Pig Fattening Research Articles

Comparison of the Competitiveness for Danish, Dutch, and German Piglet Producers under Consideration of Country-Specific Methods of Piglet Castration with Anesthesia

Pig producers in Europe adopt different production methods for male pig fattening. More than half of the animals are surgically castrated. The different interpretations of animal welfare in different countries lead to market differentiation and economically different production conditions, which do not restrict trade, but economically lead to drastic competitive changes for local producers. While the Netherlands has already implemented surgical castration for the export market, using CO2 narcosis (NL), Denmark and Germany are each introducing their strategies with local anesthesia (DK) and isoflurane anesthesia (DE), respectively. Using typical pig farms from the agri benchmark Pig Network, the additional costs and economic impacts of animal welfare regulations are calculated. In Germany, isoflurane anesthesia increases costs by EUR 28.54 to EUR 49.86 per sow, or EUR 1.93 to EUR 3.81 per male piglet. This corresponds to a cost increase of around 5% per piglet. In Denmark, the costs of local anesthesia with procaine increase more moderately by EUR 3.55 to EUR 5.05 per sow, or around EUR 0.30 per male piglet. The cost increase here is less than 1% per piglet. The additional costs are leading to a loss of competitiveness for Denmark and Germany compared to the Netherlands. However, Germany is also losing profit significantly compared to Denmark. This study highlights that animal welfare regulations can negatively impact the competitiveness of the pig sector. It emphasizes the need for countries to implement such regulations carefully, ensuring that they do not lead to the loss of production or international competitiveness. A balanced approach that supports both animal welfare and economic sustainability is essential.

Meeting ethological needs – Effects of straw and roughage on attractiveness of outdoor run and behaviour of organic fattening pigs

Organic pigs must have permanent access to an open-air space, which typically consists of a barren concrete outdoor run. One way to improve the attractiveness of the outdoor run for pigs and facilitate the establishment of functional zones is through allocation of rooting or roughage materials in this pen area. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of straw (rooting material) and maize silage (roughage) provided under a roof in a concrete-floored outdoor run on the behaviour of organic fattening pigs raised in large groups. In one typical Danish commercial farm, we compared three adjacent, similarly sized pens. Each pen contained an indoor area and an outdoor run. Each outdoor run was divided by a 1 m-high concrete wall into an unroofed area and an area covered by a roof, where substrate could be allocated. One pen received no material under the roof (control), the second pen received straw, and the third pen received maize silage. The study took place from June 2021 to July 2022 and involved 8 batches of pigs. The population size per pen at arrival was (average ± standard deviation) 384 ± 22 pigs, weighing 37 ± 4.8 kg. Pigs were sent to slaughter when their liveweight was approximately 115 kg, approximately 3 months after insertion. Based on footage, the number of pigs present in each area of the outdoor run, and of these the number of pigs in each body posture (lying; sitting; upright) and the number of pigs displaying activity behaviours when standing (exploring the ground; other behaviours than ground exploration) were instantaneously sampled at 10 min intervals from 09:00 h to 16:00 h on days 1, 7, 21, 35, 49, and 63 relative to the batch insertion. More pigs were seen in the roofed area of the outdoor run when either straw or roughage were allocated. Additionally, provision of straw induced more resting in the roofed area whereas allocation of roughage stimulated more ground exploration in the roofed area compared to control pens. Secondarily, pig's activity and outdoor run use were influenced by temporal effects (i.e., experimental day) and weather variations. Thirdly, a pilot study suggested that pigs compete for access to an enriched roofed area. Our study demonstrated the possibility of meeting the behavioural needs - and improving the welfare – of organics pigs housed indoors with access to outdoor run by providing roughage or bedding materials in a roofed area of the outdoor run.

Cull guinea pigs: carcass and non-carcass traits in males and females compared to their fattening counterparts.

