Influence of transgenic corn (CBH 351, named Starlink) on health condition of dairy cows and transfer of Cry9C protein and cry9C gene to milk, blood, liver and muscle

The influence of transgenic event CBH 351 (Starlink)-derived hybrid corn (SL) on the health condition, physiological function and lactational performance of dairy cows as well as the transfer of the cry9C gene and Cry9C protein present in SL to milk, blood, liver and muscles was examined, and compared with a diet containing non-transgenic (isogenic) control corn (non-SL). After adapting to a diet containing non-SL for 2 weeks, four Holstein cows were assigned to each of the non-SL and SL groups and were fed diets containing non-SL or SL, respectively, for 5 weeks. There were no significant influences on the physiological condition, milk yield or serum biochemical and hematological values after feeding with SL. There was also no influence on pH value, cell density of protozoa, or volatile fatty acid concentration and composition of rumen fluids. In addition, no significant differences were observed on histopathological examination of the major organs and tissues between the SL and non-SL groups. Moreover, the cry9C gene and Cry9C protein were not detected by the polymerase chain reaction method and ELISA in the milk, blood, liver and muscles of the cows at the end of the experiment.     

Evaluation of transgenic event CBH 351 (StarLink) corn in broiler chicks

The influence of transgenic event CBH 351 (StarLink; SL)-derived hybrid corn on the growth performance, health condition and physiological function in broiler chicks, as well as the possible transfer of the cry9C gene and Cry9C protein to blood, liver and muscle were examined in comparison with chicks fed on a diet with non-transgenic corn (SL-F). Bodyweight gain and feed conversion ratio in the chicks fed on a diet with SL were significantly greater than in chicks fed on a diet with SL-F during the starter phase (0–3 weeks of age), but this significant difference disappeared during the finisher phase (4–7 weeks of age). No abnormalities in health condition in either SL or SL-F groups were observed, and livability did not differ significantly between SL and SL-F groups. Moreover, no significant differences in serum biochemical and hematological values, histopathological observation and necropsy findings were observed between SL and SL-F groups at the end of the experiment. The cry9C gene and Cry9C protein were not detected in blood, liver and muscle of chicks at 3, 5 or 7 weeks of age. The results indicate that feeding SL does not influence growth performance, health condition or physiological function in broiler chicks, and the cry9C gene and Cry9C protein are not transferred to the blood, liver and muscles of broilers.     

Zinc-amino acid complexes for swine

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of sources of dietary zinc on gain, feed conversion and blood and bone traits of swine. In the first experiment 96 pigs were used in a 28-d study. The pigs were fed diets with no supplemental Zn or with either 9 or 12 ppm supplemental Zn from zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), zinc methionine (ZnMet) or zinc methionine with picolinic acid (ZnMet w/PA), each with or without 5% added corn oil. There were differences (P less than .05) in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) between the pigs fed the two organic Zn sources, with those fed ZnMet w/PA showing the better gains and feed conversion. However, neither organic Zn source resulted in pig performance that was different from either the diet with no supplemental Zn or the diets supplemented with Zn from ZnSO4. In the second experiment the same dietary Zn sources and treatments were fed as in Exp. 1 except that corn oil was deleted as a variable. No differences in ADG, ADFI, feed/gain (F/G) or in changes in serum Zn or Cu were observed among treatments during either the 21-d nursery or the 56-d growing periods. During the subsequent 56-d finishing period ADG and ADFI were greater (P less than .01) for pigs fed the Zn-supplemented diets than for those fed the diets without supplemental Zn. There were no differences among treatments in F/G during the finishing period. Zn content of bone ash was lower (P less than .01) in the non-Zn-supplemented pigs. These data suggest that the Zn sources used are of similar biological value and do not support the theory that picolinic acid aids Zn absorption.     

