Net energy content of five fiber‐rich ingredients fed to pregnant sows

The present study was conducted to determine the net energy (NE) values and energy efficiency of wheat bran (WB), sugar beet pulp (SBP), corn gluten feed (CGF), soybean hulls (SBH), and defatted rice bran (DFRB) fed to pregnant sows. Thirty‐six multiparous pregnant sows were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment. Each period lasted for 21 days including 14 days for adaptation. On day 15, sows were moved into respiration chambers for heat production (HP) measurement and provided feed at 544 kJ/kg BW^0.75/day. On day 20, sows were fasted to measure the fasting heat production (FHP). Experimental diets included corn‐soybean meal basal diet and five diets containing 29.20% WB, SBP, CGF, SBH, and DFRB, respectively. Results showed that inclusion of WB, SBP, CGF, SBH, and DFRB to basal diet decreased (p < 0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility of energy and nutrients. The average adjusted total HP and FHP were 418 kJ/kg BW^0.75/day and 326 kJ/kg BW^0.75/day, respectively. The average NE:ME ratio of experiment diets was 82.5%. In conclusion, the NE values of WB, SBP, CGF, SBH, and DFRB were 9.05, 8.59, 8.37, 7.64, and 7.93 MJ/kg DM, respectively.     

Net energy of oat bran,wheat bran,and palm kernel expellers fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry

The objectives of this experiment were to (a) determine the effects of fiber increase in diets on heat production (HP), (b) determine the net energy (NE) of oat bran (OB), wheat bran (WB), and palm kernel expellers (PKE) fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry (IC). Twenty‐four growing barrows (29.2 ± 2.6 kg) were randomly allotted to one of four diets with six replicate pigs per diet. Diets included a corn‐soybean meal basal diet and three test diets containing 30% OB, WB or PKE, respectively. During each period, pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 20 days, including 14 days to adapt to the diets. On day (d) 15, pigs were transferred to the open‐circuit respiration chambers for determination of daily total HP and were fed one of the four diets at 2.3MJ ME/kg body weight (BW)^0.6/day. Total feces and urine were collected for the determination of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) and daily total HP was measured from d 15 to d 19 and fasted on day 20 for the measurement of fasting heat production (FHP). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and organic matter (OM) were greater (p < 0.01) in pigs fed the basal diet compared with those fed the test diets. The ATTD of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was lower (p < 0.01) in pigs fed the WB diet compared with those fed the basal, OB, or PKE diets. The ATTD of ether extract (EE) in pigs fed the PKE diet was greater (p < 0.01) compared with those fed the other diets. The average total HP and FHP in pigs fed the four diets were 1261 and 787 kJ/kg BW^0.6/d, respectively, and were not significantly affected by diet characteristics. The NE:ME ratio for diets ranged from 78.1 to 80.9%. The NE contents of OB, WB, and PKE were 10.93, 7.47, and 8.71 MJ/kg DM, respectively.     

Determination of the energy value of corn distillers dried grains with solubles containing different oil levels when fed to growing pigs

This experiment used indirect calorimetry to determine the net energy (NE) content of five corn distillers dried grains with solubles (corn DDGS) containing different oil levels and to compare the NE obtained using indirect calorimetry with that calculated using previously published prediction equations. There were two samples of high‐oil DDGS, one sample of medium‐oil DDGS and two samples of low‐oil DDGS. Twelve barrows (initial BW of 32.8 ± 2.0 kg) were used in a repeated 3 × 6 Youden square design with three periods and six diets. The diets were comprised of a corn–soybean meal basal diet and five diets containing 29.25% of one of the corn DDGS added at the expense of corn and soybean meal. During each period, the pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 16 days which included 7 days for adaption to feed and environmental conditions. On day 8, the pigs were transferred to respiration chambers and fed one of the six diets at 2300 kJ ME/kg BW^0.6/day. Faeces and urine were collected from day 9 to 13 and heat production (HP) was also measured. From day 14 to 15, the pigs were fed 893 kJ ME/kg BW^0.6/day to allow them to adapt from the fed to the fasted state. On the last day of each period (day 16), the pigs were fasted and fasting HP was measured. The digestible energy value was 16.0, 17.1 and 15.3 MJ/kg DM, the metabolizable energy value was 14.6, 15.5 and 13.7 MJ/kg DM and the NE value was 10.7, 11.0 and 9.4 MJ/kg DM, for the high‐oil, medium‐oil and low‐oil corn DDGS, respectively. The NE obtained with indirect calorimetry in the present study did not differ from values calculated using previously published prediction equations.     

