The Effect of Dietary Sulphate Copper Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Digestive Enzymes and Absorptive Transporters in Weanling Pigs

The experiment was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Cu on the growth performance,digestive enzymes,tissue minerals and absorptive transporters in small intestinal mucosa of weanling pigs.One hundred crossbred pigs weaned at 28±2 d of age were assigned randomly to one of the following diets with 5 replicates:corn-soybean basal diet with 10,100,175,250 mg/kg of Cu as CuSO4·5H2O.The results showed that 250 mg/kg Cu had a positive effect (P0.05) on average daily gain,daily feed intake and ratio of gain/feed.Compared to 10 mg/kg Cu,higher Cu had significant effect on the apparent digestibility of protein and fat (P0.05).The supplementing of Cu improved amylase and lipase activity in jejunum content and lipase in pancreas (P0.05) and had no effect on intestinal morphology.The liver Cu elevated approximately 4-fold in pigs fed diet with 250 mg/kg Cu compared with pigs fed diet with 10 mg/kg Cu,no increases were observed in pigs receiving the lower level of Cu (100 and 175 mg/kg).Both Fe and Zn contents in kidney and liver were not affected by Cu supplementation.There was no positive effect (P0.05) of Cu supplementation on PepT1 (peptide transporter 1) and SGLT1 (sodium/glucose cotransporter) mRNA abundance in intestinal mucosa.However,higher supplementing level (250 mg/kg) significantly elevated the DMT1 (divalent metal transporter) mRNA abundance in duodenum mucosa.These results suggested that dietary supplementation with 250 mg/kg Cu could improve growth performance,nutrient digestibility and intestinal enzyme activities of weanling pigs.     

Effects of chito-oligosaccharide supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and fecal shedding of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus in weaning pigs

A total of 50 weaning pigs (16 d of age; 4.72 +/- 0.23 kg of BW) were selected to investigate the effect of dietary chito-oligosaccharide (COS) supplementation on growth performance, fecal shedding of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus, apparent digestibility, and small intestinal morphology. Pigs housed in individual metabolic cages were assigned randomly to 5 treatments (n = 10), including 1 basal diet (control), 3 diets with COS supplementation (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), and 1 diet with chlortetracycline (CTC) supplementation (80 mg/kg). Fresh fecal samples were collected to evaluate shedding of E. coli and Lactobacillus on d 0, 7, 14, and 21 postweaning. Fresh fecal samples collected from each cage from d 19 to 21 were stored frozen for determination of apparent total tract digestibility. On d 21, all pigs were killed to collect the middle sections of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum for determination of mucosa morphology. Supplementation of COS at 100 and 200 mg/kg and supplementation of CTC improved (P < 0.05) overall ADG, ADFI, and G:F in comparison with the control. Supplementation of COS at 200 mg/kg as well as supplementation of CTC increased (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility of DM, GE, CP, crude fat, Ca, and P, whereas COS at 100 mg/kg increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of DM, Ca, and P in comparison with the control diet. Pigs receiving diets supplemented with COS or CTC had a decreased (P < 0.05) incidence of diarrhea and decreased diarrhea scores compared with control pigs. Fecal samples from pigs receiving diets supplemented with COS had greater (P < 0.05) Lactobacillus counts than those from control pigs and pigs receiving diets supplemented with CTC on d 14 and 21. However, supplementation of COS at 200 mg/kg and supplementation of CTC decreased (P < 0.05) E. coli counts in the feces on d 21 compared with the control diet. Dietary supplementation of COS at 200 mg/kg and of CTC increased (P < 0.05) the villus height and villus:crypt ratio at the ileum and jejunum, and COS at 100 mg/kg also increased (P < 0.05) the villus height in the ileum compared with the control diet. The current results indicated that dietary supplementation of COS at 100 and 200 mg/kg enhanced growth performance by increasing apparent digestibility, decreasing the incidence of diarrhea, and improving small intestinal morphology.     