Detection of corn intrinsic and recombinant DNA fragments and Cry1Ab protein in the gastrointestinal contents of pigs fed genetically modified corn Bt11

Genetically modified corn has been approved as an animal feed in several countries, but information about the fate of genetically modified DNA and protein in vivo is insufficient. Genetically modified corn Bt11 is developed by inserting a recombinant DNA sequence encoding insecticidal Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. We examined the presence of corn intrinsic and recombinant cry1Ab gene by PCR, and the Cry1Ab protein by immunological tests in the gastrointestinal contents of five genetically modified corn Bt11-fed and five nongenetically modified corn-fed pigs. Fragments of corn zein (242 bp), invertase (226 bp) and of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/ oxygenase genes (1,028 bp) were detected in the gastrointestinal contents of both Bt11 and nongenetically modified corn-fed pigs. Fragments of recombinant cry1Ab gene (110 bp and 437 bp) were detected in the gastrointestinal contents of the Bt11-fed pigs but not in the control pigs. Neither corn intrinsic nor cry1Ab gene fragments were detected in the peripheral blood by PCR. The gastrointestinal contents were positive for Cry1Ab protein by ELISA, immunochromatography, and immunoblot; however, these methods did not work for blood and precluded conclusions about any potential absorption of the protein. These results suggest that ingested corn DNA and Cry1Ab protein were not totally degraded in the gastrointestinal tract, as shown by their presence in a form detectable by PCR or immunological tests.     

饲料中不同水平的玉米柠檬酸渣对育肥猪增重效果的影响

为研究饲料中添加不同比例的玉米柠檬酸渣对育肥猪增重效果的影响,试验选取40头60 kg左右的育肥猪,采用单因素完全随机分为5个处理组,每个处理组8头猪。对照组饲喂“玉米+豆粕”型基础日粮,4个试验组分别饲喂含有3%、6%、9%和12%的玉米柠檬酸渣饲粮。结果表明：⑴4个试验组与对照组平均日采食量差异不显著（P>0.05）;⑵A组、B组平均日增重、料肉比与对照组差异不显著（P>0.05）,A组、B组平均日增重分别比对照组高0.77%、1.24%（P>0.05）,料肉比较对照组分别低1.63%、2.29%（P>0.05）;⑶C组、D组平均日增重、料肉比与对照组差异显著（P<0.05）,C组、D组平均日增重分别比对照组低2.73%、4.39%,料肉比较对照组分别高3.59%、4.9%（P<0.05）;⑷A组、B组育肥猪每增重1 kg所需的饲料成本分别降低2.52%、4.4%。说明在日粮中添加一定量的玉米柠檬酸渣,对育肥猪生长性能有一定的促进作用,养殖经济效益显著,其中以6%的添加量较为适宜。     

Effect of menhaden fish oil supplementation and lipopolysaccharide exposure on nursery pigs. II. Effects on the immune axis when fed simple or complex diets containing no spray-dried plasma

A trial using 64 weanling pigs (TR4×PIC C22) was conducted to determine the effects of menhaden fish oil supplementation and diet complexity on performance and immune response of nursery pigs. Pigs (17 days and 6.27±1.16 kg) were weaned into a segregated early wean facility and given free access to a complex diet for 7 days post-weaning. At day 0 (day 7 post-weaning), pigs were blocked by weight and allotted to 64 pens. Treatments (Trt) were arranged as a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement. Main effects included diet (complex versus simple), oil (menhaden fish (MFO) versus corn (CO)), and immunogen (saline versus lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). Experimental diets contained 6% oil (6% CO or 5% MFO+1% CO) and were fed for 14 days. On day 12, i.v. injections of either LPS (150 μg/kg) or saline were given, followed by blood collection at 30 min intervals for 6 h. After the immune challenge (day 14), pigs were placed onto a common corn-soybean meal fortified diet and growth performance was evaluated until termination of the study (day 28). Pigs were weighed and feed intakes recorded at 7, 14, and 28 days. Prior to immune challenge (day 12), there were differences in BW for pigs fed complex versus simple diets (P<0.01; 13.1 and 12.1 kg, respectively) and pigs fed CO versus MFO diets (P<0.05; 12.9 and 12.3 kg, respectively). During the challenge period, for pigs treated with LPS there was a Time×Immunogen×Oil effect (P<0.001) for serum cortisol with MFO fed pigs having lower serum cortisol as compared to CO fed pigs. Also, during the challenge period, for pigs treated with LPS there was a Time×Diet×Immunogen×Oil effect (P<0.001) for serum tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) with pigs fed complex diets supplemented with CO having higher serum TNF- as compared with pigs fed complex diets supplemented with MFO. At days 14 and 28, LPS-treated pigs had lower BW than saline injected controls (P<0.001 and 0.01, respectively). In addition, pigs fed simplified diets continued to have lower BW after challenge compared to pigs fed a complex diet. Interestingly, there were no differences (P>0.10) in BW after challenge in pigs fed MFO. This study suggests that MFO supplementation alters the immune response during LPS challenge and that simplified diets may compromise nursery performance.     

