The influence of mineral supplementation on growth and skeletal development of yearling horses

Forty-six Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse yearlings were used in two experiments to evaluate the effect of mineral supplementation on growth and skeletal development. In the first experiment, concentrate and bermuda-grass hay diets providing 2.82 Mcal DE/kg (estimated), 13.0% CP, .62% Ca and .43% P on a DM basis were supplemented with trace minerals (TM) by adding 0, .5 or 1.0% TM premix to the concentrate. The TM content of the three diets (concentrate and hay) in mg/kg DM were: Fe 150, 162 and 176; Mn 56, 60 and 64; Zn 36, 53 and 69; and Cu 7, 8 and 11 for the low, medium and high TM levels, respectively. No effects of TM intake on feed intake, weight gain or body measurements were detected, but bone mineral deposition was increased by the high TM intake (P less than .02). No gross skeletal abnormalities were detected. In the second experiment, a basal diet with Ca and P concentrations near NRC (1978) recommendations was supplemented with no TM, TM or TM + Ca + P. The basal diet had TM concentrations similar to the highest TM levels in the first experiment. The two groups fed added minerals consumed more concentrate and total feed (P less than .1) than those receiving the basal diet. Weight gain was increased by the TM supplementation (P less than .1). There was no other diet effect on growth or development of the animals. Colts gained more height than fillies did (P less than .05). Results of these two experiments suggest that TM supplementation may have a positive effect on bone mineral deposition in yearling horses, but only when the TM content of the natural diet is below NRC (1978) recommendations.     

Energy uptake and utilization by limit- and ad libitum-fed growing horses

Eighteen weanling horses were assigned to two treatments: limited or ad libitum feed intake. Growth and feed utilization were evaluated over a 78-wk period. Ad libitum-fed horses gained 24% more (P less than .05) weight than limit-fed horses. Total BW was distributed into 57% fore and 43% hind weight and did not differ between groups regardless of dietary treatment or age. Net gain and ADG in wither height of ad libitum-fed horses exceeded (P less than .05) that of limit-fed horses over 78 wk. Ad libitum-fed horses consumed 19, 44 and 34% more digestible energy (DE) than indicated in 1978 NRC tables from 6 to 12 mo, 12 to 18 mo and 18 to 24 mo of age, respectively. Total DE intakes were positively correlated to weight and therefore were confounded by age. Weight-scaled DE intake of ad libitum-fed weanling horses increased .2% for each 1 C degree decrease in barn temperature below 0 degree C. Maintenance energy requirements were estimated at 37.8 and 35.6 kcal DE/kg BW for limit- and ad libitum-fed horses, respectively. Grams of gain per megacalorie of DE consumed above maintenance ranged from 83 to 24 g/Mcal and were only 22 to 75% of values derived from 1978 NRC tables. Energy guidelines given by NRC were considered suitable for growth based on normalcy of musculoskeletal growth. However, the ADG by our horses, which were fed high-forage diets, were lower than those predicted by 1978 NRC.     

Influence of dietary fat and time of hay feeding on growth and development of yearling horses

