Effects of exogenous ghrelin on feed intake, weight gain, behavior, and endocrine responses in weanling pigs

The objectives were to determine relative ADG, ADFI, behavior, and endocrine responses in weaned pigs receiving exogenous ghrelin. Twenty-four barrows weaned at 18 d of age (d 0 of the experiment) were catheterized via the jugular vein, weighed, and assigned to either a ghrelin (n = 12) or saline (control; n = 12) infusion group. Initial pig BW did not differ between treatments (7.87+/-0.39 vs. 7.92+/-0.35 kg for ghrelin and control treatments, respectively). Pig BW and feed intakes were measured once daily throughout the experiment. Starting on d 1, the ghrelin pigs were intravenously infused three times daily for 5 d with 2 microg/kg BW of human ghrelin, and the control pigs were similarly infused with saline. Activity observations and blood samples were taken at -15, 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240, and 480 min relative to the first infusion and then three times daily (0800, 1600, and 2400) for 8 d. Weight gain during the 5-d infusion period was greater by the ghrelin than by control pigs (0.57+/-0.10 vs. 0.21+/-0.13 kg, respectively; P < 0.04); however, there was no increase in feed intake. During two behavioral observation periods, more pigs in the ghrelin treatment were observed eating compared with control pigs (P < 0.05). The initial infusion of exogenous ghrelin increased serum ghrelin, GH, insulin, and cortisol concentrations (P < 0.05). Endogenous serum ghrelin increased from d 1 to 8 of the experiment in control animals (P < 0.05). Serum IGF-I initially fell in both treatment groups from d 1 to 2 (P < 0.05) but then increased from d 5 to 8 (P < 0.05). Peripheral concentrations of glucose in the ghrelin pigs were greater on d 2, 3, 7, and 8 than on d 1 (P < or = 0.05). In both treatment groups, peripheral concentrations of leptin increased from d 7 to 8, and cortisol decreased from d 1 to 5 of the experiment. These observations provide evidence that ghrelin may positively influence weight gain and concomitantly increase GH, insulin, and cortisol secretion in weaned pigs.     

高铜日粮对生长猪胃底腺Ghrelin分泌的影响

选用军牧1号断乳仔猪45头,随机分为3组,每组5个重复,每个重复3头,采用完全随机化设计进行生长试验,研究了不同来源(硫酸铜和蛋氨酸铜)和不同添加水平(5、125 mg/kg)的高铜日粮对猪胃底腺Ghrelin分泌的影响。结果表明:与对照组相比,日粮中添加125 mg/kg硫酸铜和125 mg/kg蛋氨酸铜组平均日增重、绝对增重、平均采食量均显著提高(P<0.05),而不同铜源间差异不显著(P>0.05);试验组胃底腺Ghrelin mRNA水平显著提高(P<0.05);血液胃泌素含量显著增加(P<0.01),并且Ghrelin mRNA水平与血液胃泌素含量呈显著正相关关系。提示高铜可促进生长猪胃底腺Ghrelin的分泌,胃泌素的分泌与胃底腺区Ghrelin的基因表达有关。     

Effect of dietary protein fluctuations and space allocation on performance and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs

Two trials with growing-finishing pigs were conducted to evaluate the effects of fluctuating dietary CP levels and/or space allocation on performance and carcass traits. In Trial 1, three CP regimens were used with 216 growing-finishing pigs (mixed sex). Average initial and final weights of pigs were 31 and 103 kg, respectively. The CP regimens consisted of: 1) control (18% CP from wk 0 to 4; 15% CP from wk 4 to 12); 2) moderate CP variations (MCPV = 19.5% CP from wk 0 to 2, 16.5% CP from wk 2 to 6, 13.5% CP from wk 6 to 8, 16.5% CP from wk 8 to 10, 13.5% CP from wk 10 to 12); and 3) extreme CP variations (ECPV = 21% CP from wk 0 to 2, 15% CP from wk 2 to 4, 18% CP from wk 4 to 6, 12% CP from wk 6 to 8, 18% CP from wk 8 to 10, 12% CP from wk 10 to 12). Overall (wk 0 to 12), treatment differences were not observed (P > 0.05) for gain, feed intake, CP intake, gain:feed ratio, or gain/CP intake. Trial 2 involved 360 finishing pigs (mixed sex) in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement (three dietary CP regimens, two floor space allowances). The diets consisted of: 1) control (16% CP from wk 0 to 4, 15% CP from wk 4 to 8; 14% CP from wk 8 to 12); 2) MCPV (17.5% CP from wk 0 to 2, 14.5% CP from wk 2 to 4, 16.5% CP from wk 4 to 6, 13.5% CP from wk 6 to 8, 15.5% CP from wk 8 to 10, 12.5% CP from wk 10 to 12); and 3) ECPV (19% CP from wk 0 to 2, 13% CP from wk 2 to 4, 18% CP from wk 4 to 6, 12% CP from wk 6 to 8, 17% CP from wk 8 to 10 wk, 11% CP from wk 10 to 12). Pigs were provided with either 1.12 m2 (uncrowded; five pigs/pen) or 0.56 m2 (crowded; 10 pigs/pen). Average initial weight was 49 kg and final weights were 126 kg (uncrowded) and 118 kg (crowded). Overall (0 to 12 wk), crowded pigs had lower (P < 0.05) ADG (822 vs. 916 g) and feed (as-fed) intakes (2,633 vs. 2,876 g) than uncrowded pigs. At the end of the 12-wk trial, a control vs. ECPV x space interaction (P < 0.05) occurred for weight gain, fat depth, and percentage of lean. Thus, uncrowded pigs fed ECPV gained faster (933 vs. 887 g) but had a lower percentage of lean (53.5 vs. 54.5) than controls, whereas crowded pigs on the ECPV regimen gained more slowly (812 vs. 842 g) but were leaner (54.8 vs. 54.6%) than those on the control CP regimen. Despite the wide dietary CP fluctuations, pigs in both trials consumed about the same quantity of CP during the 12-wk feeding periods. These data suggest that uncrowded pigs respond differently than crowded pigs to fluctuating levels of dietary CP.     

Effect of a ractopamine feeding program on growth performance and carcass composition in finishing pigs

Barrows and gilts (n = 100 per gender) were used to determine the effects of an increasing, decreasing, or constant ractopamine (RAC) dietary concentration on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs, within a gender, were assigned randomly to pens (five pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment). Pens were assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments at a starting weight of 71.2 kg, to target an average ending weight of 109 kg. The four dietary treatments (as-fed basis) were 1) control = 0 ppm RAC, wk 0 to 6; 2) RAC step-up = 5.0 ppm, wk 1 to 2; 10.0 ppm, wk 3 to 4; and 20.0 ppm, wk 5 to 6; 3) RAC step-down = 20.0 ppm, wk 1 to 2; 10.0 ppm, wk 3 to 4; and 5.0 ppm, wk 5 to 6; and 4) RAC constant = 11.7 ppm, wk 0 to 6. Feed allocation was recorded daily, and pigs were weighed and feed was weighed back every 2 wk. Jugular blood samples were obtained from two randomly selected pigs per pen on d -3, 7, 21, 35, and 41 for determination of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations. Two pigs were selected randomly per pen and sent to a commercial slaughter facility at the end of the 6-wk experimental period. Carcass data were evaluated on an equal time basis and on an equal weight basis by using hot carcass weight (HCW) as a covariate. Overall, ADG and G:F were improved (P < 0.05) for pigs fed RAC compared with control, with no differences among RAC feeding programs. In wk 3 and 4, improvements (P < 0.05) in ADG and G:F were realized with the implementation of a RAC step-up program compared with control pigs. The concentrations of PUN were decreased (P < 0.05) at d 7 and 21 with RAC feeding, and a RAC step-up program maintained the decrease (P < 0.05) in PUN through d 35 and 41. A RAC step-up and constant program increased (P < 0.05) HCW and percent yield. Loin muscle area and percentage of fat-free lean increased (P < 0.05) and backfat thickness decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed RAC. If pigs were considered to be on feed for an equal time period, advantages (P < 0.05) were observed for weight of boneless trimmed ham, shoulder and loin for the step-up and constant RAC treatments compared with the controls. Feeding a RAC step-up or constant feeding program resulted in favorable responses in growth performance and yielded more lean pork.     

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.     