Comparison of grain sources for swine diets and their effect on meat and fat quality traits

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary grain sources on various compositional and quality characteristics of pork from pigs reared in a commercial environment. Pigs were fed 1 of 5 dietary treatments containing the following single or blended grain sources throughout most of the grow-finish period: 1) yellow corn, 2) white corn, 3) 1/3 yellow corn and 2/3 white corn, 4) 2/3 yellow corn and 1/3 white corn, and 5) barley. Pigs were from 2 sire genetic types, Duroc and Hampshire x Duroc, mated to PIC 1055 females. A total of 1,040 pigs were included in the study in a 2 x 2 x 5 factorial arrangement with 2 genetic types, 2 sexes (barrows and gilts), and 5 dietary treatments. Eight pigs were randomly selected from each pen of 26 (n = 320) for meat and fat quality evaluation. Pigs were 27.6 kg at the beginning of the experiment and were fed to 130.2 kg. All animals were held overnight at a commercial abattoir before slaughter. One whole, skin-on, boneless loin was collected from each carcass and held at -1 degrees C in a cryovac-sealed bag at the Iowa State University Meat Laboratory. At 25 to 27 d postslaughter, loins were evaluated for meat and fat quality. Dietary treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on 24-h pH, sensory tenderness, sensory chewiness, Instron tenderness, loin purge, or cook loss. At 25 to 27 d postslaughter, pigs fed diet 4 had a greater (P < 0.05) loin pH than pigs fed diet 1, and diets 2, 3, and 5 were not different from all treatment means. Pigs fed diet 4 had a greater (P < 0.05) Japanese color score than pigs fed diets 2, 3, and 5, and diet 1 was not different from all treatment means. Pigs fed diet 3 had a greater percentage of intramuscular fat than pigs fed diets 1 and 2, although diets 1, 4, and 5 and diets 1, 2, and 5 were not different (P > 0.05). No differences among dietary treatments were found for fat color values on a subjective basis. Pigs fed diet 5 had a more desirable objective fat color than pigs fed all white corn, and diets 1, 3, and 4 were not different (P > 0.05). Pigs fed diet 5 had greater levels of SFA and MUFA, and lower levels of unsaturated fatty acids and PUFA, in the subcutaneous fat than pigs fed all other diets. These results indicate that the energy sources evaluated in this study had little effect on eating quality of pork that was held for 25 to 27 d postslaughter.     

Effect of cooking and fermentation of a pig diet on gut environment and digestibility in growing pigs

The effect of pre-feeding treatment of a pig diet on gut environment and digestibility was studied in a double 3 × 3 Latin-square experiment using growing castrated PVTC cannulated male pigs. The diets were based on local feed resources and were fed raw (R), cooked (C) or naturally fermented (F). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in pH and butyric acid concentration of ileal digesta between diets. However, on diet F concentrations of acetic, lactic and propionic acid in ileal digesta were higher (P < 0.05) than on diets R and C. The relative proportions of individual organic acids in ileal digesta were not a reflection of the fermentation profile found in diet F. The ileal apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude fiber and NDF were higher (P < 0.05) on diet F than on diets R and C. The total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein was higher (P < 0.05) on diet F diet than on diets R and C, while there were no differences in total tract apparent digestibility between diets for any other dietary component. In conclusion, when compared with a pig diet in the raw form, fermentation influenced the gut environment and improved the digestibility of some dietary component, while cooking prior to feeding had no measurable effects.     

