Piglet Diets Research Articles

Inclusion of cinnamon and banana flavorings in the diet of weaning piglets

The weaning period is one of the most critical stages in pig farming because of the stress that animals suffer when separated from their sow, along with the health challenge, fights for hierarchy, food competition and several other factors, which causes a decrease in their feed intake affecting their weight gain. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the efficacy of including flavorings (cinnamon and banana) in the diet of recently weaned piglets on their weight gain, feed intake and feed/gain ratio. For this, 20 weaned and castrated 28-day-old male piglets weighing between 6.5 - 8 kg were randomly divided into five groups: Control treatment: unflavored food; Treatment 1: food with banana flavor; Treatment 2: food with canela flavor: Treatment 3: food with banana for 10 days - canela 10 days and banana 10 days; and Treatment 4: : food with canela for 10 days - banana 10 days and canela 10 days. The flavorings were added at 1 g/kg of the diet. The feeding period lasted 30 days for each treatment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the statistical analysis, and differences were accepted with p <0.05. At the end of the study, it was determined that the weight gain, feed intake and feed/gain ratio were similar between the treatments (P> 0.05). From this, it can be suggested that the inclusion of flavorings (cinnamon and banana) in the diet of weaning piglets does not improve their growth performance.

Effects of Corn and Broken Rice Extrusion on the Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, and Gut Microbiota of Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryExtruded cereals are largely used in newly weaned piglet diets to increase nutrient digestibility and palatability. Our findings showed that corn and broken rice extrusion diets generated negative effects on average daily feed intake (−63.5 g/day, p = 0.054) and average daily gain (−60.6 g/d, p = 0.015) in weaned piglets. Decreased feed intake was associated with increased plasma levels of the gut-derived hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), which may have been attributed to increased microbiota pathogen abundance, including Sarcina, Clostridium_sensu_strictio_1, and Terrisporobacter, and decreased short-chain fatty acid-producing microbiota, such as Lactobaillaceae and Bifidobateriaceae. Our results showed that extruded cereals should be used cautiously when formulating diets for newly weaned piglets.In this study, we investigated the effects of corn and rice extrusion diets on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. Animals were divided into four dietary groups and fed a controlled diet containing (1) 62.17% corn (CORN), 15% soybean, 10% extruded full-fat soybean, and 6% fishmeal (2) half the corn replaced by extruded corn (ECORN), (3) broken rice (RICE), and (4) extruded broken rice (ERICE) for 28 days. Rice supplementation increased dry matter total tract digestibility and gross energy. Extruded cereals generated a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) at 15–28 and 1–28 days, decreased average daily growth (ADG) at 15–28 and 1–28 days, and a lowered body weight (BW) on day 28, regardless of cereal type. Dietary extruded cereals increased the appetite-regulating hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY). Piglets fed extruded cereals displayed low short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in plasma and low Lactobaillaceae and Bifidobateriaceae levels in feces, whereas a higher abundance of the potential pathogens Sarcina, Clostridium_sensu_strictio_1 and Terrisporobacter was observed. Piglets fed extruded cereals displayed significantly lower gas and SCFA levels during in vitro fermentation. Combined, 50% corn substituted with extruded corn or broken rice decreased piglet growth performance, possibly by altering their microbiota.

Sows fed with synergistic blend of short- and medium chain organic acid has a carryover effect on post-weaning growth rate.

This study investigated the effect of a synergistic blend of free and buffered organic acid (FMP) on the performance of piglets born to sows supplemented with a blend of short- and medium-chain organic acids (SGG) during the late gestation and lactation period. A total of 150 multiparous sows (n = 50/treatment, Landrace × Yorkshire) were blocked (2.4 parity) and assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: CON - corn-soybean meal-based basal diet, SGG-Low − CON+ 1.5 kg/ton SGG, and SGG-High − CON + 3kg/ton SGG. During weaning, 600 piglets (6.72 ± 0.5kg) which weaned from sows supplemented with 3 levels of SGG were allocated to 2 weaner diets (Control and FMP - 3kg/ton) following 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Supplemental effects on performance were measured at d0–d21 and d 21–42, and the entire period. Pigs fed with FMP and born to sows supplemented with SGG-High gained more weight and ate more (p < 0.05) compared with those in the CON group in both phases, and with SGG-Low in the second phase. Over the entire post-weaning period, piglets born to sows supplemented with SGG-Low and SGG-High had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) (p < 0.05). Regardless of sow treatment, pigs fed with an FMP diet had higher ADG (p < 0.001), BW (p = 0.045), and a lower feed conversion ratio (p = 0.033). Also, feeding FMP diets reduced the fecal Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens counts at d42. The current study indicates that sows fed SGG supplement had a positive carry-over effect on the post-weaning growth rate, and FMP supplement enhances the growth performance and reduced the number of C. perfringens and E. coli. Thus, the application of 3 kg/ton of SGG in sows’ diet and subsequent feeding of piglets with FMP would be an effective strategy to improve growth rate and reduce pathogenic bacteria in post-weaned piglets.

