Spray-dried Porcine Plasma Research Articles

Oral plasma proteins attenuate gut inflammatory effects induced by S. aureus enterotoxin B challenge in rats

In previous studies we have shown that dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma proteins (SDP) attenuates the effects of the S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) on activation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and increased intestinal permeability. We have now studied if the effects of plasma supplementation correlated with mucosal cytokine release and defensin expression. Wistar–Lewis rats were fed diets supplemented with SDP (8% w/w), with a plasma protein fraction containing 50% Ig (PPF; 1.5% w/w) or with milk proteins (Control diet), Animals were fed experimental diets from weaning (day 21) until day 35 after birth, and on days 32 and 35, were administered SEB (i.p. 0.5 mg/kg) to induce a mild intestinal inflammation. Experimental groups were Control, SEB, SEB-SDP and SEB-PPF. Cytokines were determined by a cytometric bead array assay, LTB 4 by ELISA and iNOS and defensins by real time PCR, all at 6 h after SEB administration. Results showed that SEB significantly increased mucosal IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6 and LTB 4 concentration (by 110%, 20%, 30% and 110%, respectively; all P < 0.05). SDP and PPF partially attenuated these effects. SEB increased mucosal iNOS expression by 22% (P < 0.05) and both plasma protein supplements prevented SEB effects on iNOS expression (both P < 0.05). SEB administration also reduced the expression of β-defensin 1 and cryptdin 4 about 10% (P < 0.05) and both supplements significantly prevented these effects (P < 0.05). SDP increased the expression of mucosal IL-10 supporting the view that this anti-inflammatory cytokine participates in the mechanism of action of dietary plasma proteins during intestinal inflammation.

Effect of Partial Substitution of Dietary Spray-dried Porcine Plasma or Fishmeal with Soybean and Shrimp Protein Hydrolysate on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Weanling Piglets

The present experiment was conducted to study the effects of partial replacement of spray-dried porcine protein (SDPP) or fish meal with soybean and shrimp protein hydrolysate (SSPH) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical parameters in weaned pigs. Two hundred and forty 21±2 d old pigs ((Pietrain×Duroc)×(Landrace×Large Yorkshire)) with initial weight of 6.9±0.5 kg were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment and eight piglets per replicate. The control diet (T1) contained 2% SDPP and 6% fishmeal, and SDPP for experimental diets T2 and T3 was replaced with 1% and 2% SSPH, respectively, on an iso-nitrogenous basis. The fishmeal for experimental diets T4 and T5 was replaced with 1% and 2% SSPH, respectively, also on an iso-nitrogenous basis. The experimental period was 21 days. The results showed that weaned piglets fed the diets containing 1% and 2% SSPH as a replacement for SDPP had similar average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed/gain (F/G), diarrhea rate and serum biochemical indices e.g. blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total serum protein (TP), albumin to globulin ratio (A/G), globulin (GLO), serum glucose (GLU), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) to those fed the control diet during 0-10 d and 0-21 d of the experiment. The substitution of 1% SSPH on an iso-nitrogenous basis for fish meal appeared to be beneficial for ADG (p = 0.59) and ADFI (p = 0.23) of piglets during the overall period. The digestibility of calcium was higher (p<0.01) in pigs fed diets containing SSPH than on the control diet. Addition of 1% SSPH on an iso-nitrogenous basis for fish meal could increase the digestibilities of dry matter and energy of the diet. Dietary replacement of fish meal with 1% and 2% SSPH had no effect on the concentrations of BUN, TP, A/G, GLO, GLU, and IgG. In conclusion, dietary SDPP or fish meal could partially replace SSPH without any adverse effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical parameters in weaned piglets.