Culling of guinea pigs can provide a large number of animals per year for meat production, but little information is available in the scientific literature on the carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of these animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and non-carcass characteristics of cull guinea pigs in comparison to their fattening counterparts. Forty-eight fattening (3 months-age, 24 females and 24 males) and forty-eight cull (14 months-age, 24 females and 24 males) guinea pigs were slaughtered and carcass yield, linear measurements, tissular composition, and non-carcass components were evaluated. In general, cull guinea pigs had higher carcass, tissue, and non-carcass component weights. Cull male and both female guinea pig groups had similar carcass yields. Cull animals had higher carcass and hind leg lengths, lumbar and thoracic circumferences, and carcass compactness than their young counterparts. However, a sex effect was found for leg compactness depending on whether they were fattened or cull. Tissue percentages values were similar between fattening and culling animals of the same sex. However, females had a higher percentage of fat tissue than males. Fattening females had the best muscle to bone ratio, followed by cull males. The non-carcass elements were more represented in fattening animals than in culls, probably due to an allometric growth of the viscera in relation to the rest of the body. In commercial and cooking terms, this information is valuable for producers and researchers who need to understand the factors that influence carcass characteristics of guinea pigs.

Environmental impacts of medium-scale pig farming at technical and economic optimum production weight in Mexico

Medium-scale pig production systems, which make up 30 % of Mexico's pig farms, face two key obstacles impacting their economic and financial performance. The first is the absence of a sales plan based on pigs' weight, which negatively affects both profitability and resource management. The second obstacle is inadequate waste management, which hampers efforts to mitigate environmental impacts generated by pig farms. Based on this criterion, this study aims to determine technical and economic optimum levels of a medium-scale pig farm and evaluate its associated environmental impacts. Based on the last farm sale weight (116.3 kg – base scenario), technical and economic optimum levels were estimated using a production function, resulting in a technical optimum of 155 kg and an economic optimum of 127 kg. An environmental assessment of the pig fattening process was carried out following the principles of the Life Cycle Analysis methodological framework. Using a cradle-to-farm gate perspective, and establishing 1 kg of live-weight pig as the functional unit. The results indicated that production at maximum weight level (155 kg), increased environmental impacts by 60 % to 75 % compared to the base scenario. In contrast, at the maximum economic benefit level (127 kg), environmental impacts increased by 5 % to 10 %. Feed production represented the largest contribution (over 74 %) in six impact categories. The results provide valuable information for medium-scale pig farms to mitigate the environmental burdens associated with the optimal production weight and to direct efforts towards achieving future economic and environmental efficiency.

Integrated analysis of muscle transcriptome, miRNA, and proteome of Chinese indigenous breed Ningxiang pig in three developmental stages.

The Ningxiang pig, a distinguished local breed in China, is recognized for its good meat quality traits. This study examines the proteomics of Ningxiang pigs at three developmental stages and delves into the upstream transcriptomics of these proteomics. Such an analysis facilitates a deeper understanding of the molecular interplay between proteins and transcriptomes in the Ningxiang pig muscle, influencing muscle growth and development. In this research, we analyzed the muscles of Ningxiang pigs at three developmental stages: 30days in weaned piglets, 90days in nursery pigs, and 210days in late fattening pigs. There a total of 16 differentially co-expressed miRNAs (ssc-miRNA-1, ssc-miRNA-378, ssc-miRNA-143, ssc-miRNA-30e, etc.), 74 differentially co-expressed mRNA (PLIN3, CPT2, IGF2 and HSP90AB1, etc.) have been identified in the three stages. 572 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) (APOC3, NDUFA2, HSPD1, ATP5E, PDHA1, etc.) were readily identified by comparing different time periods. According to the KEGG enrich pathway results that DAPs most enriched in growth and development pathways, immune mechanism pathways and maintaining functions of physical. Through short time-series expression miner (STEM) association analysis, a total of 571 negative miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs and 2 negative miRNA-mRNA-protein (Chr05_11955-Pig.17268.1-ATP5F1B, ssc-miR-194a-3p-Pig.15802.1-ACY1) interaction pairs were found. Our study provides a theoretical basis on molecular mechanism for the study of IMF deposition, muscle growth and immunity in Ningxiang pig breed.

Microbial signatures and enterotype clusters in fattening pigs: implications for nitrogen utilization efficiency.

