Effects of dietary energy level and protein source on nutrient digestion and ruminal nitrogen metabolism in steers.

Four Simmental steers with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used to examine effects of dietary forage: concentrate ratio and supply of ruminally degradable true protein on site of nutrient digestion and net ruminal microbial protein synthesis. Steers (345 kg) were fed ammoniated corn cob (high forage; HF)- or corn cob/ground corn/cornstarch (low forage; LF)-based diets supplemented with soybean meal (SBM) or a combination of corn gluten meal and blood meal (CB). Diets were fed at 2-h intervals with average DM intake equal to 2.2% of BW. Feeding LF vs HF increased (P less than .05) OM digestion (percentage of intake) in the stomach, small intestine, and total tract. Efficiency of microbial CP synthesis (EMCP; g of N/kg of OM truly fermented) decreased (P less than .05) for LF vs HF (24.1 vs 26.8), but microbial N and total N flows to the small intestine were similar (P greater than .05) between energy levels (average 112 and 209 g/d, respectively). Total N flows to the small intestine were 13.1% greater (P less than .05) for CB than for SBM because of increased (P less than .05) passage of nonmicrobial N. Feeding SBM vs CB increased (P less than .05) EMCP (27.3 vs 23.3) and microbial N flow to the small intestine (127.5 vs 112.5 g/d), but these increases were not likely due to increased ruminal concentrations of ammonia N (NH3 N). Decreased (P less than .05) incorporation of NH3 N into bacterial N and slower turnover rates of ruminal NH3 N for SBM vs CB suggest that direct incorporation of preformed diet components into cell mass increased when SBM was fed. Results of this study suggest that the inclusion of ruminally degradable protein in the diet may increase the supply of products from proteolysis and that this can increase EMCP and microbial protein flow to the small intestine.     

纤维源对不同品种生长猪养分消化率和氮平衡的影响

试验旨在研究纤维源对不同品种生长猪养分消化率和氮平衡的影响试验选取体重相近、健康去势的烟台黑、鲁农2号生长猪各6头,饲喂玉米-豆粕型日粮,采用有重复的3×3拉丁方设计,三个处理分别为基础日粮组、10%大豆皮替代基础日粮组、10%地瓜蔓替代基础日粮组。于每期试验的第6、7 d连续收集48 h的粪样和尿样测定日粮养分消化率和氮平衡代谢。结果表明:日粮添加10%地瓜蔓,两品种生长猪养分消化率和氮平衡显著或极显著降低(P0.05或P0.01),添加10%大豆皮对其氮总利用率影响显著(P0.05),对其他则影响不显著(P0.05);除对干物质消化率(P0.01)、氮表观消化率(P0.05)外,猪的品种对养分消化率和氮平衡均有显著影响(P0.05);纤维源对养分消化率和氮平衡均影响极显著(P0.01);但二者的互作关系不明显(P0.05)。与烟台黑生长猪相比,纤维源对鲁农2号生长猪养分消化率及氮平衡代谢的影响更大。     

Source and level of supplemental protein for growing lambs

Two 3 x 2 factorial growth trials and a companion metabolism trial with 13, 15, or 17% dietary CP (DM basis), with or without 3% of the DM replaced with slowly degraded menhaden fish meal, were conducted to determine if level of dietary protein influences whether slowly degraded protein improves lamb growth and protein use. The growth trials included 32 and 34 pens of two weanling lambs initially weighing 23 to 26 kg and fed for 42 d. The metabolism trial included 12 additional lambs fed in metabolism cages with a 2-wk adjustment period, a 1-wk preliminary period, and a 7-d collection period. Plasma urea N (PUN) was measured in all lambs at the conclusion of the second growth trial and at the end of the metabolism trial. There was a protein level x protein source interaction (P = 0.05) for PUN of the 12 lambs in the metabolism trial but not for the 68 lambs in the second growth trial. Replacement of part of the soybean meal protein with protein from fish meal did not affect ADG or G:F at any protein level, but it lowered (P = 0.08) PUN in the second growth trial. Plasma urea N values were higher (P = 0.002) in lambs fed diets with 15 or 17% CP; however, ADG (P = 0.037 in Exp. 1 and P = 0.055 in Exp. 2), and G:F (P = 0.094 in Exp. 1 and P = 0.003 in Exp. 2) were lower for lambs fed the diets with 13% CP. There was little difference in ADG or G:F between lambs fed the diets with 15 or 17% CP, suggesting that a CP level of 15% with supplemental protein from soybean meal would be optimal for 25- to 40-kg growing Finnsheep x Dorset lambs.     

