Growth Performance Of Weanling Pigs Research Articles

268 Effect of soybean gums and soybean soapstocks on weanling pig growth performance

Abstract Currently, the soybean processing industry has not fully characterized the composition or nutritional value of certain processing by-products (e.g., gums, phospholipid) and their effect on soybean meal (SBM) quality. Depending on the processing plant, soybean gums and soapstocks may be added back to SBM during manufacturing. There is potential for these by-products to serve as an affordable energy source for swine due to their residual oil content. For this study, pigs [n = 350; Line 241 × 600, DNA; initial body weight (BW) = 5.3 ± 0.02 kg] were weaned at approximately 19 d of age and used in a 42-d experiment. At weaning, pigs were randomly assigned to pens and allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments. There were 5 pigs per pen and 14 pens per treatment. Diets were fed in 3 phases: phase 1 from weaning to d 11, phase 2 from d 11 to 23, and phase 3 from d 23 to 42. Treatments included a control diet containing SBM with no added soybean by-products. Two additional diets contained gums or soapstocks at 4% of the SBM level in the diet. Another treatment diet contained SBM with 2% added soybean gums and 2% added soybean soapstocks. Lastly, a negative control contained 4% less SBM with no added by-products to have equal protein from soybeans as the diets with added gums or soapstocks. From d 0 to 11 (phase 1) and d 11 to 23 (phase 2), there was no evidence of differences (P > 0.10) for any growth response criteria (Table). From d 23 to 42 (phase 3), feeding SBM with added gums increased (P = 0.05) average daily gain (ADG). However, there was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) in average daily feed intake (ADFI) or gain to feed ratio (G:F). For the overall experimental period (d 0 to 42), there was no evidence of differences (P > 0.10) due to dietary treatment in ADG, ADFI, or G:F. In summary, these data suggest that adding soybean processing by-products such as gums or soapstocks had minimal impacts on nursery pig growth performance. However, there is a potential for improved ADG in the late nursery period when SBM containing added gums is included in the diet.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Postbiotics and Essential Oil on Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Weanling Pigs During K88 ETEC Infection.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the major bacterial infections, causing substantial economic losses globally in the swine industry. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation postbiotics (SCFP), high SCFP, essential oil (EO), or their combination on the growth performance and health of weanling pigs during ETEC infection. Forty-eight male weanling pigs were randomly allocated to five groups: 1) control group (CON-basal diet, n = 16); 2) low SCFP group (LSC-basal diet + 1.25g/kg SCFP, n = 8); 3) high SCFP group (HSC-basal diet + 2g/kg SCFP, n = 8); 4) essential oil group (EO-basal diet + 0.4g/kg EO, n = 8); 5) the SCFP and EO combination group (SE-basal diet + 1.25g/kg SCFP + 0.4g/kg EO, n = 8). On day 15 of the trial, pigs in CON were divided into positive control (PC) and negative control (NC), and all pigs, except in NC, were challenged with ETEC. Under the normal condition, dietary LSC, HSC, EO, and EO all increased average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), and decreased F:G ratio (P < 0.05) accompanied by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and increases in catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) indicating enhanced anti-oxidative capacity, as well as decreased IL-2, IL-8, INF-γ, indicating mitigated systemic inflammation. During ETEC infection, all treatments alleviated ETEC-induced ADG reduction, diarrhea, damages in intestinal permeability and morphology, and down-regulation of tight junctions (Claudin1, ZO-1, and Occludin), while HSC and EO exhibited additional protections. All treatments increased CAT, T-SOD, and T-AOC, and decreased MDA in serum and jejunal mucosa at similar degrees (P < 0.05). Moreover, all treatments alleviated ETEC-induced inflammation as shown by decreased IL-6, TNF-α, INF-γ, and increased IL-4 and IL-10 in serum or jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), and enhanced the immunity by increased serum IgG and mucosal sIgA (P < 0.05). HSC and SE further reduced mucosal INF-γ and TNF-α than LSC or EO aligning with their additional protection against diarrhea during ETEC infection. Additionally, the key gut bacteria (e.g., Terrisporobacter) related to the benefits of SCFP and EO were identified. In sum, all treatments enhanced growth performance and protected against ETEC-induced intestinal damage through the regulation of redox and immune homeostasis. HSP and SE offered extra protection during disease for their additional control of inflammation. Our study provided new insight into the use of feed additives in the context of animal health states.