Orally Administered Ovine Serum Immunoglobulins Influence Growth Performance, Organ Weights, and Gut Morphology in Growing Rats

In this study, our aim was to determine whether orally administered ovine serum Ig improved growth performance, organ weights, and gut morphology in growing rats and whether the method of manufacture of ovine serum Ig affected its bioactivity. Ninety Sprague-Dawley male rats were used in a 21-d growth study and were fed a basal control diet (BD; no Ig) and 5 test diets: spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP), freeze-dried ovine Ig (FDOI), 2 concentrations of spray-dried ovine Ig (SDOI(100) and SDOI(150)), and inactivated ovine Ig (IOI). Diets were isocaloric and contained the same amount of the first limiting amino acids, methionine plus cysteine. The body weight gain:feed ratio was higher (P < 0.05) for the FDOI-fed rats than for the BD- and IOI-fed groups. FDOI rats had higher jejunum (P < 0.05) and colon weights (P < 0.05) at the end of the study than rats in the BD group. Compared with the SDOI(100)-fed group, the FDOI group supported higher (P < 0.05) duodenum and colon weights. For gut morphology, the FDOI and the BD and IOI groups differed (P < 0.05). The FDOI-fed rats had longer (P < 0.05) villi and greater villi surface areas in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum than the rats fed SDOI(100). An ovine Ig fraction selectively improved growth performance, organ weight, and gut morphology in growing rats. Compared with spray-drying, a freeze-drying procedure appears to preserve a higher degree of immunological activity.

Lack of transmission of porcine circovirus type 2 to weanling pigs by feeding them spray-dried porcine plasma

An experiment was conducted to determine whether spray-dried porcine plasma containing 2·47 × 105 dna copies of porcine circovirus type 2 (pcv-2) could infect weanling pigs when fed to them....

A comparison of the effects of dietary spray-dried bovine colostrum and animal plasma on growth and intestinal histology in weaner pigs

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary spray-dried bovine and porcine plasma and spray-dried bovine colostrum on growth performance and intestinal histology in weaner pigs. Thirty-two 21-day-old piglets (6.65 ± 0.14 kg) were allocated to receive one of four dietary treatments: control, bovine plasma, porcine plasma, and bovine colostrum at weaning and another 8 piglets were killed at weaning to provide baseline data. The experimental diets were offered ad libitum for one week, after which animals were killed and post-mortem measurements obtained. No differences in average daily feed intake and growth rate were observed among dietary treatment groups ( P > 0.05). Baseline piglets had taller villi and shallower crypts ( P < 0.05) in the proximal jejunum, mid jejunum and distal ileum than those observed a week after weaning, irrespective of dietary treatment. Weaning-related expansion of intestinal lamina propria CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte populations was observed ( P < 0.05). Complex and variable treatment effects on villus height, crypt depth, villus and crypt goblet cell density, and lamina propria T cell density were observed, suggesting that the tested protein sources do not share a common or simple mode of action.

Evaluation of alternatives to antibiotics using an Escherichia coli K88+ model of piglet diarrhea: Effects on gut microbial ecology1

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is a major problem in the swine industry and results in scouring, increased mortality, and poor performance in the period immediately postweaning. The traditional way to control this problem is to include subtherapeutic antibiotics in the feed, but this is no longer acceptable to consumers; thus, alternatives to antibiotics are needed. One of the supplements that has been effective in reducing scouring in the absence of antibiotics is animal blood products produced from the rendering process. This is also becoming a problem because of concerns regarding the transfer of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies to humans from animals. In this research, we investigated the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP), a Bacillus subtilis direct-fed microbial (DFM), a blend of organic acids, and sweeteners on E. coli-induced scouring. A total of 108 pigs of approximately 17 d of age were assigned to 6 treatments, with 3 pigs per pen, in 2 blocks, with each block having 3 replicates. The 2 blocks were initiated approximately 2 mo apart, because a sufficient number of pigs were not available that met our inclusion criteria in the first block. Diet 1 was a negative control containing no antibiotics (NC). Diet 2 was the positive control and included the same ingredient composition as NC except that antibiotics (110 mg/kg of chlortetracycline, 110 mg/kg of sulfamethazine, and 55 mg/kg of penicillin) were added (PC). Diet 3 was equal to the NC, but with a B. subtilis probiotic (DFM). Diet 4 was the NC to which SDPP was added. Diet 5 was the NC plus a combination of SDPP and DFM (SDPP + DFM). Diet 6 was the NC plus a combination of supplements, including SDPP and a blend of organic acids, DFM, and a sweetener (Blend). At 24 d of age, the pigs were experimentally infected with 6.3 x 10(9) cfu/mL of E. coli K88. All pigs were euthanized 7 d after infection and tissues were obtained for analysis. There were no significant differences among treatments for ADG, ADFI, G:F, plasma urea nitrogen, alpha-acid glycoprotein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intestinal ammonia, pH, or VFA. However, the PC and DFM treatments showed decreased (P < 0.05) scours at 24 h postinfection compared with the NC, SDPP, and SDPP + DFM diets. Mortality in the NC treatment, which did not contain antibiotics, was greater (P < 0.05) than in the other treatments. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 16S rDNA genes of digesta showed a greater incidence (P < 0.05) of Bacteroidetes in the PC and DFM diets than in the NC diet. When SDPP and DFM were included in the diet, the incidence of Bacteroidetes was also greater than in the NC diet (P < 0.05).

