tannin tended to increase average daily gain (ADG; linear effect, P = 0.09). The increase in ADG was consistent with the tendency for increased dry matter intake (DMI; linear effect, P = 0.08). Hence, differences in gain efficiency during the second 56-d period were not appreciably affected (P = 0.80). Supplemental condensed tannin did not affect overall (112-d) ADG, DMI, gain efficiency, or dietary NE. In a second experiment, six Holstein steers (179.4±7.9kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion. Treatments were the same as in Trial 1. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal OM digestion and tended to decrease (linear effect, P = 0.06) ruminal feed N degradation. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal pH, but did not affect (P > 0.20) ruminal molar proportions of volatile fatty acids and estimated methane production. In current study, supplemental tannin had marginal effects on overall growth performance of calf-fed Holstein steers, but reduced ruminal, postruminal, and total tract nitrogen digestion.

Effects of inorganic copper injection in beef cows at late gestation on fetal and postnatal growth, hematology and immune function of their progeny

To determine if Cu injection during late gestation can affect fetal and postnatal growth, hematology and immune function of progeny, 70 multiparous pregnant Angus cows, at 219 ± 15 d of gestation, were ranked by BW and BCS and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: Cu + (n = 35) in total 160 mg of Cu were administered subcutaneously in two moments (80 mg per moment) at 64 ± 15 d and 54 ± 15 d prepartum; and Cu- (n = 35), in total of 16 ml of sterile NaCl solution (9 g / l) were administered subcutaneously in two moments (8 ml per moment) at 64 ± 15 d and 54 ± 15 d prepartum. Calves from both treatments were weaned at 260 ± 15 d of age, male calves were separated from female calves and stockered on natural pastures until 690 ± 15 d of age, then placed into a feedlot for 104 d before slaughter. At the beginning of the experiment, cows Cu serum concentration was similar (P = 0.34) between treatments and these reflected a severe Cu deficiency (Cu + = 24.2 ± 1.5 μg/dl; Cu- = 22.2 ± 1.4 μg/dl). At calving, Cu serum concentration was greater (P < 0.01) in Cu + cows than Cu- cows. Copper serum concentration in calves from Cu + cows was greater at birth (P = 0.02) and 75 ± 15 d of age (P < 0.01) and tended (P = 0.07) to be greater at 160 ± 15 d of age compared to calves from Cu- cows. Calf BW at birth did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments, however, calf BW adjusted at 75 d of age tended to be greater (P = 0.10) in calves from Cu + cows compared to calves from Cu- cows. Calf ADG from birth to 75 d of age was greater (P = 0.04) in calves from Cu + cows compared to calves from Cu- cows. Calf hematological parameters and titers of neutralizing antibodies against BHV-1 after primary and secondary vaccination against respiratory diseases did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments. During finishing period, steers BW, 12th rib fat thickness and LM area were not affected (P > 0.10) by treatments. In summary, inorganic Cu injection during late gestation in Cu deficient beef cows allows to increase Cu serum concentration in calves from birth to 160 d of age. This event was associated with an increase in ADG and a tendency to increase BW during the first 75 days of life. After 75 days of age, any effect on the offspring performance was not observed.

56 The Effect of a Developmental Bacillus Direct-fed Microbial on Nursery Pig Growth Performance and Health

Abstract A developmental Bacillus based direct-fed microbial (DFM) was added to nursery pig diets to evaluate the effect on growth and health in two 35-d randomized complete block design experiments blocked on initial BW and sex. Experiment 1 used 315 weaned pigs (20.1 d of age; 6.11 kg initial BW) allotted to one of three diets: 1) Negative Control (NC; no antibiotics but with pharmacological Zn or Cu), 2) NC+DFM 0.55x109CFU, 3) NC+DFM 1.1x109CFU. Experiment 2 used 376 weaned pigs (17.8 d of age; 5.99 kg initial BW) allotted to one of four diets, the same 3 diets from Experiment 1 plus a lower inclusion rate: 4) NC+DFM 0.275x109CFU. Both studies had 15 replicates/treatment, 6–7 pigs/pen. Pigs were budget fed phase 1–3 diets (1.13 kg/pig; 2.72 kg/pig; and 6.35 kg/pig, respectively) and ad libitum fed Phase 4 diet to d35. For Experiment 1, during week 1 pigs fed the DFM tended to linearly decrease ADFI (P = 0.086) and linearly increase G:F (P = 0.085). During day 21–35 of Experiment 1 pigs fed DFM linearly increased ADG (P = 0.035) and quadratically increased ADFI (P = 0.027). Overall for experiment 1, ADG (P = 0.114) and ADFI (P = 0.104) tended to quadratically increase and G:F linearly increased (P = 0.012) with increasing concentrations of DFM. Experiment 2; during week 1 and 3 ADFI (P = 0.084, P = 0.050, respectively) quadratically increased and G:F (P = 0.081; P = 0.022, respectively) quadratically decreased as DFM increased in the diet. During d21–35 of experiment 2, ADG (P = 0.064) quadratically increased and G:F (P = 0.012) quadratically decreased as DFM increased. Overall for Experiment 2 ADFI numerically increased (4.3%) with no increase in ADG, resulting in a quadratic decrease in G:F (P = 0.010) as the DFM increased in the diet. Summarizing these two studies, the DFM product had its greatest effect increasing ADFI while inconsistently impacting gain and efficiency.