Evaluation of a microencapsulated form of zinc oxide on weanling pig growth performance, fecal zinc excretion, and small intestinal morphology.

A total of 300 pigs (DNA 200 × 400; initially 6.0 ± 0.08kg body weight [BW]) were used in a 42-d study to evaluate a microencapsulated form of zinc oxide. At weaning, pigs were randomly allocated to pens, and pens were randomly assigned to dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were 1) negative control (CON; standard nursery diet containing 110ppm Zn in the form of zinc sulfate from trace mineral premix); 2) control diet with 400ppm added Zn from ZnO included in phases 1 and 2 (Low-ZnO); 3) control diet with 3,000ppm added Zn from ZnO included in phase 1 and 2,000ppm added Zn from ZnO included in phase 2 (High-ZnO); 4) control diet with 400ppm added Zn from microencapsulated ZnO included in phases 1 and 2 (Low-MZnO; Vetagro S.p.A., Reggio Emilia, Italy); 5) control diet with 3,000ppm added Zn from microencapsulated ZnO in phase 1 and 2,000ppm added Zn from microencapsulated ZnO in phase 2 (high-MZnO; Vetagro S.p.A., Reggio Emilia, Italy). On days 10 and 28, fecal samples from 2 pigs per pen were collected for fecal Zn concentrations, and on day 28, 30 pigs (n = 6) were euthanized, and small intestinal tissues were collected to evaluate morphology. For the entire treatment period (days 0 to 28) there was no evidence of differences in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), or G:F (P > 0.05). During the common phase 3 (days 28 to 42) pigs fed the negative control, High-MZnO, or Low-MZnO had improved (P < 0.0001) ADG and ADFI compared to pigs fed High- or Low-ZnO. For the entire experiment (days 0 to 42), pigs fed Low-ZnO or High-ZnO had reduced (P < 0.0001) ADG compared to those fed the negative control. A significant treatment × day interaction (P = 0.04) was observed for fecal Zn concentrations, where the level of Zn excreted in the feces was dependent on the sampling day in pigs fed a low level of ZnO or low level of microencapsulated ZnO. There was no evidence (P > 0.05) that small intestinal morphology differed significantly between treatments. In summary, feeding a microencapsulated form of ZnO did not alter piglet growth performance during the treatment period. Pigs fed a low level of ZnO or microencapsulated ZnO had reduced fecal Zn excretion by the end of the feeding period, but no significant impacts were observed on piglet small intestinal morphology.

227 Varying the Acid Biding Capacity of High and ZnO-Free Diets Influences Weanling Pig Growth Performance

Abstract Altering the acid binding capacity to pH4 (ABC-4) of the weanling pig diet can influence stomach pH, thereby aiding in protein digestion and improving feed efficiency. Two studies examined the effect of ABC-4 level in diets of either high ZnO or without ZnO on the growth performance of nursery pigs. Both trials were randomized complete block designs, where body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed (G:F) were measured. Data were analyzed using pen and pig as experimental units for the first and second study, respectively. In the first study, weanling pigs (n = 1,152) were allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 18 replicate pens per treatment. Treatments were applied in phase 1 (1-10 d) and 2 (11-21 d), and pigs received a common phase 3 (22-42 d) diet. All diets contained high ZnO (2,500ppm and 1,500ppm phase 1 and 2, respectively). The control diet (CON) had no acidifiers resulting in 400 mEq ABC-4/kg, and treatments ranged from 360 to 300 mEq/kg using Ca formate and formic acid alone or in combination. In the first week, G:F of pigs fed the test diets was greater than in the CON diet (+0.09-0.15 g/g, P &amp;lt; 0.05). In phase 2, pigs fed diets containing formic acid (300 mEq ABC-4/kg) had reduced ADFI (-15 g/d from CON, P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conversely, pigs fed Ca formate and formic acid (300 mEq ABC-4) had greater ADFI (+16 g/d, P &amp;lt; 0.05) and a tendency for greater G:F than CON (+0.02, P &amp;lt; 0.10). Pigs fed a diet containing Ca formate only (360 mEq ABC-4/kg) had a greater G:F (+0.03, P &amp;lt; 0.05) yet comparable feed intake to CON. In the second 42-day study, weanling pigs (n = 120) housed in pens with individual electronic feeding stations (10 pigs/pen), were randomized to 6 ZnO-free treatments, totaling 20 replicate pigs per treatment. The ABC-4 was linearly reduced from 450 to 200 mEq/kg using fumaric acid and shifting Ca sources from Ca carbonate to monocalcium phosphate and monodicalcium phosphate. In phase 1 (0-15d), pigs had greatest ADFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and G:F (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at 300 and 350 mEq ABC-4/kg, respectively, and east ADFI at 200 mEq ABC-4/kg (greatest fumaric acid inclusion) and 450 mEq ABC-4/kg (no acidifier). Overall, pigs fed the 300 mEq ABC-4/kg diet had the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI while pigs fed the 350 mEq ABC-4/kg diet had the greatest G:F. Pigs fed the 450 mEq ABC-4/kg diet had the lowest BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F. In conclusion, reducing the ABC-4 of ZnO and ZnO-free diets using a combination of acidifiers and/or calcium sources improved feed efficiency of weanling pigs. But a greater inclusion of acidifiers may reduce ADFI.