Impact of betaine on pig finishing performance and carcass composition

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of betaine supplementation of finishing diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics of swine. Experiment 1 included 288 pigs in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of barrows and gilts of two genetic populations fed diets with 1.25 g/kg supplemental betaine from either 83 or 104 kg to 116 kg and control pigs fed betaine-devoid diets. Pigs were housed three pigs per pen with eight replicate pens per treatment. Diets were corn-soybean meal-based with 300 ppm added choline. Genetic populations differed (P < 0.05) in fat depth (2.24 vs 2.93 cm) and longissimus muscle depth (53.8 vs 49.1 mm) at 116 kg. Betaine reduced feed intake (P < 0.05); however, real-time ultrasound measurements were not affected. In Exp. 2, 400 pigs were used in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effect of sex (barrow or gilts), betaine (0 or 1 g/kg of diet), and crude protein (CP) (0.70% lysine = 12.7% CP or 0.85% lysine = 15.0% CP) when fed from 60 to 110 kg live weight. Pigs had been assigned to either a high- or low-protein feeding regimen at an average initial weight of 11.3 kg and were maintained on their respective protein levels throughout the experiment. For a 56-d period from 61.7 kg to 113.6 kg, pigs were fed diets with 300 ppm added choline. Within each protein level, pigs were randomly assigned to diets containing 0 or 1 g/kg betaine. Pigs were group-housed (four to five pigs per pen). Pig weight and feed intake were recorded every 28 d. Real-time ultrasound measurements were recorded initially and at d 28 on 64 pigs, and on all pigs prior to slaughter. Growth rate was fastest and feed intake greatest for barrows (P < 0.05) and for pigs receiving 12.7% crude protein. A crude protein x betaine interaction (P < 0.05) was observed from d 28 to 56 with pigs fed the 15% CP diet growing fastest when supplemented with 1 g/kg betaine, and pigs receiving the 12.7% CP diet growing fastest when the diets contained 0 g/kg betaine. Gilts more efficiently (P < 0.05) converted feed into body weight gain, as did pigs receiving the 12.7% CP diet (P < 0.05). Longissimus muscle area and fat measurements were unaffected by betaine or dietary protein on d 28. However, by d 56 betaine reduced average fat depth in barrows (P < 0.05; 3.21 vs 3.40 cm), but not in gilts. Betaine may be more effective at altering body composition in barrows than in gilts.     

Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid in nursery pigs of dirty and clean environments on growth, empty body composition, and immune competence

Early-weaned pigs (n = 64) averaging 5.3 +/- 0.3 kg and distributed into two environments (dirty and clean) were used to evaluate effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on growth performance, immune competence, and empty body composition. A factorial (2 x 4) arrangement within a split-plot design, with four littermate pigs as the experimental unit for the environment, pig within litter as the experimental unit for dietary treatment, and d-0 body weight used as covariate, were used in data analysis. Diets were formulated to contain CLA at 0, 0.67, 1.33, or 2% and to exceed the NRC (1988) nutrient needs of pigs. Animals were given ad libitum access to feed for 7 wk in three phases (I, 1 to 2; II, 3 to 5; and III, 6 to 7 wk). Within phases, diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. In Phase I, as dietary CLA concentration increased, ADG and ADFI decreased linearly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.02, respectively). In Phase II, upon adaptation to dietary CLA supplementation, ADG increased quadratically (603, 623, 622, and 548 g/d; P < 0.01), ADFI decreased linearly (873, 840, 867, and 717 g/d; P < 0.02) and gain:feed ratio tended to increase linearly (691, 742, 715, and 763; P < 0.07). In Phase III, no differences in growth performance were attributed to either dietary or environmental treatments. The poor health status associated with the dirty environment induced a growth suppression; pigs in the clean room had a greater cumulative ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.01) than pigs in the dirty room. In Phase I, lower plasma urea nitrogen levels observed in pigs found in the dirty room (P < 0.03) indicated a lower protein intake caused by a lower ADFI. The effects of dietary CLA on peripheral phenotypic profiles of lymphoytes did not appear until d 42. However, as indicated by the growth suppression of pigs in the dirty room, the negative effects of the environmental challenge on pig health and growth had already appeared during phase I. On d 42, CLA induced a linear increase in percentages of CD8+ lymphocytes (21.7, 22.3, 28.0, and 32.7%; P < 0.001). These data suggest that a 42-d dietary CLA supplementation preceding a disease challenge could have prevented disease-associated growth suppression. Also, CLA-mediated amelioration of particular infectious diseases will depend on which CD8+ T cell subset (i.e., CD8alphaalpha-immunoregulatory or CD8alphabeta-cytotoxic) is most influenced by dietary CLA supplementation.     