Seventeen Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse yearlings were used in a 2×2 factorial experiment to determine 1) whether adding fat (5% corn oil) to the concentrate would influence feed intake, growth and development and 2) whether time of hay feeding would influence energy metabolism on the basal and added fat diets. Yearlings were assigned at random, within breed and gender subgroups, to one of four diets: B-I, basal concentrate with Coastal Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) hay fed immediately after the concentrate; B-D, basal with hay fed 3.5 hr after the concentrate; F-I, basal + fat with the hay fed immediately; and F-D, basal + fat with the hay fed 3.5 hr after the concentrate. The basal concentrate was formulated to meet or exceed NRC (1989) recommendations when fed with the hay. The basal + fat concentrate was formulated at 9.7% higher digestible energy than the basal concentrate and all of the other nutrients were increased proportionately so if the intake was reduced, the yearlings would still meet nutrient needs. The concentrates were fed individually to appetite for two 1.5-hr feeding periods daily in 1.5×3.0 m slip stalls. Hay was group fed in the paddocks at a rate of 1.0 kg/100 kg BW daily divided into two equal feedings. Animals were housed in four 9.1×34.9-m drylot paddocks with three, four, or five animals in each paddock. The mean age at the start of the experiment was 377±8 days. Weight and body measurements for withers height, heart girth, body length, and hip height were taken at the start of the experiment and at 28-day intervals for 84 days. Radiographs for bone mineral estimates were made at the start and completion of the experiment. During the final 28-day period of the feeding trial, three animals from each experimental group were randomly selected for a 24-h period of blood sampling to evaluate the effects of the diets on blood glucose and insulin.Fat addition to the concentrate reduced the daily concentrate DM (P=0.0187) and total feed DM (P=0.0021) intake. When feed intake was expressed as a function of BW, concentrate and total feed intakes were 1.33 and 2.14 kg/100 kg BW daily and were not influenced by diet (P>0.1). Colts consumed more concentrate DM (P=0.0039) and total feed DM (P=0.0022) than fillies. The yearlings gained an average of 0.60 kg/d for the 84 days. Weight gain, body measurements and bone mineral deposition were not influenced by gender or diet. Mean plasma glucose concentrations were higher (P=0.05) in yearlings consuming the basal concentrate with hay fed immediately than when hay feeding was delayed. When fat was fed, the time of hay feeding had no effect on plasma glucose concentrations (P>0.05). Plasma glucose and insulin were lowest just prior to the morning feeding and peaked two to three hours after both morning and afternoon feedings. Fat supplementation reduced plasma insulin (P=0.001). Results suggest that the addition of 5% corn oil to a yearling concentrate may reduce feed intake but will not reduce growth and development of the animal if other nutrients are supplied at concentrations that provide for the animal's daily needs. Delaying hay feeding may be advantageous to growing horses as it may allow the concentrate to move down the tract at a slower rate reducing the glucose peaks.     

Effects of diet and climate on growing horses

The effects of diet and climate were assessed in 42 light horse weanlings over 30 wk. Horses were fed diets varying in energy and phosphorus content. Diets were predominantly forage (73 to 77.5%) or concentrate (62 to 62.25%) and had 2.65 or 3.09 Mcal DE/kg DM, respectively. Horses were weighed every 14 d. Group feed intakes and climatic variables were recorded daily. Dietary phosphorus content did not affect intake or gain. Horses fed forage diets ate 18% more (P less than .001) DM than horses fed concentrate, but DE intakes did not differ. Average DE intakes, 21.5 Mcal daily, were 33% more than those given in 1978 National Research Council (NRC) tables. Overall ADG by forage- and concentrate-fed horses were .83 and .89 kg, respectively. These values were 23 and 32% above mean ADG values given for horses at 6 and 12 mo in 1978 NRC tables. Average daily gain declined (P less than .01) with age, although daily DE intake increased (P less than .01). Total DM and DE intakes were determined largely by body weight, but age was the main determinant of weight-scaled DE intake. Weight- and age-scaled DE intakes were reduced (P less than .001) by 6.1% at temperatures below -10 degrees C compared with temperatures above -10 degrees C. Temperatures below -20 degrees C had no greater effect on DE intake than those between -10 to -20 degrees C. Neither precipitation nor wind alone affected weight- and age-adjusted DE intake. In conclusion, weanling horses fed readily digested diets ad libitum gained weight at or above expected values even at severely cold ambient temperatures.     

Soybean Hulls as an Energy Source for Weanling Horses

Soybean hulls have been used as a feed ingredient for horses for many years and are generally used as a fiber source. The NRC (11) gives them an energy value of 1.88 Mcal DE/kg DM, which is comparable with a medium quality grass hay. Recent evidence suggests that soybean hulls may have a higher energy value. Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the energy value of soybean hulls by using them to replace oats in a concentrate for weanling horses. In Exp. 1, 16 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse weanlings, 145.2 4.1 d of age, were paired within breed and gender subgroups and assigned at random to either the oats or soybean hull-based concentrate. Soybean hulls replaced oats at 25% of the concentrate. Concentrates were fed individually to appetite for two, 1.5-h feeding periods daily with the concentrate restricted to the lesser amount consumed by the pair based on percentage of BW. Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay (12.8% CP) was group fed at 1.0 kg/100 kg BW daily. The BW and measurements of the weanlings were made at 14-d intervals for 112 d, and the weanlings were radiographed for bone mineral deposition determinations at the start and conclusion of the study. Experiment 2 used 13 weanlings starting at 143.8 ± 4.2 d of age and was identical to Exp. 1 except the source of the Coastal bermudagrass hay was different and the concentrate intake was fed ad libitum during the two, 1.5-h feeding periods. In Exp. 1, no differences in feed or nutrient intake, BW, or body measurement gains were detected (P > 0.05) except for body length gain, which was greater for the weanlings on the oat-based concentrate (P < 0.05). The weanlings gained 0.73 and 0.70 kg/d on the oat and soybean hull-based concentrates, respectively. In Exp. 2, the protein content of the hay (7.0% CP) was less than the previous year, resulting in a protein intake below NRC (11) recommendations. No differences in BW, withers height, or body length gain were detected (P < 0.05), but heart girth (P < 0.05) and hip height gain (P < 0.05) were both greater for the weanlings fed the oat-based concentrate. The weanlings gained 0.74 and 0.61 kg/d on the oat and soybean hull-based concentrates, respectively. Bone mineral deposition was not different between diet groups for either experiment. Results suggest that soybean hulls have an energy value for weanling horses that is similar to oats when fed with medium quality grass hay. When fed with low quality grass hay, soybean hulls do not seem to be as valuable as oats, perhaps because of either the slow energy release or the availability of protein in the foregut.     