EFFECT OF CRUDE GLYCEROL SUPPLEMENTATION VIA DRINKING WATER ON LAMBS PERFORMANCE, SOME BLOOD HAEMATOLOGY, AND BIOCHEMICAL METABOLITES

EFFECT OF CRUDE GLYCEROL SUPPLEMENTATION VIA DRINKING WATER ON LAMBS PERFORMANCE, SOME BLOOD HAEMATOLOGY, AND BIOCHEMICAL METABOLITES

Partial cholecalciferol replacement with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside in diets for piglets

Context Vitamin D supplementation plays a key role because its actions positively affect the animal’s overall health for optimal performance. Aims To assess partial cholecalciferol replacement with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside for piglets on nutrient digestibility and daily balance of calcium and phosphorus, growth performance and blood metabolites. Methods To test digestibility, a total of 36 whole male piglets (18.79 ± 3.37 kg BW) were assigned in a randomised complete block design, with four treatments: (1) D3 (100% of the vitamin D supplemented with 1969 IU of cholecalciferol), (2) no supplemental sources of vitamin D (control), (3) D3 (50% of requirement + 0.375 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside) or (4) 100% supplemented with 0.750 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside. Nine replicates were performed, with one animal per experimental unit. For growth performance (Experiment II), a total of 128 whole male piglets (6.82 ± 0.38 kg BW) were distributed in a randomised complete block design, with four treatments: (1) 100% D3 (2707 IU in the pre-starter phase I, 2405 IU in the pre-starter phase II and 1969 IU in the starter phase), (2) 50% D3 + 0.25 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside, (3) 25% D3 + 0.375 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside or (4) 100% supplemented with 0.50 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside. Eight replicates were conducted, with and four animals per experimental unit. Key results The apparent digestibility of nutrients and mineral balance were not influenced (P &gt; 0.1). The results of Experiment II indicate effects (P &lt; 0.1) of vitamin D supplementation on the growth performance evaluated during the nursery phase. Plasma calcium concentrations in the pre-starter II phase showed (P &lt; 0.1) the highest concentration in the 50/50 treatment. Alkaline phosphatase showed (P &lt; 0.001) a difference between treatments in the starter phase, with treatment 25/75 promoting the lowest plasma value. Conclusions Cholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside resulted in similar digestibility and balance of calcium and phosphorus, even though the combination increased plasma calcium and alkaline phosphatase concentration in piglets. In addition, the partial replacement reduced the voluntary feed intake of piglets during nursery phase. Implications This investigation provided new information on partial cholecalciferol replacement with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside in piglet starter as an alternative in post-weaning nutrition.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО СОСТОЯНИЯ СИСТЕМЫ ПИЩЕВАРЕНИЯ СВИНЕЙ, ВЫРАЩЕННЫХ В ПРОМЫШЛЕННЫХ И ФЕРМЕРСКИХ УСЛОВИЯХ

The nutritional value of pork as a food product is quite high. This product is a complete component of the nutritional balance with the necessary supply of valuable nutrients, in particular, of protein origin. Pig breeding has a fairly high degree of distribution in our country. Along with industrial farms, farms are becoming the most promising and in demand. Analyzing statistical studies, a positive dynamic of the contribution of farms to the livestock sector of the agro-industrial complex of our country was revealed. So, the share of farms engaged in raising farm animals in 2011 was 8.9%, and in 2020 it increased almost 1.6 times, which amounted to 14%. One of the urgent problems of modern pig breeding is a violation in the diet of both adult animals and piglets. The consequence of irrational nutrition is a decrease in production indicators, diseases of the digestive system, and in some cases the death of animals. That is why the complex of knowledge about the characteristics of the digestive system of piglets and adults is of particular importance. The purpose of the study is to give a comparative analysis of the morphological state of the digestive system of pigs grown in industrial and farm conditions. The data obtained indicate the influence of the type of diet on the morphological state of the digestive system organs of pigs used in the conditions of industrial and farm animal rearing.