Effect of betaine on growth hormone pulsatile secretion and serum metabolites in finishing pigs

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary betaine (0%, 0.125%) on growth performance, growth hormone (GH) pulsatile secretion and serum metabolites in crossbred finishing pigs. Three replications of eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) were used for each treatment, and blood samples for the determination of GH pulsatile secretion were collected every 15 min for 3 h. The results showed that betaine supplementation resulted in 5.45% (p<0.05) increase in average daily gain, whereas average daily feed intake and feed to gain ratio were not affected. Serum basal GH level, mean GH level and GH pulse amplitude were elevated by 41.79% (p<0.01), 48.98% (p<0.01) and 35.05% (p<0.05), respectively, with betaine treatment, but GH pulse frequency and pulse duration remained unchanged (p>0.05). Serum urea nitrogen concentration in pigs fed betaine was 21.58% lower than that of controls (p<0.01), whereas total protein level was significantly increased with betaine supplementation (p<0.05). The study suggests that betaine could promote growth by enhancing GH secretion in finishing pigs.     

Effect of dietary mannanoligosaccharide and sodium chlorate on the growth performance, acute-phase response, and bacterial shedding of weaned pigs challenged with Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium

A 28-d experiment evaluated the growth, acute-phase response, and bacterial shedding patterns in pigs (n = 96; initially 6.8 +/- 1.3 kg) fed mannanoligosaccharides (MANNAN) and sodium chlorate (CHLORATE) before and after oral challenge with Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (ST). The negative control diet contained no antimicrobial (CON), and the positive control contained carbadox (CARB; 55 ppm). Test diets contained (as-fed basis) MANNAN (1,500 ppm) or CHLORATE (800 ppm). Pigs were fed diets for 14 d and then given ST orally. Pigs fed CARB had greater ADG over the entire study than pigs from other treatments (P < 0.05). During wk 1 to 2, before ST challenge, feed intake (as-fed basis) was lower for pigs fed MANNAN and CHLORATE than pigs fed CARB (P < 0.05). During the final 2 wk, pigs fed CARB had greater feed intake than pigs on other treatments (P < 0.05). Gain/feed was greater for pigs fed CARB in the 2 wk before ST (P < 0.05); however, in wk 3 to 4 after ST, gain/feed was reduced for CON pigs compared to pigs on other treatments (P < 0.05). Serum IGF-I was decreased at 2 and 4 d after ST (P < 0.001), and, overall, IGF-I was greater in pigs fed CARB than CON or CHLORATE (P < 0.05). Serum haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) for all treatments at d 6 compared with d 13 after ST. Overall, haptoglobin was greater for MANNAN than for CARB and CHLORATE (P < 0.05) and tended to be increased (P < 0.06) relative to CON. Interleukin-6 was not affected by treatment or day post-ST challenge. Fecal shedding of salmonellae organisms was less for CHLORATE (P < 0.05) than all other treatments at 7 d after ST. Shedding scores decreased from d 7 to 14 after ST (P < 0.05) for the CON, CARB, and MANNAN treatments. We conclude that feeding MANNAN and CHLORATE before acute enteric disease challenge may support improved gut function as evidenced by improved gain/feed, and that CHLORATE may decrease bacterial shedding. But neither MANNAN nor CHLORATE enhanced growth relative to the absence of dietary antimicrobials, nor was either treatment as effective as CARB following ST challenge.     