Effect of chito-oligosaccharide on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, intestinal morphology and cecal microflora in weaned pigs

A total of 180 weanling pigs (21 ± 3 d of age; 5.98 ± 0.04 kg) were used to investigate the effect of chito-oligosaccharide (COS) on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, intestinal morphology, and cecal microflora. Based on initial BW, gender and litter, the pigs were given 5 treatments during a 14-d feeding experiment, including a basal diet (control), 3 diets with COS supplementation (200, 400, or 600 mg/kg), and a diet with colistin sulfate (CSE) supplementation (20 mg/kg). Six randomly selected pigs from each treatment were used to collect serum, duodenal, jejunal, ileal, and cecal samples on d 7 and 14 postweaning. From d 1 to 7 postweaning, pigs fed COS or CSE had greater ADG and ADFI compared with the control pigs. From d 1 to 14, diets with either 400 or 600 mg/kg COS, or 20 mg/kg CSE increased (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared with the control diet. No significant differences were observed in ADG, ADFI, and G:F between the pigs fed COS and CSE. Pigs fed either 400 or 600 mg/kg COS, or 20 mg/kg CSE had less (P < 0.05) diamine oxidase (DAO) in the serum, but greater concentration of (P < 0.05) DAO in jejunal mucosa, than the control pigs on d 7 postweaning. Treatments did not affect villous height and crypt depth of the duodenum, jejunum, or ileum. Pigs fed COS at 400 mg/kg had greater (P < 0.05) concentration of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the cecum than pigs fed the control diet and CSE diet on d 7 postweaning. Supplementation of COS or CSE decreased (P < 0.05) the population of cecal Staphylococcus aureus compared with the control diet on d 7 postweaning. The number of cecal Bifidobacteria in pigs fed 600 mg/kg COS was greater (P < 0.05) than that of pigs fed the control diet or CSE diet on d 14 postweaning. No significant differences were observed in Escherichia coli counts in the cecum among treatments. The present results indicate that dietary supplementation of COS at 400 or 600 mg/kg promotes growth performance and improves gut barrier function, increases the population of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and decreases S. aureus in the cecum of weanling pigs.     

Effects of cysteamine supplementation on the intestinal expression of amino acid and peptide transporters and intestinal health in finishing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cysteamine supplementation on the expression of jejunal amino acid and peptide transporters and intestinal health in finishing pigs. Sixty barrows were allocated into two experimental diets consisting of a basal control diet supplemented with 0 or 142 mg/kg cysteamine. After 41 days, 10 pigs per treatment were slaughtered. The results showed that cysteamine supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) and the trypsin activity in jejunal digesta (P < 0.01). Cysteamine supplementation also increased the messenger RNA abundance of SLC7A7, SLC7A9 and SLC15A1, occludin, claudin‐1 and zonula occludens protein‐1 (P < 0.001) in the jejunum mucosa. Increased glutathione content (P < 0.01) and glutathione peroxidase activity (P < 0.05) and decreased malondialdehyde content (P < 0.01) were observed in pigs receiving cysteamine. Additionally, cysteamine supplementation increased the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) (P < 0.05), IgM (P < 0.001) and IgG (P < 0.001) in the jejunal mucosa. It is concluded that cysteamine supplementation could influence protein digestion and absorption via increasing trypsin activity, enhancing the digestibility of CP, and promoting the expression of jejunal amino acid and peptide transporters. Moreover, cysteamine improved intestinal integrity, antioxidant capacity and immune function in the jejunum, which were beneficial for intestinal health.     