Uso do plasma suíno ultrafiltrado na recuperação de leitões com sinais clínicos de circovirose

Testou-se o efeito do plasma suíno ultrafiltrado spray-dried, associado a um acidificante comercial na água de bebida para a recuperação de leitões com sinais clínicos da síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento dos suínos (SMDS). Utilizaram-se 40 leitões com sinais clínicos da SMDS, selecionados 20 dias após o alojamento em uma unidade de terminação, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos (T) de 10 leitões cada. No T1, os animais receberam água clorada à vontade (controle); no T2, solução com 2,5% do plasma sangüíneo diluído em água; no T3, acidificante (Selko®) diluído em água na dosagem de 12ml/10l e, no T4, solução com 2,5% do plasma sangüíneo e o acidificante na dose de 12ml/10l, diluídos em água. Os leitões não foram medicados e foram sacrificados aos 28 ou 40 dias de experimento para avaliação sorológica e patológica. Não houve diferença no ganho de peso e na situação clínica-patológica entre os tratamentos. Entretanto, os leitões do T4 estavam em melhor situação clínica-patológica. Os leitões dos quatro tratamentos tiveram boa recuperação, sem terem sido medicados. Observou-se alta freqüência de lesões compatíveis com a SMDS nos pulmões, rins e linfonodos. Concluiu-se que o plasma spray dried associado ao ácido não melhoraram o desempenho e a situação clínica-patológica de leitões com sintomas da SMDS.

Porcine immunoglobulins survival in the intestinal tract of adult dogs and cats fed dry food kibbles containing spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) or porcine immunoglobulin concentrate (PIC)

Survival of orally administered porcine immunoglobulins (PIG) was measured in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of adult dogs and cats fed diets containing spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) or porcine immunoglobulins concentrate (PIC). Nine adult Beagles and 12 mixed breed adult cats were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three and four replicates by diet, respectively. Animals were fed one of three experimental extruded dry kibble diets during 42 days. The control diet was a commercial diet coated with fat and digest, and the two experimental diets were similar to the control diet but they included 10 g of either SDPP or PIC/kg of diet. After a 10-day adaptation period to the diet total faeces were collected for four consecutive days and food and water intake, faecal score and digestibility of dietary components were determined. No significant differences in nutrient digestibility were found in dogs, although crude fiber (CF) (P<0.01) and ash (P<0.05) digestibilities were improved in cats fed the SDPP diet. The presence of dog or cat IgA and porcine IgG was measured in the faeces, and the survival of porcine IgG was calculated. The Fab and Fc fragments of porcine IgG were determined in faeces to identify the proportion of bioactive fragments that resisted the pass through the GIT. The survival of porcine IgG throughout the GIT was 7.6% and 4.9% for dogs and cats, respectively and was independent of the IgG source (SDPP or PIC) used. The porcine bioactive fragment Fab was identified in the faeces of both species fed the two sources of porcine immunoglobulins. The inclusion of porcine immunoglobulins in the diet significantly reduced (P<0.05) the presence of IgA in the faeces of both species. This study demonstrates that dietary porcine IgG partially resists the digestion process in dogs and cats. The identification of bioactive fragment Fab in faeces, which contains the antigen combining site, and the reduction of IgA, indicate that porcine IgG may transfer passive immunity at the intestinal level in both species as it has been suggested for humans and other mammals.