Effect of group size on pig performance in a wean-to-finish production system

Crossbred pigs (n = 1,400) were used to evaluate the effect of group size (25 vs 50 vs 100 pigs/pen) in a wean-to-finish production system on growth performance and carcass measures. Pigs were weaned at 17 d (range = 15 to 19) of age with a mean initial BW of 5.9 +/- 0.02 kg and taken to a final mean pen weight of 116 +/- 0.9 kg. A 10-phase dietary regimen was used, and pigs had free access to feed and water. Feeder-trough space (4.3 cm/pig) and floor-area allowance (0.68 m2/pig) were the same for all group sizes. Compared to groups of 25, pigs in groups of 50 and 100 animals were lighter (P < 0.001) at the end of wk 8 after weaning and had lower (3%, P < 0.01) ADG and gain:feed (G/F) but similar (P > 0.05) ADFI during the first 8 wk of the study. At the end of the study, pig weight and the coefficient of variation in pig weight within a pen were similar (P > 0.05) across group sizes. During the period from 8 wk after weaning to the end of the study, pigs in groups of 100 compared to 50 animals had greater (3%, P < 0.01) ADG, and pigs in groups of 25 were intermediate for ADG. Average daily feed intake during this period was similar (P > 0.05) for all group sizes; however, G/F was greater (3%, P < 0.01) for groups of 100 compared to 25 or 50 animals. For the overall study period, ADG, ADFI, and G/F from weaning to slaughter weight were similar across group sizes (P > 0.05; 655, 648, and 658 g; 1,759, 1,755, and 1,759 g; and 0.37, 0.37, and 0.37; for ADG, ADFI, and G/F, respectively, for groups of 25, 50, and 100 pigs, respectively). Mortality was similar (P > 0.05) across group sizes; however, morbidity (pigs removed due to poor health or injury) was higher in groups of 25 pigs compared to the other two group sizes (7.0, 3.5, and 3.9% for groups of 25, 50, and 100, respectively; P < 0.05). Group-size treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) carcass dressing percentage, backfat thickness, or loin-eye depth. In summary, growth performance from weaning to market weight was not affected by group size.     

Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation and feeding period on pork quality

Feeding increased levels of dietary vitamin E can inhibit lipid oxidation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of levels of dietary alpha-tocopherol acetate (VE) and feeding duration on meat quality and lipid oxidation. Eighty-one pigs were allocated to 1 of 3 diets containing 40, 200, or 400 IU of VE/kg of feed, and each diet group was divided into 3 feeding periods (3, 6, or 9 wk). Carcass characteristics and meat quality were evaluated. Oxidative stability of fresh and cooked pork patties and pork chops was determined after chilled or frozen storage. Increasing dietary concentrations of VE did not affect any growth performance parameter. Drip loss, however, decreased (P < 0.05) with increased dietary VE levels. Moreover, an increased duration of VE feeding improved (P < 0.05) pH and drip loss. Less lipid oxidation (P < 0.05) was detected in fresh ground pork from pigs fed greater concentrations of VE after 4 d of storage. A greater (P < 0.05) resistance to oxidation in cooked ground pork was observed in pigs fed 200 or 400 IU of VE/kg at 2 and 6 d of storage. Fresh and cooked pork patty oxidation decreased (P < 0.05) linearly as feeding duration increased from 3 to 9 wk. After 6 mo of freezer storage, lipid oxidation of pork chops from pigs fed 200 or 400 IU of VE/kg was lower (P < 0.05) than for pigs fed 40 IU of VE/kg. Likewise, lipid oxidation of pork chops of pigs fed VE for an extended period of time (6 wk) was lower (P < 0.05) after 9 mo of storage. Fatty acid profiles of neutral lipid fraction of the LM became more unsaturated (P < 0.05) with added VE to the feed. These results indicate an increased intake of dietary VE concentration, and prolonged feeding of VE can improve drip loss and reduce lipid oxidation in ground pork and pork chops. This study suggests that supplementation with 200 IU of VE/kg of feed for 6 wk before market is beneficial in improving lipid stability and pork quality.     

A new phytase expressed in yeast effectively improves the bioavailability of phytate phosphorus to weanling pigs

We have recently expressed a new phytase enzyme in a yeast system. Three experiments with a total of 140 weanling crossbred pigs were conducted to examine the efficacy of this enzyme in improving the bioavailability of phytate-P in corn-soybean meal diets to young pigs. Experiment 1 compared the efficacy of this new phytase with a commercially available phytase (Natuphos, BASF) for 4 wk at an inclusion level of 1,200 U/kg of diet. Experiment 2 compared the responses of pigs to four doses of the new phytase supplementation (300, 600, 900, and 1,200 U/kg of diet) for 4 wk. Experiment 3 compared the efficacy of this new phytase and Natuphos at a marginally optimal dose (700 U/kg of diet) for 5 wk. A group of pigs were fed the P-deficient basal diet as a negative control in Exp. 1, and a group of pigs were fed the basal diet plus .17 or .22% inorganic P as a positive control in all experiments. In Exp. 1, pigs fed the two sources of phytase had similar ADG (564 vs 567 g), gain/feed (.597 vs .589), plasma inorganic P concentrations (8.9 vs 8.4 mg/dL), and mobility scores (4.25 vs 4.46) that were higher (P < .05) than those of the negative control. In Exp. 2, plasma inorganic P concentration was a fairly linear response to the phytase dose (r > .83) at wk 1 and 2. Overall ADG of pigs also tended to increase with the phytase dose (P = .15). In Exp. 3, pigs fed the two sources of phytase had ADG (483 vs 506 g) similar to that of the positive control (508 g). These two groups also had similar plasma inorganic P concentrations (7.7 vs 7.4 mg/dL) that were lower (P < .05) than those of the positive control group (9.7 mg/dL). There was no significant effect of dietary treatments on ADFI in all three experiments. In conclusion, our new phytase was as effective as Natuphos, at the inclusion level of 700 or 1,200 U/kg of a P-deficient, corn-soybean meal diet, in improving phytate-P utilization by young pigs.     