Effect of added calcium carbonate without and with benzoic acid on weanling pig growth performance, fecal dry matter, and blood Ca and P concentrations

Abstract The objective of these studies was to determine the effects of increasing levels of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with and without benzoic acid on weanling pig growth performance, fecal dry matter (DM), and blood Ca and P concentrations. In experiment 1, 695 pigs (DNA Line 200 × 400, initially 5.9 ± 0.02 kg) were used in a 28 d study. Pigs were weaned at approximately 21 d of age and randomly assigned to pens and then pens were allotted to one of five dietary treatments. Treatment diets were fed from weaning (day 0) to day 14, with a common diet fed from days 14 to 28. Dietary treatments were formulated to provide 0%, 0.45%, 0.90%, 1.35%, and 1.80% added CaCO3 at the expense of ground corn. From days 0 to 14 (treatment period), average daily gain (ADG) and G:F decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.01) as CaCO3 increased. From days 14 to 28 (common period) and for the overall experiment (days 0 to 28), there was no evidence of differences in growth performance between treatments. For fecal DM, there was a trend (quadratic, P = 0.091) where pigs fed with the highest CaCO3 diets had the greatest fecal DM. Experiment 2 used 360 pigs (DNA Line 200 × 400, initially 6.2 ± 0.03 kg) in a 38 d study. Upon arrival to the nursery facility, pigs were randomly assigned to pens and then pens were allotted to one of six dietary treatments. Dietary treatments were fed in three phases with treatment diets fed from days 0 to 10 and days 10 to 24, and a common phase 3 diet fed from days 24 to 38. Dietary treatments were formulated to provide 0.45%, 0.90%, and 1.35% added CaCO3 with or without 0.5% benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) added at the expense of ground corn. There was no evidence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) for any CaCO3 by benzoic acid interactions. For the experimental period (days 0 to 24), there was a tendency for benzoic acid to increase ADG (P = 0.056), average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.071), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F; linear, P = 0.014) as CaCO3 decreased. During the common period (days 24 to 38), pigs previously fed benzoic acid had increased (P = 0.045) ADG and marginally increased (P = 0.091) ADFI. For the overall study, pigs fed benzoic acid had increased ADG (P = 0.011) and ADFI (P = 0.030), marginally increased G:F (P = 0.096) and final body weight (P = 0.059). Serum Ca decreased (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.001) as CaCO3 decreased in the diet. These data show that decreasing the CaCO3 content in the nursery diet immediately after weaning may improve ADG and G:F. Dietary addition of benzoic acid may also provide beneficial effects on ADG and ADFI, regardless of dietary Ca level.

Effects of formic acid and glycerol monolaurate on weanling pig growth performance, fecal consistency, fecal microbiota, and serum immunity.

