Phase Feeding Program Research Articles

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers Grown to 3 Kg under Antibiotic Free Diets1,2

Background: Stocking densities could have a significant impact on birds when reducing or eliminating antimicrobials (antibiotic-free; ABF) in poultry diets. This study investigated the effects of stocking densities on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed antibiotic-free diets grown to 3 kg. Methods: A total of 888 1-d-old Ross × Ross 708 chicks were randomly distributed into 24 pens. The treatments were four stocking densities including 29, 33, 39 and 42 kg of BW/m2; each treatment was represented by six replicates. Treatments were blocked within the room to account for any variations in room conditions. Treatment assignments were randomized within each block. Used bedding was obtained from commercial farms to simulate commercial conditions and litter microflora. Birds were fed antibiotic-free (ABF) diets and provided a three phase-feeding program (Starter: 0-14 d, Grower: 15-28 d and Finisher: 29-42 d). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Birds and feed were weighed on 1, 14, 28 and 42 d of age to measure growth performance. On d 43, 10 (5 males and 5 females) birds from each pen were processed to determine weights and yields. Result: The BW and BW gain, live weight, carcass weights and carcass yield percentage were not affected by stocking density. Also, mortality was not affected by stocking density. However, FI and FCR for the starter period were significantly elevated (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001, respectively) at lower stocking densities, but were not different for the remainder of the growout. In conclusion, stocking densities evaluated from 29 to 42 kg/m2 with appropriate environmental management has a negligible effect on overall production and processing yield in ABF broilers.

29 Effects of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible lysine plans on growth performance and carcass characteristics of PIC 337 or PIC 800 sired grow-finish pigs

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) plans on growth performance of PIC 337 and PIC 800 sired grow-finish pigs. A total of 2,016 gilts and barrows were placed in 2 separate rooms with 48 single sex pens each (21 pigs/pen; 0.69 m2/pig). Pens were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly allotted in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with genetic line (PIC 337 or 800), sex (barrows or gilts), and nutrition plan (current SID Lys curve recommendation for PIC 800 as % of PIC 337 SID Lys curve or alternative SID Lys curve) as factors. Pigs (27.4 ± 1.41 kg BW) were followed during the grower-finisher phase until slaughter. Pigs were fed either the current recommendation or an alternative SID Lys curve for PIC 800, in a 5 phase feeding program: phase 1 (23-40 kg; 97 vs 100%, respectively); phase 2 (40-60 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); phase 3 (60-80 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); phase 4 (80-105 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); and phase 5 (105-135 kg; 97 vs 90%, respectively). Pigs were fed isoenergetic diets. Performance and carcass traits, and removals and mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed using mixed models in R, and considering pen as the experimental unit for performance traits and individual carcasses for carcass traits. There was no evidence of interaction between genetic line and nutrition plan factors. Overall, PIC 337 vs 800 pigs did not differ on average daily gain (ADG; P > 0.05), but PIC 337 pigs consumed 150 g/d less and were 0.1 more feed efficient than PIC 800 pigs (P < 0.05; Table 1). Moreover, PIC 337 pigs had 1.9 kg less of hot carcass weight, but 2.1 mm more of loin depth compared with PIC 800 pigs (P < 0.05; Table 1). Regarding nutrition plan, no significant differences were observed for overall performance and carcass traits between pigs fed the current or alternative SID Lys curve (P > 0.05; Table 1). Additionally, no significant differences were observed for overall removals and mortality by genetic line or nutrition plan (P > 0.05; Table 1). In summary, different genetic sire line (PIC 337 and PIC 800) differed on performance and carcass traits. Further research is needed to continue studying the genetic evolution and nutrition plan for each genetic sire line in the grower-finisher period to understand their nutrient requirements.