Effects of dietary energy level and protein source on site of digestion and duodenal nitrogen and amino acid flows in steers

Six steers (468 kg) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were fed diets formulated for two levels of energy containing three crude protein (CP) sources in a 6 X 6 Latin square with a 2 X 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Energy levels were 2.17 and 2.71 Mcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg dry matter (DM) provided by hay-corn (H) and corn silage-corn (CS) diets, respectively. Soybean mean (SBM), corn gluten meal-urea (CGM) and urea (U) provided 33% of dietary CP in 12% CP diets. Apparent organic matter (OM) digested in the stomach was not affected (P greater than .05) by energy level or CP source, but OM truly digested in the stomach was greater (P less than .05) when steers were fed the CS compared with the H diet. Duodenal flow of non-NH3 N was greater (P less than .05) when steers were fed CS compared with H and when fed SBM or CGM compared with U. Efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis and duodenal bacterial N flow were increased (P less than .05) when steers were fed CS, but non-NH3, nonbacterial N flow to the duodenum was increased (P less than .05) when steers were fed H. When steers were fed CS rather than H, flows (g/d) of bacterial amino acids were greater (P less than .05), but flows of nonbacterial amino acids tended (P less than .08) to be less. Total amino acid flows were not affected (P greater than .05) by energy level. Duodenal flows of total amino acids tended (P less than .06) to be greater when steers were fed CGM compared with SBM or U, due mainly to an increased (P less than .05) flow of nonessential amino acids.     

Effects of nitrogen and energy source on nutrient digestibility in the young pig

Dried whole whey, lard or dried skim milk was added to a corn-soybean meal basal diet to determine the effect on apparent nitrogen (ND), energy (ED) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) in pigs weaned at 28 d. Four groups of four littermate barrows were allotted to the experimental diets and placed in individual metabolism pens for 12 d (3 d adjustment and three collection periods of 3 d each) after weaning. The study was a 4 X 3 factorial with diet and period as main effects. Addition of dried skim milk or dried whey to the diet resulted in higher values (P less than .05) for DMD and ED as compared with the basal or corn-soy and lard diet. Pigs fed added dried skim milk had improved (P less than .05) ND over pigs on other dietary treatments. All nutrient digestibility coefficients increased (P less than .05) from period 1 to period 2, and ND increased (P less than .05) from period 2 to 3. It was concluded that the young pig requires at least 6 to 9 d after weaning at 28 d to adjust to typical corn-soybean meal starter diets.     

日粮蛋白质和脂肪水平对育成期雄性水貂生长性能、营养物质消化率及氮代谢的影响

试验旨在探讨日粮不同蛋白质和脂肪水平对育成期雄性水貂生长性能、营养物质消化率及氮代谢的影响,确定育成期雄水貂日粮蛋白质和脂肪的适宜水平。试验采用2×3因子试验设计,2个蛋白质水平(32%和36%)和3个脂肪水平(10%、20%和30%),共配制6种试验日粮。选取90只60日龄健康雄性水貂随机分成6组,每组15个重复,每个重复1只貂。预试期7 d,试验期60 d。结果表明:蛋白质水平为32%,脂肪水平为20%和30%组水貂各阶段平均日增重和饲料转化率、脂肪消化率、氮沉积氮生物学效价均最高,日粮蛋白质和脂肪交互作用对脂肪消化率影响显著(P0.05),对其他指标影响均不显著(P0.05)。综合各项指标,在本试验条件下,当日粮蛋白质水平为32%,脂肪水平为20%~30%时,育成期雄性水貂生产性能最佳,且能够降低尿氮排放量,提高水貂对日粮蛋白质的利用率。     

Effects of energy level and protein source on nitrogen kinetics in steers fed wheat straw-based diets.