Effectiveness of an experimental consensus phytase in improving dietary phytate-phosphorus utilization by weanling pigs

Consensus phytase is a new biosynthetic, heat-stable enzyme derived from the sequences of multiple homologous phytases. Two experiments were conducted to determine its effectiveness, relative to inorganic P and a mutant enzyme of Escherichia coli phytase (Mutant-EP), in improving dietary phytate-P availability to pigs. In Exp. 1, 36 pigs (3 wk old, 7.00 +/- 0.24 kg of BW) were fed a low-P corn-soybean meal basal diet plus consensus phytase at 0, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, or 1,250 U/kg of feed for 5 wk. Plasma inorganic P concentration, plasma alkaline phosphatase activity, bone strength, and overall ADG and gain:feed ratio of pigs were improved (P < 0.05) by consensus phytase in both linear (R2 = 0.20 to 0.70) and quadratic (R2 = 0.30 to 0.70) dose-dependent fashions. In Exp. 2, 36 pigs (4 wk old, 9.61 +/- 0.52 kg BW) were fed the basal diet + inorganic P at 0.1 or 0.2%, consensus phytase at 750 or 450 U/kg of feed, Mutant-EP at 450 U/kg of feed, or 225 U consensus + 225 U Mutant-EP/kg of feed. Pigs fed 750 U of consensus phytase or 450 U of Mutant-EP/kg feed had plasma inorganic concentrations and bone strength that fell between those of pigs fed 0.1 or 0.2% inorganic P. These two measures were 16 to 29% lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed 450 U of consensus phytase/kg of feed than those of pigs fed 0.2% inorganic P. Plasma inorganic P concentrations were 14 to 29% higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed Mutant-EP vs. consensus phytase at 450 U/kg at wk 2 and 3. In conclusion, the experimental consensus phytase effectively releases phytate P from the corn-soy diet for weanling pigs. The inorganic P equivalent of 750 U of consensus phytase/kg of feed may fall between 0.1 and 0.2%, but this requires further determination.     

Acute phase responses of pigs challenged orally with Salmonella typhimurium

This study evaluated responses of the systemic endocrine stress (cortisol) and growth (IGF-I, GH) axes, as well as those of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E2 [PGE2] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha]), to active infection with Salmonella typhimurium. Eighteen crossbred barrows were penned individually with ad libitum access to feed and water. After an acclimation period, jugular catheters were placed in all animals. Control pigs received sterile broth orally (CON, n = 7), whereas the treated pigs (S.TYP, n = 11) received 3 x 10(9) cfu of S. typhimurium orally. Plasma was collected at 6-h intervals from -48 to 120 h. Body weights, feed intake, and rectal temperatures also were monitored. Rectal temperatures were elevated in S.TYP pigs (P < .01) relative to CON pigs by 12 h, peaked at 42 h (P < .001), and remained elevated throughout the remainder of the study. Feed intake was reduced maximally in S.TYP pigs at 48 h (P < .001) and remained reduced through 120 h after the challenge. Daily body weight gain also was reduced during the 2 wk following infection (P < .001). Plasma cortisol concentrations increased (P < .05) at 18 h after the challenge in S.TYP pigs and remained elevated generally until 60 h after infection. A marked suppression of plasma IGF-I occurred in S.TYP pigs beginning at 30 h after infection (P < .001), and it remained lower through 108 h. Plasma GH was not affected consistently by treatment, nor did infection alter plasma TNFalpha and PGE2. Taken together, the results reveal that infectious processes produce profound alterations in the endocrine stress and the somatotropic axis, and this may occur in the absence of significant changes in systemic proinflammatory mediators.     