Genotype and sex effects on the relationship between energy intake and protein deposition in growing pigs

Seventy-two crossbred (Large White X Landrace) pigs were used in a 3 X 7 factorial experiment to investigate the response of two strains of boars (strains A and B) and of castrated male pigs (strain B) to seven levels of intake of a single diet (ranging from 5.3 Mcal digestible energy [DE]/d to ad libitum) between 45 and 90 kg live weight. All aspects of growth performance and body composition were affected to different degrees by both strain and sex. At all levels of energy intake strain A boars grew faster, had a lower feed to gain ratio and contained less fat and more water in the empty body than strain B boars, which in turn exhibited faster live weight gain and more efficient and leaner growth than castrated males. The magnitude of the differences in growth performance between strain A and strain B boars and castrates increased with increased energy intake above 7.88 Mcal DE/d, and these differences were associated with concomitant strain differences in their respective capacity for protein growth and in the relationship between energy intake and protein deposition. For strain A boars the rate of protein deposition increased linearly from 92 to 188 g/d with increased energy intake from 5.3 Mcal DE/d to ad libitum. For strain B boars and castrates the rate of protein deposition increased linearly with increased energy intake up to 7.88 Mcal DE/d, but thereafter it remained constant at 128 and 85 g/d, respectively. For castrates protein deposition was depressed (P less than .01) when the diet was offered ad libitum. Strain A boars had a higher energy requirement for maintenance (3.55 Mcal DE/d) than strain B boars (2.77 Mcal DE/d) or castrates (2.60 Mcal DE/d). Strain A boars also contained less protein and more water in the fat free empty body than the other two pig types.     

Amino acid and energy interrelationships in pigs weighing 20 to 50 kilograms: I. Rate and efficiency of weight gain

The relationships between dietary amino acids and DE for pigs weighing 20 to 50 kg were investigated in two experiments. In Exp. 1, there were three dietary lysine levels that were either adjusted (1.50, 2.35 and 3.20 g/Mcal DE) for five DE levels (3.00 to 4.00 Mcal/kg) or unadjusted (.45, .71 and .96% of the diet) for three DE levels (3.50 to 4.00 Mcal/kg). In Exp. 2, the effects of six lysine:DE ratios (1.90 to 3.90 g/Mcal) at two DE levels (3.25 and 3.75 Mcal/kg) were investigated. In both experiments, diets were formulated using a constant ratio of corn and soybean meal. Pigs (equal numbers of barrows and gilts) were housed and fed individually and had ad libitum access to feed and water. Digestible energy intake was not affected by energy content of the diets. In Exp. 1, lysine intake did not differ with DE in the adjusted diets but decreased (P less than .001) as DE increased in the unadjusted diets. Weight gain was relatively consistent and gain:DE intake increased (P less than .001) as DE increased in the adjusted diets, but both decreased (P less than .005) with increasing DE in the unadjusted diets. Both criteria increased (P less than .001) in response to higher lysine:DE in the adjusted and lysine in the unadjusted diets. In Exp. 2, weight gain increased (P less than .005), but there was no effect (P greater than .05) on gain:DE intake as DE increased. Both weight gain and gain:DE intake increased (P less than .001) and backfat decreased (P less than .01) as lysine:DE ratios increased. The results demonstrate the need to increase dietary amino acid levels in concert with increases in energy contents. Regression analyses indicated that weight gain and gain:DE intake for 20- to 50-kg pigs were maximized at approximately 3.0 g lysine/Mcal DE (or 49 g of balanced protein/Mcal DE).     