36 Evaluation of Compensatory Growth of 90-kg Finishing Pigs Previously Fed a Low Lysine Diet

Abstract A total of 346 pigs (241×600, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 88.6 kg) were used in a 44-day trial to evaluate compensatory growth of pigs previously fed very low lysine diets. Two diets [control and corn (98% corn and 2% vitamins and minerals)] were arranged into 4 nutritional strategies. One group of pigs (control) was fed the control diet from d 0 to 44. The other three groups of pigs were fed the corn diet for 14, 21, or 28-d and then fed the control diet until day 44. The control and corn diets contained 0.70 and 0.18% standardized ileal digestible Lys, respectively. Pens were assigned to nutritional strategies in a randomized complete block design based on initial BW with 9 pens per treatment. On average, pigs fed the corn diet grew 49% slower than the control. Pigs previously fed the corn diet had 28% increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG during the first week of switching to the control diet and 12% faster (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG than the control for the rest of the trial. Despite this increase in ADG, final BW on d 44 was lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to the control for pigs fed the corn diet for 21 or 28-d. From d 0 to 44, control pigs and pigs fed the corn diet for only 14-d had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG compared to pigs fed the corn diet for 21 and 28-d. Feed efficiency was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) when the corn diet was fed and increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during the period of compensatory growth; however, overall G:F decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) as pigs were fed the corn diet longer. The data suggest that compensatory growth was observed when pigs fed the corn diet for 21 or 28-d followed by the control diet within a 6-week-period, but overall growth performance was still reduced compared to the control.

7 Effects of Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn (SYT-EFC) and corn processing methods fed with byproducts on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract The objective of this pooled analysis was to evaluate the effect of Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn (SYT-EFC) and corn processing methods with byproducts on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Treatment factors consisted of SYT-EFC or commercial corn (CON) processed as dry-rolled (DRC) or high-moisture corn (HMC). Byproduct comparisons were 0, 18, or 30% distillers grains inclusions or with 30% Sweet Bran to determine if SYT-EFC effect was impacted by byproducts. Seven trials (n = 2,340 steers; initial BW = 327 ± 20 kg) consisting of 252 pen means with 12 treatments were analyzed utilizing contrasts. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC resulted in heavier final BW (P ≤ 0.03) and greater 12th rib fat (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to CON. There was a linear interaction between hybrid and distillers for G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.01). As distillers increased, G:F improved at a greater rate for CON compared to SYT-EFC. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC with increasing distillers was not significantly different (P ≥ 0.68) from CON for G:F, but was 3% better than CON with 0% distillers. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC with 18% distillers resulted in heavier final BW (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to 0 or 30% distillers. Feeding SYT-EFC as DRC with Sweet Bran resulted in heavier final BW (P ≤ 0.02) and greater ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to CON. This increase in ADG with no difference in DMI, resulted in SYT-EFC diets having a 5.08% increase in feed efficiency (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The improvement for the corn is calculated to be 9.58% (5.08 / 0.53) when SYT-EFC was fed with Sweet Bran compared to a CON corn hybrid. No positive effects were observed when SYT-EFC was processed as HMC. These data suggest that SYT-EFC is better than CON hybrids when distillers inclusion is low or when fed with Sweet Bran.