Spray-dried porcine plasma affects intestinal morphology and immune cell subsets of weaned pigs

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on the productive performance, intestinal morphology and leukocyte cell subsets of piglets. Sixteen early-weaned piglets (20 ± 2 d) were distributed into two dietary treatments: 1) free access to control diet or 2) 6% SDPP in the control diet instead of soy-protein concentrate. Intestinal morphometry of the small and large intestine, haematology and immune cell flow cytometric analysis of blood, ileo-colic lymph node and ileal Peyer's patches were performed in all pigs. Although SDPP treatment did not increase growth performance, it improved feed efficiency. We observed that SDPP diminishes blood monocytes, and macrophages (SWC3+), B lymphocytes (CD21+) and γδ T cells (γδTCR+) in gut lymphoid tissues. SDPP-treated piglets also showed lower intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers and lamina propria cell density in the small and large intestine. All these results suggest lower activation of the immune system of the SDPP-piglets during the post-weaning period. Moreover, the use of SDPP can be considered a valid alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.

Ileal amino acid digestibility of some novel dietary protein sources for growing chickens

AbstractThe apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids in five high‐protein ingredients (casein, isolated soyprotein, maize gluten meal, spray‐dried bovine plasma (SBP) and spray‐dried porcine plasma (SPP)) and soybean meal were determined using 3‐week‐old broiler chickens. The amino acids in casein were highly digestible. Isolated soyprotein was also well digested by the birds, but the digestibility coefficients of all amino acids in isolated soyprotein were lower (P &lt; 0.05) than those in casein. The amino acid digestibility coefficients in isolated soyprotein were greater (P &lt; 0.05) than those in soybean meal, which may be reflective of reduced concentrations of anti‐nutritive factors, particularly indigestible oligosaccharides. The digestibilities of amino acids in maize gluten meal were higher (P &lt; 0.05) than those in soybean meal, except for the digestibilities of arginine, histidine, threonine and aspartic acid, which were similar (P &gt; 0.05) between the two protein sources. The ileal digestibilities of all indispensable amino acids in SBP and SPP were lower (P &lt; 0.05) than those in casein and isolated soybean meal but higher (P &lt; 0.05) than those in soybean meal. No differences (P &gt; 0.05) were observed in the digestibility of amino acids between SBP and SPP. The overall mean amino acid digestibility coefficients of casein, isolated soyprotein, soybean meal, maize gluten meal, SBP and SPP were 0.955, 0.888, 0.823, 0.849, 0.860 and 0.856 respectively. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

Effects of spray-dried porcine plasma and plant extracts on intestinal morphology and on leukocyte cell subsets of weaned pigs1

We evaluated the effects of a 6% spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and a plant extracts mixture (XT; 5% carvacrol, 3% cinnamaldehyde, and 2% capsicum oleoresin) on the productive performance, intestinal morphology, and leukocyte cell subsets of early-weaned pigs compared with a control group. Morphometry of the jejunum, ileum, and colon, and immune cell analysis of blood, ileocolic lymph node (LN), and ileal Peyer's patches were done in 24 weaned pigs (20 +/- 2 d) at 19 or 21 d postweaning. Although SDPP and XT treatments did not increase ADG or ADFI, SDPP improved the G:F ratio (P = 0.024) compared with the control group. Dietary SDPP reduced the percentages of blood monocytes (P = 0.006) and macrophages in ileal Peyer's patches and LN (P = 0.04), of B lymphocytes (P = 0.04) and gammadelta+ T cells in LN (P = 0.009), and of intraepithelial lymphocytes (P = 0.026) as well as the density of lamina propria cells in the colon (P < 0.01). Dietary XT reduced intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers in jejunum (P = 0.034) and the percentages of blood cytotoxic cells (P = 0.07) and B lymphocytes in LN (P = 0.03); however, XT increased blood monocytes (P = 0.038) and the density of lamina propria lymphocytes in the colon (P = 0.003). These results indicate that dietary SDPP and plant extracts can affect intestinal morphology and immune cell subsets of gut tissues and blood in weaned pigs. Furthermore, the effects of SDPP suggest lower activation of the immune system of the piglets.