30 Effects of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible lysine plans on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs from high or low breeding value boars

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of using different dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) plans on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs coming from high or low breeding value boars. A total of 2,080 pigs (PIC 800 × PIC Camborough) were housed in 20 mixed sex pens (26 pigs/pen), blocked by body weight (BW), and randomly allotted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with boar breeding value (high or low) and nutrition Lys plan (current SID Lys curve recommendation for PIC 800 as % of PIC 337 SID Lys curve or alternative SID Lys curve). Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age (6.1 ± 0.05 kg BW) and followed during the wean-to-finish period until reach the market slaughter weight. Pigs were fed either the current recommendation or an alternative SID Lys curve for PIC 800, in a 6 phase feeding program: phase 1 (6-11 kg; 100 vs 100%, respectively); phase 2 (11-23 kg; 97 vs 100%, respectively); phase 3 (23-45 kg; 97 vs 100%, respectively); phase 4 (45-73 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); phase 5 (73-102 kg; 97 vs 95%, respectively); and phase 6 (102-132 kg; 97 vs 90%, respectively). Pigs were fed isoenergetic diets. Performance and carcass traits, and removals and mortality were recorded. Data were analyzed using mixed models in R, and considering pen as the experimental unit for performance traits and individual carcasses for carcass traits. There was no evidence of interaction between boar breeding value and nutrition plan factors. Overall, high breeding value pigs had greater average daily gain (ADG; 0.84 ± 0.005 g/d) compared with low breeding value pigs (0.82 ± 0.005 kg/d; P < 0.01), which was driven by increased average daily feed intake (ADFI; 1.92 ± 0.011 and 1.89 ± 0.011 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05; Table 1). Moreover, high breeding value pigs had greater hot carcass weight (HCW; 97.8 ± 1.09 kg), carcass yield (74.1 ± 0.23%), backfat thickness (16.3 ± 0.29 mm) and lower lean meat % (57.0 ± 0.21%) compared with low breeding value pigs (96.0 ± 1.09 kg; 73.7 ± 0.23 %; 15.4 ± 0.28; 57.5 ± 0.21%, respectively; P < 0.05; Table 1). Regarding nutrition plan, no significant differences were observed for overall performance traits between pigs fed the current or alternative SID Lys curve (P > 0.05; Table 1). Nevertheless, pigs fed the alternative SID Lys curve had heavier HCW (97.3 ± 1.09 kg) compared with pigs fed the current SID Lys curve (96.6±1.09 kg; P < 0.05; Table 1). No significant differences were observed for overall removals and mortality by breeding value or nutrition Lys plan (P > 0.05). In summary, grow finish pigs from high breeding value boars have an improved productive performance. PIC 800 pigs may achieve the same productive performance with lower lysine levels at the end of the grow-finish period.

Comparison effects of Natural and Artificial lighting on selected blood physiological variables of broilers grown to 56 days of age

Light is one of the major enviro-climatic factors in poultry houses that influences physiology and metabolic processes and impact poultry welfare, health, production and behaviors. This study compared the effects of natural and artificial lighting on selected blood physiological variables of broilers grown to 56 days of age. In each of the two trials, a total of 704 (352 males/352 females) 1-d- old Ross x Ross 708 chicks were obtained from a commercial hatchery on day of hatch. The design structure was a randomized complete block design with two treatments and eight replications per trial. Birds were equally and randomly distributed into 16 environmentally controlled rooms in groups of 44 (22 males/22 females) per room. Thus, each of the two treatments were represented by eight rooms with total of sixteen replicates. Temperature and RH on d 1 were maintained at 90 ± 2.1°F and 50 ± 5%, respectively across all treatments rooms. Temperature was decreased by 4 °F per week until it reached 66 °F at 56 d of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Birds were provided a four phase-feeding program (Starter: 0-14 d, Grower: 15-28 d, Finisher: 29-42 d, and Withdrawal: 43-56 d). Blood samples (3 ml) were collected from the brachial wing vein of 3 males and 3 females birds per room on d 28, 42, and 56 which were then analyzed immediately for whole blood physiological variables. Blood plasma samples were analyzed for T3, T4, and corticosterone concentrations. Results showed that artificial light significantly increased sO2 (P < 0.049), SaO2 (P < 0.031), and decreased RHb (P < 0.044) which may be due to slight difference in body weights, but the changes were all within physiological ranges for this species. In addition, blood glucose and plasma corticosterone concentrations were not affected by treatments, signify a similar level of physiological stress between the two light types. In conclusion, physiological variables examined in this study were unaffected by both natural and artificial lighting. However, birds exposed to artificial lighting had slightly increased body weight in comparison with birds reared under natural lighting, which may have a significant impact in commercial poultry production. USDA Agricultural Research Service. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Strategies to minimize fallback pigs in the nursery