Additivity of values for apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in mixed diets fed to growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine whether the digestibility of CP and AA in a mixed diet fed to growing pigs is better predicted when based on standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SID) or apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AID). Eight growing pigs (initial BW = 92.1 +/- 3.19 kg) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and arranged in an 8 x 8 Latin square design with eight diets and eight periods. Three of the diets contained corn, soybean meal (SBM), or canola meal (CM) as the sole source of CP and AA. Four mixed diets also were formulated using corn and soybean meal (CS); corn and canola meal (CCM); soybean meal and canola meal (SCM); or corn, soybean meal, and canola meal (CSCM). A N-free diet was used to measure the basal ileal endogenous losses (IAAend) of CP and AA. Pigs were fed each of the eight diets during one 7-d period, and ileal digesta were collected during two 10-h periods on d 6 and 7. The AID values were calculated for CP and AA in all diets, except the N-free diet. By correcting the AID for IAAend, the SID for CP and AA in each of the seven protein-containing diets were calculated. As expected, the AID for CP and the majority of AA were greater in SBM than in corn and CM (P < 0.05); however, the SID for CP and most AA did not differ between corn and SBM. For the majority of the AA, SID were less (P < 0.05) in CM than in the other two ingredients. Using the AID and the SID that were measured for CP and AA in corn, SBM, and CM, the AID and the SID in the four mixed diets were predicted and compared with the measured values for these diets. For the three mixed diets containing corn, the measured AID for CP and most AA were greater (P < 0.05) than the predicted AID, but with a few exceptions, no differences between predicted and measured values for SID were observed. For the diet based on SCM, there were no differences between predicted and measured values regardless of the procedure used, except for the AID of Ser. The results of this experiment demonstrate that the digestibility coefficients for a mixed diet containing low-protein feed ingredients, such as corn, are more accurately predicted using SID than AID.     

Growth performance and nitrogen metabolism in weaned pigs fed diets containing different sources of starch

This study was conducted to determine the performance and N metabolism in weaned pigs fed diets containing different sources of starch. Pigs were weaned at 28 days of age, and assigned randomly into 4 soybean meal-based diets containing different sources of starch: corn, brown rice, sticky rice, and Hi-Maize 1043 (resistant starch). There were 12 pigs per treatment group in the growth-performance trial. Additionally, a 4 × 4 Latin design was used for a nitrogen (N) balance study, with 5 days for each experimental period (n = 4). Average daily gains were 0.38, 0.34, 0.31, and 0.28 kg/day (P < 0.01), respectively, for pigs fed the corn, brown rice, sticky-rice, and Hi-Maize 1043 diets. Feed:gain ratios were 1.65, 1.78, 1.95, and 1.86 (P < 0.01), for the above 4 diets, respectively. Fecal N and urinary N excretion as well as the apparent fecal digestibility of crude protein in pigs fed the corn, brown rice, and sticky-rice diets were higher (P < 0.01) compared with pigs fed the Hi-Maize 1043 diet. Collectively, our results indicate that dietary sources of starch affected both growth performance and N utilization in weaned pigs.     

Influence of dietary protein level, amino acid supplementation, and dietary energy levels on growing-finishing pig performance and carcass composition

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeding reduced-CP, AA-supplemented diets at two ambient temperatures (Exp. 1) or three levels of dietary NE (Exp. 2) on pig performance and carcass composition. In Exp. 1, 240 mixed-sex pigs were used to test whether projected differences in heat increment associated with diet composition affect pig performance. There were 10 replications of each treatment with four pigs per pen. For the 28-d trial, average initial and final BW were 28.7 kg and 47.5 kg, respectively. Pigs were maintained in a thermoneutral (23 degrees C) or heat-stressed (33 degrees C) environment and fed a 16% CP diet, a 12% CP diet, or a 12% CP diet supplemented with crystalline Lys, Trp, and Thr (on an as-fed basis). Pigs gained at similar rates when fed the 16% CP diet or the 12% CP diet supplemented with Lys, Trp, and Thr (P > 0.10). Pigs fed the 12% CP, AA-supplemented diet had a gain:feed similar to pigs fed the 16% CP diet when housed in the 23 degrees C environment but had a lower gain:feed in the 33 degrees C environment (diet x temperature, P < 0.01). In Exp. 2, 702 gilts were allotted to six treatments with nine replicates per treatment. Average initial and final BW were 25.3 and 109.7 kg, respectively. Gilts were fed two levels of CP (high CP with minimal crystalline AA supplementation or low CP with supplementation of Lys, Trp, Thr, and Met) and three levels of NE (high, medium, or low) in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. A four-phase feeding program was used, with diets containing apparent digestible Lys levels of 0.96, 0.75, 0.60, and 0.48% switched at a pig BW of 41.0, 58.8, and 82.3 kg, respectively. Pigs fed the low-CP, AA-supplemented diets had rates of growth and feed intake similar to pigs fed the high-CP diets. Dietary NE interacted with CP level for gain:feed (P < 0.06). A decrease in dietary NE from the highest NE level decreased gain:feed in pigs fed the high-CP diet; however, gain:feed declined in pigs fed the low-CP, AA-supplemented diet only when dietary NE was decreased to the lowest level. There was a slight reduction in longissimus area in pigs fed the low-CP diets (P < 0.08), but other estimates of carcass muscle did not differ (P > 0.10). These data suggest that pigs fed low-CP, AA-supplemented diets have performance and carcass characteristics similar to pigs fed higher levels of CP and that alterations in dietary NE do not have a discernible effect on pig performance or carcass composition.     

