Pig Rations Research Articles

Nutritional value of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) and its suitability as animal feed – a review

The black soldier fly (BSF;Hermetia illucens L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) has been studied for its capability to convert organic waste to high quality protein, control certain harmful bacteria and insect pests, provide potential chemical precursors to produce biodiesel and for its use as feed for a variety of animals. Nutritional value of BSF larvae is discussed, as well as the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on both larval body composition and performance. Although BSF larvae contain high protein levels (from 37 to 63% dry matter; DM), and other macro- and micronutrients important for animal feed, the available studies on including BSF larvae in feed rations for poultry, pigs and fish suggest that it could only partially replace traditional feedstuff, because high or complete replacement resulted in reduced performance. This is due to factors such as high fat content (from 7 to 39% DM), ash (from 9 to 28% DM), and consequences of processing. Therefore, further studies are needed on nutrient composition, digestibility and availability for target species and on improved methods to process larvae, among other aspects. Additionally, it is clear that factors including quantity and quality of food, temperature, substrate moisture and/or larval crowding can affect BSF performance. However, the biology of BSF, in particular of the adult stage, has not been studied in detail. This review provides background information on the nutritional value of BSF larvae, its suitability as animal feed, biotic and abiotic conditions that affect its performance, and identifies which knowledge is required to ensure more dependable yields of BSF-mass rearing and development of economically feasible methods to take advantage of this species as animal feed.

Modulation of Protein Metabolism to Mitigate Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emission from Excreta of Livestock.

Dietary protein is the main source of the body needed protein for animals. A great number of domestic animals including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and chicken and other species are raised in the world to supply meat, milk and eggs that contain high quality of protein for human consumption. Domestic animals consume a great amount of feeds and water and excrete a large amount of faeces and urine. The conversion rate of dietary nitrogen (N, mainly dietary protein) to product N in livestock is low and the amount of N excretion is high and the nitrogenous compounds in excreta can be used as materials for nitrous oxide (N2O) formation in the processes of nitrification and denitrification in storage of excreta. Hence livestock farms and grazing pastures are important sources of N2O. N2O is a potent greenhouse gas and the key factor that damages the ozonosphere of the earth. Therefore, it is urgent to reveal the dietary protein metabolism processes and the regulation mechanism, which will help to reduce N2O emission. The nutritional options to reduce N excretion from livestock and consequently N2O emission include feeding low N rations and supplementing essential amino acid (AA) such as lysine and methionine to balance the AA profile of rations for pigs and ruminants. Other options include regulating partition of N excretion from urine to faeces and urinary nitrogenous constituents by decreasing urea N and increasing hippuric acid in ruminants. Supplementing tannic acid in the ration of ruminants has the potential to decrease the ratio of urinary N/faecal N and regulate the urinary nitrogenous components of ruminants and possibly reduce N2O emission in storage of excreta.

Development of cereals for animal feed technology

The technological process of cereals production used in the production of feed stuff, which includes the following basic steps: grain moistening; binning of moistened grain for redistribution of moisture in the bulk of kernel; steaming of moistened grain; rolling of steamed grain; drying and cooling of flakes – is developed. In the production of flakes from scoured barley and oat grain before feeding to the rolling line film removal from the grain of these crops and the separation of the husks is carried out by one the existing methods: the method of grinding, followed by sifting and eventilation of films from tail fractions or a method of peeling on special machines with a separation of films. Wet-heat treatment of grain, followed by rolling helps to improve taste and palatability of feed, improves the nutritional value of carbohydrate and protein complexes, reduces the exertion of the body to digest food nutrients, allows to inactivate antinutritional substances and free the grain from the pathogenic and other microorganisms. In the duration of rolling process splitting of complex carbohydrates occurs, starch loses its original structure and is easier exposed to enzymes. The dried and cooled flakes have satisfactory flowability, do not set up. Humidity of flakes is not more than 14%, the temperature is not more than 10 °C above the ambient temperature, bulk density is 350–400 kg/m3. Developed set of equipment allows producing cereal flakes, the use of which in feed stuff and rations of young cattle and pigs increases the productivity of animals by 15–20% while reducing feed costs by 12–15%. Cereal flakes are used in the manufacture of complete feed for piglets (pigs at the age of 10 to 60 days), feed concentrates for pigs under the age of 4 months, the calves under the age of 115 days, high-producing cows, sporting and trained horses and lactating mares.