Effects of spray-dried animal plasma and immunoglobulins on performance of early weaned pigs1,2

Five experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP) and their various molecular weight fractions on performance of pigs weaned at approximately 14 or 21 d of age. In addition, the efficacy of various levels of the immunoglobulin G (IgG)-rich fraction of SDPP and SDBP were evaluated. Experiment 1 evaluated the dietary addition of SDPP and three of its fractions (IgG-rich, albumin-rich, and low molecular weight fractions). Pigs fed SDPP grew faster and consumed more feed than the controls during the first week (P < 0.05). The IgG-rich fraction resulted in improvements in ADG and ADFI that were similar to those of pigs fed SDPP. The albumin-rich fraction had no effect on growth rate, but the low molecular weight fraction decreased feed intake as well as growth rate. Experiments 2 and 3 evaluated SDPP and graded levels of its IgG-rich fraction in pigs weaned at 21 or 14 d, respectively. In Exp. 2, pigs fed SDPP grew faster and consumed more feed than the controls during the first week (P < 0.05). Pig performance was enhanced with the addition of the IgG-rich fraction that provided 80% of the amount of IgG in the SDPP diet. In Exp. 3, there was no response to SDPP during the first week, but a positive growth response to SDPP (P < 0.01) occurred by the end of wk 2 (0 to 14 d). Feeding the IgG-rich fraction increased growth rate compared with controls (P < 0.05). Over the entire experiment, the greatest ADG occurred with the IgG-rich fraction that provided 128% of the amount of IgG provided by SDPP (quadratic; P < 0.05). Two additional experiments assessed feeding SDBP and bovine IgG-rich fractions to early weaned pigs. In Exp. 4, SDPP was superior to SDBP in stimulating growth and feed intake, but this difference did not occur in Exp. 5. In both experiments, the IgG fraction of bovine plasma seemed to be as effective at improving growth as SDPP and more effective than SDBP. The results indicate that both porcine and bovine plasma are beneficial to young pig performance during the first week after weaning and that the IgG fraction of plasma is the component that is responsible for the enhancement in growth rate and feed intake.

Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Reduces the Effects of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B on Glucose Transport in Rat Intestine

We investigated the intestinal transport of D-glucose (D-Glc) and 3 essential amino acids in a model of intestinal inflammation, and the effects of dietary supplementation with animal plasma proteins on this function. Wistar Lewis rats were fed a diet containing an isonitrogenous amount of milk protein (control group) or a diet supplemented with either spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) or immunoglobulin concentrate (IC) from porcine plasma, from d 21 of life (weaning) until d 35. On d 30 and 33, rats were challenged intraperitoneally with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB; groups SEB, SEB-SDAP, and SEB-IC) and on d 35, brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) were prepared and used for transport and binding studies. Administration of SEB reduced D-Glc transport across sodium glucose transporter 1 [SGLT1; 20% reduction in maximal transport rate (Vmax); P < 0.05], without affecting the Michaelis constant (Km). The results from specific phlorizin binding, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry supported the view that the effects of SEB are due to reduced expression of D-Glc transporters in the apical membrane. SEB increased the passive diffusion constant (Kd) for D-Glc 3-fold (P < 0.05). SEB did not affect mediated or passive amino acid fluxes of L-leucine, L-methionine, or L-lysine. Dietary SDAP increased the D-Glc Vmax in the SEB group without affecting the passive component. Changes in d-Glc Vmax due to SEB and to the dietary treatments were correlated with changes in the number of SGLT1 transporters present in the BBMVs (r = 0.9468; P < 0.05). Dietary IC had no observed effect. We estimate that, in rats challenged with SEB, SDAP supplementation can increase glucose absorption by 8-9% during the interdigestive periods.