纳米氧化锌对断奶仔猪生长、腹泻、肠道微生物和通透性的影响

选用108头平均体重为7.2 kg杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成3组,对照组饲喂基础饲粮;氧化锌组在基础饲粮中添加2 000 mg/kg锌(氧化锌);纳米氧化锌组在基础饲粮中添加500 mg/kg锌(纳米氧化锌),试验期14 d。结果表明:与对照组相比,添加500 mg/kg纳米氧化锌和2 000 mg/kg氧化锌分别提高日增重16.20%(P<0.05)和14.94%(P<0.05),提高日采食12.63%(P<0.05)和13.66%(P<0.05),显著降低断奶后7 d和14 d腹泻指数(P<0.05),显著降低血浆D-乳酸和二胺氧化酶活性(P<0.05)。添加500 mg/kg纳米氧化锌显著降低小肠和结肠内容物中梭菌和大肠杆菌数量;添加2 000 mg/kg氧化锌显著降低结肠内容物中梭菌数量。结果提示,断奶仔猪饲粮中添加500 mg/kg锌(纳米氧化锌)可提高仔猪生长性能,降低腹泻率和肠道通透性,改善肠道微生态,其效果与添加2 000 mg/kg锌(氧化锌)相当。     

Inclusion of dicopper oxide instead of copper sulfate in diets for growing–finishing pigs results in greater final body weight and bone mineralization,but reduced accumulation of copper in the liver

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of Cu oxide (Cu₂O) in diets for growing–finishing pigs improves body weight (BW) and bone mineralization, and reduces accumulation of Cu in the liver compared with pigs fed diets containing Cu sulfate (CuSO₄). Two hundred growing pigs (initial BW: 11.5 ± 0.98 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 2 blocks of 100 pigs, 5 dietary treatments, 5 pigs per pen, and a total of 8 pens per treatment. Treatments included the negative control (NC) diet that contained 20 mg Cu/kg, and 4 diets in which 125 or 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO₄ or Cu₂O were added to the NC diet. The experiment was divided into 4 phases and concluded when pigs reached market weight. Pig weights were recorded on day 1 and at the end of each phase and feed provisions were recorded throughout the experiment. On the last day of phases 1 and 4, 1 pig per pen was sacrificed to obtain samples of liver and spleen tissue, and the right metacarpal was collected. Results indicated that pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO₄ had greater BW at the end of phases 1 and 2 than pigs fed NC diets. Pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu₂O had greater (P < 0.05) BW at the end of phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 compared with pigs fed NC diets, and these pigs also had greater BW at the end of phases 3 and 4 than pigs fed all other diets. Pigs fed the diets with 250 mg Cu/kg tended to have greater (P < 0.10) feed intake than pigs fed the NC diet at the end of phase 2, and for the overall experimental period, pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu₂O had greater (P < 0.05) feed intake than pigs on all other treatments. However, no differences in gain:feed ratio were observed among treatments. Copper accumulation in liver and spleen increased with Cu dose, but at the end of phase 1, pigs fed 250 mg Cu/kg from CuSO₄ had greater (P < 0.05) Cu concentration in liver and spleen than pigs fed 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu₂O. Pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu₂O had greater (P < 0.05) quantities of bone ash and greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of Ca, P, and Cu in bone ash than pigs fed NC diets or the 2 diets containing CuSO₄, but Zn concentration in bone ash was less (P < 0.05) in pigs fed diets containing 250 mg Cu/kg from Cu₂O. To conclude, supplementing diets for growing pigs with Cu₂O improves growth performance and bone mineralization with less Cu accumulation in liver compared with pigs fed diets containing CuSO₄.     

Effects of nanocopper on copper availability and nutrients digestibility, growth performance and serum traits of piglets