ФАРМАКОЛОГІЧНА ДІЯ ПРЕПАРАТУ «ЕКОСОРБ 25» ТА ВПЛИВ НА РІВЕНЬ НАПРУЖЕНОСТІ ІМУНІТЕТУ СВИНЕЙ, ЩО ЗНАХОДЯТЬСЯ НА ВІДГОДІВЛІ

In the articles resulted the uses of preparation given inrelation to expediency are with adsorbent properties of «Еcosorb 25» for pigs that are on fattening. Undertakenstudies it is well–proven that introduction in the complementof ration of the indicated adsorbent from a calculation 5 kg/1the ton of forage is predetermined by an increase in the serum of blood of content of immunoproteins. Content ofimmunoproteins is in the serum of blood of pigs, that it isexposed to research to application of adsorbent was differentand was in a wide range, a mean value was 15.9 ± 3.2 gs/l immune status of investigational population is different Accordingly. Consider that such wide range of data testifiesto different activity of functioning of the immune system andconditioned by the different antigen loading each ofinvestigationalanimals. In a 21 twenty–four hours, after thebeginning of application of adsorbent of «Еcosorb 25» content of immunoproteins in the serum of blood of pigs of anexperience group is considerably less in comparing to theanimals that in composition a ration got «Ecosorb 25». Forthese pigs (control group) content of immunoproteins was at the level of a 16.6 ± 1.27g/l, but substantially differed for every animal, that testifiedtheir immune status to different. For the pigs of an experiencegroup a difference is between the least and maximal index ofcontent of immunoproteins presented 17.8% that specified onalmost identical reactivity of the immune system (reduction ofreceipt of antigens, maybe and mycotoxins from agastrointestinal tract). Got the given is conditioned by thedisplay of adsorbent action of preparation that is entered to the ration of pigs of an experience group. Positive influence of «Ecosorb 25» on functioning of the immune system atintroduction to the ration of pigs that are on fattening, theresults of research of serum of blood testify through 2 missesafter the beginning of application. Reduction to content of immunoproteins is registered in theserum of blood of pigs of control group on 15.7% comparing to the previous index (21twenty–four hours) and 19.5% animals of an experience group. For certain (Р ≥ 0,99) contentof immunoproteins increased in the serum of blood of pigs ofan experience group 17 ± 0.25 gs/of to 14.0 ± 0.76 g/l that maybe it contingently the receipt of substances with animmunodepressive action (including and micotoxins) in the organism of animals of control group. Id est, at feeding to the pigs of preparation of «Ecosorb 25» with adsorbent properties during 2th months, stipulated reduction of receiptof toxins in blood, and accordingly and reduction offunctional activity immune. It provides rapid reactivity of the immune system andsynthesis of sufficient amount of antibodies at the hit ofmicroorganisms to the organism of pigs, that in compositiona ration got an adsorbent. As for the animals of control group registered reduction to content of immunoproteins in theserum of blood, it testifies to weakening of functional activityof the immune system. The difference of content ofimmunoproteins in the serum of blood of pigs testifies to the increase of providing of better immunological defence in the organism of animals of anexperience group and reduction of him in a control group.