Preweaning strategies to minimize fallback pigs in the nursery include cross fostering, creep feeding, and weaning an older pig. Postweaning strategies to minimize fallback pigs in the nursery include optimum barn temperature and ventilation set points, easy access to feed and water, and proactive placement strategies. Phase-feeding programs to match the nutrient requirements and digestive abilities of weaned pigs are also crucial. Managing fallback pigs can be accomplished by minimizing drafts in removal pens, providing supplemental heat sources, having multiple feed access points by providing gruel and mat feed, and ensuring more intensive observations of pigs in removal pens.

Effect of stocking density and antimicrobial inclusion on selected blood physiological variables of broilers grown to 3 kg

Lower stocking densities may play a significant role in minimizing difficulties such as necrotic enteritis when reducing or eliminating antimicrobials (antibiotic free; ABF) in poultry diets. As the demand for poultry and associated products increases, one of the major concerns centers on the question of whether stocking density elicits adaptive responses that are characteristic of physiological stress. This study investigated the effect of stocking density and antimicrobial inclusion on selected blood physiological variables of broilers grown to 3 kg at 42 days of age. A total of 888 1-d-old Ross x Ross 708 chicks were randomly distributed into 24 pens based on stocking density treatments assignment. The treatments consisted of 4 densities (29, 33, 39, and 42 kg/m2) with six replicates. Treatments were blocked within the room to account for any variations in room conditions. Treatment assignments were randomized within each block. Used bedding was obtained from commercial farms to simulate commercial conditions. Feed and water provided ad libitum. Birds were provided a three phase-feeding program (Starter: 0-14 d, Grower: 15-28 d, and Finisher: 29-42 d). Birds and feed were weighed on 1, 14, 28, and 42 d of age for growth performance. Blood samples were collected from the brachial wing vein of 3 birds per pen on d 21 and 42, which were then analyzed immediately for whole blood physiological variables. Blood plasma samples were analyzed for T3, T4, and corticosterone. Results show there was only effect of stocking density on pCO2, which was within physiological ranges for this species. In addition, blood glucose and plasma corticosterone concentrations were not affected by stocking density, suggesting an absence of physiological stress. In conclusion, stocking densities up to 42 kg/m2 with appropriate environmental management may be suitable for both poultry integrators and contract growers to enhance broilers production efficiency without compromising the welfare of broilers grown to 3 kg at 42 days of age. USDA-ARS This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Impact of phase-feeding programs on performance of broiler chickens in Nigeria

Phase-feeding is the feeding of several diets for a relatively short period of time to specifically meet an animal’s nutrient requirements. The study evaluated the effect of different phase feeding methods on growth and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 120-day-old chicks of the FIDAN strain were assigned to four dietary treatments of 30 birds each, 15 birds per replicate. Birds were fed at different phases: Phase 1 were fed broiler starter diet alone for 8 weeks; Phase 2 birds were fed starter diet from 0-4 weeks and 1st finisher diet from 5-8 weeks. Phase 3 birds were fed starter diet from 0-3 weeks, 1st finisher diet from 4-6 weeks and 2nd finisher diet from 6-8 weeks. Phase 4 birds were fed starter diet from 0-2 weeks, 1st finisher diet from 2-4 weeks, 2nd finisher diet from 4-6 weeks and 3rd finisher diet from 6-8 weeks of age. Result no significant differences (p>0.05) between the groups in body weight gain (2.91–2.47 kg/bird) and feed conversion ratio (2.03–2.34). Total feed intake was highest in phase 1 (6.70 kg/bird) followed by phase 2 birds (6.41 kg). Dressed weight in Phase 1 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than others, followed by Phase 2. Dressing percentage did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between the groups. Feed cost between treatments was however significantly (p<0.05) different, Phase 1 diet being costliest. Phase-feeding using phase 4 regime elicited reduced dietary cost without compromising optimal performance of the birds.