As global demand for pork continues to rise, strategies to enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in pig farming have become vital for environmental sustainability. This study explored the relationship between the fecal microbiota, their metabolites, and NUE in crossbreed fattening pigs with a defined family structure. Pigs were kept under standardized conditions and fed in a two-phase feeding regime. In each phase, one fecal sample was collected from each pig. DNA was extracted from a total of 892 fecal samples and subjected to target amplicon sequencing. The results indicated an influence of sire, sampling period (SP), and sex on the fecal microbiota. Streptococcus emerged as a potential biomarker in comparing high and low NUE pigs in SP 1, suggesting a genetic predisposition to NUE regarding the fecal microbiota. All fecal samples were grouped into two enterotype-like clusters named cluster LACTO and cluster CSST. Pigs' affiliation with enterotype-like clusters altered over time and might be sex-dependent. The stable cluster CSST demonstrated the highest NUE despite containing pigs with lower performance characteristics such as average daily gain, dry matter intake, and daily nitrogen retention. This research contributes with valuable insights into the microbiome's role in NUE, paving the way for future strategies to enhance sustainable pig production.

Efecto de la biofertilización en la biomasa de alfalfa y engorde de cuyes

En la sierra peruana, la producción de alfalfa y el engorde de cuyes enfrentan problemas que impactan la economía de los criadores. Un estudio en el Caserío de Coñaica (Panao, Pachitea, Huánuco) se llevó a cabo para evaluar el impacto de la biofertilización en la biomasa de alfalfa y el engorde de cuyes. Se implementaron dos diseños experimentales: DBCA para medir la biomasa de alfalfa y DCA para estudiar el engorde de cuyes destetados (machos y hembras). Los tres tratamientos evaluados fueron: aplicación de microorganismos eficaces (EM) al follaje (T1), EM al suelo (T2) y un grupo de control sin EM, con dosis del 10% cada 15 días. La alfalfa biofertilizada se utilizó como alimento para los cuyes machos y hembras durante nueve semanas. Se distinguió que el tratamiento de EM al follaje incrementó significativamente la biomasa de la alfalfa y afectó favorablemente al engorde de los cuyes, aunque solo se evidenció una mejora significativa en la conversión alimenticia de los cuyes machos. Estos resultados indican que las aplicaciones de EM al follaje con una dosis del 10% cada 15 días promueven una mayor productividad en la alfalfa y benefician el proceso de engorde de los cuyes.

Air treatment technologies in pig farms. Life cycle assessment of dry and wet scrubbers in Northern Italy and Northeastern Spain

Over the years, different solutions were developed and tested to reduce the emissions of ammonia and particulate matter from the livestock facilities. The environmental performances of these solutions were not always evaluated in detail.This study examines the environmental footprint of pig production at farm gate, with a focus on emissions from housing. Using Life Cycle Assessment, the environmental impact of pig production in a transition farm in Spain and in two finishing farms in Italy was evaluated considering three scenarios (one baseline and two of them involving an air treatment technology: wet scrubber or dry scrubber).The study goal was to quantify the environmental footprint of pig production in different scenarios, identify key environmental hotspots, and to assess impact reduction efficiency due to the two assessed technologies, analyze the environmental trade-offs that come with the use of these technologies, and identify potential for improvements.Both wet and dry scrubbers showed potential for reducing emissions in pig housing, affecting environmental impact categories related to air pollutants such as particulate matter, acidification and eutrophication. However, there were trade-offs between emissions reduction and categories related to energy and resource use. The infrastructure and consumables required to operate the scrubber added to the impacts compared to the baseline.The dry scrubber showed a more favorable balance between emission reduction and trade-offs. In this regard, results were similar for the Spanish and Italian farms, although there were slight variations. Scrubbers had a greater effect in the Italian farms due to their use along longer periods of the pig fattening (closed cycle farms) compared to the Spanish farm (transition farm).Scrubbers are environmentally promising, especially where acidification, eutrophication and particulate matter are local problems. However, they alone cannot fully address the complex environmental impacts of pig production, which require comprehensive interventions across the supply chain.

Prevalence and genetic evolution of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in commercial fattening pig farms in China.