Copper is a microelement routinely added to facilitate the normal growth of pigs. Copper fed at 30 to 250 mg/kg is recognized for its growth enhancement effect, particularly in weaned pigs. Past studies have proved its effect in improving the growth performance of pigs due to its antibacterial properties. However, studies also showed that the addition of high levels of copper results in low digestibility and absorption, which causes increased excretion of this mineral in feces and poses an environmental problem. This study aimed to enhance the copper digestibility in pigs when it is used as a growth promotant by modifying the copper size into nanometer. It is hoped that by improving the absorption of copper in pigs, the fecal excretion levels could be reduced and minimize environmental pollution. Two experiments were performed to explore the effects of nanocopper supplementation on the serum traits of weanling pigs. Using crossover design, eight LYD growing pigs were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, which are control, nanoCu and CuSO₄, to investigate the effect of nanoCu supplementation on the availability of copper and digestibility of nutrients in pigs. Each treatment was replicated thrice. Another trial was conducted on thirty-six LYD weanling pigs to determine the effect of supplementing nanoCu on their growth performance and serum traits. For both trials, copper levels in nanoCu and CuSO₄ groups were supplemented at a ratio of 50 mg/kg. Experimental results indicated statistically significant improvements in growth performance of the piglets when copper was supplemented at nanosize. Copper availability was significantly improved and feces copper level was reduced in the nanoCu supplemented group, as compared to the CuSO₄ group. Significant differences were observed in the improvement of the digestibility of crude fat and energy in pigs under nanoCu diet. The serum copper level and serum cholesterol concentrations, as well as hematology traits— RBC, WBC, MCV, HGB, HCT, PLT and RDW, were not affected by nanoCu supplementation. However, statistically significant improvements were observed in the IgG, γ-globulin and total globulin protein levels, and in the SOD activity of the nanoCu group. In conclusion, nanosize copper supplementation was proven to reduce copper excretion level in piglets, improve the digestible energy and absorption of fat, and enhance the SOD activity in blood serum and the immunity level of piglets.     

Effects of essential oil supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance,intestinal morphology and microflora,immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs

A total of 144 weaned piglets were used to evaluate the effects of essential oil (EO) supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs. Pigs received a low‐energy diet (negative control, NC, digestible energy = 3250 kcal/kg), NC plus 0.025% EO or a positive control diet (PC, digestible energy = 3400 kcal/kg) for 28 days. Growth performance was similar between the EO group and PC group. However, EO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and energy compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Greater (P < 0.05) villus height and lower (P < 0.05) counts of Escherichia coli and total anaerobes in the rectum in the EO group were observed compared with NC or PC groups. Pigs fed EO diet had higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and total antioxidant capacity and lower fecal score than pigs fed the PC and NC diets. Above all, this study indicates that supplementation of EO to a low‐energy pig diet has beneficial results and obtains similar performance compared with normal energy (PC) diet.     

Effects of dietary iron level on growth performance,hematological status,and intestinal function in growing-finishing pigs

This study investigated the different addition levels of iron (Fe) in growing-finishing pigs and the effect of different Fe levels on growth performance, hematological status, intestinal barrier function, and intestinal digestion. A total of 1,200 barrows and gilts ([Large White × Landrace] × Duroc) with average initial body weight (BW; 27.74 ± 0.28 kg) were housed in 40 pens of 30 pigs per pen (gilts and barrows in half), blocked by BW and gender, and fed five experimental diets (eight replicate pens per diet). The five experimental diets were control diet (basal diet with no FeSO₄ supplementation), and the basal diet being supplemented with 150, 300, 450, or 600 mg/kg Fe as FeSO₄ diets. The trial lasted for 100 d and was divided into the growing phase (27 to 60 kg of BW) for the first 50 d and the finishing phase (61 to 100 kg of BW) for the last 50 d. The basal diet was formulated with an Fe-free trace mineral premix and contained 203.36 mg/kg total dietary Fe in the growing phase and 216.71 mg/kg in the finishing phase based on ingredient contributions. And at the end of the experiment, eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) were randomly selected from each treatment (selected one pig per pen) for digesta, blood, and intestinal samples collection. The results showed that the average daily feed intake (P = 0.025), average daily gain (P = 0.020), and BW (P = 0.019) increased linearly in the finishing phase of pigs fed with the diets containing Fe. On the other hand, supplementation with different Fe levels in the diet significantly increased serum iron and transferrin saturation concentrations (P < 0.05), goblet cell numbers of duodenal villous (P < 0.001), and MUC4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA) for pigs in the 450 and 600 mg/kg Fe groups was greater (P < 0.05) than for pigs in the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 450 to 600 mg/kg Fe improved the growth performance of pigs by changing hematological status and by enhancing intestinal goblet cell differentiation and AID of AA.     