English

This study investigated the effects of Aspergillus niger CSA35 pretreated-cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peel feed (CPFG) on the body weight gain and some selected biochemical parameters of pigs. Cassava peels treated with biomass of A. niger CSA35 for a period of three weeks to initiate enzymatic digestion of peels were dried, ground and used in varying proportions to formulate pig rations in combination with other feed ingredients. Twenty 85–95 days old pigs (5.85 ± 0.70 kg) were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Group 1 received 0% CPFG amidst other feed ingredients (control), while Groups 2, 3 and 4 received 40%, 60% and 100% CPFG respectively. At the end of the feeding trial (21 days), the animals were weighed and blood samples collected for biochemical analysis. Results showed that increasing the amount of the fungus-pretreated cassava peels in pig rations increased the protein, fat and carbohydrate contents of the experimental feeds. Conversely, the percentage fibre content was reduced. The weight gain of pigs fed the control diet was significantly (p<0.05) lower than those fed with 60% CPFG and 100% CPFG but did not differ from those fed 40% CPFG. Serum calcium and albumin levels were observed to be significantly lower (p<0.05) in control group than in treatment groups. The highest serum calcium level was, however, observed in 100% CPFG group. Activities of liver function enzymes and serum creatinine level of pigs fed the formulated diets did not significantly differ from those of control unlike their serum urea levels. It was concluded that pig feeds formulated with cassava peels pretreated with A. niger CSA35 enhanced feed’s nutritive value and metabolisable energy, boosted serum albumin and calcium levels in pigs, increased pigs body weight and are health-friendly since the feeds did not pose threat of liver damage in the pigs investigated. Key words: Cassava peels, Aspergillus niger CSA35, pig feed formulation, weight gain, biochemical parameters.

Nutritional Value and Seasonal Availability of Feed Ingredients for Pigs in Uganda

Abstract In this study nutritional values and seasonal availability of 43 local feed ingredients for pigs in Uganda, were estimated based on nutrient analyses and literature values, information needed to develop low-cost balanced rations for pigs on smallholder farms. Parameters considered were: concentration of ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), ether extract (EE), total lysine (Lys), standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys, standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P (all as % of dry matter [DM]); digestible energy (DE), (kcal kg−1 of DM); and DM concentration. Concentration of DE, total Lys, SID Lys, and STTD P were estimated. Ingredient seasonal availability and relative importance were identified. Ground sun-dried fish (Rastrineobola argentea) had highest estimated DE concentration and Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) had lowest (4209 and 535 kcal kg−1 of DM, respectively). Ground sun-dried fish had highest CP and estimated total Lys concentration (59.9 and 6.7% of DM, respectively) and banana peel (Musa sapientum), had lowest (5.21 and 0.08% of DM, respectively). Milled ingredients sampled here had higher ash than in the literature (e.g. ground sun-dried fish 58.1 vs 15.9% of DM) likely indicating sand contamination. There were 3 seasons of availability of ingredients. Banana peel, maize bran, and sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) were ranked highest; and commercially-prepared ration, and kale/collard greens (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), were ranked lowest as potential feed ingredients. Ingredients with nutritional profiles suitable for pigs are available but some only in certain seasons. Estimated nutritional values may assist in ration formulation.

Exploring the Feasibility of Using Silage-Based Feed with Alternative Sources of Protein in Organic Pig Rations

Current regulations for organic pig and poultry production systems permit feed ingredients of non-organic origin at an inclusion rate of up to 5 per cent. This is primarily due to concerns that there is an insufficient supply of organic protein on the European Union market, in terms of quality and quantity, to meet the nutritional requirements of pigs and poultry raised on organic farms. However, 100 per cent organic diets for monogastric livestock will become compulsory in the EU from 1 January 2018, and there is therefore a need to develop sustainable feeding strategies based on organic feeds. This feed trial conducted in the UK explores the feasibility of using a silage-based feeding system for Gloucester Old Spot pigs, and compares the inclusion of soya, beans and peas as protein sources in terms of pig growth performance. No significant difference in the pen mean daily live weight gain was observed during the grower phase (pen mean age of 11-14 weeks) between the diet groups. However, during the finisher phase (pen mean age of 15-22 weeks), pigs on the soya and pea rations had significantly faster growth rates than pigs fed the bean ration. It is speculated that the slight shortfall in growth rate observed in the pigs fed the bean ration may be offset by the lower cost of production of beans in the UK. This feasibility trial demonstrates that a 100 per cent organic diet for pigs using alternative, locally-grown sources of protein as part of a forage-based ration can provide a viable alternative to a soya-based diet.