Investigating the effects of peptide-based, MOS and protease feed additives on the growth performance and fecal microbial composition of weaned pigs

BackgroundDigestive disorders in weaning pigs remain a major challenge for swine producers. Different types of commercial feed additives have been developed to promote gut health and development in young pigs, but their effects on resident gut microbial communities remain largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a peptide-based product (Peptiva) in combination with mannose oligosaccharides (MOS) and an exogenous protease on the performance and fecal microbiome of nursery pigs.MethodsA total of 1097 weaned pigs were divided into 44 pens (24–26 pigs/pen) with each pen randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets as part of Phase II and Phase III of a standard nursery phase feeding program. Fecal samples collected from representative control and treatment pigs were used to investigate bacterial composition profiles by high throughput sequencing of PCR-generated amplicons targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene.ResultsHigher gain:feed was observed for pigs fed Peptiva and MOS compared to Controls during the period when experimental diets were fed, but the benefits of supplementation were not maintained after pigs were transitioned to a non-supplemented diet. Three candidate bacterial species, identified as Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), were found to have significantly different abundances between control samples and treatment samples during the same phase. In Phase III samples, SD_Ssd-00039, predicted to be a strain of Streptococcus alactolyticus based on nucleotide sequence identity, was the most highly represented of these OTUs with an average abundance in pigs fed Peptiva, MOS and protease that was 3.9 times higher than in Controls. The report also presents evidence of microbial succession that occurred during the trial, with 16 of the 32 most abundant OTUs found to vary between Phase II and Phase III samples for the same dietary treatment.ConclusionsDietary supplementation with a combination of a peptide-based product, MOS, and protease increased the growth performance of weaned pigs compared to control animals during the nursery phase, but these benefits were no longer observed within 2 weeks after all animals were transitioned to a non-supplemented diet. Supplementation with these feed additives was found to modulate the composition of the swine gut microbiome during this period.

52. Feeding a single diet throughout the grower-finisher period produces comparative Results to a phase-feeding program

52. Feeding a single diet throughout the grower-finisher period produces comparative Results to a phase-feeding program

Effect of methionine chelated Zn and Mn and corn particle size on Large White male turkey live performance and carcass yields

Most turkey research has been conducted with a regular corn particle size set through phase-feeding programs. This study's first objective was to determine the effect of increasing corn particle size through the feed phases on performance, processing yield, and feed milling energy usage in Large White commercial male turkey production. Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) are essential microminerals for animals' healthy growth. The source in which these elements are supplied to the bird will determine their bioavailability, effect on bird growth, and subsequent environmental impact. This study's second objective was to measure both inorganic and chelated Zn and Mn sources on turkey performance, turkey carcass processing yields, and subsequent litter residues. Twelve hundred Nicolas Select male poults were randomly assigned to 48 concrete; litter-covered floor pens. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 sources of minerals (organic blend vs. inorganic) formulated to match breeder recommendations and 2 types of corn mean particle size (coarse corn [1,000–3,500 µm] vs. fine corn [276 µm]). The ASABE S319.4 standard was used to measure corn mean particle size. Bird performance, carcass processing yield, litter content of Zn and Mn, and pellet mill energy consumption were analyzed in SAS 9.4 in a mixed model. There was a reduction of pellet mill energy usage of 36% when coarse corn was added post-pelleting. Birds fed increasing coarse corn mean particle size were 250 g lighter on average in body weight (BW) than birds fed a constant control mean particle size. No difference was found in feed intake (FI) or feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed methionine chelated Zn and Mn blended with inorganic mineral sources were 250 g heavier on average than birds fed only an inorganic source of minerals. In addition, feeding an organic blend of Zn and Mn resulted in greater breast meat yield. Litter from birds fed the control corn mean particle size, and inorganic minerals had a higher concentration of Zn in the litter but were not different when the chelated Zn/Mn were fed. In conclusion, increasing the corn mean particle size and adding it post pellet could save money during feed milling; however, birds might have a slightly lower BW. A combination of inorganic and chelated Zn and Mn may improve performance and increase total breast meat yields.