Effect of dietary energy intake during lactation on performance of primiparous sows and their litters

A total of 146 primiparous sows was used in four replications of an experiment to investigate the effect of energy intake during a 28-d lactation on sow and litter performance. Dietary treatments consisted of three energy intakes; 10, 12 or 14 Mcal of metabolizable energy (ME) X sow-1 X d-1. All sows were fed equal amounts of crude protein, vitamins and minerals daily, which met or exceeded standard recommendations. The experiment was initiated at parturition. Sow weight and backfat loss during lactation decreased linearly (P less than .001) as energy intake increased. There were no differences in litter size at either 14 d of lactation or weaning. Pig weights on d 14 increased linearly (P less than .05) and litter weights tended to increase linearly (P = .13) as energy intake increased. At weaning, pig weights and litter weights increased (P less than .05) as sow energy intake increased. There were no significant differences in the percentages of sows in estrus by 7, 14, 21 and 70 d postweaning, but sows fed 10 Mcal ME/d had a slightly longer interval from weaning to first estrus than sows fed higher energy intakes. Serum urea concentrations of sows were inversely related to energy intake during lactation. Serum creatinine concentrations were not affected by energy intake. An intake of 10 Mcal ME/d by primiparous sows during a 28-d lactation resulted in reduced sow and litter performance; there was little difference between sows fed 12 and 14 Mcal ME/d.     

Amino acid and energy interrelationships in pigs weighing 20 to 50 kilograms: II. Rate and efficiency of protein and fat deposition

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the relationships between amino acids and DE for pigs weighing 20 to 50 kg. In Exp. 1, there were three dietary lysine levels that were either adjusted (1.50, 2.35 and 3.20 g/Mcal DE) for five DE levels (3.00 to 4.00 Mcal/kg) or unadjusted (.45, .71 and .96% of the diet) for three DE levels (3.50 to 4.00 Mcal/kg). In Exp. 2, diets containing six lysine:DE ratios (1.90 to 3.90 g/Mcal) at two DE levels (3.25 and 3.75 Mcal/kg) were fed. Pigs were housed individually, and could eat and drink ad libitum. When pigs weighed 50 kg, their empty body composition was determined by the urea dilution technique in Exp. 1 and by prediction equations based on backfat in Exp. 2. For the adjusted diets in Exp. 1, protein deposition and protein deposition:DE intake increased (P less than .01) slightly as DE levels increased. These criteria decreased linearly (P less than .001), and fat deposition increased (P = .11) as DE increased when lysine:DE ratios were not maintained. As lysine levels increased, protein deposition and protein deposition: DE intake increased (P less than .001) in both the adjusted and unadjusted diets. In Exp. 2, there was no effect of DE on either the rate or efficiency of protein deposition. Both protein deposition and protein deposition:DE intake increased (P less than .001) and fat deposition decreased as lysine:DE ratios increased up to 3.00 g lysine/Mcal DE. Protein deposition: lysine intake decreased (P less than .01) progressively as the lysine:DE ratio increased. Regression analyses indicated the protein deposition increased up to 3.00 g lysine/Mcal DE. The results demonstrate the need to adjust lysine according to energy levels and indicate that the optimum ratio for protein deposition was approximately 3.00 g lysine/Mcal DE (or 49 g of balanced protein/Mcal DE).     

Protein, energy and dry matter consumption by racing thoroughbreds: A field survey