A total of 350 weanling pigs (DNA 400 × 200; initially, 5.67 ± 0.06 kg BW) were used in a 42-day study with 5 pigs per pen and 14 replicate pens per treatment. At weaning, pigs were allotted to pens in a completely randomized design and pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: 1) negative control (CON; standard nursery diet containing only 150 ppm Zn from trace mineral premix and no acidifier); 2) control diet with 3,000 ppm added zinc from ZnO included in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm added zinc from ZnO included in phase 2 (ZnO); 3) control diet with 0.70% formic acid (FA; Amasil NA; BASF, Florham, NJ); 4) control diet with 0.18% glycerol monolaurate (GML; Natural Biologics GML, Natural Biologics, Newfield, NY); and 5) control diet with a 1.0% blend of formic acid and glycerol monolaurate (FORMI; FORMI 3G, ADDCON GmbH, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany). Pigs were fed treatment diets from d 0 to d 28 and were then fed a common diet from d 28 to d 42. From days 0 to 7, pigs fed ZnO or FORMI had increased (P = 0.03) ADG compared to pigs fed CON, with no difference in feed intake (P > 0.05). Overall, pigs fed GML had reduced (P < 0.0001) ADG compared with those fed the CON, ZnO, or FORMI diets. Fecal DM was evaluated from days 7 to 28 and there was a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.04). Pigs fed GML had a lower fecal DM % on day 7, but a higher fecal DM % on days 14 and 21; however, no differences in fecal DM were observed on day 28. Fresh fecal samples were collected from the same randomly selected pig on days 0 and 14 (70 pigs total;14 pigs per treatment) for analysis of fecal microbial populations using 16S rDNA sequencing. Dietary treatment did not significantly impact fecal microbiota at the phyla level, but pigs fed ZnO had an increased relative abundance (P < 0.01) of the family Clostridiaceae. A blood sample was also collected from one pig per pen on days 0 and 14 for analysis of serum IgA, IgG, and TNF-α. There was no evidence that dietary treatment effected IgA, IgG, or TNF-α concentrations. The effect of sampling day was significant (P < 0.05), where circulating IgA and TNF-α was increased and IgG was decreased from days 0 to 14. In summary, there is potential for a blend of formic acid and GML to improve growth performance immediately post-weaning without negatively impacting fecal consistency. Formic acid and GML alone or in combination did not impact fecal microbial populations or serum immune parameters.

140 Effects of Calcium Carbonate Level on Weanling Pig Growth Performance and Fecal Dry Matter

Abstract A total of 695 barrows (DNA 200×400; initially 5.9 ± 0.02 kg) were used in 2 groups in a 28-d study to evaluate the effects of dietary calcium carbonate level on nursery pig growth performance and fecal dry matter. Upon arrival to the research facility, pigs were randomly assigned to pens with 5 pigs/pen, and pens were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 27 or 28 pens/treatment. Dietary treatments were formulated to provide 0, 0.45, 0.90, 1.35, and 1.80% calcium carbonate added at the expense of corn, which resulted in total Ca of 0.49, 0.66, 0.84, 1.01 and 1.18%, respectively. All diets were formulated to contain 0.68% total P and 0.59% STTD P. Diets were fed in 2 phases with treatment diets fed from d 0 to 14 and a common diet fed from d 14 to 28. Treatment diets were fed in meal (group 1) and pellet (group 2) form. Feces were collected from 3 pigs/pen and dried to calculate fecal dry matter. There was no evidence for a treatment×group interaction and thus, groups were combined. From d 0 to 14 (treatment period), ADG (P = 0.010), d 14 BW (P = 0.006), and G:F (P = 0.010) decreased linearly as calcium carbonate increased. There was no evidence for a difference in ADFI (P &amp;gt; 0.10) between treatments. For fecal dry matter, there was a tendency for a quadratic response (P = 0.091) with the highest and lowest calcium carbonate diets having the greatest dry matter. Subsequent performance from d 14 to 28 was not influenced by previous treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.10). In summary, increasing dietary calcium carbonate from 0 to 1.80% decreased ADG and G:F in pigs the first 14-d after weaning.

57 Effect of Calcium Carbonate Level with or without Benzoic Acid on Weanling Pig Growth Performance, Fecal Dry Matter, and Blood Ca and P Concentrations