248 Impact of Adding a Stimbiotic or Sugar Beet Pulp to Nursery Pig Diets on Growth Performance and Individual Injections

Abstract Utilizing different dietary fiber sources has been studied in piglets to help mitigate post-weaning diarrhea and improve post-weaning performance. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of adding sugar beet pulp or a stimbiotic (Signis; AB Vista) on nursery pig performance. Barrows (n = 216; average initial BW = 5.1kg) were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments and fed a 4 phase feeding program; 1) Control (Con), Insoluble/Soluble fibre ratio (I/S), P1; 4.47, P2; 5.84, P3; 5.82, P4; 7.08. 2) High Soluble (HS) with sugar beet pulp added at 5% (P1 and P2) and 2.5% (P3 and P4) giving the following I/S ratio; P1; 2.63, P2; 2.91, P3; 5.02 and P4; 5.42. 3) Control plus stimbiotic added at 100 g/t (SIG). Pen weight and feed disappearance were recorded weekly to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Fecal score was visually ranked by pen daily from wean to 35 days. Blanket water medications were not provided. Instead, individual pigs that needed treatment were identified and injected with individual antibiotic interventions, and the number of interventions per pig was recorded. Performance data were submitted to ANOVA using JMP with mean separation by Tukey test and a contingency analysis was used to compare antibiotic injections. At day 14, pigs had a Rotavirus A and B challenge. Addition of HS or SIG reduced (P < 0.05) individual antibiotic treatments by 56 and 32% compared to the CON, respectively. No differences were observed in scour scores or overall ADG. Overall intake was greater (P < 0.01) in HS (0.560 kg) than CON (0.491 kg) or SIG (0.492 kg). Pigs fed SIG (0.671) had a better (P = 0.011) G:F over SBP (0.602), with CON (0.649) being intermediate. In conclusion, HS increased intake where stimbiotic improved feed efficiency, and both decreased antibiotic treatments.

262 Effects of phase-feeding programs on growth performance of nursery pigs

Abstract Production systems commonly have multiple fill events in the nursery, which can lead to inaccurate feeding of dietary budgets. A simpler feeding program may provide practical benefits to producers. Five trials were conducted to compare nursery phase-feeding programs. Two treatments consisting of a 2-phase or a single-phase program were applied for 22 d postweaning. The 2-phase program consisted of a feed budget of 1.4 kg of a phase 1 diet formulated with 1.45% SID Lys and 5.4 kg of a phase 2 diet with 1.36% SID Lys. The single-phase program provided 6.8 kg of a unique diet with 1.38% SID Lys. Diets were corn, soybean meal, and whey permeate-based and contained 3,000 mg/kg Zn. All other nutrients met or exceeded the NRC (2012) recommendations. After the experimental period, pigs were fed a common diet for 23 d. In the five trials, 5,090 pigs were used with a total of 63 and 69 replicates per treatment for 2-phase and single-phase programs, respectively. There was no treatment × trial interactions (P > 0.10), thus data was combined for statistical analysis using SAS PROC MIXED. From d 0 to 22, pigs fed the single-phase program had higher (P = 0.041) ADFI and a tendency (P = 0.075) for higher BW. From d 22 to 45, pigs previously fed the single-phase program had a tendency (P = 0.057) for higher ADG. Overall (d 0 to 45), pigs fed the single-phase program had higher (P = 0.037) ADG and a tendency (P = 0.077) for higher final BW, with comparable (P > 0.10) ADFI and G:F to the 2-phase program. In conclusion, feeding a single-phase nursery program in the first 22 d postweaning resulted in higher overall ADG and similar ADFI and G:F compared to a 2-phase nursery program.