To investigate the prevalence and evolution of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) at commercial fattening pig farms, a total of 1397 clinical samples were collected from a single fattening cycle at seven pig farms in five provinces of China from 2020 to 2021. The RT‒PCR results revealed that PRRSV was present on all seven farms, and the percentage of PRRSV-positive individuals was 17.54-53.33%. A total of 344 partial NSP2 gene sequences and 334 complete ORF5 gene sequences were obtained from the positive samples. The statistical results showed that PRRSV-2 was present on all seven commercial fattening farms, and PRRSV-1 was present on only one commercial fattening farm. A total of six PRRSV-2 subtypes were detected, and five of the seven farms had two or more PRRSV-2 subtypes. L1.8 (L1C) PRRSV was the dominant epidemic strain on five of the seven pig farms. Sequence analysis of L1.8 (L1C) PRRSV from different commercial fattening pig farms revealed that its consistency across farms varied substantially. The amino acid alignment results demonstrated that there were 131 aa discontinuous deletions in NSP2 between different L1.8 (L1C) PRRSV strains and that the GP5 mutation in L1.8 (L1C) PRRSV was mainly concentrated in the peptide signal region and T-cell epitopes. Selection pressure analysis of GP5 revealed that the use of the PRRSV MLV vaccine had no significant episodic diversifying effect on L1.8 (L1C) PRRSV. PRRSV infection is common at commercial fattening pig farms in China, and the percentage of positive individuals is high. There are multiple PRRSV subtypes of infection at commercial fattening pig farms in China. L1.8 (L1C) is the main circulating PRRSV strain on commercial fattening pig farms. L1.8 (L1C) PRRSV detected at different commercial fattening pig farms exhibited substantial differences in consistency but similar molecular characteristics. The pressure on the GP5 of L1.8 (L1C) PRRSV may not be directly related to the use of the vaccines.

Phylogenetically evolutionary analysis provides insights into the genetic diversity and adaptive evolution of porcine deltacoronavirus

BackgroundPorcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is one of the emerging swine enteric coronaviruses (SECoVs), which has been widely prevalent in the North America and Asia. In addition to causing severe diarrhea in piglets, PDCoV also shows the potential to infect diverse host species, including calves, chickens, turkey poults, and humans. However, the clinical pathogenicity and genetic evolution of PDCoV is still not fully understood.ResultsHere, we recorded an outbreak of a novel recombinant PDCoV strain (CHN-HeN06-2022) in a large nursery fattening pig farm. Genomic analysis showed that the CHN-HeN06-2022 strain shared 98.3-98.7% sequence identities with the Chinese and American reference strains. To clarify the evolutionary relationships, phylogenetic analysis was performed using the PDCoV genome sequences available in the GenBank database. Based on genetic distance and geographical distribution, the phylogenetic tree clearly showed that all the PDCoV sequences could be divided into lineage 1 and lineage 2, which were further classified into sublineage 1.1 (Chinese strains), 1.2 (the North American strains), 2.1 (the Southeast Asian strains), and 2.2 (Chinese strains). Corresponding to the evolutionary tree, we found that, compared to lineage 1, lineage 2 strains usually contain a continuous 6-nt deletion in Nsp2 and a 9-nt deletion in Nsp3, respectively. Furthermore, recombination analysis suggested that the CHN-HeN06-2022 occurred segments exchange crossed Nsp2 and Nsp3 region between sublineage 1.1 and sublineage 2.1. Combined with previously reported recombinant strains, the highest recombination frequency occurred in Nsp2, Nsp3, and S gene. Additionally, we identified a total of 14 amino acid sites under positive selection in spike protein, most of which are located in the regions related with the viral attachment, receptor binding, and membrane fusion.ConclusionsTaken together, our studies provide novel insights into the genetic diversity and adaptive evolution of PDCoV. It would be helpful to the development of vaccine and potential antiviral agent.

Analysis of Physical Parameters and Chemical Composition of Offal From Puławska Fattening Pigs Raised in Deep Litter and Slatted Floor Housing Systems

Abstract The objective of this study was to comparatively analyse the physical parameters, basic chemical composition and the macro- and microelement content of offal obtained from fattening pigs raised in deep litter and slatted floor housing systems. The experiment involved a group of 80 Puławska fatteners, including 40 pigs kept in deep-litter pens (group I) and 40 pigs in slatted pens without bedding (group II). Offal (tongues, kidneys, hearts, lungs and livers) was evaluated for weight, physical characteristics (pH45, pH24, WHC), chemical composition (water, protein, fat) and the content of minerals: macro- (K, Na, Mg, Ca) and microelements (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu). Based on the results obtained, associations were found between housing system and basic chemical composition of some offal, i.e. percentage of water (slatted floor<deep litter) and protein (slatted floor>deep litter) in lungs, content of protein (slatted floor>deep litter) and fat (slatted floor<deep litter) in liver, and content of fat in heart (slatted floor<deep litter). The amount of macro- and microelements was significantly differentiated by the housing system with regard to the kidneys: potassium, magnesium, calcium and manganese (slatted floor<deep litter), sodium (slatted floor>deep litter); lungs: sodium (slatted floor>deep litter), potassium (slatted floor<deep litter); and liver: iron (slatted floor>deep litter) and copper (slatted floor<deep litter). In general, the housing system of fattening pigs modified the physical parameters and chemical composition of the analysed offal.