Abstract A total of 360 barrows (DNA Line 200×400; initially 6.2 ± 0.03 kg) were used in a 38-d study to evaluate the interactive effects of added dietary calcium carbonate and benzoic acid on nursery pig growth performance, fecal dry matter, and blood Ca and P concentration. Upon arrival to the nursery research facility, pigs were randomly assigned to pens (5 pigs/pen) and pens were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments (12 pens/treatment). Dietary treatments fed from d 0 to 24 were formulated to provide 0.45, 0.90, or 1.35% calcium carbonate with or without 0.5% benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ). Diets were fed in 3 phases with total Ca of 0.66, 0.83, or 1.00% Ca from d 0 to 10, and 0.54, 0.72, or 0.89% from d 10 to 24. A common diet was fed from d 24 to 38 (0.68% Ca). Serum Ca and P was analyzed on d 21. There were no calcium carbonate×benzoic acid interactions observed for any response criteria (P &amp;gt; 0.10). For the experimental period (d 0 to 24), there was a tendency for benzoic acid to improve ADG (P = 0.056) and ADFI (P = 0.071) with no influence on G:F (P&amp;gt;0.10). Increasing calcium carbonate linearly reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) G:F. For serum analysis, serum Ca increased (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.001) as the level of dietary calcium carbonate increased. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.010) in fecal DM. For the overall study (d 0 to 38), pigs fed benzoic acid had increased ADG (P = 0.011) and ADFI (P = 0.030) and marginally improved (P = 0.096) G:F. Calcium carbonate level did not influence overall performance. This data suggests that lower levels of calcium carbonate may improve feed efficiency in early nursey period. Adding benzoic acid to the diet for nursery pigs increased ADG and ADFI, and tended to increase G:F regardless of the calcium carbonate level.

Effect of Benzoic Acid Feeding Strategy on Weanling Pig Growth Performance and Fecal Dry Matter

A total of 350 weanling barrows (DNA 200 × 400, DNA; initially 13.0 ± 0.08 lb) were used in a 38-d study to evaluate the effects of different benzoic acid feeding strategies on nursery growth performance and fecal dry matter. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (5 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 14 pens per treatment. Diets were fed in 3 phases: phase 1 from weaning to d 10, phase 2 from d 10 to 18, and phase 3 from d 18 to 38. Dietary treatments were formulated to provide 0, 0.25, or 0.50% benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) added at the expense of corn. Treatment 1 served as the control without benzoic acid throughout all three dietary phases. Inversely, treatment 2 included 0.50% benzoic acid throughout all three phases. Treatment 3 contained 0.50% benzoic acid for phase 1 and phase 2, and 0.25% benzoic acid in phase 3. Treatment 4 contained 0.50% benzoic acid for phase 1 and phase 2, but no benzoic acid in phase 3. Finally, treatment 5 contained 0.50% benzoic acid in phase 1, 0.25% benzoic acid in phase 2, and no benzoic acid in phase 3. From d 0 to 10 (phase 1), pigs fed 0.50% benzoic acid had increased (P = 0.034) ADG, improved (P = 0.049) F/G, and were heavier (P = 0.040) on d 10 than those fed the control diet. From d 10 to 18 (phase 2), pigs fed 0.50% benzoic acid had increased (P < 0.01) ADG compared to pigs fed either none or 0.25% benzoic acid, while pigs fed 0.25% benzoic acid had poorer (P < 0.001) feed efficiency compared to pigs fed 0 or 0.50% benzoic acid. From d 18 to 38 (phase 3), pigs fed 0.50% and 0.25% benzoic acid had increased (P < 0.01) ADG and ADFI compared with pigs fed no benzoic acid. For the overall experimental period (d 0 to 38), pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and 0.25% benzoic acid in the final phase had a greater (P < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed no benzoic acid through all three phases, or pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and no benzoic acid in the final phase, with the other treatments intermediate. Additionally, pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and 0.25% benzoic acid in the final phase had improved (P < 0.05) F/G compared with pigs fed no benzoic acid throughout all three phases, pigs fed 0.50% in the first two phases and no benzoic acid in the third phase, or pigs fed 0.50%, 0.25%, and no benzoic acid, respectively. There was no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) in fecal DM among treatments for samples collected on d 10 or d 18. These data suggests that nursery pigs fed benzoic acid had improved growth performance compared to control pigs. However, when the benzoic acid was removed from the diet before the end of the nursery phase, the pigs experienced a reduction in performance which resulted in similar overall nursery performance to the control diet without benzoic acid.