PSIX-10 Effects of SID Lysine:Calorie NE ratio on the Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of DNA 600 Sired Pigs

Abstract A total of 2,673 mixed sex pigs (DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initially 21.4 kg BW) were used in a 117-d study to evaluate the effects of increasing SID Lysine:Calorie NE ratio on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of DNA sired pigs. Pens of pigs (30 pigs/pen) were blocked by BW and location and allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 18 pens per treatment. Treatments were 90%, 95%, 100%, or 105% of the 2016 PIC recommended SID Lysine:Calorie NE ratio for finishing gilts. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete-block design with pen as the experimental unit. Overall (d 0-117), increasing Lysine:Calorie NE tended to improve ADG (Linear; P = 0.077) and G:F (Linear; P = 0.053). Although there was an increase in ADG with increasing SID Lysine:Calorie NE, there was no evidence for a difference (P &amp;gt; 0.100) in final BW. The lack of BW response is most likely due to the lower (Quadratic; P &amp;lt; 0.008) removal rate as SID Lysine:Calorie NE increased. Carcass ADG (Linear; P &amp;lt; 0.064) tended to improve as SID Lysine: Calorie NE increased. An improvement in carcass G:F (Quadratic; P &amp;lt; 0.004) was observed as SID Lysine:Calorie NE increased to 100% PIC (2016) recommendations, with little improvement observed thereafter. No significant differences were observed in carcass yield, loin depth, back fat, or % lean. These results suggests that DNA sired pigs fed increasing SID Lysine:Calorie NE ratios tended to have improved growth performance with no impact on carcass quality.

161 The effect on ADG, DMI, and blood metabolites of weaned Katahdin lambs offered chelated mineral with Ascophyllum nodosum on a high forage diet

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Katahdin wethers supplemented with mineral product including Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed on a 100% forage feedlot diet. Twenty-three Katahdin wethers (24.930.59 kg) post-weaning were divided into a treatment group of 12 wethers and a control group of 11 wethers, in which both were fed an ad libitum diet of mixed alfalfa-Bermuda forage. The treatment group was supplemented with the chelated mineral with seaweed. The control group was supplemented with a non-chelated Cal Phos product without seaweed. To determine mineral absorption, 4 wethers from each group had blood metabolites analyzed for copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc via jugular pulls at weeks 0, 4 and 8 weeks. DMI was determined by group on a daily basis, and ADG was calculated. Forage samples were collected 2x week for dry matter analysis then compiled by week and analyzed for NDF, ADF, EE, and CP. Data was analyzed via SAS using a randomized block design. There were no significant differences in blood mineral levels between the two groups or between weeks; both groups displayed adequate or normal blood metabolite levels. Carcass data was collected after 77 days and is pending analysis. DMI was significantly higher (18.620.11 vs 20.610.11; P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in the treatment group, as was the BW (kg) of the treatment group (29.310.52 vs 31.110.52; P = 0.02). ADG was not significantly different (0.210.009 vs 0.220.009; P = 0.18) and efficiency (ADG/DMI) was not significantly different (0.010.001 vs 0.010.001; P = 0.95). Overall, the increase in ADG and BW in 8 week feed-out suggests that the lambs in the treatment group had performance benefits from the supplementation of the chelated mineral with seaweed. The shortened finishing time supplementing chelated mineral with seaweed is economical for producers; however, a study using traditional finishing diets is needed to confirm results.

160 The effect on ADG, DMI, and blood metabolites of weaned Katahdin lambs offered chelated mineral with Ascophyllum nodosum on a high forage diet

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Katahdin wethers supplemented with mineral product including Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed on a 100% forage feedlot diet. Twenty-three Katahdin wethers (24.930.59 kg) post-weaning were divided into a treatment group of 12 wethers and a control group of 11 wethers, in which both were fed an ad libitum diet of mixed Alfalfa-Bermuda forage. The treatment group was supplemented with the chelated mineral with seaweed. The control group was supplemented with a non-chelated Cal Phos product without seaweed. To determine mineral absorption, 4 wethers from each group had blood metabolites analyzed for copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc via jugular pulls at weeks 0, 4 and 8 weeks. DMI was determined by group on a daily basis, and ADG was calculated. Forage samples were collected 2x week for dry matter analysis then compiled by week and analyzed for NDF, ADF, EE, and CP. Data were analyzed via SAS using a randomized block design. There were no significant differences in blood mineral levels between the two groups or between weeks; both groups displayed adequate or normal blood metabolite levels. Carcass data were collected after 77 days and is pending analysis. DMI was significantly higher (18.620.11 vs 20.610.11; P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in the treatment group, as was the BW (kg) of the treatment group (29.310.52 vs 31.110.52; P = 0.02). ADG was not significantly different (0.210.009 vs 0.220.009; P = 0.18) and efficiency (ADG/DMI) was not significantly different (0.010.001 vs 0.010.001; P = 0.95). Overall, the increase in ADG and BW in 8-wk feed-out suggests that the lambs in the treatment group had performance benefits from the supplementation of the chelated mineral with seaweed. The shortened finishing time supplementing chelated mineral with seaweed is economical for producers; however, a study using traditional finishing diets is needed to confirm results.