Measuring Carbon Emissions from Green and Low-Carbon Full-Life-Cycle Feeding in Large-Scale Pig Production Systems: A Case Study from Shaanxi Province, China

In the pursuit of establishing a more environmentally sustainable and low-carbon hog farming system, the accurate quantification of emissions of greenhouse gas emanating from these systems, especially within the context of China, becomes imperative. Here, drawing insights from a life cycle approach, exhaustive field surveys, and context-specific analyses, we establish an emission measurement index system tailored to hog farming enterprises in China’s Shaanxi Province. Using this methodology, we probed the emission profiles and characteristics of three emblematic hog farming enterprises in the region. Our key findings are as follows: (1) The carbon dioxide emissions per kilogram of pork, factoring in feed cultivation, processing, and transportation, for Pucheng Xinliu Science and Technology, Baoji Zhengneng Farming, and Baoji Zhenghui Farming were quantified as 0.80298 kg, 1.52438 kg, and 0.81366 kg, respectively. (2) Presently, the methane emission coefficient due to enteric fermentation in large-scale hog farms in Shaanxi surpasses the default value set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). There appears to be a consistent underestimation of enteric methane emissions from live pigs in the province, as gauged against the IPCC metrics. Notably, the emission factor for fattening pigs averaged 2.61823 kgCH4/head/year, while that for breeding pigs stood at 2.96752 kgCH4/head/year. (3) When examining methane and nitrous oxide outputs from manure across various production stages, we observed that emissions from lactating pigs significantly outweigh those from other stages. Interestingly, nitrous oxide emissions from breeding pigs during fattening, finishing, and gestation remained nearly the same, regardless of the manure treatment method. (4) Under the management protocols followed by Pucheng and Baoji, the total carbon emissions from an individual fattening pig amounted to 328.5283 kg and 539.2060 kg, respectively, whereas for breeding pigs, these values were 539.2060 kg and 551.6733 kg, respectively. Further calculations showed that the average carbon footprint CF of large-scale pig farms in China was 3.6281 kgCO2/kg pork. In conclusion, optimizing feed cultivation and transportation logistics, promoting integrated breeding and rearing practices, refining feed formulation, and advancing manure management practices can collaboratively attenuate greenhouse gas emissions. Such synergistic approaches hold promise for steering the hog industry towards a greener, low-carbon, and sustainable trajectory.

Comparative study between scan sampling behavioral observations and an automatic monitoring image system on a commercial fattening pig farm

Automation is an important element in modern livestock farming. Image computer analysis is the automation technology aiming to monitor farm animals by recording continuous images. Further analysis can be carried out to assess more precisely and effectively farm animals’ welfare. The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of the commercial multi-sensor device (Peek Analytics) developed by Copeeks SAS (France), in comparison to human-based observations used to assess behaviors in pigs, including posture (standing/resting), area within the pen (feeding/drinking/resting/enrichment), and activity level (number of active pigs). Two Peek Analytics (Peek 3 and Peek 4) were installed on a commercial fattening pig farm in Murcia (Spain). Each device recorded data of two pens (39 pigs in four pens in total). Scan sampling was the human-based behavioral observation method used in this study. Data was collected for five consecutive days, in the following intervals: 09:00-11:00, 13:00-15:00, and 16:00-18:00 (30 hours of observation in total). Every pig was observed six times per hour and hence the information analyzed includes 7020 observations (180 observations/pig). The comparison between data from human observation and Peek Analytics was performed by using Pearson correlation tests. Posture, areas of interest, and activity level were analyzed separately, as well as data recorded by Peek 3 and 4. Results indicated that Peek Analytics showed a better agreement with human observation, when recording posture(r=0.77, P<0.01) and area within the pen (r=0.77, P<0.01), than when recording activity level (r=0.35, P<0.01). Two devices performed differently in general, with Peek 3 having better agreement than Peek 4 with human observation, regardless of posture, area within the pen, and activity level. The better agreement in Peek 3 may be attributed to the smaller number of pigs in Peek 3 (18) compared to Peek 4 (22). We can conclude from the study that image computer analysis may be reliable in assessing posture and area within the pen of pigs. On the other hand, a moderate agreement in activity level between human observation and computer vision can be due to different methodologies of recording the activity, rather than due to low accuracy of Peek Analytics.