Sulfur concentration in diets containing corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with solubles does not affect feed preference or growth performance of weanling or growing-finishing pigs

Four experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and dietary S on feed preference and performance of pigs. In a 10-d feed preference experiment (Exp. 1), 48 barrows (20.1 ± 2.2 kg of BW) were randomly allotted to 3 treatment groups, with 8 replicate pens per treatment and 2 pigs per pen. A control diet based on corn and soybean meal, a DDGS diet containing 20% DDGS, and a DDGS-sulfur (DDGS-S) diet were prepared. The DDGS-S diet was similar to the DDGS diet with the exception that 0.74% CaSO(4) was added to the diet. Two diets were provided in separate feeders in each pen: 1) the control diet and the DDGS diet, 2) the control diet and the DDGS-S diet, or 3) the DDGS diet and the DDGS-S diet. Preference for the DDGS diet and the DDGS-S diet vs. the control diet was 35.2 and 32.6%, respectively (P < 0.05), but there was no difference between the DDGS diet and the DDGS-S diet. In Exp. 2, a total of 90 barrows (10.3 ± 1.4 kg of BW) were allotted to 3 treatments, with 10 replicate pens and 3 pigs per pen, and were fed the diets used in Exp. 1 for 28 d, but only 1 diet was provided per pen. Pigs fed the control diet gained more BW (497 vs. 423 and 416 g/d; P < 0.05) and had greater G:F (0.540 vs. 0.471 and 0.455; P < 0.05) than pigs fed the DDGS or the DDGS-S diet, but no differences between the DDGS and the DDGS-S diets were observed. In a 10-d feed preference experiment (Exp. 3), 30 barrows (49.6 ± 2.3 kg of BW) were allotted to 3 treatment groups, with 10 replicates per group. The experimental procedures were the same as in Exp. 1, except that 30% DDGS was included in the DDGS and DDGS-S diets and 1.10% CaSO(4) was added to the DDGS-S diet. Feed preference for the DDGS and the DDGS-S diets, compared with the control diet, was 29.8 and 32.9%, respectively (P < 0.01), but there was no difference between the DDGS and the DDGS-S diets. In Exp. 4, a total of 120 barrows (34.2 ± 2.3 kg of BW) were fed grower diets for 42 d and finisher diets for 42 d. Diets were formulated as in Exp. 3. Pigs on the control diets gained more BW (1,021 vs. 912 and 907 g/d; P < 0.05) and had greater G:F (0.335 vs. 0.316 and 0.307; P < 0.05) than pigs fed the DDGS or DDGS-S diet, respectively, but no differences between pigs fed the DDGS and the DDGS-S diets were observed. In conclusion, dietary S concentration does not negatively affect feed preference, feed intake, or growth performance of weanling or growing-finishing pigs fed diets based on corn, soybean meal, and DDGS.     

The effect of dietary spray-dried bovine colostrum and plasma on the response of pigs to enterotoxigenic E. coli challenge after weaning

Twenty four, 21-d-old female pigs were fed diets containing either skim milk powder (CON+), spray-dried bovine colostrum (7.5%, BC+) or spray-dried bovine plasma (7.5%, BP+) and were dosed orally with 1 × 10⁹ CFU of E. coli O149:K88. Another group of 8 unchallenged pigs was fed the skim milk powder diet (CON−). On d 19 of the experiment all piglets were euthanased. Adverse effects of the E. coli challenge were observed variously throughout the small intestine in pigs consuming either the BC+ or BP+ diets. In this experiment, similar responses to the E. coli challenge were observed in both plasma and colostrum fed pigs, which suggests that spray-dried bovine colostrum may be a potential alternative to spray-dried bovine plasma.     