A field survey involving 109 horses in 9 stables at a Detroit racetrack was conducted to determine feeding practices and to estimate crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE), and dry matter (DM) consumption by racing Thoroughbreds, and to compare those intakes with 1989 recommendations of the National Research Council (NRC), "Nutrient Requirements of Horses." Trainers were interviewed regarding: 1) the age and sex of the homes; 2) their feeding practices; and 3) the horse's training and racing schedule. Only adult homes who were actively racing and continuously stabled at the track were included. Body weights (BW) were estimated using a chest girth measurement. The horses had an overall mean body condition score of 5 which indicated average body condition for a racing. Thoroughbred at this track. Feed samples of hay and concentrate from each stable were weighed and analyzed at a commercial laboratory to determine CP, DM, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and estimated energy density. A computer program calculated CP, DE, and DM values for each horse's ration based onamounts fed. The software program included with the 1989 NRC publication was used to compare estimated nutrient intakes with current NRC recommendations for a horse of a given BW. Trainers fed a variety of hays. Eight trainers fed oats and only one fed corn. All trainers fed commercial sweet feeds. The mean total amount of feed for all homes on an "as fed" basis was 13.7 kg. The mean estimated DM intake for all horses was 12.3 kg vs. NRC recommended 11.6 kg. The mean for percentage of roughage in the ration for all stables was 53% vs. a NRC recommendation of 35%. The mean CP% ona DM basis for all stables' rations was 13.8% vs. a NRC recommendation of 11.4%. The means for actual CP and DE intakes for all horses were 1678 g and 33.3 Meal compared with current NRC recommendations of 1324 g CP and 33.1 Meal DE. Protein amounts were above those recommended due to the common practice of feeding relatively higher CP% in the rations than necessary for racehorse performance. These data appear to be more consistent with the recommendations of NRC in 1989 than previous recommendations in 1978.     

Growth of yearling fillies fed alfalfa or soybean meal

Sixteen Quarter Horse yearling fillies were used in a 112-day randomized block experiment to determine the comparative efficacy of alfalfa hay protein to support growth in young horses. The yearlings were divided into two groups of eight and paired according to weight and age, with one yearling from each pair randomly allotted to each diet. Group 1 was fed a diet of coastal Bermuda grass hay and concentrate. The corn-based concentrate was supplemented with soybean meal such that the total diet for group 1 contained approximately 13% CP. Group 2 was fed a diet that also contained approximately 13% CP and consisted of alfalfa hay and a similar concentrate without soybean meal. Yearlings were fed the diets in a 60:40 grain-to-hay ratio, and intakes between members of each pair were equalized. The calculated digestible energy density in both final diets was approximately 2.85 mcal/kg, and the protein:calorie ratio for both diets was approximately 45 gm/Mcal. Body weight, body length, heart girth, wither and hip heights, as well as forearm, gaskin and cannon bone circumferences were measured every 28 days. Rump fat thickness was measured ultrasonically every 28 days. Physical measures of growth were similar for horses eating each diet (P>0.05). Also, blood urea nitrogen was similar for horses eating each diet (P>0.05) and was not reflective of differences in nitrogen metabolism. The fillies fed the SBM-supplemented diet retained more nitrogen more efficiently than did fillies fed the alfalfa diet (P<0.05), and the SBM-fed fillies had higher concentrations of osteocalcin on days 14, 28, 42, and 112. It can be concluded that SBM and alfalfa proteins were equally effective in providing growth to young horses; however, the biological value of absorbed nitrogen appeared to be higher in the fillies fed the SBM-supplemented diet. also, differences in serum osteocalcin concentrations indicate that the SBM-fed fillies were experiencing a greater amount of osteoblastic activity than the alfalfa fed fillies.     

Protein, energy and dry matter consumption by racing standardbreds: A field survey

A field survey involving 112 Standardbred race horses in 14 stables at a Detroit racetrack was conducted to determine feeding practices of the Standardbred trainers, to estimate crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE), and dry matter (DM) consumption by racing Standardbreds, and to compare those intakes with 1989 recommendations of the National Research Council (NRC), “Nutrient Requirements of Horses.” Trainers were interviewed regarding: 1) the age and sex of the horses; 2) their feeding practices, and 3) the horse's training and racing schedule. Only adult horses which were actively racing and continuously stabled at the track were included.

Body weights (BW) estimated using a chest girth measurement resulted in an overall mean BW of 449 kg. Body condition scores were established for each horse with an overall mean score of 5.7 which indicated average body condition for a racing Standardbred at this track. Typical rations from each stable were weighed, and feed samples of hays and concentrates were analyzed at a commercial laboratory to determine CP, DM, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and estimated energy density. A computer program calculated CP, DE, and DM values for each horse's ration based on amounts fed. The software program included with the 1989 NRC publication was used to compare estimated nutrient intakes with current NRC recommendations for a horse of a given BW.