Advantages of sodium butyrate in weaned piglet diet

The aim was to examine production performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal histomorphology of weaned piglets (28-to 54-day-old) fed diet with 3 or 5 g of sodium butyrate per kg of diet (group II and III). Groups II and III had higher final live weight and total weight gain. The feed to gain ratio was the best in group I. The highest carcass yield was of group III. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in Escherischia coli counts in small intestine between control (I) and experimental groups (II and III), and in cecum between control (I) and experimental group II. There were significant differences (P<0.05) between all groups for the intestine length, intestine weight, and both height and width of the ileal villus. The highest villus height/crypt depth ratio of jejunum occurred in group II piglets, while the highest villus height/crypt depth ratio of ileum was in piglets from group III. The significant correlations were determined between amount of sodium butyrate and final live weight, intestinal length, intestinal weight, jejunal and ileal crypt depth, and ileal villus widths.

Effects of different inorganic: organic zinc ratios or combination of low crude protein diet and mixed feed additive in weaned piglet diets.

Thirty-six weaned piglets with an initial body weight (BW) of 8.43 ± 0.40 kg (28 days of age, ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments for a 2-week feeding trial to determine the effects of different inorganic zinc (IZ), organic zinc (OZ) or combination of low crude protein diet (LP) and Mixed feed additive (MFA) on diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, zinc utilization, blood profiles, organ weight, and fecal microflora in weaned piglet diet. The pigs were individually placed in 45 × 55 × 45 cm stainless steel metabolism cages in an environmentally controlled room (30 ± 1°C). The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC), positive control (PC; zinc oxide, 1,000 mg/kg), T1 (IZ : OZ, 850 : 150), T2 (IZ : OZ 700 : 300), T3 (IZ : OZ, 500 : 500), and T4 (LP + MFA [0.1% Essential oils + 0.08% Protease + 0.02% Xylanase]). The daily feed allowance was adjusted to 2.7 times the maintenance requirement for digestible energy (2.7 × 110 kcal of DE/kg BW0.75). This allowance was divided into two equal parts, and the piglets were fed at 08 : 30 and 17 : 30 each day. Water was provided ad libitum through a drinking nipple. The diarrhea score was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in NC treatment compared with other treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and gross energy (GE) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the T2 treatment compared with the PC and NC treatments in week 1. In week 2, the ATTD of DM, N, and GE was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the NC treatment compared with other treatments. The T3 treatment had significantly higher (p < 0.05) ATTD and apparent ileal digestibility of zinc than the PC and T1 treatments. The Escherichia coli count in feces was significantly decreased in the T4 treatment compared with the NC and T2 treatments. The Lactobacillus count in feces was significantly increased in the T4 and T1 treatment compared with the T2 and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ : OZ 500 : 500 levels could improve nutrient digestibility and zinc utilization in weaned piglets, Moreover, MFA in LP diets could be used as a zinc alternative.

Addition of L-Glutamine + Glutamic Acid and L-Arginine to the diet of weaned piglets.

This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of L-glutamine + glutamic acid and/or L-arginine on the productive performance, incidence of diarrhea, intestinal morphological of weaned piglets. Sixty-four 28-day-old weaned piglets were distributed in four treatments: DC - control diet; DG - glutamine diet (1% L-glutamine + glutamic acid); DA - arginine diet (1% L-arginine); and DGA - glutamine + arginine diet (0.5% L-glutamine + glutamic acid and 0.5% L-arginine) with eight replicates and two animals per experimental unit. The addition of 1% L-arginine to the piglet diet improved weight gain and feed conversion over 28 to 35 days of age. In the period of 28 to 49 days of age, supplementation with 1% L-glutamine + glutamic acid increased the animals' weight gain and reduced the incidence of diarrhea. Supplementation with amino acids in combination had a positive effect on the morphometric parameters of the intestinal mucosa compared to the control diet. Supplementation with 1% L-glutamine + glutamic acid increased the number of anti-PCNA+ cells and goblet cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that supplementation with L-glutamine + glutamic acid and L-arginine can improve the productive performance and enhance the integrity of the intestinal mucosa of weaned piglets.