A novel Bacillus based multi-strain probiotic improves growth performance and intestinal properties of Clostridium perfringens challenged broilers

There is a necessity for the implementation of in-feed probiotics in the poultry production industry, following strict regulations around the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). Bacillus spp. are becoming an attractive alternative because of their functionality and stability. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a novel multi-strain Bacillus based probiotic on growth performance and gut health in male Ross 308 broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens Type A. Broilers on a 4 phase feeding program were fed diets containing either a standard metabolizable energy (ME) (100%) or a reduced ME (98%) level. The test probiotic was compared to an un-supplemented negative control and a commercial benchmark product as positive control over a 35 D feeding trial, using a 2 × 3 factorial experimental design. Chicks were inoculated with a once-off dose of C. perfringens on day 14. Growth performance was measured weekly to calculate body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Villi histomorphology, gut lesions, and liver weight were assessed at day 35. Broilers fed the reduced ME diet with the test probiotic achieved higher final BWs (P = 0.037) and FCR (P = 0.014) than the negative control. Broilers fed the standard ME diet with the test probiotic showed improved (P = 0.001) FCR than the negative control from day 21 onwards. Increased duodenal villi height (P = 0.012) and villi height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum (P < 0.0001) and jejunum (P = 0.0004) were observed in broilers fed the reduced ME diet containing the test probiotic. Additionally, the test probiotic resulted in significantly reduced relative liver weights in both ME groups. Consequently, the results suggest that the novel multi-strain Bacillus based probiotic enhanced broiler performance and improved gut health and is thus attractive as an alternative to AGP's in broiler production.

Interactive effects of light-sources, photoperiod, and strains on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and health indices of broilers grown to heavy weights

Effects of light sources, photoperiods, and strains on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and health indices of broilers grown to heavy weights (>3 kg) were evaluated. The experimental design was a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial treatments consisting of 4 light sources [incandescent (ICD, standard), compact fluorescent light, neutral light emitting diode (Neutral-LED), and cool poultry specific LED (Cool-poultry specific (PS)-LED)], 2 photoperiods (regular/intermittent [2L:2D], and short [8L:16D]), and 2 strains (A, B). In each trial, chicks of 2 different strains from different commercial hatcheries were equally and randomly distributed into 16 environmentally controlled rooms at 1 D of age. Each room was randomly assigned one of 16 treatments from day 1 to 56 D of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Birds were provided a 4 phase-feeding program (starter, grower, finisher, withdrawal). Birds and feed were weighed on 1, 14, 28, 42, and 56 D of age for growth performance. On day 56, a total of 20 (10 males and 10 females) birds from each room were processed to determine weights and yields. The BW, BW gain, live weight, and carcass weight of birds reared under PS-LED were higher (P < 0.05) in comparison with birds reared under ICD, but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, and carcass characteristics were not affected by treatments. Also, broilers subjected to the short/non-intermittent photoperiod had the lowest (P < 0.05) growth performance and carcass characteristics compared with values obtained for regular/intermittent photoperiods. In addition, strain was significant (P < 0.05) for most of the examined variables. Feed conversion, fat, tender, and yield were not affected by treatments. There was no effect of photoperiod, light sources, or their interactions on mortality. This study shows positive impacts on alternative light sources when compared to ICD along with regular/intermittent photoperiod in commercial poultry facilities rearing the 2 strains used in this study, thereby reducing energy costs and optimizing production efficiency without compromising the welfare of broilers grown to heavy weights.