61 Effects of Reducing the Concentration of Ca and P and Increasing Microbial Phytase on Gastric Ph, Fecal Score, Growth Performance, and Bone Ash of Weanling Pigs

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that lowering dietary Ca and P reduces gastric pH and diarrhea of weanling pigs, but microbial phytase overcomes negative effects of low Ca and P on growth performance and bone ash. A total of 320 weanling pigs (6.35 ± 0.87 kg) were allotted to 8 corn-soybean meal-based diets in a randomized complete block design with 5 pigs/pen. Two phase 1 (d 1 to 14) control diets contained 100 or 50% of total Ca and digestible P relative to the requirement, and 6 diets in which 500, 2,000, or 16,000 units/kg of phytase was added to each control diet were formulated. Common diets were fed in phases 2 (d 15 to 27) and 3 (d 28 to 42). Fecal scores were recorded in phase 1 and growth performance data were recorded within each phase. Gastric pH was measured in 1 pig/pen on d 14; on d 14 and 42, the right femur of 1 pig/pen was collected. Data were analyzed using contrast statements in SAS. Results indicated that during phase 1, lowering Ca and P did not reduce gastric pH or fecal score, but the 50%-diets reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake of pigs compared with the 100%-diets (Table 1). Phytase above 500 units/kg increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) gain:feed ratio and tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to decrease gastric pH. Pigs fed the 50%-diets had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) bone ash at d 14 and 42 compared with pigs fed the 100%-diets regardless of phytase inclusion level. In conclusion, reducing Ca and P in diets for weanling pigs does not decrease gastric pH or fecal score, but compromises growth performance and bone mineralization. However, super-dosing of phytase increases G:F of pigs regardless of dietary Ca and P concentration.

Effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial on weanling pig growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of nursery pigs. Eighty pigs, of equal number of barrows and gilts (initial body weight: 7.0 ± 0.60 kg), were weaned at 21 ± 1 d and randomly allotted to 1 of the 16 pens, with 5 pigs per pen. Two dietary treatments were implemented, a basal control (CON) and a control plus DFM (CDFM). Both diets were corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains based. Diets were fed for 42 d and growth performance measures were recorded weekly. On days 21 and 42 of the experiment, one pig per pen, with equal number of males and females, was randomly selected and euthanized. Digestibility of nitrogen (N), amino acids (AA), and energy were evaluated within the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ascending and distal colon. Relative to CON, CDFM tended to increase ADG during week 2 (P = 0.08) and significantly increased ADFI during week 2 (P = 0.04) and week 3 (P = 0.02). In addition, CDFM decreased the gain to feed ratio (G:F) during week 6 relative to CON (P = 0.04). Within the jejunum, pigs fed the DFM had greater digestibility of tryptophan (P = 0.04) and cysteine (P = 0.04) and tended to have greater digestibility of lysine (P = 0.07), methionine (P = 0.06), and threonine (P = 0.08), relative to CON. The content pH in the ascending colon did not differ between CDFM and CON. Compared with CON, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy did not differ from CDFM, whereas ATTD of nitrogen of CDFM was lower (P = 0.05). The addition of a multi-strain B. subtilis-based DFM appears to impact growth performance, AA, and N digestibility depending upon the location in the gastrointestinal tract, with primary AA differences occurring within the mid-jejunum.

Effect of Calcium Carbonate Level with or without Benzoic Acid on Weanling Pig Growth Performance, Fecal Dry Matter, and Blood Calcium and Phosphorus Concentrations

Effect of Calcium Carbonate Level with or without Benzoic Acid on Weanling Pig Growth Performance, Fecal Dry Matter, and Blood Calcium and Phosphorus Concentrations

Effects of Added Calcium Carbonate on Weanling Pig Growth Performance

Effects of Added Calcium Carbonate on Weanling Pig Growth Performance

263 Interaction between Protein Sources (wheat gluten and protein concentrate from soy and potato) and Starch Sources (pre-gelatinized and native pea starch) on Weanling Pig Growth Performance and Diarrhea Incidence.

263 Interaction between Protein Sources (wheat gluten and protein concentrate from soy and potato) and Starch Sources (pre-gelatinized and native pea starch) on Weanling Pig Growth Performance and Diarrhea Incidence.

Response to an Escherichia coli K88 oral challenge and productivity of weanling pigs receiving a dietary nucleotides supplement.