Impacts of Betaine Addition in Sow and Piglet's Diets on Growth Performance, Plasma Hormone, and Lipid Metabolism of Bama Mini-Pigs.

The present study evaluated the effects of betaine addition in sow and piglet's diets on growth performance, plasma hormone, and lipid metabolism of Bama mini-pigs. A total of 26 pregnant Bama mini-pigs and 104 weaned piglets were selected and divided into different dietary treatment groups (details in “Materials and Methods”). Blood and muscle samples were collected at 65-, 95-, and 125-day-old, respectively. The results showed that betaine addition in sow-offspring diets increased (P < 0.05) the body weight at 125-day-old, average daily gain from 35- to 65-day-old, and average daily feed intake at 35–65 and 35–95 days old of pigs compared with the control group. Betaine addition in sow-offspring diets increased (P < 0.05) the plasma gastrin level at 95-day-old, while betaine addition in sow diets decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma peptide YY and leptin levels at 65-day-old pigs. In the longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs, betaine addition in sow and sow-offspring diets increased (P < 0.05) the C12:0 content at 65-day-old while decreased at 95-day-old. Moreover, betaine addition in sow-offspring diets increased the C24:0 content and decreased the C18:1n9t content at 125-day-old (P < 0.05). In the biceps femoris muscle, the contents of C12:0 at 65-day-old and C20:4n6 at 125-day-old were decreased (P < 0.05) after the betaine addition in both sow and piglet's diets. In addition, betaine addition in sow diets decreased (P < 0.05) the C20:0 content at 125-day-old, while betaine addition in sow-offspring diets increased the C18:3n6 and decreased C24:0 contents at 65-day-old pigs (P < 0.05). In the psoas major muscle, betaine addition in sow and sow-offspring diets decreased (P < 0.05) the contents of C18:1n9t at 65-day-old and C20:1 at 95-day-old, while betaine addition in sow diets decreased (P < 0.05) the intramuscular fat content at 125-day-old. Moreover, betaine addition in sow-offspring diets was also associated with muscle lipid deposition and metabolisms by regulating the gene expressions related to fatty acid metabolism. These findings suggested that betaine addition in sow-offspring diets could improve the growth performance, whereas betaine addition in both sow and sow-offspring diets could enhance lipid quality by altering plasma hormone level and fatty acid composition and regulating the gene expressions related to fatty acid metabolism.

Effect of Resin Acid and Zinc Oxide on Immune Status of Weaned Piglets Challenged With E. coli Lipopolysaccharide

With the ban of zinc oxide (ZnO) at high dosages in piglet diets in Europe by 2022, alternative nutritional solutions are being tested to support piglet immune defence during their weaning, the most critical and stressful moment of pig production. The present study evaluated the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO; 2,500 mg/kg diet) and resin acid concentrate (RAC; 200 mg/kg diet) on the immune defence of weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Piglets were challenged at days 7 and 21 post-weaning, and blood was sampled 1.5 and 3.0 h after each challenge to determine serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The levels of serum tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) increased at days 7 and 21, and those of IL-6 at day 21 when challenged piglets were fed a diet supplemented with ZnO. In challenged piglets fed with RAC, the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α were increased at days 7 and 21, except for that of IL-1β, which was not affected at day 21. The increased levels of these cytokines indicate the successful immune-modulatory effect of ZnO and RAC, which appears as a candidate to replace ZnO in weaned piglets' diets.

Effect of probiotics Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus megaterium on intestinal microbiota of piglets

Following the ban on the use of antibiotics in animal feed in January 2006 in the EU due to fears and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs), combined with increased consumer demand for safe food of animal origin, new strategies have been proposed to address diarrhea in piglets. occurs after weaning from sows. Accordingly, probiotics are used to create a healthy gut microbiota, improve health, well-being and productivity at all stages of pork production. Probiotics have been identified by FAO as living microorganisms that benefit animal health when taken in the right amounts. Recently, however, due to increased interest and increased research on probiotics, the definition has been expanded to include microorganisms and their fermentation products. Probiotics are defined as mixtures of known viable microbes in equivalent amounts that modify the host's microflora to benefit its health. Particularly reliable are the strains of Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus coagulans, which are able to withstand extreme environments, such as high levels of acid in the stomach, and this makes them particularly effective in eliminating gastric distress and other diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of probiotic strains of microorganisms on the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract of piglets. Addition to the diet of piglets Bacillus megaterium has a positive effect on the reproduction and accumulation of lactobacilli, helps to suppress opportunistic pathogens from the family Enterobacteriaceae (Proteus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella). Probiotic strains of Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus megaterium, reduce the number of opportunistic pathogens from the family Escherichia coli, which has hemolytic activity, compared with the control group where Escherichia coli with hemolytic activity was isolated. The number of opportunistic pathogens from the family Enterobacteriaceae (Proteus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella) in the feces of piglets of the experimental group fed Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus megaterium was 101, which is lower than in the control group – 1×102.