Biosecurity measures to prevent African swine fever in pig fattening farms

Biosecurity is ensured in a pig fattening farm by implementing a set of organizational and technical measures in order to prevent the introduction, persistence and spread of pathogens, as well as in order to protect animal and public health. This paper describes the main objectives of biosecurity in a pig fattening farm to prevent the risk of introducing and spreading of African swine fever.

Circularity and livestock diversity: Pathways to sustainability in intensive pig farming regions

CONTEXTIntensive pig farming is challenged by high environmental impacts and dependence on outsourced inputs. Circular feeding strategies to improve nutrient cycling and livestock diversity have emerged as pathways to improve the sustainability. OBJECTIVEThis study explored the potential of increasing feed circularity and introducing sheep to improve the sustainability of a typical pig fattening region in the semiarid zone of Spain. METHODSThree alternative circular scenarios were designed to relocate pig feed production while reintroducing sheep production. These scenarios were then compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. The feeding strategies scenarios differed in crude protein (CP) and in-feed amino acid (AA) supplementation for pigs (CircHigh, high CP with low AA; CircLow, low CP with high AA; CircNoAA, low CP without AA) and included grazing sheep to use crop residues, alfalfa and temporary vetch-oat pastures on fallow land. Yearly feed requirements for pigs were planned, and were met with cereal grains, oilseeds, legumes, rice bran and chopped alfalfa hay. Sheep carrying capacity was estimated from available forage sources. Indicators in five sustainability dimensions were considered: economic performance, landscape mosaic, livestock diversity, nitrogen (N) cycling, and feed-food competition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOutsourced (BAU) pig feeding without sheep had low scores for indicators in all five dimensions. The feeding strategy for pigs strongly influenced the land area required to produce feed as well as N cycling. Only the CircLow scenario could feed the current pig stocks in the region with the arable land available. The CircHigh strategy combined with grazing sheep scored highest for most of the dimensions, except for feed-food competition indicators. The CircLow strategy had good scores for most of the dimensions, except for N cycling indicators, whose scores decreased due to the lower N content of slurry. The CircNoAA strategy increased the use of rice bran as a food coproduct and decreased N surplus, but also impaired the economic performance (land productivity and feeding costs). Although the CircLow strategy required less land area to grow legumes, it resulted in a slightly higher crop diversity and a higher sheep carrying capacity when sowing temporary pastures. SIGNIFICANCEN cycling and overall sustainability of regions with intensive livestock production was improved through feed circularity, that included reducing CP with high in-feed AA, and livestock diversity, by reintroducing sheep as complementary livestock that can graze crop residues and temporary pastures. These results may help to inform future rural policies to help upscale more sustainable practices in intensive pig farming regions.

289 Zinc Source and Genotype Influenced the Growth Rate and Carcass Characteristics of Commercially Housed Fattening Pigs