Nutritional and functional values of lysed Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass for intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

The objective was to determine the nutritional and functional values of lysed Corynebacterium glutamicum cell mass (CGCM) as a protein supplement and a source of cell wall fragments supporting the growth and intestinal health of nursery pigs. Thirty-two pigs (21 d of age) were allotted to four treatments (n = 8) based on the randomized block design with sex and initial body weight (BW) as blocks. The main effect was the dietary supplementation of lysed CGCM (0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1%) replacing blood plasma and fed in two phases (10 and 11 d, respectively). Feed intake and BW were measured at the end of each phase. Pigs were euthanized on day 21 to collect jejunal tissue and mucosa to evaluate intestinal health. Ileal digesta were collected to measure the apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients in diets. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed and Reg of SAS. Increasing daily intake of CGCM increased (linear; P < 0.05) ADG of pigs. Increasing CGCM supplementation affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae (minimum: 26.4% at 1.2% CGCM), Helicobacteraceae (maximum: 29.3% at 1.2% CGCM), and Campylobacteraceae (maximum: 9.0% at 1.0% CGCM). Increasing CGCM supplementation affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (maximum: 4.94 µg/mg of protein at 1.0% CGCM) and protein carbonyl (PC; maximum: 6.12 nmol/mg of protein at 1.1% CGCM), whereas linearly decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) in the proximal jejunal mucosa. Increasing CGCM supplemention affected (quadratic; P < 0.05) intestinal enterocyte proliferation rate (maximum: 13.3% at 1.0% CGCM), whereas it did not affect intestinal morphology and the nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, supplementing 1.0% to 1.2%, reducing blood plasma supplementation by 0.7% to 0.9%, respectively, increased potential pathogenic microbiota associated in the jejunal mucosa resulting in increased immune response, enterocyte proliferation, and PC concentration. However, supplementing diets with 2.1% CGCM, replacing 1.5% blood plasma, improved growth performance, and reduced MDA without affecting nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and microbiota in the jejunal mucosa. In this study, based on the polynomial contrast, supplementing 1.0% to 1.2% CGCM suppressed the benefits from blood plasma, whereas supplementing 2.1% CGCM showed functional benefits of CGCM with similar effects from blood plasma supplementation.     

纳米载铜蒙脱石对断奶仔猪生长、肠道菌群及其肠黏膜形态的影响

选用128头健康“杜长大”三元杂交断奶仔猪,随机分为对照组、CuSO4组、纳米蒙脱石(MMT)组和MMT-Cu组,分别饲喂基础日粮(对照组)、基础日粮+78 mg/kg Cu2+(CuSO4.5H2O,相当于MMT-Cu中Cu2+的量)、基础日粮+2.0 g/kgMMT、基础日粮+2.0 g/kgMMT-Cu。结果表明,与对照组相比,MMT-Cu组能显著提高(P<0.05)断奶仔猪的平均日增重、饲料转化效率及小肠绒毛高度、绒毛高度与隐窝深度的比值,显著降低(P<0.05)腹泻率及小肠、结肠内容物中大肠杆菌和沙门氏菌的数量;而MMT组也显著降低(P<0.05)仔猪腹泻率,提高(P<0.05)小肠绒毛高度和绒毛高度与隐窝深度的比值。与MMT组或CuSO4组相比,MMT-Cu组能显著(P<0.05)提高断奶仔猪的平均日增重和饲料转化效率(P<0.05),显著降低了(P<0.05)小肠和结肠内容物中大肠杆菌和沙门氏菌的数量。     