The Influence of feeding of polyacrylamide and mineral-vitamin supplements on growth indices and digestivity of nutrients of young food in young

The effect of feeding polyacrylamide (PA) and mineral-vitamin supplements (MVD) on the average daily gain, hematological parameters, nutrient digestibility in pigs, metabolism of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc and manganese at the age of 4.5 and 7 months. Polyacrylamide and mineral-vitamin supplements were introduced into the diets of pigs of experimental (2–4) groups, taking into account the actual presence of mineral elements and vitamins in feed and the needs of animals in them.Young animals of the 2nd group were fed polyacrylamide at the rate of 0.5 g per 1 kg of live weight; 3rd group - mineral and vitamin supplements g per ton of feed in the following quantities (mg): iron sulfate - 117, copper carbon dioxide - 36, zinc - 203, cobalt - 8, manganese chloride - 133, potassium iodide (stabilized) - 0.4 , vitamins A - 917 million IU, D - 133 million. IO, E - 972 million. IO B1 - 270, B2 - 6, C - 2250; Group 4 - polyacrylamide and mineral and vitamin supplements in the above quantities. Studies on young pigs were conducted in 2 stages: the equalization period (25 days) - the diets of piglets in the control and experimental groups are the same; main period (150 days) - animals of the control group were fed standard feed, and the experimental was given additional PA and MIA. For use in the diets of young pigs, the above additives, there was an increase in animal immunity due to increased gamma globulin in blood proteins, an increase in average daily live weight gain by 21.4 - 23.3% during the period of growing and fattening pigs, better use of animal feed , a positive effect on slaughter products. Key words: young animals, polyacrylamide, mineral elements, vitamins, albumins, globulins, live weight, rearing, fattening, feed consumption metabolism, slaughter yield.

Use of activated charcoal feed supplement in diets of pigs

Pig farming is one of the most important and strategically valuable sub-branches of animal husbandry for ensuring food security of Russia and its regions as the special role of meat and meat products is determined with their significance as the main source of proteins of animal origin in human sensible nutrition. The novelty of the work is the use of an active coal feed additive as part of the diets of experimental piglets for growth and development and meat productivity during cultivation and fattening. Effective pig farming suggests use of high-quality feeds meeting requirements of presence of nutritional components and absence or minimum content of harmful and toxic substances. The conducted studies prove that the dose of activated charcoal feed supplement in the amount of 0.050 g/kg of live weight gives the highest results.

Effects of Supplementation with a Quebracho Tannin Product as an Alternative to Antibiotics on Growth Performance, Diarrhea, and Overall Health in Early-Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryThe restriction of the use of antibiotics in swine production worldwide has influenced pork production efficiency. New in-feed additives must be sustainable, prevent diarrhea in early weaning piglets, and promote growth performance. Novel in-feed additives, probiotics, prebiotics, organic compounds, mineral salts and vegetable extract have been extensively studied; most have shown some limitations that discourage extensive use. We investigated the plant extract MGM-P (a quebracho tannin product) as an alternative animal feed additive to antibiotics. We considered its unique structure, antibacterial, antioxidant, radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory activities, and sustainability. We began with a low-level addition trial; 0.3% MGM-P had a more robust effect than 0.2% MGM-P. The findings demonstrated that 0.3% MGM-P supplementation prevented diarrhea in 21-day-old weaned piglets, improving piglet health without adversely influencing growth performance. Practical studies of the mechanisms underlying the effects of MGM-P and the optimal amount for supplementation are needed to confirm our findings.This study assessed the feasibility of using a vegetable extract, MGM-P (quebracho tannin product), as an alternative to antibiotics for weaned piglets; it investigated MGM-P effects on growth performance, diarrhea, and overall health in early-weaned piglets. In total, 24 piglets were allocated to three treatment groups fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.2%, or 0.3% MGM-P for 20 days. The addition of 0.3% MGM-P to the diet of early-weaned piglets improved diarrhea incidence, hematological parameters, and intestinal mucosa structure. Furthermore, the addition of 0.2% or 0.3% MGM-P to the diet of early-weaned piglets did not affect their overall health. Importantly, MGM-P had no effects on average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), or feed conversion ratio (FCR). Gut morphology analysis showed that treatment with 0.3% MGM-P enhanced the jejunal villus height (p < 0.05) while reducing the ileal crypt depth (p < 0.05) and colon mucosal thickness (p < 0.05). Collectively, the findings suggested that the use of MGM-P as an alternative to dietary antibiotics could improve diarrhea incidence in early-weaned piglets without negative effects on growth performance or overall health.