The Effect of Spray-dried Porcine Plasma and Tryptophan on Feed Intake and Performance of Weaning Piglets

There were three trials involved in this experiment. All piglets in Trial 1 were randomly distributed into the following 4 treatments. Treatment 1. Corn-soybean diet with 5% SDPP. The tryptophan level was 0.237%. Treatment 2. Corn-soybean diet with 10% meat and bone meal. The tryptophan level was 0.177%. Treatment 3. Treatment 1+0.0662% synthetic tryptophan. The total tryptophan level was 0.303. Treatment 4. Treatment 2+0.0662% synthetic tryptophan. The total tryptophan level was 0.236. Piglets in Trial 2 were distributed randomly into the following 4 treatments. Treatment 1: corn-soybean diet+10% meat and bone meal. The total tryptophan level was 0.176%. Treatment 2: corn-soybean diet+10% meat and bone meal+5% SDPP. The total tryptophan level was 0.180%. Treatment 3: Treatment 1 diet+0.004% synthetic tryptophan. The total tryptophan level was 0.180%. Treatment 4: Treatment 1 diet+0.631% synthetic tryptophan. The total tryptophan level was 0.237%. There were 4 treatments in Trial 3. Treatment 1: corn- soybean diet+10% meat and bone meal. The total tryptophan level was 0.176%. Treatment 2: Treatment 1 diet+0.061% synthetic tryptophan. The total tryptophan level was 0.237%. Treatment 3: Treatment 2 diet+0.061% synthetic tryptophan. The total tryptophan level was 0.298%. Treatment 4: corn-soybean diet+10% meat and bone meal+5% SDPP. The total tryptophan level was 0.180%. The results of Trial 1 showed that the piglets ate significantly more (p 0.05) during the first 2 weeks. Three weeks onwards the feed intake of 5% meat and bone meal treatment was significantly lower (p 0.05). The pigs in Treatment 1 of Trial 3 had the lowest feed intake and weight gain (p>0.05). Treatment 2 (0.237%) had the highest average feed intake from Week 1 to Week 5; the second best result was recorded in Treatment 4. As for the weight gain of the piglets in Treatment 4 (5% SDPP), they had a higher average weight during the first 3 weeks. The feed efficiency was better for Treatment 4 (5% SDPP) during the first 2 weeks. The results of these trials showed that both SDPP and tryptophan had a trend to improve the feed intake and weight gain. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 1 : 75-79)

Effects of spray-dried colostrum and plasmas on the performance and gut morphology of broiler chickens

The influence of feeding with starter diets containing spray-dried bovine colostrum (SBC), spray-dried bovine plasma (SBP), or spray-dried porcine plasma (SPP) on the growth performance and gut morphology of broiler chickens was investigated. The crude protein, lysine, and methionine plus cystine contents (g/kg as received) of SBC, SBP, and SPP were determined to be 766, 736, and 684; 58, 61, and 55; and 27, 28, and 24, respectively. The 3 test proteins were incorporated into a maize–soybean meal diet at a level of 50 g/kg and fed to 6 replicates of 8 male broiler chicks from 1 to 14 days of age. On Day 14, the experimental diets were replaced with a common grower-finisher diet, which was offered until Day 35. Dietary treatments had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on the weight gain or feed intake of birds during the first 14 days. However, feed/gain of birds fed the SBC diet was lower (P &lt; 0.05) than of those fed the control diet. A trend for a reduction in feed/gain (P = 0.06) was observed in SBP and SPP diets. Dietary treatments had no effect (P &gt; 0.05) on performance during Days 14–35 or Days 1–35. Villus height was increased by 5.7% (P &lt; 0.05) and 4.6% (P = 0.05) in birds fed the SPP and SBP diets, respectively, compared with those fed the control diet. Crypt depth was 6% greater (P &lt; 0.05) in birds fed the SPP diet and tended (P = 0.08) to be greater in birds fed the SBC diet, compared with birds fed the control. The ratio of villus height to crypt depth tended (P = 0.06) to be lower in birds offered the SBC diet compared with the control. Crypt goblet cell density was reduced (P &lt; 0.05) by 13.9% in birds fed the SBC diet, compared with control birds. These results suggest that feeding with diets containing the SBC, SBP, and SPP during 1–14 days of age has some beneficial effects on broiler chickens. Further studies are needed to evaluate these products in less sanitary environments, which may increase the positive responses.