Utilization by growing and finishing pigs of raw soybeans of low Kunitz trypsin inhibitor content

Three trials were conducted to compare acceptance and utilization by growing and finishing pigs of diets containing supplemental protein from either heated, solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM), raw low-Kunitz trypsin inhibitor soybean (LT) or raw commercially grown Williams cultivar soybean with high Kunitz trypsin inhibitor content (HT). In Trial 1, 36 crossbred pigs, averaging 7 kg in weight, were fed 1) corn-SBM, 2)corn-LT or 3) corn-HT diets for 28 d. Diets were formulated to be isolysinic and to have similar calorie:lysine ratios. Average daily gain and gain/feed were higher (P less than .01) for pigs fed the corn-SBM diet than for pigs fed the corn-LT diet; average daily gain and gain/feed were higher (P less than .01) for the corn-LT diet than for the corn-HT. Average daily feed intake did not differ (P greater than .05) among diets. In Trial 2, 48 crossbred pigs averaging 67 kg were fed diets similar to those in Trial 1 but with lower lysine values. The daily gain (.95 kg) of pigs fed the corn-SBM diet was greater (P less than .05) than for pigs fed the corn-LT diet (.87 kg), which in turn was greater (P less than .05) than for the pigs fed the corn-HT diet (.83 kg). Daily feed intake (kg) and gain/feed were 3.27 and .291, 2.97 and .293, and 3.07 and .270, respectively, for pigs fed the corn-SBM, corn-LT and corn-HT diets. In Trial 3, 18 castrate male pigs averaging 12.4 kg were fed cornstarch-based diets with either SBM, LT or HT as the source of protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Reduced dietary lysine enhances proportion of oxidative fibers in porcine skeletal muscle

The present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of dietary lysine levels on the proportion of oxidative muscle fibers in porcine muscle. Two 6-week-old barrows from each of five litters were used. Each littermate was assigned to one of two diets, control (lysine content: 1.16%) or low lysine (LL) diet (lysine content: 0.73%). The diets were iso-energetic and iso-protein, and contained all essential amino acids (apart from lysine) in the recommended amounts. The pigs were fed these diets for 3 weeks. Citrate synthase (EC 4.1.3.4) activity in longissimus dorsi and rhomboideus muscles was higher in the LL group ( P  < 0.05). In both muscles, pigs fed the LL diet had a higher proportion of muscle fiber with activities of reduced nicotinic amide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.5.3, P  < 0.01). The abundance of mRNA of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α in rhomboideus muscle was higher in the LL group ( P  < 0.05), and those of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 were higher in both longissimus dorsi and rhomboideus muscles in the LL group ( P  < 0.05). We conclude that reduced intake of dietary lysine enhances proportion of oxidative muscle fiber, and hence oxidative capacity of porcine muscle.     

Apparent precaecal digestibility of nutrients and level of endogenous nitrogen in digesta of the small intestine of growing pigs as affected by various digesta viscosities.