A 4 x 4 Latin square metabolism trial with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was conducted to determine N kinetics in steers. Steers were fed either untreated (UNT-WS) or alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw (AHP-WS) based diets supplemented with soybean meal (SBM) or blood meal (BM). Single doses of (15NH4)2SO4 were infused into ruminal pools to determine N kinetics. Ruminal NH3N concentrations (main effects) were 3.81, 1.65, 3.18, and 2.28 mg/dL in steers when fed diets that contained UNT-WS, AHP-WS, SBM, and BM, respectively. Ruminal N pool size was greater (P < .05) for UNT-WS than for AHP-WS diets and also was greater (P < .10) for SBM than for BM diets. Nitrogen flux rate into the rumen was not affected (P > .10) by diet. However, production rate of N from the ruminal pool was greater (P < .05) for UNT-WS than for AHP-WS diets and greater (P < .10) for SBM than for BM diets. Nitrogen recycled into the rumen was 33% greater (P < .05) for AHP-WS than for UNT-WS diets and 26% greater (P < .05) for BM than for SBM diets. Nitrogen recycling (percentage of N intake) was 33, 56, 36, and 49% for UNT-WS, AHP-WS, SBM, and BM diets, respectively. The blood urea N (BUN) concentrations were 10.23, 4.58, 7.15, and 7.65 mg/dL for UNT-WS, AHP-WS, SBM, and BM diets, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

日粮纤维对烟台黑猪及其杂交配套系养分消化率和氮平衡的影响

为研究日粮纤维对不同品种猪养分消化率和氮平衡的影响,试验选取体重相近、健康去势的烟台黑猪、鲁农2号猪各6头,采用有重复的3×3拉丁方设计,分别为基础日粮组,10%大豆皮替代基础日粮组,10%地瓜蔓替代基础日粮组。结果表明,添加10%地瓜蔓组显著降低两个品种猪养分消化率和氮平衡(P<0.05或P<0.01),而10%大豆皮组则影响不显著(P>0.05);纤维性饲料对鲁农2号猪养分消化率和氮平衡的影响幅度大于烟台黑猪。     

Effects of supplemental fat source on nutrient digestion and ruminal fermentation in steers

Five Holstein steers (235 kg of BW) fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design experiment to determine the effects of supplemental fat source on site and extent of nutrient digestion and ruminal fermentation. Treatments were diets based on steam-flaked corn containing no supplemental fat (control) or 4% (DM basis) supplemental fat as tallow, dried full-fat corn germ (corn germ), corn oil, or flax oil. Fat supplementation decreased (P < 0.08) ruminal starch digestion but increased (P < 0.03) small intestinal starch digestion as a percentage of intake. Feeding corn germ decreased (P < 0.09) ruminal starch digestion and increased (P < 0.03) large intestinal starch digestion compared with steers fed corn oil. Large intestinal starch digestion was less (P < 0.04), and ruminal NDF digestion was greater (P < 0.09) for steers fed tallow compared with steers fed other fat sources. Small intestinal (P < 0.08) and total tract NDF digestibilities were greater (P < 0.02) for steers fed corn germ than for those fed corn oil. Feeding tallow increased total ruminal VFA (P < 0.03) and NH(3) (P < 0.07) concentrations compared with steers fed the other fat sources. Feeding corn germ led to a greater (P < 0.02) rate of ruminal liquid outflow compared with corn oil. A diet x hour interaction (P < 0.04) occurred for ruminal pH, with steers fed corn oil having the greatest ruminal pH 18 h after feeding, without differences at other time points. Fat supplementation increased (P < 0.09) ruminal concentrations of Fusobacterium necrophorum. Duodenal flow of C18:3n-3 was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed flax oil compared with those fed corn oil. Feeding corn germ led to less (P < 0.01) ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids compared with corn oil. Steers fed tallow had greater small intestinal digestibility of C14:0 (P < 0.02) and C16:1 (P < 0.04) than steers fed the other fat sources. Fat supplementation decreased (P < 0.06) small intestinal digestibility of C18:0. Feeding corn germ decreased (P < 0.10) small intestinal digestibility of C18:1 compared with corn oil. It appears that source of supplemental fat can affect the site and extent of fatty acid and nutrient digestion in steers fed diets based on steam-flaked corn.     