Effects of Replacing Spray Dried Porcine Plasma with Solpro500 on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Intestinal Morphology of Starter Pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate Solpro500 (a wheat hydrolysate containing a high level of glutamine) as a replacement for spray dried porcine plasma (SDPP) in diets fed to nursery pigs. One hundred and eight pigs (Dalland, 5.39±0.80 kg BW) weaned at 21 days were assigned to one of three treatment groups for a 28 day feeding trial. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal and were supplemented with either 8% SDPP, 4% SDPP plus 4% Solpro500 or 8% Solpro500. Each treatment was fed to six pens with six pigs per pen (4 barrows and 2 gilts). The experimental results indicated no significant difference (p>0.05) in daily gain, feed intake or feed efficiency for pigs fed the three experimental diets. However, the diarrhea index for pigs fed either 4% SDPP and 4% Solpro500 or 8% Solpro500 was lower (p 0.05) were found in the apparent fecal digestibility of dry matter, organic matter or crude protein between pigs fed the three diets. The intestinal morphology (villous height, villous width and crypt depth) was not affected by diet treatments (p>0.05). In conclusion, Solpro500 SDPP can replace SDPP without any negative effects on nursery pig performance. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 2 : 237-243)

Determination of the Presence of Bovine Immunoglobulin G in Liquid or Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma and Whole Blood by Agar Gel Immunodiffusion

There is currently urgent interest in identifying the species of origin of the components of different animal by-products. In Europe, this interest is expected to increase with authorization of the re-introduction of these proteins into animal feed formulations. The number of validated methods to differentiate the species of origin for most of these products is limited. An easy, inexpensive, and accurate test was developed to determine the cross-contamination of bovine blood or plasma in porcine whole blood and plasma, both before and after spray drying. Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), the studied technique, detected the presence of bovine immunoglobulin G (IgG) in porcine plasma and in whole blood at inclusion levels >0.5% (v/v) in all cases. However, detectability was lower in liquid plasma (0.3%, v/v) and in liquid whole blood (0.5%, v/v). No differences were found when cross-contamination was simulated before or after whole blood centrifugation. The method described is reliable and inexpensive, and the samples are easy to prepare. Both minimal laboratory equipment and expertise are required for detection of bovine IgG in porcine blood products at inclusion levels of >0.5% (v/v).

Apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients in brewer's and rendered animal by-products for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum))

Two experiments were conducted to measure the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of nutrients, dry matter, and energy in by-products of the brewing industry and in selected animal protein ingredients for rainbow trout. In experiment 1, 500 rainbow trout (average body weight 170.8±5.5 g) were stocked in ten 140-L digestibility tanks with 50 fish per tank and two tanks per diet. Yttrium oxide was used as an inert marker in the diets. The high fibre content of brewer's dried grains (BDG) affected the ADCs of dry matter but not of protein or amino acids. Brewer's dried yeast had a higher protein content than BDG, but ADC values for protein and amino acids were significantly lower. The ADCs of phosphorus were similar among brewer's dried products. The BDG high-protein, fraction had marginally higher ADC values for dry matter, protein and amino acids than regular BDG. Conditions in experiment 2 were similar to those in experiment 1. ADC values for spray-dried porcine plasma were over 98% for dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and gross energy. ADC values for spent hen meal were higher than those of poultry by-product meal or feather meal, with the exception of gross energy. However, spent hen meal was unpalatable. The ADCs in these ingredients were variable, and this variability must be taken into account when these ingredients are formulated into feeds for fish.

Nutritional evaluation of egg byproducts in diets for early-weaned pigs.