191 Early weaning in pigs induces long-term alterations in intestinal nutrient transporter function and expression partially via beta adrenergic enteric neural receptors

Abstract Early weaning (EW) has negative impacts on performance and health that persist from wean-to-finish. The mechanisms linking EW and lifetime performance reductions are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate whether EW influences the long-term development of intestinal epithelial nutrient transporter function and expression and the potential mechanisms. Yorkshire gilts were split-weaned from their sows at 15 d (EW) or 28 d of age (Late Weaning; LW) and transferred to an on-site nursery room. All pigs received the same diets in a standard phase feeding program and were euthanized at 75 d of age. Mid-jejunum and distal ileum were mounted on Ussing chambers to evaluate Na+-dependent glucose and amino acid (AA) transporter function, measured as nutrient-induced changes in short circuit current (Isc). EW gilts exhibited reduced capacity for electrogenic transport of glucose (by ~30%; P &lt; 0.05) and glutamate, glutamine, and alanine by (~ 30–35%; P &lt; 0.05), compared with LW pigs. In contrast, jejunal and ileal lysine transporter function was upregulated (by 110% and 25%, respectively; P &lt; 0.05) in EW pigs. Epithelial expression for glucose transporter (SGLT1) was reduced (P &lt; 0.05) while glucose/fructose transporter (GLUT2), fructose transporter (GLUT5) and lysine transporters (B0AT1, CAT1, and ATB0, +) were enhanced in the EW jejunum. No differences observed in villus morphology between EW and LW pigs. Pretreatment of ileal mucosa on Ussing chambers with the Na+ channel blocker (Tetrodotoxin) or the β-adrenergic receptor blocker (Propranolol) augmented glucose, lysine and alanine transporter function in EW but not LW pigs. Together, these data show that EW in gilts induces lasting and divergent alterations in intestinal nutrient transporter function and expression which is mediated in part by the enteric nervous system and β-adrenergic receptor pathways. These new findings may explain why EW pigs exhibit lasting deleterious impacts on performance. Further mechanism-based investigations could reveal new targets for optimizing performance in EW pigs throughout the production lifespan.

82 Glucocorticoid receptor agonist (GRA): an alternative to in-feed antibiotics (ANT) for newly weaned pigs

Abstract Previously we found that GRA reduces systemic inflammation in newly weaned pigs. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of GRA on growth performance and blood chemistry in newly weaned pigs, since inflammation impacts growth. A total of 209 pigs (BW 7.4 ±1.27 kg) were weaned at 26 ±1.5-d of age and assigned to a factorial CRD, with sex and treatment as main effects. Treatments included control (CON), GRA, ANT, and ANT+GRA (ANGA). Dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg BW; i.m. injections) and Tylan 40 (0.12% of diet) were used as GRA and ANT, respectively. Pigs had free access to conventional corn-soybean diets according to a phase-feeding program. Feed intake, BW, ADG, measures of blood chemistry and hematocrit were determined over the 28-d post-weaning period. The repeated measures ANOVA (PROC MIXED) in SAS was used for statistical analysis. Interaction effects of sex and treatments were observed on BW and ADG (P = 0.03), but not on the gain-to-feed ratio (G:F). BW (kg) was higher in GRA gilts (10 ±0.08) than ANT gilts (9.7 ±0.06) and barrows (9.6 ±0.05), and CON barrows (9.4 ±0.09; P = 0.01). GRA gilts tended to be heavier than CON gilts (9.8 ±0.10; P = 0.06). ADG (kg) was higher in GRA gilts (0.40 ±0.014) than ANT gilts (0.34 ±0.019), CON barrows (0.29 ±0.016) and ANT barrows (0.36 ±0.012; P = 0.05). Overall G:F was higher in GRA pigs than CON pigs (0.63 vs. 0.56 ±0.020; P = 0.01) and tended to be higher than ANT pigs (P = 0.09). Creatinine levels tended to be lower in GRA pigs than ANT pigs (1.18 vs. 1.30 ±0.046 mg/dl; P = 0.07). Treatments had no effects on other measures of blood chemistry. Collectively, treatment with GRA effectively improves the growth performance of nursery pigs, especially gilts, during the nursery phase. GRA can be considered as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for mitigating the adverse effects of weaning stress. USDA-NIFA-2017-68008-26304.