The effects of dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of total dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility and the relationship between apparent total tract digestibility of total dietary fiber, and soluble dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber and available energy. Sugar beet pulp was as the only fiber source. The experiment was designed as a 6 x 6 Latin square with an adaptation period of 7 d followed by a 5-d total collection of feces and urine. Feed intake tended to decrease （P =0.] O） as total dietary fiber level increased. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy decreased （P 〈0.0]） when total dietary fiber increased but the digestibility of soluble dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber increased （P 〈0.01）. The digestible energy and metabolizable energy content of diets decreased （P 〈0.01） as the total dietary fiber increased.     

The effects of dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of total dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility and the relationship between apparent total tract digestibility of total dietary fiber, and soluble dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber and available energy. Sugar beet pulp was as the only fiber source. The experiment was designed as a 6 × 6 Latin square with an adaptation period of 7 d followed by a 5-d total collection of feces and urine. Feed intake tended to decrease (P =0.10) as total dietary fiber level increased. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy decreased (P <0.01) when total dietary fiber increased but the digestibility of soluble dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber increased (P <0.01). The digestible energy and metabolizable energy content of diets decreased (P <0.01) as the total dietary fiber increased.     

Effects of number of lambs suckled and supplemental protein source on lactating ewe performance

Effects of number of lambs suckled and supplemental protein source on ewe performance were determined. Lactation performance of ewes nursing twin or triplet lambs was compared in Exp. 1 and 2. In Exp. 1, ewes giving birth to and nursing triplets produced 21% (P less than .05) more milk/unit metabolic body weight, were 10% more efficient in the conversion of feed to milk and produced 26% (P less than .05) more kg of lamb/ewe on d 42 of lactation than did ewes giving birth to and nursing twins. In Exp. 2, lactation performance of ewes giving birth to triplets and rearing only two lambs was compared with performance of ewes giving birth to triplets and rearing three lambs. Ewes rearing three lambs produced 28% (P less than .08) more milk and were 26% (P less than .05) more efficient in converting feed to milk than were those rearing two lambs. This suggests that direct nursing stimulation of the mammary gland is responsible for the improvement in milk production observed when ewes nurse additional lambs. The efficacy of slowly degradable protein sources for improved lactation was studied in Exp. 3 and 4. When blood meal was fed to twin-rearing ewes at 3.30% of the diet (25% of total dietary protein), milk production was greater (3,176 vs. 2,506 g/d, P less than .05) and efficiency of milk production was greater (1.05 vs .79 g milk/g feed, P less than .05) than when ewes were fed supplemental soybean meal. Ewes in this experiment fed supplemental meat and bone meal also tended to produce more milk than those fed soybean meal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of supplemental energy source and frequency on growing calf performance

Crossbred heifers (n = 120; 265 kg, SD = 37) were fed individually (84 d) to determine the effect of supplement type, concentration, and frequency on intake and performance and to estimate the energy value of dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) in a high-forage diet. Treatments were arranged in a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial, with 3 supplements, 2 concentrations, and 2 frequencies of supplementation. Supplements including dry-rolled corn (DRC), DRC with corn gluten meal (DRC + CGM), and DDGS were fed at 0.21% (LOW) or 0.81% (HIGH) of BW daily and were provided daily (DAILY) or 3 times weekly (ALT). Heifers were fed to consume grass hay (8.7% CP) ad libitum. Individual DMI, diet composition, BW, and ADG were used to calculate energy values for DDGS and DRC. Supplement type, concentration, frequency, and interactions were tested using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with BW included as a covariate. Supplement x concentration interactions for gain (P = 0.01) and G:F (P < 0.01) were detected. At the LOW concentration, heifers supplemented with DDGS gained more and were more efficient (P /= 0.22) between DDGS and DRC + CGM in HIGH treatments, although both improved (P 相似文献   

Effects of protein concentration and source on nutrient digestibility by mature steers limit-fed high-concentrate diets.