纳米载铜蒙脱石对断奶仔猪生长、消化性能及二糖酶活性的影响

取128头健康"杜长大"三元杂交断奶仔猪,随机分为4组,每组32头。分别饲喂基础日粮(对照组)、基础日粮+3.0g/kg纳米蒙脱石(MMT)、基础日粮+3.0g/kg纳米载铜蒙脱石(MMT-Cu)及基础日粮+117mg/kgCu2+。比较研究MMT-Cu对断奶仔猪生长、消化和肠黏膜二糖酶活性的影响。结果表明:饲料中添加3.0g/kgMMT-Cu,能显著(P<0.05)提高断奶仔猪的平均日增重和饲料转化效率;显著提高饲料干物质(P<0.05)、粗蛋白(P<0.05)、粗脂肪(P<0.05)的表观消化率和十二指肠内容物中总蛋白水解酶(P<0.05)、脂肪酶(P<0.05)、淀粉酶(P<0.05)的活性。与对照组相比,添加MMT组十二指肠内容物中脂肪酶、淀粉酶活性升高显著(P<0.05)。二糖酶活性研究表明,添加3.0g/kgMMT-Cu组仔猪空肠黏膜麦芽糖酶、蔗糖酶和乳糖酶活性均显著高于(P<0.05)对照组和CuSO4组。     

Effects of multistrain probiotics on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profiles,faecal microbial shedding,faecal score and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of multistrain probiotics in weaning pigs. A total of 125 28‐day‐old weaning pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial average body weight (BW) of 7.26 ± 0.76 kg were randomly allotted into 5 treatments, 5 replicate pens/treatment with 5 pigs/pen for 42‐day experiment. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; PC1, CON + 0.01% multistrain probiotics; PC2, CON + 0.03% multistrain probiotics; PC3, CON + 0.06% multistrain probiotics; PC4, CON + 0.1% multistrain probiotics. On day 14, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. From days 1 to 14, pigs fed the PC2, PC3 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed the CON diet. From day 15 to 42, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain: feed ratio (G:F) than pigs fed the CON diet. In the overall period, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG and pigs fed the PC2 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) G:F than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and gross energy (GE), faecal Lactobacillus counts and lower (p < 0.05) E. coli counts and NH₃ emission than pigs fed the CON diet. Pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had lower (p < 0.05) H₂S and total mercaptans emissions than pigs fed the CON diet. Conclusions, dietary supplementation with 0.1% probiotics improved growth performance, nutrition digestibility and intestinal microflora balance and decreased faecal noxious gas emissions in weaning pigs.     

Performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed wheat dried distillers’ grain with solubles‐containing diets supplemented with phytase and multi‐carbohydrase

Effect of supplementing wheat dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS)‐containing diet with enzymes on nutrient utilization by growing pigs was evaluated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 60 pigs weighing ~30 kg were fed five diets that included a corn‐based diet (Control), Control with 10% wheat DDGS (DDGS‐PC), DDGS‐PC without inorganic P source (DDGS‐NC), and DDGS‐NC plus phytase alone or with multi‐carbohydrase for 4 weeks to determine average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F). In Experiment 2, 30 barrows weighing 22 kg were fed five diets fed in Experiment 1 to determine nutrient digestibility and retention. Pigs fed DDGS‐PC and Control diets had similar ADG and G:F. The ADG and G:F for DDGS‐PC diet were higher (P < 0.05) than those for DDGS‐NC diet. Phytase improved (P < 0.05) ADG, G:F, total tract P digestibility and P retention by 6.6, 8.7, 86.0 and 85.5%, respectively. Addition of multi‐carbohydrase to phytase‐supplemented diet did not affected growth performance, but reduced (P < 0.05) P retention. In conclusion, inclusion of 10% wheat DDGS in growing pig diet may not affect growth performance of growing pigs. Phytase supplementation to wheat DDGS‐containing diet can eliminate the need for inorganic P supplement in pig diets.     