Bone traits and gastrointestinal tract parameters of piglets fed cholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the cholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside supplementation in piglet diet on organ biometry and physicochemical composition, pH of the digestive tract contents, and bone traits. A total of 128 entire male piglets (21 days-old, 6.82±0.38 kg body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized block design with eight replications and four animals per experimental unit. The treatments were composed of a diet 100/0 = 100% of the vitamin D supplemented with cholecalciferol; 50/50 = 50% supplemented with cholecalciferol + 0.25 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside; 25/75 = 25% supplemented with cholecalciferol + 0.375 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside; and 0/100 = 0.50 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside. The results indicated that piglets fed 100/0 showed an increase in spleen weight compared with those fed 0/100 and greater heart dry matter than piglets fed the 50/50 diet. Phosphorus concentration in the spleen was higher in piglets that received 25/75 when compared with those that received the 100/0 and 0/100 diets. Piglets that received the 0/100 diet showed higher pH of the stomach contents, but showed reduced pH of the contents of the jejunum and ileum. The width of the epiphysis and diaphysis was greater when piglets consumed the 50/50 treatment; however, a lower epiphysis height was observed. The use of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside alone in piglet diets does not negatively influence the pH of the gastrointestinal tract and organ physicochemical composition. In addition, the use of diets with 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside as a replacement for cholecalciferol reduces spleen weight and promotes improvements in bone development.

Effects of Replacing Medical Zinc Oxide with Different Ratios of Inorganic: Organic Zinc or Reducing Crude Protein Diet with Mixed Feed Additives in Weaned Piglet Diets.

Simple SummaryPiglets frequently experience post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) due to various stress factors at the weaning stage. PWD affects the growth performance and mortality of piglets, and they face various diseases due to reduced immunity response. A high dose of zinc oxide (ZnO) is used as a feed additive to prevent diarrhea occurrence and to promote immune system development. However, most of ZnO is discharged as manure, causing soil heavy metalization, accumulation in pork, increased and antimicrobial resistance. For this reason, research to reduce zinc excretion and prevent PWD through the supplementation of low-dose zinc in feed is essential; moreover, it is essential to develop alternatives to ZnO addition. Therefore, we hypothesized that different ratios of inorganic zinc and organic zinc at 1000 mg/kg or a low-protein diet with commercial feed additives containing either essential oils, protease, and xylanase (MFA) could replace high-dose ZnO by preventing diarrhea and improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health. We found that inorganic and organic zinc at a ratio of 500:500 mg/kg and a low-protein diet with essential oil, protease, and xylanase can be used to replace medical ZnO in weaned piglet diets.One hundred twenty weaned piglets (9.34 ± 0.74 kg) were used in a four-week experiment to investigate the effects of replacing medical ZnO with a different ratio of inorganic and organic zinc (IZ:OZ) or a low-crude-protein diet (LP) with mixed feed additives (MFAs) in the weaned piglets’ diet. The dietary treatments included a control (CON), T1 (T1; ZnO 1000 mg/kg), T2 (IZ:OZ 850:150), T3 (IZ:OZ 700:300), T4 (IZ:OZ, 500:500), and T5 (LP with MFAs (0.1% essential oils + 0.08% protease + 0.02% xylanase)). The growth performance was decreased (p < 0.05) in the CON treatment compared with the T4 treatment. The diarrhea incidence was decreased (p < 0.05) in the T4 and the T5 treatment compared with the CON and the T1 treatments. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients were increased (p < 0.05) in the T4 and T5 treatments compared with the CON, T1, and T2 treatments. The T4 treatment had a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of zinc than the T1, T2, and T3 treatments. The fecal microflora was improved (p < 0.05) in the T5 treatment compared with the CON and T3 treatments. In conclusion, IZ:OZ 500:500 could improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and zinc utilization while reducing diarrhea incidence in weaned piglets. Moreover, LP with MFA could replace medical ZnO.