Medium‐chain triglyceride as an alternative of in‐feed colistin sulfate to improve growth performance and intestinal microbial environment in newly weaned pigs

Five hundred and twenty‐eight newly weaned pigs were given four treatments, with eight replicates per treatment. Sixteen to 18 pigs were assigned per replicate and were fed diets supplemented with 0 or 3% medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT) and 0 or 40 ppm colistin sulfate (CS) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for 2 weeks. The results showed that dietary supplementation with MCT improved the gain‐to‐feed ratio during days 3‐7 and in the overall period (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MCT decreased coliforms counts (C) in colon and rectum content (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with CS decreased C and lactic acid bacteria plus C counts (L + C) in cecum (P < 0.05), and C, L + C (P < 0.01) and ratio of L and C (P < 0.05) in colon and rectum contents. The lack of interactions between MCT and CS indicates different modes of action and additive effects between the two supplementations. In conclusion, supplementation with MCT in diet with or without CS could improve the intestinal microbial environment and the feed utilization efficiency of newly weaned pigs.     

Cysteamine improves growth performance and gastric ghrelin expression in preweaning piglets

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cysteamine on growth performance of preweaning piglets and gastric expression of ghrelin mRNA in vivo and in vitro. Twelve litters of newborn piglets were allocated randomly to control and treatment groups. From 15 d of age, piglets in the control group were fed basal creep diet, whereas the treatment group received basal diet supplemented with 120 mg cysteamine per kg of diet until weaning on 35 d of age. Body weight gain, creep feed consumption, and diarrhea rates were recorded, and gastric mucosal tissues were collected for quantifying mRNA expression. To evaluate the direct effect of cysteamine on gastric ghrelin expression, primary cultures of gastric mucosal cells isolated from 35-d-old piglets were exposed to cysteamine for 20 h at 0, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL, respectively. Dietary cysteamine increased (P < 0.05) average daily creep feed consumption and BW gain in preweaning pigs, which was accompanied by reduction in diarrhea rates. At 35 d of age, piglets treated with cysteamine showed increased (P < 0.05) ghrelin and gastrin and decreased (P < 0.05) somatostatin mRNA expression in gastric mucosa. Moreover, dietary cysteamine treatment increased serum concentration of gastrin (P < 0.05). In vitro, cysteamine significantly increased ghrelin mRNA expression in gastric mucosal cells at the concentration of 10 μg/mL. In conclusion, dietary cysteamine is effective in improving the growth performance and health condition of preweaning piglets, which is associated with its stimulatory effects on gastric ghrelin mRNA expression both in vivo and in vitro.     

饲喂乳酸菌制剂对肥育猪生长性能、肉品质及风味物质含量的影响

试验旨在研究饲粮中添加乳酸菌制剂对肥育猪生长性能、肉品质及风味物质含量的影响。选取平均体重为(55±2)kg的杜×长×大三元杂猪240头,随机分为3个处理组,每组4个重复,每个重复20头试猪,公、母各半。对照组饲喂基础饲粮(玉米-豆粕型),2个试验组饲粮分别在基础饲粮中添加0.3%乳酸菌干粉和0.3%乳酸菌菌液,这2种制剂中乳酸菌含量均为1.2×10~9 CFU/g。试验期57 d,在饲养试验结束时,每个重复选择2头(1公1母)接近平均体重的试猪进行屠宰,测定胴体性状、肉品质和风味物质含量。结果表明:饲粮中添加乳酸菌干粉和乳酸菌菌液均对肥育猪的平均日增重、平均日采食量及耗料增重比无显著影响(P0.05),对肥育猪胴体直长、斜长、背膘厚、皮厚及眼肌面积也无显著影响(P0.05),对肌肉的肉色、大理石纹、pH、滴水损失率及剪切力无显著改善(P0.05);与对照组相比,饲粮中添加乳酸菌菌液显著降低背最长肌中次黄嘌呤含量(P0.05),但2个试验组肌苷酸、谷氨酸和肌内脂肪均无显著差异(P0.05)。综上所述,饲喂乳酸菌制剂对肥育猪生长性能、胴体性状和肉质无显著影响,但可降低肌肉中次黄嘌呤含量,有利于改善猪肉的风味。     