Abstract The study evaluated the effects of zinc source on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of commercially housed fattening pigs of different genotypes. The study design was a randomized complete block with 4 experimental treatments and 11 replicate pens per treatment (20 pigs/pen, 220 pigs/treatment). Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial, with the factors genotype (“A” or “B”) and zinc source (inorganic, ZnO or hydroxychloride, IBZ). All pigs were fed the same feed budget: phase 1, 25 kg/pig; phase 2, 80 kg/pig; phase 3, 90 kg/pig; phase 4, 75 kg/pig. Diets were corn-soy, and the zinc was included in the micropremix to deliver a total of 100 ppm Zn from ZnO and 80 ppm Zn from IBZ. The genotypes evaluated were selected by the commercial facility. Body weight (BW) and feed disappearance of each pen were recorded every third week to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In a subset of pigs, carcass cut-out measurements were obtained from the processor (80 pigs/treatment). Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS according to a randomized design with factorial treatment arrangement. Zinc source influenced growth, with pigs fed IBZ having increased market BW (+0.7 kg, P < 0.05) and ADG (+15 g/d, P < 0.05), and a tendency for increased carcass weight (+0.6 kg, P = 0.08), compared with pigs fed ZnO. There were no interactions between genotype and zinc source for any growth or carcass variables. Genotype B pigs had increased market BW (+2.0 kg P < 0.05), ADG (+26 g/d, P < 0.05) and ADFI (+60 g/d, P < 0.05) than genotype A pigs. Furthermore, genotype B pigs had increased carcass weight (+0.9 kg, P < 0.05), carcass length (+0.2 inches, P < 0.05), belly weight (+220 g, P < 0.05) and decreased ham weight (-140 g, P < 0.05), muscle and fat depth (P < 0.05), compared with genotype A. Carcass quality metrics were also affected by genotype, where B pigs had decreased Minolta L (P < 0.05), firmer texture (P < 0.05), greater pH (P < 0.05) and less drip loss (-1%, P < 0.05) than genotype A. In conclusion, providing fattening pigs a hydroxychloride zinc source improved growth rate leading to heavier market BW and carcass weights compared with pigs fed ZnO irrespective of genotype. Genotype also significantly impacted growth rate, carcass characteristics and quality metrics.

PSIV-17 Effect of Phytase Supplementation on Growth Performance, Bone Mineralization, Metabolism, and Excretion of Calcium and Phosphorous on Fattening Pigs Fed a Diet Containing no Inorganic Phosphate

Abstract Global concern about sustainability has led many countries to establish legislation to reduce phosphorus (P) pollution. Phytase application has evolved significantly in the last years, with greater dose rates leading to a greater reduction in inorganic P supplementation and decreased feeding costs. An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of 3 supplementary levels of phytase on pig growth performance, bone mineralization, and mineral excretion (P, Ca, and N) in corn/barley/wheat/SBM based diets containing no inorganic P. Crossbred [(Landrace x Large White) Duroc] pigs [n=137; initial body weight (BWi) = 16.8 ± 4.04 kg) were housed in 24 pens containing 5 or 6 pigs/pen) for 62-day trial. After a 21-day adaptation period, each pen was assigned one of three experimental treatments according to the dietary inclusion dose of the study phytase (Quantum Blue, AB Vista): 500, 800 and 1,500 FTU/kg feed. The feeding program was based on a single diet that was pelleted and formulated according to FEDNA (2013) recommendations. The basal diet was designed with a similar composition of ingredients and nutrients (2,450 kcal/kg net energy, 15.3% crude protein, and 0.23% phytic P) except for the levels of total P and calcium. Feed consumption (per pen) and individual BW of the animals were recorded on days 0, 21, 42, and 62 of the study. On day 62 of the study, pigs were euthanized. Feces and blood samples from 2 pigs per pen were collected on days 0, 42, and 62 of the study. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model with repeated measures. The statistical model included experimental treatment, initial BW block, study day and their interaction as fixed effects, and pen as a random effect of the fit model platform in JMP 16.0. The addition of 1,500 FTU/kg phytase tended to improve (P = 0.10) feed conversion by 4.3% relative to lower phytase inclusion levels. This production improvement is explained by the combination of greater animal growth (1.3%) and lower feed consumption (3.5%). Tendencies were observed in the net bone weight (10.41, 11.50, and 11.24 g, for 500, 800, and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively; P = 0.05) and in bone ash content (6.26, 6.88, and 6.71 g for 500, 800, and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively; P = 0.08), with greater values at 800 and 1,500 FTU/kg compared with 500 FTU/kg. The inclusion of 1,500 FTU/kg phytase significantly (P < 0.05) reduced fecal P and calcium content throughout the study compared with inclusion levels of 500 and 800 FTU/kg. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of adding 1,500 FTU/kg phytase to diets formulated without inorganic P to improve feed conversion, bone mineralization, and environmental sustainability, and could be an economically advantageous solution to reduce feed costs.