Five ruminally fistulated 3-yr-old mature Holstein steers (average BW 691+/-23 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square experiment with a 2 x 2 + 1 fact orial arrangement of treatments. Effects of protein concentration and protein source on nutrient digestibility, excretion of DM and fecal N, ruminal fluid volume and dilution rate, ruminal characteristics, and in situ DM disappearance of whole shelled corn, ground corn, and orchardgrass hay were measured in steers limit-fed high-concentrate diets at 1.5% of BW. A negative control basal diet (NC; 9% CP) was supplemented to achieve either 11 or 14% CP; supplemental CP was either from soybean meal (11 and 14% SBM) or a 50:50 ratio of CP from urea and soybean meal (11 and 14% U). Dry matter and OM digestibilities were 5% greater (P < .07) for steers fed the SBM diets than for those fed the U diets. Starch digestibility did not differ (P > .10) among steers fed any of the diets. Nitrogen source did not affect (P > .10) apparent N digestibility or fecal N excretion; however, steers fed the NC diet had the lowest (P < .10) apparent N digestibility compared with those fed all other diets. Ruminal fluid volume was lower (P < .06) when steers were fed the NC diet compared with all other diets; there were no differences (P > .74) among diets for ruminal fluid dilution rate. In general, ruminal ammonia N and VFA molar proportions were not affected by protein source or concentration. Although CP concentration affected (P < .06) in situ DM disappearance of ground corn, CP concentration did not (P > .48) affect total tract digestion of DM or OM. This indicates that CP concentration may have affected site of digestion, but not extent of digestion. When mature ruminants were limit-fed a corn-based diet to meet primarily a maintenance function, protein source and concentration had little effect on measures of nutrient digestion.     

Effects of energy source on methionine utilization by growing steers

We evaluated the effects of different supplemental energy sources on Met use in growing steers. Ruminally cannulated Holstein steers were used in two 6 x 6 Latin squares, and data were pooled for analyses. In Exp. 1, steers (148 kg) were fed 2.3 kg of DM/d of a diet based on soybean hulls. Treatments (2 x 3 factorial) were abomasal infusion of 0 or 3 g of l-Met/d, and supplementation with no energy or with glucose (360 g/d) or fat (150 g/d) continuously infused into the abomasum. In Exp. 2, steers (190 kg) received 2.6 kg of dietary DM/d and were provided (2 x 3 factorial) with 0 or 3 g of l-Met/d, and with no supplemental energy or with acetate (385 g/d) or propionate (270 g/ d) continuously infused into the rumen. In both experiments, the energy sources supplied 1.3 Mcal of GE/d, and all steers received basal infusions of 400 g of acetate/d into the rumen and a mixture (125 g/d) of all essential AA except Met into the abomasum. Nitrogen balance (18.8 vs. 23.5 g/d; P < 0.01) and whole-body protein synthesis (2.1 vs. 2.3 kg/d; P < 0.07) were increased by Met supplementation, indicating that protein deposition was limited by Met. Supplemental energy reduced (P < 0.01) urinary N excretion and increased (P < 0.01) N retention without differences among energy sources. Increases in N retention in response to Met were numerically greater when energy was supplemented. Efficiency of supplemental Met use was 11% when no energy was supplemented but averaged 21% when 1.3 Mcal of GE/d was provided. Whole-body protein synthesis and degradation were not affected by energy supplementation. Serum insulin concentrations were increased by glucose and propionate supplementation. Serum IGF-I concentrations were increased by supplementation with Met or glucogenic sources of energy. In growing steers, N retention was increased by energy supplementation even though protein deposition was limited by Met, suggesting that energy supplementation improves the efficiency of AA use. These responses were independent of the source of energy.     

丙酸镁对西门塔尔牛日粮养分表观消化率的影响

选用4头年龄3.5岁、体况良好、体重500 kg的中国西门塔尔牛阉牛,采用4×4拉丁方设计,研究日粮添加丙酸镁(100 g/d)、丙酸(87 g/d)和氧化镁(24 g/d)对养分消化率的影响.结果表明:丙酸镁组日粮干物质(DM)、有机物(OM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、无氮浸出物(NFE)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)和磷(P)的表现消化率较对照组显著提高(P<0.05),但与丙酸和氧化镁组相比差异不显著(P>0.05).日粮粗脂肪(EE)和钙(Ca)的表现消化率各组间差异不显著(P>0.05).     