All trainers fed a variety of hays and commercial grain mixes, and five trainers fed oats separately. The mean total intake of feed for all horses on an “as fed” basis was 16.1 kg. The estimated mean DM intake for all horses was 14.4 kg vs. NRC recommended 10.6 kg. The mean percentage of rough-age in the ration for all stables was 64% vs. a NRC recommendation of 35%. The mean CP% on a DM basis for all stables' rations was 14.5% vs. the NRC recommendation of 11.4%. The mean daily CP and estimated DE intakes for all horses were 2113 g and 37.6 Meal, respectively, in contrast to current NRC recommendations of 1189 g CP and 29.7 Meal DE. These data indicate that estimated CP, DE, and DM consumption are above the recommendations of NRC in 1989.     

The influence of high planes of nutrition on skeletal growth and development of weanling horses

Effects of high dietary levels of energy, protein and Ca and deficient levels of Ca on skeletal growth and development in the equine were studied in two experiments. The weanlings were fed grain-based diets. In Exp. 1, Group 1 (Ctl) received all nutrients at NRC recommended levels for growth; Group 2 (HE) received 150% of their digestible energy (DE) requirement; Group 3 (LC) received 150% of DE and 35% of Ca requirements. In Exp. 2, Group 1 (Ctl) again received all nutrients at NRC recommended levels for growth; Group 2 (HEP) received 150% of DE and 275% of CP requirements; Group 3 (HEPC) received 150% of DE, 275% of CP and 500% of Ca requirements. In addition, all groups had access to pasture. The HE treatment resulted in greater (P less than .10) increases in BW and total cortical width. However, LC weanlings had lower (P less than .10) gains in third metacarpal length and radiographic bone density. Cumulative increases in BW and wither height were greater (P less than .10) for the HEP and HEPC weanlings than for the Ctl weanlings. Increases in third metatarsal length also were greater (P less than .10) for HEP weanlings than for Ctl weanlings. Higher planes of nutrition increased body weight gains and growth rate of several long bones. However, skeletal development (e.g., cortical area) may be compromised by a high rate of growth.     

Effects of body weight, frame size and rate of gain on the composition of gain of beef steers

Energy concentration of gain (EG) is an inherent component in beef cattle feeding systems. The National Research Council (NRC) uses equations based on body weight, rate of gain and cattle type to predict EG and, in turn, to calculate dietary energy requirements. From EG, fat and protein deposition can be calculated directly. A dynamic computer growth model also can be used to estimate EG. In both the NRC and the computer model, EG increases from about 3 to 6 Mcal/kg as body weight increases from 200 to 500 kg if daily gain is 1 kg. Both NRC and the model predict EG of calves to be about .3 Mcal/kg greater than a previous NRC system. In contrast to the NRC, model-predicted EG of yearlings is lower at lighter and greater at heavier body weights. Rate of gain affects estimates of EG more for the dynamic model than for the NRC systems. When predicted EG was compared with observed EG for 46 pens of feedlot steers in comparative slaughter trials, NRC estimates exhibited a narrow range compared with observed values with correlation coefficients of r = .38 and r = .71 (previous NRC). Model estimates of EG were closer (r = .85). The NRC predictions of EG systematically erred with initial body composition, diet metabolizable energy and length of feeding period (P less than .01) and with initial body weight and rate of gain (P less than .05). No systematic errors in model-predicted EG were detected. Enhanced model sensitivity to compensatory growth and rate of gain should reduce both EG and body weight gain prediction errors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Growth rate, diet digestibility, and serum proclactin of yearling horses fed non-infected and infected tall fescue hay

To determine to effect of feeding tall fescue hay infected with endophyte on growth rate, diet digestibility, and serum prolactin, 17 Quarter Horse yearlings were fed a diet of 60% concentrate and 40% tall fescue hay for 5 months. Diets were formulated to meet 1989 NRC recommendations for moderate growth. The dietary treatments included either non-infected (E-, n=9) or infected (E+, n=8) tall fescue hay. Field sampling determined a 52% infection rate of the E+ hay with the endophyte Acremonium coenophialum. Initially and at 29-day intervals, yearlings were weighed and measured for skeletal growth including: (1) height at the withers, (2) length of bone between knee and fetlock, (3) length of bone between hock and fetlock, and (4) the circumference of fore and rear cannon bones. Total fecal collection from the 10 geldings during the last month of the trial permitted the calculation of diet digestibility. Serum samples were taken throughout the trial to determine prolactin response to dietary treatments.The E+ fescue hay did not affect (P>.05) growth rate of yearling horses. Yearlings gained .40 and .38 kg/d when consuming the E− and E+ based diets, respectively. Geldings gained more (P<.05) than fillies. Changes in height at the wither and length and circumference of the fore and rear cannon were positive but did not differ between hay treatments or sexes.E+ fescue hay diets tended to be lower in dry matter, apparent energy, and crude protein digestibility, but values were not statistically different. Fiber digestibility was lower (P<.01) for the diet based on E+ hay. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility averaged 66.2 and 54.4% for E− and E+ diets, respectively.Acid detergent fiber digestibility averaged 78.9 and 64.5% for E− and E+ diets, respectively. Although fiber digestibility of E+ tall fescue hay was lower than E-hay, grain supplementation supportive of a moderate growth rate produced equal growth among yearling horses. Also, no differences in prolactin were apparent between the yearlings fed E− and E+ tall fescue hay.     