Evaluation of poultry whole carcass meal as an animal protein source in fattening crossbred pig rations

A feeding trial was carried out to evaluate poultry whole carcass meal as an alternate of dry fish in pig diets. A total of 18 weaned 75% Large White Yorkshire (LWY) crossbred pigs were selected randomly and divided in to three groups namely T1 (Control-pigs fed with balanced swine grower cum fattener ration containing dry fish as animal protein source), T2 (pigs fed with balanced swine grower cum fattener ration containing 5% poultry whole carcass meal) and T3 (pigs fed with balanced swine grower cum fattener ration containing 10% poultry whole carcass meal). All the pigs were fed with iso-caloric iso-nitrogenous grower ration throughout the experimental period (from 3 to 9 months of age). Numerically higher 270 day body weight and weight gain (kg) were recorded in T3 group as compared to T1 and T2 groups. Economic parameters like average daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between treatment groups. About 16.89% and 7.57% reduction was observed in feed cost per kg live weight gain in T2 and T4 groups respectively, as compared to control. From this study, it was concluded that, poultry whole carcass meal can be incorporated at 10% level in fattening crossbred pig rations

UtMization of oil palm waste as a low cost feed ingredient for growing pigs to reduce the environmental pollution

Oil palm is the one of the most popular oil crop in many regions of the world and it plays an importantrole as a component of animal feed and as a cooking material in an industrial sector. However, everyton of oil produced generates tons of effluent and this cannot be released to the environment directlyas it causes environmental pollution due to its high biological and chemical oxygen demand. Therefore,an experiment was conducted to investigate the potential use of oil palm decanter cake as an ingredientto prepare a low cost ration for 36 cross bred pigs (Land race* Large white) using complete randomizedstatistical design. Four different ration such as 1: 1 poultry offal and decanter cake (TI), 3: I poultryoffal and decanter cake (T2), commercial ration (T3) and mixed feed (poultry offal, decanter cake,rice bran and beer pulp; T4) were fed to pigs during growing stage. Growth performances; dailyintake (01), daily weight gain CDWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined during theexperiment and carcass quality parameters; carcass depth, carcass length, back fat thickness (8FT)and dressing percentage were measured at the end of the experiment.Results demonstrated that the daily intake was highest (4.2 ±0.15 kg/day) in pigs fed with T4 rationcompared to the other rations due to nutrient imbalance with deficient residue composition. Althoughcommercial ration shown that lowest intake and FCR (l.99 kg/day and 3.57 ± 0.27) together withhighest weight gain (562.5 ± 44 g/day) mainly due to proper nutrient balance. Live weight, carcassweight and carcass depth of the pigs fed with TI, T2, and T3 rations were significantly different (P <0.05) than T4 which have the lowest value (81 ± 5.17 kg, 62.33 ± 4.64 kg and 33.33 ± 0.67 ern).However, carcass length of the animals was not significantly different (P < 0.05) between fourtreatmentbecause the length mainly depends on genetic factors. Pigs fed with commercial rationshown that highest back fat thickness of 4.47 ± 0.39 ern. Since, there is no significant difference (P <0.05) of the 8FT among the treatments.The results suggest that, in spite of the DWG and high FCR observed with TI and T2, the carcasscharacteristics are not different as compared with pigs fed with commercial ration. Therefore, theresults of this study conformed that decanter cake could be used as a substitute in pig rations toreduce the cost and also to utilize by product of oil palm effluent to minimize environmental pollution.

Efeito da adição de probiótico em dietas de leitões desmamados sobre as características do sistema digestório e de desempenho

Os objetivos foram avaliar os efeitos da adição de diferentes concentrações de probiótico (0; 200 e 300mg/kg de ração) em rações de leitões recém desmamados e em diferentes idades de abate, sobre as características do sistema digestório e desempenho zootécnico. Foram utilizados 35 leitões desmamados, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x2+1 (três concentrações de probiótico x duas idades de abate + grupo abatido ao desmame). Foram abatidos cinco leitões no dia da desmama e os demais ao 31º e 41º dia de idade. Foram amostrados segmentos do duodeno e jejuno para a contagem de vilosidades, pesados o pâncreas e fígado e calculado o rendimento de carcaça. Para incidência de diarréia e desempenho, foram utilizados 30 animais e as avaliações foram realizadas nos seguintes períodos: P1- 0 a 10, P2- 11 a 20 e Período Total- 0 a 20 dias pós desmame. Não houve efeito das concentrações do probiótico sobre as características do sistema digestório e a incidência de diarréia, no entanto o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram afetados. Concluiu-se que o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar de leitões suplementados com 200mg de probiótico/kg de ração foi melhor do que o grupo suplementado com 300mg de probiótico/kg de ração. As diferentes concentrações de probiótico adicionadas na ração de leitões não alteraram as características do sistema digestório, mostrando-se alterações apenas em relação à idade do abate.