Effects of energy level on methionine utilization by growing steers

We evaluated the effect of energy supplementation on Met use in growing steers. Six ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (228 +/- 8 kg of BW) were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square and fed 2.8 kg of DM/d of a diet based on soybean hulls. Treatments were abomasal infusion of 2 amounts of Met (0 or 3 g/d) and supplementation with 3 amounts of energy (0, 1.3, or 2.6 Mcal of GE/d) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. The 1.3 Mcal/d treatment was supplied through ruminal infusion of 90 g/d of acetate, 90 g/d of propionate, and 30 g/d of butyrate, and abomasal infusion of 30 g/d of glucose and 30 g/d of fat. The 2.6 Mcal/d treatment supplied twice these amounts. All steers received basal infusions of 400 g/d of acetate into the rumen and a mixture (125 g/d) containing all essential AA except Met into the abomasum. No interactions between Met and energy levels were observed. Nitrogen balance was increased (P < 0.05) by Met supplementation from 23.6 to 27.8 g/d, indicating that protein deposition was limited by Met. Nitrogen retention increased linearly (P < 0.05) from 23.6 to 27.7 g/d with increased energy supply. Increased energy supply also linearly reduced (P < 0.05) urinary N excretion from 44.6 to 39.7 g/d and reduced plasma urea concentrations from 2.8 to 2.1 mM. Total tract apparent OM and NDF digestibilities were reduced linearly (P < 0.05) by energy supplementation, from 78.2 and 78.7% to 74.3 and 74.5%, respectively. Whole-body protein synthesis and degradation were not affected significantly by energy supplementation. Energy supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) serum IGF-I from 694 to 818 ng/mL and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) serum insulin (0.38, 0.47, and 0.42 ng/mL for 0, 1.3, and 2.6 Mcal/d, respectively). In growing steers, N retention was improved by energy supplementation, even when Met limited protein deposition, suggesting that energy supplementation affects the efficiency of AA use.     

丙酸镁对西门塔尔牛氮平衡和能量平衡的影响

选用4头年龄3.5岁,体况良好,体重(500±20)kg的中国西门塔尔牛阉牛。采用4×4拉丁方设计,研究日粮添加丙酸镁(100 g/d)、丙酸(87 g/d)和氧化镁(24 g/d)对西门塔尔牛氮平衡和能量平衡的影响。结果表明:日粮中添加丙酸镁、丙酸和氧化镁后,各组采食氮、采食总能、粪能、尿能、气体能、产热量、消化能/采食能差异均不显著(P>0.05);丙酸镁组粪氮较对照和氧化镁组显著降低(P<0.05);处理组尿氮较对照组显著降低(P<0.05),处理组间差异不显著(P>0.05);丙酸镁和丙酸组可消化氮和沉积氮、代谢能和沉积能较对照和氧化镁组显著提高(P<0.05),氧化镁组沉积氮较对照组显著提高(P<0.05)。丙酸镁组消化能、沉积能/消化能和沉积能/采食能较对照和氧化镁组显著提高(P<0.05)。丙酸镁降低了粪氮和尿氮,提高了可消化氮、沉积氮、消化能、代谢能、沉积能、沉积能/消化能、沉积能/采食能,改善了氮平衡和能量平衡。     

Effects of dietary supplemental phytoncide instead of zinc oxide on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profiles,and faecal microflora in growing pigs

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of phytoncide (PTC) instead of zinc oxide on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility and faecal microflora in growing pigs. A total of 120 growing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with initial body weight 24.48 ± 1.62 kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments for a 6 weeks feeding trials, the treatments as follow: CON (base diet),ZO (CON + 0.03% Zinc Oxide), PTC1 (CON + 0.5% PTC), PTC2 (CON + 1.0% PTC). Compared to basal diet, during weeks 1–3, 3–6, and overall experimental period, the ADG of growing pigs fed phytoncide diet trend to be increased, and fed ZO diet was significantly increased (p < 0.05). During weeks 3–6 and overall experiment period, pigs fed the ZO diet showed improvement in feed intake compared to pigs fed basal diet as a trend. Compared with basal diet, the pigs receiving phytoncide diet significantly increased the digestibility of DM and reduced the concentration of aspartate transaminase in pigs receiving 1.0% phytoncide diet. These results suggested that dietary supplement of phytoncide, Korean pine extract, could be used as an alternative to zinc oxide by decreasing detoxify to soil and plants without influencing the performance of growing pigs. Further study is needed to determine the systemic estimation of the dose of phytoncide.