Effects of Different Phase-Feeding Programs with Different Feed Forms on Broiler Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Intestinal Morphology

Effects of Different Phase-Feeding Programs with Different Feed Forms on Broiler Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Intestinal Morphology

Evaluation of barley to replace milk by-product in weaning pig's diet.

The supplementation level of barley was limited because of high contents of fiber in monogastric animals. Barley contained high soluble fiber, thus it could prevent to diarrhea of weaning pigs. Moreover, as the barley break down by enzymes, free sugars come out from the barley, which could be used as an energy source in weaning pigs and replace milk by-products in weaning pig’s diet. Therefore, present study was conducted to investigate the influence of barley to replace milk by-product in weaning pig’s diet on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility, diarrhea incidence, and economic analysis in weaning pigs. A total of 112 crossbred ([York-shire × Landrace] × Duroc, weaned at 28 days of age) piglets were allotted to 4 treatments in a randomized complete block (RCB) design. Each treatment has 7 replications with 4 pigs per pen. Pigs were fed each treatment diet which containing different levels of barley (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) at the expense of whey powder and lactose. Three phase feeding programs were used for 6 weeks of growth trial (phase 1: 0–2 weeks; phase 2: 3–4 weeks; phase 3: 5–6 weeks). During 0–2 week, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and G:F ratio were decreased as barley level increased in the diet (linear response, p < 0.01). In blood profile, blood urea nitrogen was decreased as the barley level increased in the diet (linear, p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were observed in blood glucose level. In nutrient digestibility, crude fat digestibility was linearly increased as barley increased (linear, p < 0.01). The incidence of diarrhea was improved as increasing barley contents in all phases (linear, p < 0.01). These results demonstrated that supplementation of barley to replace milk by-product influenced negatively on growth performance during 0–2 week. However, the incidence of diarrhea and later growth performance from 3 week postweaning were improved as dietary barley level increased.

USING DRIED LEFTOVER FOODS AS UNTRADITIONAL FEED IN MUSCOVY DUCK DIETS

The current work was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary leftover food inclusion on growth performance, carcass traits and some blood biochemical parameters of Muscovy ducks. Thirty six (36) two-week old ducks (average weight 393.2 g) were obtained from local commercial source and randomly distributed into 4 groups (9ducks/each). In the first group, ducklings were fed ad-libitum on grower-finisher control diet (diet 1), while birds in the second, third and fourth groups fed on diets containing 10%, 20% and 30% leftover food, respectively (diets 2, 3, 4). The experimental diets were formulated in a mash form (yellow corn, soybean meal, wheat bran and sunflower oil) to meet the minimum nutrient requirements cited by NRC (1994) for ducks. Ducklings were fed according to one phase feeding program (grower- finisher, 14- 70 days). Growth performance, carcass traits and some blood biochemical parameters were assessed. The results showed that, ducks fed on diets containing 10, 20, 30% leftover food achieved significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight gain (3084.2±30.3, 3141.5±30.8, 3169.0±29.1 g), respectively compared with the control (2945.2±22.3g) with lower feed intake. Highest weight gain averages with best feed conversion (3.22, 3.14, and 3.11) respectively compared with the control. The highest dressing percentage was recorded in ducks fed on diet containing 30% leftover food (79.3%), while the lowest was observed in control group (75.6%). Addition of leftover food to duck diets had no significant effect (p < 0.05) on the weights of internal organ. Total serum protein, albumin and globulin values were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) by increasing the level of dietary leftover food. Inclusion of leftover food to duck diets increase significantly (p < 0.05) triglycerides and had no significant effect on serum cholesterol. Results of the current study concluded that, the best growth performance and economical feed efficiency was observed in ducks fed on diet containing 30% leftover food which surpassing all treated groups and achieved the best body weight gain.

Influence of different phase feeding programs in piglets with different weaning weights

Influence of different phase feeding programs in piglets with different weaning weights