Influence of energy and protein intake during lactation on body composition of primiparous sows

The effects of energy and protein intakes by 32 primiparous sows during a 28-d lactation on sow and litter performance and sow body composition and bone properties were examined. Dietary treatments were energy intakes of 8 (LE) and 16 (HE) Mcal of ME/d and protein intakes of 380 (LP) and 760 (HP) g of CP/d in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Sows fed diets that were inadequate in either energy or protein lost more weight than did sows fed the HE-HP diet, but backfat losses were greater when energy intake was deficient than when protein was deficient. Carcass measurements were influenced in a similar manner, with energy intake affecting (P less than .001) backfat thickness and protein intake affecting (P less than .05) longissimus muscle area. Heart, kidneys and liver of sows fed LP diets weighed less (P less than .01) and contained less water and protein (P less than .05) than those of sows fed HP. Sows fed LE had heart, liver and viscera that weighed less (P less than .05) than those of sows fed HE. There was less fat (P less than .05) in the heart, lung, liver and viscera of sows fed LE than in those of sows fed HE. Carcass components of the supraspinatus muscle and standardized sections through the longissimus muscle and right shoulder weighed less (P less than .05) from sows fed LP rather than HP, and these components contained less water and protein. Sows fed the LE diets had less fat in the loin soft tissue section, right shoulder section and supraspinatus muscle than sows fed HE. Bone composition and strength were not influenced by dietary treatment. The composition of weight lost during lactation was diet-dependent. Sows fed diets that were deficient in protein but adequate in energy lost large amounts of protein from muscles and internal organs. Energy deficiency resulted primarily in fat loss.     

Influence of Energy and Protein Content of the Concentrate and Restricting Concentrate Intake on Growth and Development of Weanling Horses

Forty-four Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse weanlings were used in three experiments to evaluate the effects of energy content, protein content, and feeding levels of the concentrate on growth and development when fed with Coastal bermudagrass hay. The animals were confined to drylot paddocks and fed the assigned concentrate in individual feeding stalls. The hay was group-fed in the paddocks. In the first experiment, the concentrate was fed at 1.5 kg/100 kg BW daily or ad libitum for two 1.5-h feeding periods daily. The ad libitum-fed weanlings had greater withers height gain (P<0.01), and hip height gain (P<0.05) than the limit-fed weanlings. Bone mineral gains were numerically greater for the ad libitum-fed weanlings (P>0.10). None of the other body measurements were different (P>0.05). In Exp. 2, weanlings were fed a basal concentrate ad libitum for two1.5-h feeding periods daily or a fat-added concentrate at equal amounts to the hay intake. Nutrients were balanced to meet NRC recommendations. The fat-added concentrate resulted in numerically greater withers height (P>0.10), heart girth (P>0.10), body length (P>0.10), hip height (P>0.10), and bone mineral (P>0.10) gains. Weight gain and feed efficiency favored the basal diet. In Exp. 3, weanlings were fed concentrates providing either 14 or 18% CP as described previously. The BW gains favored the high protein diets for three of the first four periods (P<0.05), and some numerical advantage persisted to the end of the trial (P>0.10). None of the other growth measurements were different for the two diets. Calculations on nutrient intake and BW gains of the animals on the three experiments revealed that lysine intake appears to be a greater factor than energy or protein in influencing BW gain of weanlings.     