Dietary copper supplementation improves pelt characteristics of female silver fox (Vulpes fulva) during the winter fur‐growing season

Copper has an essential role in normal fur pigmentation and fur quality. This study evaluated the effects of cupric citrate (CuCit) supplementation on growth, nutrients metabolism and pelt characteristics of the female silver fox (Vulpes fulva). Fifty age‐matched female silver foxes with similar body weights were randomly divided into five dietary groups for 58 days during the winter fur‐growing season. The basal diet contained 4.92 mg/kg copper. Groups I‐V were supplemented with 6, 30, 60, 90 or 150 mg Cu from CuCit per 1 kg dry matter basal diet. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in those fed 90 mg/kg Cu than those fed 150 mg/kg Cu. Pelt total thickness was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in those fed 30 mg/kg Cu than foxes fed 6 mg/kg Cu supplemented diet, but were similar to the other groups. Length of guard hair was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in those fed 90 mg/kg Cu than fed 6 mg/kg Cu and 30 mg/kg Cu, but were similar to the other groups. Length of underhair was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in those fed 6 mg/kg Cu than those fed 90 mg/kg Cu, but was similar to the other groups. Considering decreasing environmental contamination and improving pelt performance, supplementing 30 mg/kg Cu from CuCit (actual copper 35 mg/kg dry matter) is appropriate for female silver fox.     

Changes in diarrhea,nutrients apparent digestibility,digestive enzyme activities of weaned piglets in response to chitosan‐zinc chelate

A total of 120 weanling barrows weighing 6.11 ± 0.20 kg were randomly allotted to four treatments with three replications (i.e. pen) of ten piglets per replicate. Pigs were received corn‐soybean basal diet (control) or the same basal diet supplemented with the following sources of zinc: (i) 100 mg/kg of Zn as ZnSO₄; (ii) 100 mg/kg of Zn as chitosan‐Zn chelate (CS‐Zn); and (iii) 100 mg/kg of Zn as ZnSO₄ mixed with chitosan (CS + ZnSO₄). The results showed that CS‐Zn could highly improve average daily gain and average daily feed intake than those of ZnSO₄ or CS+ ZnSO₄ (P < 0.05). The pigs fed dietary CS‐Zn had lower diarrhea incidence and higher apparent digestibility of crude protein than those of the pigs fed dietary ZnSO₄ (P < 0.05). The protease activities in duodenal content of the pigs receiving CS‐Zn diets was higher than that of the pigs fed dietary ZnSO₄ or CS + ZnSO₄ (P < 0.05). The amylase activity in duodenal content of the pigs fed dietary CS‐Zn was higher than that of the pigs receiving ZnSO₄ diets or basal diets (P < 0.05). These results indicated that dietary CS‐Zn showed different bioactivities from ZnSO₄ or CS + ZnSO₄ in reducing the incidence of diarrhea, improving activities of digestive enzymes and growth performance of weaned pigs.     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸对脂多糖单次刺激仔猪肠黏膜免疫应激的影响

本试验旨在研究N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)对脂多糖(LPS)单次刺激仔猪肠黏膜免疫应激的影响。选取24头健康仔猪,随机分成4组,每组6个重复,每个重复1头猪。对照组和LPS组饲喂基础饲粮,250和500 mg/kg NAC组在基础饲粮中分别添加250和500 mg/kg NAC。试验第17天,LPS组、250和500 mg/kg NAC组仔猪腹膜分别注射100μg/kg BW的LPS,对照组注射相应剂量的灭菌生理盐水。注射后6 h屠宰,取肠黏膜。结果表明:与对照组相比,饲粮中添加250或500 mg/kg NAC缓解了LPS刺激导致的肠黏膜中白细胞介素-2、白细胞介素-6和前列腺素E2水平的升高及热应激蛋白70(HSP70)表达量的升高(P<0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加250和500 mg/kg NAC可有效抑制LPS刺激导致的肠黏膜中炎性因子的升高,缓解急性免疫应激。     

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,faecal microbial shedding,immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs

A 12‐week trial with 120 [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] pigs (45.65 ± 1.93 kg) was conducted to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture (HM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs. Pigs were allocated to one of three treatments with 0, 0.025% (HM1) and 0.05% (HM2) HM supplementation in a randomized complete block design according to sex and BW. Each treatment contained 10 replications with four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Dietary HM resulted in a higher G:F (p < 0.05) than CON group during weeks 7 to 12 and the overall periods. Pigs fed HM2 diet had higher ADG than pigs fed CON diet. Pigs fed HM2 supplementation diet led to a higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) than pigs fed CON diet at week 6, while the supplementation of HM led to a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than pigs fed CON diet at week 12. The faecal E. coli counts were reduced, and Lactobacillus counts were increased by increasing HM supplementation (p < 0.05). Pigs fed HM1 diet had higher (p < 0.05) WBC concentration than those fed CON and HM2 diets at week 6. Pigs fed HM‐supplemented diet had higher (p < 0.05) IgG and IgA concentrations than those fed CON diet at week 12. Pigs fed HM diet noted better (p < 0.05) meat colour and redness value than pigs fed CON diet. Pig fed HM2 reduced (p < 0.05) the lightness value compared with CON group. In conclusion, dietary HM supplementation exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbial balance (increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), immune response and meat quality.     

Effect of mannan oligosaccharides and fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs

A total of 150 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average BW of 7.22 ± 0.80 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 28-d trial to determine the effects of dietary fructan and mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs. Pigs were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) negative control (NC), basal diet; 2) positive control (PC), NC + 0.01% apramycin (165 mg/kg); 3) NC + 0.1% fructan (FC); 4) NC + 0.1% mannan oligosaccharide source (MO); and 5) NC + 0.05% fructan + 0.05% mannan oligosaccharide source (FM). There were 3 replications per treatment with 10 pigs per pen (5 barrows and 5 gilts). From d 0 to 14, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets were greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. From d 15 to 28, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in ADG, ADFI, and G:F. During the overall period (d 0 to 28), pigs fed the MO diet had a greater ADG than pigs fed the NC diet (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the PC and MO diets increased ADFI (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. However, no differences were detected among dietary treatments in G:F during the overall experimental period. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and N in pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets was greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. The ATTD of DM increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the MO and FM diets compared with pigs fed the FC diet. However, at the end of the experiment, pigs fed the FM diet had a greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Additionally, there were no differences in IgG, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocyte counts among dietary treatments on d 0, 14, or 28. The diarrhea score in pigs fed the MO diet was reduced (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. In conclusion, mannan oligosaccharides have a beneficial effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs. Furthermore, mannan oligosaccharides can decrease diarrhea score in weanling pigs.     

降低铜、锌含量添加植酸酶对育肥猪生长性能、养分表观消化率及血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在探讨植酸水平较高饲料中育肥猪适宜的铜、锌添加水平。试验选取108头55 kg左右的苏姜猪,采用2×3因子设计将试验猪随机分为6组,每组3个重复,每个重复6头。将低、中、高剂量铜、锌与植酸酶添加、不添加组合成6种饲料,每组饲喂其中1种饲料。试验期42 d,测定试验期间育肥猪生长性能、养分表观消化率、血清生化指标及血清和掌骨铜、锌含量。结果显示,降低饲料中铜、锌含量并添加植酸酶未显著影响育肥猪生长性能（P>0.05）。将铜、锌水平从高剂量降低到中、低剂量极显著地提高了铜、锌的表观消化率（P<0.01）,极显著降低了血清铜含量（P<0.01）;从高剂量降低到中剂量极显著降低了血清碱性磷酸酶活性（P<0.01）。添加植酸酶极显著提高了粗蛋白质表观消化率（P<0.01）,显著提高了锌表观消化率和血清碱性磷酸酶活性（P<0.05）。铜、锌水平和添加植酸酶对血清和掌骨锌含量、血清铜蓝蛋白和乳酸脱氢酶活力均无显著影响（P>0.05）。综上所述,在较高植酸水平的饲料中将铜、锌含量降到中等水平可提高铜、锌表观消化率,而不影响生长性能。添加植酸酶有利于提高粗蛋白质、锌的表观消化率。因而建议育肥苏姜猪饲料中添加中剂量铜、锌（即25 mg/kg铜＋40 mg/kg锌）并添加植酸酶。