Sixteen male growing pigs of about 24 kg BW were fitted with both a duodenal re-entrant and a post-valve T-shaped cannula inserted in the caecum. The animals were divided into four groups. Each group received one of the following diets: corn starch-soybean protein isolate-based diet without (diet C) and with carboxymethylcellulose (diet CMC) or a rye-wheat-based diet without (diet RW) and with xylanase addition (diet RWX). The diets provided similar levels of apparent precaecal digestible crude protein (CP), lysine, methionine + cystine, threonine and tryptophan. Additionally, [15N]-yeast was given with the diets during the first 10 days of the experiment. For estimation of digesta viscosity, N-flow of dietary and endogenous origin, apparent precaecal digestibilities of dry matter (DM), CP, amino acids and non starch polysaccharides (NSP) (only in pigs fed diets RW and RWX), ileal and duodenal digesta were quantitatively collected on day 16 and 17, respectively. The endogenous N-proportion was measured by the ratio of 15N enrichment in the digesta and urine. The duodenal and ileal digesta supernatant viscosity increased as carboxymethylcellulose was included into the diet. Xylanase addition to the rye-wheat based diet reduced the viscosity in the ileal digesta. There were no differences in precaecal digestibilities of DM, CP and amino acids between diet C and CMC. The precaecal digestibilities of DM and soluble and insoluble NSP increased from 69.5% to 73.9%, from 1.3% to 47.9% and from 17.0% to 35.4%, respectively, as xylanase was added to the rye-wheat-based diet. The apparent precaecal digestibility of most essential amino acids increased by 2 to 5 percent units. The amounts of endogenous N at the duodenal level were estimated to be 158, 233, 313 and 276 mg per 12 h per kg0.75 BW of pigs fed diets C, CMC, RW and RWX, respectively. The corresponding values at the ileal level were 95, 107, 164 and 150 mg per 12 h per kg0.75 BW. For endogenous N amounts, significant differences were observed between diets C and CMC (duodenum) and also between semi-purified and cereal-based diets (duodenum and ileum). Methodological aspects for the estimation of endogenous N using the isotope dilution technique are discussed. Obviously, the digesta viscosity per se does not affect the nutrient absorption and endogenous N flow within the small intestine of pigs. Other properties of complex dietary fibre, digesta passage rate or bacterial activity probably contribute to the observed changes.     

Weekly digestibilities of diets supplemented with corn oil, lard or tallow by weanling swine

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate supplementation of diets with 8% corn oil, lard or tallow. In Exp. 1, 36 barrows weaned at 21 d of age were used to evaluate the effects of these three diets on digestibilities of fat and dry matter and subsequent N retentions from wk 1 to 4 postweaning. In Exp. 2, 147 weanling pigs in six replicates were used to evaluate weekly growth and feed performance measurements when fed these same diets for a 4-wk postweaning period. A large quantity of fat was absorbed (P less than .01) during wk 1 postweaning by pigs fed the corn oil diet, with the quantity absorbed similar for the three sources of fat from wk 2 to 4. Diets with corn oil had a higher apparent fat digestibility than diets supplemented with lard or tallow during each week postweaning (P less than .05). Apparent digestibility of fat increased (P less than .01) for each fat source each week postweaning but appeared to reach a plateau by wk 3 postweaning. Differences in apparent digestibility of fat between fat sources narrowed from wk 1 to wk 4, with digestibility of corn oil increasing from 79 to 89% and of animal fat sources increasing from 67 to 84%. Apparent digestibility of dry matter tended (P less than .10) to be highest when corn oil was provided during the initial 2-wk postweaning period. Although N retention was highest during wk 1 postweaning when the corn oil was fed, this response was attributed to the higher feed intakes of pigs fed this diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Growing-finishing performance and carcass characteristics of pigs fed normal and genetically modified low-phytate corn

A genetically modified corn hybrid homozygous for the lpa1 allele, containing low phytate (LP), and its nearly isogenic equivalent hybrid (normal) were compared in two experiments with growing-finishing swine. In Exp. 1, 210 barrows (27 kg) were allotted to one of six dietary treatments with two corn hybrids (LP and normal) and three P feeding regimens. There were five replicate pens (seven pigs/pen) per treatment. Treatments consisted of diets that were supplemented with P throughout the growing-finishing period (.2% P and .15% supplemental P during growing and finishing phases, respectively) or only during the growing phase (.2% supplemental P) or that were not supplemented with P throughout the growing-finishing period. Performance at the end of the growing phase was based on a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two corn hybrids and two levels of added P (0 and .2%). This resulted in 10 replicates for the treatments supplemented with .2% P. The finishing phase (73 to 112 kg) was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with the two types of corn and three regimens of added P during the finishing period. Breaking load (BL) and ash of the fourth metacarpal were evaluated from one pig/pen at the end of the growing phase and from all pigs after slaughter. Pigs fed the LP corn diet without added P had greater body weight gain, feed efficiency, BL, and ash content of the fourth metacarpal than pigs fed the normal corn diet without added P. Performance was similar between pigs fed the LP diet without added P and pigs fed LP and normal corn with added P. In Exp. 2, 1,092 gilts (34 kg body weight) were allotted by weight in a commercial facility to one of three treatments: 1) normal corn/soybean meal diet containing .29% and .22% available P during the growing and finishing phases, respectively; 2) LP corn/soybean meal diet with the same available P level as Treatment 1; and 3) same as Treatment 2 for 8 wk, then no inorganic P supplementation during the finishing phase. All pigs were slaughtered at approximately 122 kg. There were no significant differences in growing-finishing performance or BL among treatments. However, pigs fed diets containing LP corn possessed carcasses with less backfat and a higher percentage of lean (P < .01). These results confirm that the P in LP corn is available to the pig and suggest that pigs fed diets containing this genetically modified corn will have more desirable carcasses.     