Feed intake and weight gain of growing goats fed diets of various energy and protein levels

Growing goats, 45 Alpine and 45 Nubian, were used in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement to quantify the influence of dietary energy and protein levels on daily DM intake and nutrient utilization for growth. Goats had ad libitum access to complete mixed diets containing either 2.46, 2.77 or 3.05 Mcal/kg ME plus 11.2, 12.7 or 15.1% CP for 16 wk. Dry matter intake decreased curvilinearly as dietary ME density increased (P less than .001). Dry matter intake increased linearly (P less than .05) as dietary CP level increased during all growth intervals except wk 25 to 28 of age. Average daily gain was 115, 113 and 99 g/d for goats fed diets containing 2.46, 2.77 and 3.05 Mcal/kg ME, respectively. Average daily gain was 104, 106 and 117 g/d for goats fed diets with 11.2, 12.7 and 15.1% CP, respectively. Dry matter intake was higher (P less than .01) for Alpine than for Nubian goats, whereas ADG was similar between breeds. Intake of ME was 248, 260 and 198 kcal/(kg.75.d) for goats fed the low- medium- and high-energy diets, respectively. Intake of CP was 9.1, 10.7 and 13.2 g/(kg.75.d) for goats fed low-, medium- and high-protein diets, respectively. Average requirements for growth derived from regression analysis of all data points were 4.6 kcal ME and .26 g CP/g ADG. The prediction equation for intake of growing goats of 4 to 8 mo of age was: DMI, g/d = 1,749 - 496 DE, kcal/g + 18 live weight, kg + 3 ADG, g/d; r2 = .73 (Sy.x = 127, P less than .0001, n = 90). The requirement of ME for growth was 33% lower than the value recommended in 1981 by the National Research Council.     

Influence of level of dietary protein or energy on effects of ractopamine in finishing swine.

The effect of ractopamine, a beta-adrenergic agonist, on growth, nutrient utilization, and carcass composition was studied in pigs fed either 18% CP, 12% CP, or 18% CP restricted (RES = 67% of ad libitum) diets. The 18 and 12% CP diets provided 3.52 and 3.68 Mcal of DE/kg, respectively. All pigs were fed a low-protein (12% CP) diet during pretreatment growth from 15 to 60 kg. Ractopamine at 20 or 30 ppm (30 ppm for RES pigs) in the diet was fed from 60 kg live BW until slaughter at 105 kg (9 pigs/treatment). No ractopamine treatment effect (P greater than .05) was observed for either daily gain or gain/feed, although gain/feed was improved by 8% in both of the ad libitum groups. Ractopamine treatment resulted (P less than .01) in an overall reduction of carcass lipid by 8%, an increase of carcass protein by 5%, and a 21% improvement in the efficiency of protein utilization; the greatest changes occurred in the pigs fed the 12% CP diet (-17%, +11%, and +32%, respectively). The ad libitum daily feed intake was 15% less for pigs fed the 12% CP diet than for those fed the 18% CP diet (P less than .01), and there was a 10% reduction in intake of both diets with the addition of ractopamine (P less than .05). Both carcass lipid and protein deposition seemed to be closely related to energy intake (P less than .01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of gestation energy level on the production of Large White x Landrace sows

Sixty-four Large White x Landrace primiparous sows were utilized to evaluate the influence of feeding 6 vs 9 Mcal ME/d during gestation on reproductive performance. The sows remained on their respective gestation diets for four parities if they successfully farrowed, rebred and conceived. Sows fed 9 Mcal ME/d gained more weight (P less than .05) through the gestation period during parities 1 and 2 and were heavier (P less than .01) on d 110 of gestation for combined parities. Lactation weight loss was greater (P less than .05) for the sows fed 9 Mcal ME/d, resulting in similar weights at weaning. Ultrasonic backfat measurements were greater (P less than .01) on d 110 of gestation for sows fed 9 Mcal ME/d during parity 1 and remained higher (P less than .01) through the fourth-parity gestation. Although sow weaning weights were similar, sows receiving 6 Mcal ME/d scanned less backfat thickness. Gestation treatment significantly affected consumption of a common lactation diet provided ad libitum. Sows fed 6 Mcal ME/d during gestation consumed an average of 22 kg more feed (P less than .01) during lactation than those sows receiving 9 Mcal ME/d. Litter performance as measured by number and weights of pigs born alive and weaned was not altered (P greater than .10) by gestation energy intake. Days to return to estrus and the number of sows remaining in the study for four parities were similar (P greater than .10) between the two treatment groups. The number of farrowings for the four parities totaled 164, with 83 and 81 farrowings for the sows fed 6 and 9 Mcal ME/d, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)