A total of 272 Cotswold pigs (17 +/- 1 d) were utilized in three experiments to evaluate the nutritive value of spray-dried egg proteins for early-weaned pigs. In all experiments, pigs were stratified by sex and initial BW and then assigned randomly to experimental diets. In Exp. 1, four corn-soybean meal-based diets containing 7% of either spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP), spray-dried technical albumen (SDTA), SDTA stored at 70 degrees C for 3 d (SDTA-ht), or spray-dried whole egg (SDWE) were assigned to five pens each with four pigs for a 3-wk study period. Average daily gain, ADFI, and gain:feed ratio (G:F) were determined. At the end of wk 3, five pigs per treatment were killed to determine ileal AA and energy digestibilities, as well as Enterobacteriaceae counts. Compared with the SDPP diet, ADG and G:F were lower (P < 0.05) for SDTA-, SDTA-ht- and SDWE-containing diets. Apparent ileal digestibilities of cystine, histidine, isoleucine, methionine, and threonine in the SDPP diet were lower (P < 0.05) than in diets containing spray-dried egg products. Ileal digestible energy content did not differ (P > 0.05) in all diets (3.1 to 3.2 Mcal/kg). Enterobacteriaceae counts were lower in the SDTA-ht diet than in either the SDTA or SDWE diets (P < 0.05). In Exp. 2, the effect of substituting SDPP with varying levels of SDTA was investigated. Diets were randomly assigned to five pens (except for the 100% SDTA diet, which had four pens), each with four pigs. Average daily gain, ADFI, and G:F decreased linearly as the level of SDTA was increased in the diet (P < 0.05). Replacing SDPP with SDTA at 25 or 50% had no effect on pig performance (P > 0.10). In Exp. 3, phase I diets containing 0, 25, or 50% SDTA in place of SDPP (7% of the diet) were each assigned at random to eight pens each with four pigs for a 14-d period, after which all pigs were switched to a common phase II diet lacking both SDPP and SDTA for another 14 d. Average daily feed intake and ADG did not differ among all diets in phase I and II and overall (d 0 to 28). Pigs fed the diet containing 50% SDTA in phase I had lower (P < 0.05) G:F than those fed the SDPP diet. The results indicate that technical albumen can replace 25 to 50% of SDPP in early-weaned pig diets without compromising performance, and further suggest that heat-treated SDTA may affect intestinal microbial population in pigs.

Response of early-weaned pigs to an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (K88) challenge when fed diets containing spray-dried porcine plasma or pea protein isolate plus egg yolk antibody.

Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) infection and resulting scours is a major problem for young pigs, especially when purified plant proteins are fed rather than spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP). The effect of supplementing a pea protein isolate (PPI)-based diet with egg yolk antibodies (EYA) from laying hens immunized with ETEC K88 antigen on piglet performance, incidence of scours, and gut histology was studied in a 14-d trial. Ninety-six 10-d-old weaned pigs were assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design to give six replicate pens per treatment. The treatments were PPI without EYA (PPI-EYA), PPI with EYA (PPI+EYA), SDPP without EYA (SDPP-EYA), SDPP with EYA (SDPP+EYA), or a combination of PPI and SDPP (PPI+SDPP). Diets were formulated to similar nutrient levels and provided for ad libitum intake. Blood from all pigs was taken on d 0, 7, and 14 for determining plasma urea N (PUN). On d 7, pigs were orally challenged with 6 mL of 10(10) cfu/ mL ETEC K88. Piglets were weighed on d 7 and 14. On d 7, 8, and 14, four pigs per treatment were sacrificed to study the histology of the small intestine. Weekly feed intake, BW changes, and gain:feed were determined. Fecal swabs from 10 pigs per treatment were taken for a PCR test to detect K88 E. coli. Feed efficiency over the 14-d period was not affected (P > 0.78) by dietary treatment. Mean ADFI on an as-fed basis was lower (P < 0.002) in piglets fed PPI-EYA (64.3 g/d) compared with PPI+EYA (94.8 g/d) or SDPP (102 g/d) during wk 1. Piglets fed PPI-EYA tend to have a lower (P < 0.026) overall ADG (84 g/d) than those fed PPI+EYA (123 g/d) or SDPP (127 g/d) (P < 0.006)-based diets. Although scours was evident in all groups of pigs 6 h after the challenge, most of the piglets fed EYA- or SDPP-containing diets recovered 10 to 72 h postchallenge, whereas those fed PPI-EYA continued to have severe diarrhea, resulting in 33% mortality. The PCR results showed that a greater (P < 0.01) percentage of piglets fed PPI-EYA compared with those fed SDPP- or EYA-containing diets continued to shed ETEC K88 at the end of the 14-d study. Piglets fed PPI-EYA had shorter villi (P < 0.01), higher intestinal pH (P < 0.013), and higher PUN (P < 0.05) than those fed the SDPP- or EYA-containing diets during the entire 14-d study. It was concluded that specific EYA and SDPP could provide passive control of ETEC infection and potentially improve feed intake and weight gain in young pigs fed PPI.