Effects of feed particle size at dietary presence of added organic acids on caecal parameters and the prevalence of Salmonella in fattening pigs on farm and at slaughter

In a field study with fattening pigs, effects of feed particle size at the dietary presence of organic acids on Salmonella prevalence were measured. On two farms (f1/f2), each holding ～800 pigs, diets based on finely ground (control) or coarsely ground ingredients (experiment) were fed as crumbs. On f1 both control and experimental grower and finisher diets contained identical concentrations of formic and propionic acid (0.4% and 0.2% respectively). On f2 only finisher diet of the experimental group contained 1.2% potassium diformate. At the start of the fattening period no statistical differences were measured between Salmonella prevalence in animals fed control and experimental diets on both farms. At slaughter Salmonella prevalence in caecal contents was lower (p < 0.05) on f1 in animals fed the experimental diet. Furthermore, the number of seronegative meat juice samples taken from these animals [optical density (OD) <10] was higher (p < 0.001); seropositive as well as distinct seropositive samples (OD ≥20 and ≥40 respectively) were less frequent (p < 0.01) compared to samples from animals fed the control diet. Feeding the experimental diet on f2 resulted in a lower Salmonella detection rate in faeces before slaughter (p < 0.01). Salmonella prevalence was lower in caecal content at slaughter for pigs fed the experimental diet compared to those fed control diet (p < 0.0001). The number of distinct seropositive meat juice samples (OD ≥40) was lower (p < 0.01) for pigs fed the experimental than for those fed the control diet. In comparison to pigs in the control group, starch concentrations in the caecal content from pigs in the experimental groups on both farms were higher (p < 0.05) and the pH values lower (p < 0.05). Propionate (p < 0.0001) and butyrate (p < 0.01) concentrations were higher in the caecal content taken from pigs in the experimental group on f2.     

Effect of feed particle size and feed processing on morphological characteristics in the small and large intestine of pigs and on adhesion of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT12 in the ileum in vitro

A 2 x 2 factorial experiment with pigs was undertaken to investigate the effect of particle size (fine and coarse) and feed processing (pelleted and nonpelleted) on morphological characteristics in the small intestine, cecum, and colon of pigs and on the adhesion of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT12 to the ileum in vitro. Ninety-six pigs (average BW = 33 +/- 7 kg) were fed the experimental diets. After 4 wk, 24 pigs were selected (six pigs per diet) and euthanized, and tissue samples were taken from the mid and distal small intestine, cecum, and distal colon. The effects of particle size and feed processing on villus height and crypt depth in the small intestine were minor. Feeding coarse diets increased (P = 0.05) the crypt depth in the colon. The crypt depth was 420 +/- 12 and 449 +/- 12 microm in pigs fed finely and coarsely ground feed, respectively. Pigs fed pelleted diets had a larger (P = 0.01) staining area for neutral mucins, as well as for acidic and sulfomucins on the villi of the distal small intestine than pigs fed nonpelleted diets. The area was 41, 46, and 33% larger for neutral, acidic, and sulfomucins, respectively. The mucin-staining areas of the crypts in the cecum and the colon were not affected by the experimental diets. Examination of lectin binding characteristics of the distal small intestine and the cecum did not reveal any differences between the experimental diets. Using a pig intestine organ culture model, Salmonella adhered less (P < 0.05) to the ileal tissue of pigs fed the nonpelleted diets than to those fed pelleted diets; the adherence was 60% less in these pigs. Results of this study suggest that pigs fed pelleted diets secrete mucins that are capable of binding Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT12 and thereby allowing for colonization. Therefore, pigs fed a nonpelleted diet are better protected against Salmonella infections than pigs fed a pelleted diet.