Efeito da inclusão de farelo de arroz integral em rações para leitões de 21 a 42 dias de idade

Sixty castrated male and female piglets (commercial lineage), weaned at 21 days of age and average live weight of 5.4 ± 1.44 kg, were used aiming to evaluate the effect on productive performance, diarrhea, and economic viability of adding different levels of rice bran (RB) in rations for pigs. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments (0.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15,0 and 20.0% of RB) and 6 replicates per treatment, where the experimental unit (plot) consisted of two animals. Results showed that daily mean feed intake (DMFI), daily mean weight gain (DMWG) and feed conversion (FC), as well as the occurrence of diarrhea, did not differ significantly (p>0.05) for the different levels of RB inclusion in the ration. The economic analysis showed no significant difference among treatments. It is concluded that adding rice bran up to 20% in pig ratios for the period from 21 to 42 days of age is technically viable.

Effect of using amaranth hydrolysate on efficiency of raising weaner pigs

The addition of amaranth grass meal hydrolysate to the ration of weaner pigs at of rate of 10% of mixed feed dry matter increases the digestibility of protein, fat, and cellulose, degree of assimilation of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus, and rate of growth and development of pigs.

A description of local pig feeding systems in village smallholder farms of Western Kenya

We used face-to-face interviews to gather data on pig feeding practices in rural Busia District, Kenya. We visited 164 pig farms three times in the course of the study period. The pigs were weighed in kilograms during the visits. Feeds offered to pigs were described during the interviews. The most frequently fed feedstuffs were; ground maize or "ugali" (88%), kitchen leftovers (83%) and dried fish locally called "omena" (78%). Farmers provided pigs with water separately from the feeds. Sweet potatoes, "ugali" and cassava were available and could serve as good sources of energy for pigs in the district. Fruits and vegetables were also available and could potentially act as good sources of vitamins. Sweet potato vines, "omena" fish and slaughter blood were available and could provide pigs with proteins. The average daily gain (ADG) for pigs ≤ 5 months of age, pigs of 5.1-9.9 months of age and pigs of ≥ 10 months old was 94.5 (± 43), 127 (± 49.8) and 99 (± 92) g, respectively (p = 0.000). This study has outlined the different local pig feeds available in Busia district. We recommend two things: first, additional research on nutrient composition for the identified local feeds, and second, developing and validating simple local feed combinations that would achieve balanced local pig rations.

Replacement of fish meal with shrimp waste meal in weaner pig ration

replacement of fish meal with shrimp waste meal in weaner pig ration

The effect of copper complex of methionine compared with copper sulfate in growing pigs

The aim of this study was to compare 2 copper products and examine their influence on hematological parameters, body weight, and content of copper and iron in the liver and spleen of pigs. In this experiment, 60 day-old pigs, bw \approx 10 kg, (Camborough hybrid) were fed 1 of 3 treatments for 20 days: 20 ppm copper from copper methionine (Cu MET), 40 ppm copper from Cu MET, and 20 ppm Cu from copper sulfate (Cu SUL). Control group did not receive any copper supplementation. Our data show that a daily dose of 20 ppm Cu MET supplemented to the ration of pigs exerts positive effects on blood hemoglobin on day 10 and erythrocyte levels on day 20, and copper and iron storage in the liver and spleen of pigs as compared with the control. Growth response from added Cu MET showed some improvements over pigs fed the control diet; however, no significant difference was found between these groups.