BackgroundDietary nucleotides, considered as antibiotics alternative, were shown to have positive effects on intestinal hyperaemia, systemic immunity, small-intestinal growth, and hepatic composition in pigs. However, there is no previous research on nucleotide supplementation in weanling pigs under an oral challenged E. coli K88. Therefore, 2 experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary nucleotides on weanling pig growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score, and blood profile after being orally challenged with E. coli K88.MethodsIn Exp. 1, a total of 140 weanling pigs [8.33 ± 0.33 kg of body weight (BW), 28-d old] were used in this 42-d feeding trial. Pigs were distributed into 1 of 4 treatments, 5 pigs/pen (3 barrows and 2 gilts) and 7 pens/treatment. Treatments were a control basal diet (CON) or the CON supplemented with 150 (R150), 220 (R220), or 275 (R275) mg/kg to give the three treatment diets. In Exp. 2, 28 weanling pigs (BW = 8.40 ± 0.22 kg, 28-d old) were distributed into 1 of 4 treatments to give 1 pig/pen and 7 pens/treatment in a 42-d feeding and challenge trial. Dietary treatments were the same as in Exp. 1. On d 14, all those pigs (BW = 13.3 ± 0.15 kg, 42-d old) were orally dosed with 1.5 mL suspension containing 1010 cfu/mL of E. coli K88. Twenty four hours after challenge, blood and excreta samples were collected from each pigs for analysis. Fecal scores were measured on d 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the study.ResultsIn Exp. 1, overall BW, average daily gain (ADG), gain/feed (G/F) ratio, and nutrient digestibilities were lower (P < 0.05) in CON group compared with the nucleotides fed pigs. In Exp. 2, after challenge, IgA, IgM, and IGF-I were higher (P < 0.05) in the nucleotide groups compared with CON. However, the nucleotide groups had lower (P < 0.05) cortisol and TNF-α compared with CON. Fecal E. coli counts and fecal score for the nucleotide groups were lower (P < 0.05) than for CON.ConclusionsIn conclusion, dietary nucleotides supplementation could improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune status, microbial balance, reduce diarrhea, and provide protection against enterotoxigenic E. coli K88 infection in weanling pigs.

Effect of Brazilian red pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) essential oil on performance, diarrhea and gut health of weanling pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Brazilian red pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) essential oil and an antimicrobial agent on weanling pig growth performance, diarrhea occurrence, pH of the digestive content, small intestine histology, and intestine microbial counts. Ninety weanling castrated male pigs (5.6±0.78kg BW and 21-d old) were used in a randomized complete block design experiment with five treatments, six replications per treatment, and three animals per experimental unit (pen). The treatments were a basal diet supplemented with 0 (negative control), 500, 1000, and 1500mg/kg Brazilian red pepper essential oil vs with 120mg/kg chlorohydroxyquinoline (antibiotic treatment). At the end of the experimental period one animal from each pen was slaughtered to record the pH of digestive contents, small intestine histology, and intestine microbial counts. Treatments had no effect (P>0.05) on growth performance, diarrhea occurrence, pH of the digestive content, villus height, crypt depth, and intestinal microbial counts of weanling pigs. However, pigs fed the diet containing 500mg/kg essential oil had greater villi density (P<0.05) than those fed diets containing the antibiotic or 1000 and 1500mg/kg essential oil. Thus, both Brazilian red pepper essential oil and the antibiotic are of limited benefit for enhancing the growth of weanling pigs. However, the effectiveness of growth enhancer additives may be reduced in low challenging situations as demonstrated by the current study.

Effects of Increasing Zinc from Two Different Sources on Nursery Pig Performance

A total of 360 weanling pigs (Line 400 × 200; DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE, initially 13.0 lb) were used in a 28-d trial to evaluate the effects of Zn source and level on nursery pig growth performance. Each treatment had 8 replicate pens with 5 pigs per pen. The 9 dietary treatments were arranged as 2 × 4 + 1 factorial and consisted of a control diet that contained 110 ppm Zn from ZnSO4 from the trace mineral premix or the control diet with 390, 890, 1,890, or 2,890 ppm added Zn from either TBZC (Intellibond Z; Micronutrients, Indianapolis, IN) or ZnO. This provided diets with a total of 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 ppm added Zn. Diets were fed in 3 phases from d 0 to 7, 7 to 21, and 21 to 28 with the first phase fed in pellet form and the others as meal. No Zn source by level interactions or Zn source differences were observed throughout this 28-d study. Overall, from d 0 to 28, increasing Zn increased (linear, P ≤ 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and d 28 BW. On d 28, fecal samples were collected from 3 pigs in each of the 8 pens per treatment and analyzed for DM content. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) for a Zn source by level interaction. As Zn from TBZC increased, fecal DM decreased, but for pigs fed increased Zn from ZnO there was no difference in fecal DM. In conclusion, up to 3,000 ppm Zn improved ADG and ADFI with no effect on F/G. There were no differences among pigs fed the different Zn sources, suggesting that either Zn source is effective at improving weanling pig growth performance.