Extruded soybean in pig feeding in the nursery phase:performance

The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by extruded whole soybean in the feeding of pigs in the nursery phase. Thirty-six piglets (Landrace x Large White), with 45 days weighing on average 11.36 kg, distributed in arandomized block design, three treatments, six replicates, two animals per repetition were used. The treatments consisted of: control treatment (T1) basal diet, basal diet with 10% replacement of soybean meal by extruded soybean (T2), basal diet with 20% replacement of soybean meal by extruded soybean (T3). The variables analyzed were: average weight, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion. The levels of ureatic activity, ether extract, crude protein, protein solubility and volatile moisture of extruded soybean were verified. No difference was found (P&gt;0.05) between the inclusion levels of extruded soybean in piglet diets in the nursery phase for the variables studied. The processing of extruded whole soybean did not affect its digestibility. Extrudedsoybeans at a level of up to 20% included in piglet feeding during the nursery phase can be a possible substitute for soybean meal, without compromising the performance of the animals.

Production and Economic Feasibility of Hydroponics Maize Fodder on Performance of Piglets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydroponics maize fodder on growth and nutrient digestibility of weaned piglets from July 1st, 2017 to August 11th, 2017, for six weeks. The experiment consisted of 75 days old, 15 crossbreed piglets (Duroc x Nagpuri &amp; Duroc) in a Completely Randomized Design with three treatments and five replications. Treatment 1 (T1) contained 100% concentrate feed, Treatment 2 (T2) 90% concentrate feed and 10% hydroponics maize fodder and Treatment 3 (T3) 80% concentrate feed and 20% hydroponics maize fodder in the diet. The study revealed that hydroponics maize fodder contained DM 13.80%, CP 12.54%, NDF 47.04%, and ADL 16.51%. The treatments had non-significant effect (P &gt; 0.05) on daily weight gain, final weight and feed conversion ratio of the piglets. However, piglets fed with 90% concentrate and 10% hydroponics maize fodder had the highest final weight (35.8±5.0 kg), while the lowest (33.6±5.00 kg) was recorded in piglets fed with 80% concentrate and 20% hydroponics maize fodder. The cost of hydroponics maize fodder production was Rs. 20.62 per kg, which was higher than the cost in the Indian context. The difference in Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was also not significant. However, piglets fed with T2 (1:2.58) diet recorded higher FCR than T3 (1:2.56) and T1 (1:2.51). In conclusion, the inclusion of hydroponics maize fodder in piglets diet appeared promising in growth, nutrient digestibility and cost of production.

PSVI-5 Effect of probiotic supplementation on performance and intestinal integrity in weaned piglets

Abstract Probiotics are being considered as an alternative means to reduce pathogen infection and improve animal health especially around the time of weaning. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of the use of a probiotic in diets for piglets on their performance and intestinal integrity during nursery phase. Thirty-six piglets (18 barrows and 18 females), weaned at 24 days of age were distributed in a randomized block design, with six repetitions per treatment (with or without addition of 50g/ton of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315, GutCare®, Evonik Industries) and each repetition with three pigs per experimental unit. During the experimental period, performance parameters evaluated were body weight (BW), daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion, average daily weight gain (ADG) and the intestinal integrity assessed via galactose absorption capacity. The performance data were submitted to the PDIFF option of the SAS and compared using the Tukey test. During phase 1 (24 to 31 days of age) the use of the probiotic tended (P = 0.07) to improve ADG (+76 g/ d) in comparison to control. As for phase 2 (32 to 39 days of age), 3 (40 to 53 days of age) and 4 (54 to 70 days of age) the use of the probiotic increased the ADFI (+118, +66 and +162 g/ d, respectively; P &amp;lt; 0.05) and ADG (+5 and +8%, respectively for phase 2 and 3; P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared to control. The use of the probiotic improved (P = 0.05) nursery end BW (+1.3 kg) and overall ADFI (+8%; P = 0.046). The intestinal integrity was not affected by treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.10) at any stage. In conclusion, the use of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DSM 32315 in diets for weaned piglets can be used as a viable formulation strategy to improve performance and the intestinal health of the animals during nursery phase.