Effects of feeding different levels of cowpea(<i>Vigna unguiculata</i>) on gut morphology and feacal composition in weanling pigs

The effects of feeding diets containing different levels of raw cowpea on the histomorphometry of the small intestine and faecal composition were investigated in weaned piglets. A total of 100 21-day-old weaners were divided into five equal groups and were assigned to one of the five following meals; '100% soyabean (I ); 25o/o cowpea (T2);50% cowpea [);75% cowpea (Ta) and 100% cowpea (T5). There were five pens for each group and four piglets per pen. The feeding trial lasted 28 days. Anti-nutritional factor (ANF) assay of the feeds revealed a higher tannin content in the Ta and T5 groups. Live weight gain was lower in the T5 group, as compared to other groups. Those animals which were fed diets T1 to Ta had longer vil l i , larger vil lus area and greater villi perimeter than pigs fed T5 diet. Fresh faeces collected daily for up to seven days postweaning, were analysed for their pH and moisture content while osmolarity and the levels of electrolytes, glucose and protein were determined from their extracts. The faecal analysis revealed an increase in the moisture content and a decrease in osmolarity in the T1 and T5 groups. Glucose and electrolyte concentrations were highest in the faeces of T1, T2 and T3 animals. A transient and mild diarrhoea was observed in the T1 group. However, 100% raw cowpea feeding (T5) results in pathophysiological changes in gut morphology leading to impaired absorption of nutrients. ANFs in the raw cowpeas could account for the observed changes in gut morphology and faecal parameters. The diminished growth therefore may be due to reduced digestive and absorptive capacities as a result of intestinal mucosal changes. lt is suggested that processing of cowpeas is essential in addition to reducing the percentage composition of cowpeas in the pig ration, if they are to be recommended as a suitable alternative to the soyabeans in stockfeed.

Effect of Dietary Energy Level on Nutrient Utilization, Insulin-like Growth Factor-I and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in Plasma, Liver and Longissimus dorsi Muscle in Growing-finishing Pigs Using Soybean Oil as an Energy Source

Two experiments were carried out to study the effects of dietary energy level on nutrient digestion, nitrogen (N) utilization, growth performance, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in plasma, liver and longissimus dorsi muscle in growing-finishing pigs. In experiment 1 (Exp 1), 15 castrated male pigs (Duroc×Landrace ×Large White) (Body weight, BW, 55.6±1.8 kg) were divided into three groups and fed rations containing 13.33, 14.87 and 17.35 MJ digestible energy (DE)/kg as treatments I, II and III, respectively, using soybean oil as an energy source. The experiment lasted 8 days and faecal and urinary samples were collected during the last 3 days. The results showed that the digestibility of dry matter (DM), energy and N was increased from treatments I to III (p 0.05). In experiment 2 (Exp 2), 36 female pigs (Duroc×Landrace×Large White) (BW 41.5±3.8 kg) were divided into three groups. The pigs were fed with the same three rations used in Exp 1 for 60 days. At the end of Exp 2, eight pigs were selected from each group for blood sampling and 4 pigs for slaughter trial. The results indicated that average daily feed intake (ADFI) and N-intake were significantly decreased (p<0.01), and DE intake (p<0.01) and average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05) were increased. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in plasma were increased (p<0.05). No significant differences in IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in liver and longissimus dorsi muscle were found between different treatments. It was concluded that higher dietary DE level improved nutrient digestibility, ADG and feed/gain ratio when soybean oil was used as an energy source in the ration of growing-finishing pigs. No significant differences were found in N- retention and IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in liver and longissimus dorsi muscle between different treatments. (Key Words : Dietary Energy, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, Pigs, Soybean Oil)

Níveis de energia metabolizável em rações formuladas com base no conceito de proteína ideal e suplementadas com fitase para leitões dos 15 aos 35 kg