STATUS AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF PRODUCTION OF MIXED FEEDS FOR SWINE OF DIFFERENT AGES

The article discusses the types of pig feeding in Ukraine. The quality result of piglet fattening is 60...70% influenced by the feed itself, about 20% by animal genetics, 10% by veterinary care, and about 10% by housing conditions. The number of pigs was analyzed. In Ukraine, according to the State Statistics Service, as of January 1, 2023, the pig population was 4.95 million heads. The world pig population in 2021 was approximately 1.02 billion heads, the largest pig population in China - more than 400 million heads. The total pig population in the EU in 2022 was 237 million heads. The production of compound feed for pigs in Ukraine is analyzed. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the production of compound feed for pigs in 2021 amounted to 1.2 million tons. China, the USA, Brazil, Spain and Mexico are among the countries that produce compound fodder for pigs in the world. The consumption of feed and water by pigs depending on the daily gain was considered, as well as the scheme of feeding piglets with full-rational compound feed per day. It is necessary to observe the daily rate of consumption of nutrients and biologically active substances depending on the age of young pigs. The modern organization of pig fattening, which involves one-, two- or three-phase feeding systems, is considered. The need for the production of compound feeds for pigs that meet feeding standards and restrictions on the introduction of components is substantiated. Types of compound feed and their advantages are presented. Such technological methods of production of compound fodder for pigs as granulation, extrusion, expansion were analyzed. Due to the high temperature and pressure, the nutritional value of compound feed improves. When feeding mixed fodder by the wet-heat treatment method, minimal mechanical losses occur, feed costs are reduced by 7...8%, and the growth energy of young animals increases by 6...12%. When fed with balanced feed, the productivity of animals increases by 12...15%, and when enriched with microelements and other substances, by 25...30% in relation to feeding with certain types of grain.

Meat Nutritional Value of Puławska Fattening Pigs, Polish Large White × Puławska Crossbreeds and Hybrids of DanBred.

The nutritional quality of meat and the health-promoting properties of intramuscular fat from randomly selected rearing pigs of the native Puławska breed (PUL, n = 15) and its crossbreeds with the Polish Large White breed (PLW × PUL, n = 16) and the DanBred hybrids (DAN, n = 17) were compared. The typical commercial fattening period was carried out up to 80 days of age. The initial body weight of PUL weaners was 30.55 kg (±3.98 kg), that of PLW × PUL weaners was 30.00 kg (±4.29 kg) and that of DAN weaners was 30.70 kg (±3.40 kg). The protein content and energy value of the complete feeds (Grower and Finisher) were 165 and 155 g/kg, and 12 and 11.8 MJ/kg, respectively. The research material consisted of samples of Longissimus lumborum and Semimembranosus. The chemical analyses included the determination of proximate composition, fatty acid content and amino acid concentration. The lowest fat content was found in the meat of the Puławska pigs, while the highest was found in the DanBred fattening pigs. The highest content of SFAs and MUFAs was found in the meat of DanBred hybrids, while it was significantly lower in Puławska pigs. The genetic group did not affect the content of PUFAs, including n-3 and n-6. Significantly lower and more favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were found for the intramuscular fat of Puławska pigs. The very limited effect of the genetic group on amino acid content was observed, except for that of serine, histidine and lysine. In general, the meat of pigs of the Puławska breed showed the highest nutritional value and the most favourable health-promoting properties.

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex in organic pigs

BackgroundDermatophytosis (ringworm) caused by members of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex is rarely diagnosed in pigs but has been recognized as an increasingly common infection in humans. Further, resistance to antifungal drugs have been reported both in Asia and in Europe. This is the first scientific report of infection by the T. mentagrophytes complex in pigs in the Nordic countries.Case presentationSkin lesions developed in grower pigs in an organic fattening pig farm with outdoor production and following laboratory analyses, dermatophytosis caused by members of the T. mentagrophytes complex was diagnosed. Infection was linked to poor hygiene, high humidity, and moderate outdoor temperatures, in combination with high pig density. A farm worker developed a skin lesion after close contact with affected pigs, which highlighted the zoonotic potential of porcine dermatophytosis. The dermatophytes may have originated from the herd supplying the growers where similar lesions occurred in pigs. Further, pigs from another organic fattening herd that received growers from the same supplier herd also developed dermatophytosis. The lesions healed without treatment as the housing conditions were improved. Isolation of affected pigs prevented spread to other pigsConclusionMembers of the T. mentagrophytes complex can cause ringworm in pigs. The fungi probably persist in the haircoat and may cause overt disease when environmental conditions promote growth of mycelia.