Evaluation of fermented soybean meal sources in diets for nursery pigs (2014)

A total of 296 mixed-sex pigs (PIC 327 × 1050; 14.5 ± 3.0 lb BW and 21 d of age) were used in a 31-d experiment evaluating the effect of further processing methods for soybean meal on weanling pig growth performance. There were 11 replicate pens per treatment with 6 or 7 pigs per pen. At weaning, pigs were allotted to pens by initial weight to 1 of 4 treatments in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments were: (1) negative control (NC: no specialty protein sources), (2) fermented soybean meal processing method 1 (FSBM 1), (3) fermented soybean meal processing method 2 (FSBM 2), and (4) enzymatically treated soybean meal (ETS). The specialty soybean meal protein sources were included in Phase 1 (d 0 to 7) and Phase 2 (d 7 to 20) diets at 5%, and diets were formulated to the same standardized ileal digestible (SID) amino acid level. All pigs were subsequently fed a common diet during Phase 3 (d 20 to 31). Phase 1 and 2 diets were fed in pellet form, whereas the Phase 3 common diet was fed in meal form. Nutrient analyses of specialty soybean meal ingredients were conducted and generally matched those used for diet formulation. From d 0 to 7, pigs fed FSBM 2 had increased (P < 0.05) ADG and BW compared with pigs fed ETS, whereas those fed NC and FSBM 1 were intermediate. No other differences were observed between treatments for growth or BW during the experimental period, common period, or overall. In summary, further processed soybean meal sources did not improve nursery pig growth compared with traditional soybean meal.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 20, 2014

The effect of feeding genetically modified Bt maize (MON810) for 30 days on weanling pig growth performance organ weights and organ histopathology

The effect of feeding genetically modified Bt maize (MON810) for 30 days on weanling pig growth performance organ weights and organ histopathology

Effects of pepsoygen and dried porcine solubles 50 in nursery pig diets (2008)

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary specialty protein source on weanling pig growth performance. In Exp. 1, 350 pigs (initially 13.4 lb) were used in a 35-d growth trial to compare the effects of fish meal, PepSoyGen, and dried porcine solubles (DPS 50) on weanling pig performance. Seven dietary treatments were fed: (1) negative control, (2) 3% fish meal, (3) 6% fish meal, (4) 3.75% PepSoyGen, (5) 7.50% PepSoyGen, (6) 1.88% PepSoyGen and 1.88% DPS 50, and (7) 3.75% PepSoyGen and 3.75% DPS 50. From d 0 to 14, pigs fed increasing PepSoyGen and PepSoyGen in combination with DPS 50 had improved (quadratic, P = 0.01, linear, P = 0.002, respectively) F/G. Average daily gain and F/G were improved (P = 0.05 and P = 0.03, respectively) for pigs fed diets containing PepSoyGen and DPS 50 combinations compared with pigs fed diets containing fish meal. Also, feeding the combination of PepSoyGen and DPS 50 improved ADG and ADFI (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) compared with feeding only PepSoyGen. Overall (d 0 to 35), pigs fed increasing PepSoyGen from d 0 to 14 had improved F/G (quadratic, P = 0.03). In Exp. 2, 252 pigs (initially 15.0 lb) were used to evaluate the effects of fish meal, PepSoyGen, and DPS 50 on nursery pig performance. A common pelleted starter diet was fed from weaning until the start of the experiment (d 7). Six dietary treatments were fed: (1) negative control, (2) 5% fish meal, (3) 3.5% DPS 50, (4) 6.0% PepSoyGen, (5) 1.75% PepSoyGen and 1.75% DPS 50, and (6) 3.0% PepSoyGen and 2.5% fish meal. During the treatment period (d 0 to 14), pigs fed DPS 50 alone or in combination with PepSoyGen had improved ADG and F/G (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed all other diets. Overall (d 0 to 28), pigs fed DPS 50 from d 0 to 14 had improved ADG and F/G (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the control diet. Additionally, pigs fed DPS 50 had improved F/G (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed PepSoyGen and fish meal in combination.