Effect of dietary electrolyte balance on performance and blood parameters of growing-finishing swine fed in high ambient temperatures

A growing-finishing trial using 96 crossbred pigs (21.8 kg initially) was conducted to determine the effect of dietary electrolyte balance (EB = Na + K - Cl, meq/kg of feed) on rate and efficiency of weight gain, blood gases and whole blood Na and K concentration during high ambient temperatures. Dietary EB (25, 100, 175, 250, 325 or 400 meq/kg) was altered by the substitution of CaCl2 for CaCO3 or NaHCO3 for corn and soybean meal. Increasing EB during the grower phase (21 to 50 kg) increased feed intake and average daily gain linearly (P less than .03). Efficiency of feed utilization was unaffected (P greater than .70). During the finisher phase (50 to 105 kg), live weight gain was 7% higher for pigs receiving the 250 meq EB diet compared with the average of all other EB levels. Feed intake during the finisher period increased linearly (P less than .03) as dietary EB increased from 25 to 400 meq/kg of diet. Live weight gain and daily feed intake measured over the entire growing-finishing period (21 to 105 kg) improved linearly (P less than .03) with increasing dietary EB. Blood pH, HCO3, total CO2, Na concentration, and base excess increased linearly (P less than .05) as dietary EB increased. We interpret the data to indicate that feed intake and weight gain of growing-finishing swine may be enhanced by dietary electrolyte modification during periods of high ambient temperature. This improvement probably is due to increased blood buffering capacity.     

饲料中维生素A水平对凡纳滨对虾生长、饲料利用、体组成成分及非特异性免疫反应的影响

本文旨在研究5种等氮等能饲料中,维生素A添加水平对凡纳滨对虾(Penaeus vannameiBoone)生长、饲料利用、体组成成分及非特异性免疫反应的影响。试验选用平均初始体重为(0.069±0.005)g的凡纳滨对虾450尾,随机分为5个处理组,每组90尾,每组设3个重复,每个重复30尾。试验采用单因素设计,以维生素A醋酸酯为维生素A源,用添加不同水平维生素A(添加量分别为0、18、365、4和72 mg/kg)的饲料喂养凡纳滨对虾,试验期11周。结果表明:在养殖前4周,饲料中添加维生素A显著促进凡纳滨对虾的生长(P<0.05),提高其对饲料利用效率(P<0.05),而对对虾的成活率不产生显著的影响(P>0.05);第11周的结果表明,饲料中添加维生素A并不能显著影响凡纳滨对虾的生长、饲料利用效率和成活率(P>0.05)。维生素A对对虾体脂肪、蛋白质含量的影响显著(P<0.05),对对虾体水分和灰分含量无显著影响(P>0.05)。维生素A对对虾血清中溶菌酶活力、酚氧化酶活力和血液红细胞数量的影响显著(P<0.05),饲料中未添加维生素A或过量添加(超过36 mg/kg)均导致血清中溶菌酶活力、酚氧化酶活力和血细胞总数显著下降(P<0.0 5),而对血清超氧化物歧化酶活力无显著影响(P>0.0 5)。用折线回归模型分析饲料维生素A添加量与对虾增重率的变化关系,表明在试验前4周,凡纳滨对虾饲料中维生素A的适宜添加量为2 2.5 0 mg/kg;1 1周试验期间,凡纳滨对虾饲料中维生素A适宜添加量为1 8 mg/kg;以溶菌酶、酚氧化酶活力为指标,凡纳滨对虾饲料中维生素A最适添加量为5 9.5 1 mg/kg。     

大麻籽粕对仔猪生产性能和血液理化指标的影响

 试验旨在研究日粮中添加不同水平大麻籽粕对仔猪生产性能和血液理化指标的影响。选用体重约17 kg仔猪240头,随机分为4个处理,每个处理6个重复,每个重复10头猪。在等能等氮条件下,大麻籽粕添加水平为：0,2%,4%,6%。结果表明,1）大麻籽粕的不同添加水平均未显著影响猪的日增重、日采食量和饲料利用率（P＞0.05）;2）不同添加水平的大麻籽粕对仔猪血清SUN,GH、IGF-Ⅰ、空肠黏膜Na-+-K-+-ATPase和总二糖酶活性的影响不显著（P＞0.05）。大麻籽粕作为蛋白质饲料资源,可部分替代豆粕,应用于仔猪生产中。