Um experimento foi conduzido para avaliar a influência de diferentes níveis de energia metabolizável (EM) e proteína bruta (PB) em rações formuladas segundo o conceito de proteína ideal com suplementação de fitase sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de leitões dos 15 aos 35 kg. Foram utilizados 84 leitões híbridos comerciais (Agroceres × MS60) com peso médio inicial de 15,3 kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 + 1, composto de três níveis de energia metabolizável (3.080, 3.230 e 3.380 kcal/kg), dois de proteína bruta (14% e 16%) e da suplementação com aminoácidos sintéticos e fitase (1.000 uft/kg de ração), por meio da redução do teor de cálcio em 25% e o de fósforo em 30%. A ração controle com 18% de PB foi formulada segundo o conceito de proteína bruta e sem adição de fitase, visando atender às exigências nutricionais de leitões, totalizando sete tratamentos, cada um com seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. As rações não influenciaram o ganho de peso, a conversão alimentar, o consumo de energia metabolizável e os pesos dos órgãos (tanto absoluto como relativo) dos leitões. O consumo de ração foi maior e a taxa de deposição de gordura foi menor nos leitões alimentados com rações contendo 3.080 kcal EM/kg. Verificaram-se redução no consumo de nitrogênio, aumento na eficiência de utilização de nitrogênio para ganho e menor teor de uréia sanguínea nos leitões alimentados com as rações com 14% PB em comparação àquelas com 18%. A redução dos níveis de EM, PB, fósforo disponível (Pd) e cálcio (Ca) para 3.080 kcal/kg, 14; 0,54 e 0,28%, respectivamente, em rações para leitões, formuladas segundo o conceito de proteína ideal e fitase, não prejudica o desempenho de leitões dos 15 aos 35 kg.

Performance and carcass yield of barrows fed dried poultry waste as a replacement for palm kernel cake

Performance characteristics and carcass yield obtained from barrows (castrated male pigs) fed a diet in which dried poultry waste (DPW) totally replaced palm kernel cake (PKC) was investi-gated. The DPW diet was inferior in terms of total weight gained (30.8 kg as opposed to 34.2 kg for the PKC diet). The daily weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization were also better in the PKC diet (610.70 g versus 550 g and 0.318 versus 0.288, respectively). The carcass yield is 43.57 and 41.39 kg in the PKC and DPW diets, respectively. However, the DPW diet showed a lower feed cost per kilogram of the diet and gave higher monetary returns per kilogram of meat produced. Also this study revealed that using DPW to fatten pigs up to 60 kg resulted in a net saving of N196.00 per pig. The inclusion of DPW at this level in the growers’ ration for pigs could therefore be beneficial in terms of reduction of feed cost and higher returns per kilogram of meat produced.

Effects of feeding fat‐coated butyrate on mucosal morphology and function in the small intestine of the pig

As shown earlier, pig rations with high starch and purine content initiate mucosal hypertrophy by stimulating mitotic activity and DNA formation in the small intestine, whereas in the colon butyrate inhibits apoptosis and thus increases crypt depth. It was the aim of this study to combine these effects by targeting fat-coated butyrate into the small intestine where it usually does not occur, and to investigate effects on mucosal development and function. Three groups of five pigs were fed 3.6 kg/day of either a low-energy ration [deficit group, 6.6 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg] or a high-energy ration (13.7 MJ ME/kg) that was supplemented with brewing yeast as a source of purines. The third ration was of high energy and contained purines and was additionally supplemented with coated butyrate (13.5 MJ ME/kg; 29 g calcium butyrate/kg). Rations were fed for 5 days. After killing, tissue samples were obtained from the proximal, medial and distal parts of jejunum for histology. Chyme samples were obtained from the ileum of all animals and used for sucrase determination. Villus size was not changed by feeding, but butyrate had an effect on plica height and area mainly in the medial jejunum. Plica area in the butyrate group (4.2 mm(2)) was significantly higher (p <or= 0.01) compared with that of the deficit group (2.3 mm(2)) and high-energy group (2.7 mm(2); p <or= 0.01). For the butyrate group, sucrase activity in the ileum was 119.1 U/ml and thus significantly higher (0.05) compared with the high-energy group (61.7 U/ml) and the deficit group (28.0 U/ml; p <or= 0.001). Targeting butyrate into the small intestine thus improves digestive and absorptive capacities. The mechanism probably is a specific effect on enterocyte mitosis which in turn leads to an increased plica size by crypt fission.