Influence of guanidination on apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids in pigs fed diets with soybean meal, rapeseed meal or peas as a protein source

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of guanidination, the conversion of dietary lysine to homoarginine, on the apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of amino acids (AA) from 3 protein sources in diets for pigs. Six barrows, initial body weight of 18 ± 1.5 kg, fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum, were fed one of three corn starch-based diets that contained 18% crude protein (CP) from soybean meal, rapeseed meal or peas for an experimental period of 10 d according to a repeated 3 × 3 Latin square design. On d 9 of each experimental period, the pigs were fed one meal of the guanidinated test meals, which corresponded to their respective diets. In the test meals, 50% of the protein source in each diet was replaced, on an equal weight basis, with a guanidinated source. Guanidination increased the content of CP by 190, 116 and 28 g kg^− 1 for soybean meal, rapeseed meal and peas, respectively. With the exception of lysine, the AID of CP and AA were 2.2 to 8.2 percentage units (pu) higher in the test meal than in the soybean meal diet. Other than arginine and isoleucine, the differences were significant (P < 0.05) for all indispensable AA. With the exception of lysine, the AID of CP and AA were 3.8 to 11.9 pu higher in the test meal than in the diet with peas. The differences were significant (P < 0.05) for all indispensable AA. Other than lysine, glycine and proline, the AID of CP and AA were slightly higher, 0.1 to 4.3 pu, in the test meal than in the rapeseed meal diet. Of the indispensable AA, the differences were significant (P < 0.05) for arginine, leucine and phenylalanine. The AID of lysine was 10.9 pu lower (P < 0.05) in the test meal than in the rapeseed meal diet, 61.5 vs. 72.4%, indicating that guanidination of rapeseed meal was not uniform and random. The increase in the AID of CP and AA after guanidination may result from solubilisation of protein and degradation of antinutritional factors such as fiber, trypsin inhibitors and tannins.     

Substitution of corn and soybean with green banana fruits and Gliricidia sepium forage in sheep fed hay‐based diets: effects on intake,digestion and growth

This study aimed to evaluate the substitution of imported corn and soybean by local feed resources from tropical production settings such as entire green banana and Gliricidia sepium forage as energy and protein sources, respectively, in sheep diets. Two experiments were conducted: first, a ‘growth trial’ and second, an in vivo digestion study. In the ‘growth trial’, 40 Martinik lambs [body weight (BW): 29.4 ± 3.6 kg; 6 months old) were used and distributed into four groups of 10 lambs each according to treatment: HBGl (banana + gliricidia at low level; 1500 g/day; 119 g/kg BW^0.75), HBGh (banana + gliricidia at high level; 3000 g/day; 238 g/kg BW^0.75), HBS (banana + soybean cake) and Control (corn + soybean cake). In digestion trial, four Martinik rams (BW: 57.2 ± 3.45 kg) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were used; treatments (HBG, HBS and Control) were similar but adjusted to metabolic body weight (MW) and just one level of gliricidia was used. Intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed intake to gain index (F:G), apparent total and ruminal digestibilities as well as nitrogen balance, microbial efficiency and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile were monitored. Lambs fed HBGh had greater dry matter (DM) intake based on MW and ADG (173 g/day vs. 141 g/day; p < 0.001), whereas HBGl lambs showed the lowest ADG (71.5 g/day) and the worst F:G (14.4; p < 0.001). The DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibilities were not influenced by treatment, whereas crude protein digestibility was higher (p = 0.024) in diets offered banana or corn + soybean cake (687 g/kg DM and 658 g/kg DM, respectively). Ruminal DM and OM digestibilities did not differ among treatments. Total or individual VFA concentrations were also not influenced by the diet. Higher (p = 0.006) ruminal fluid pH values were recorded for diets combining banana and gliricidia (6.54) or banana and soybean (6.39) until 3 h after a meal. As all animals on gliricidia‐ and banana‐supplemented diets gained weight and maintained a positive N balance, it is concluded that green banana and gliricidia forage may be a viable alternative to replace conventional energy and protein supplements in sheep diets.     

Growth and physiological responses of growing pigs to wheat–corn distillers dried grains with solubles

Gaining a detailed knowledge on the impact of a feedstuff on pig growth and physiological responses is critical for its effective utilization. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of distillers dried grains with solubles derived from co‐fermentation of wheat and corn (wcDDGS) on performance, carcass and visceral organ weights, whole‐body O₂ consumption and heat production (HP) in growing barrows. The experimental diets were as follows: corn–soybean meal diet (Control), Control + 15% wcDDGS and Control + 30% wcDDGS. In Exp. 1, 48 pair‐housed pigs of average BW 18.6 ± 1.5 kg (mean ± SD) were allotted to the 3 diets (n = 8). Pigs had free access to water and feed for a 28‐day period during which ADG and ADFI were calculated weekly. Thereafter, 1 pig/pen was killed to measure carcass and visceral organ weights. Overall, wcDDGS linearly decreased (p < 0.05) ADFI and ADG but had no effect on G:F (p > 0.10). The ADFI was 1.55, 1.45 and 1.36 kg/day for diets containing 0, 15 and 30% wcDDGS respectively; corresponding values for ADG were 0.79, 0.75 and 0.67 kg/day respectively. A linear decline (p = 0.01) in eviscerated hot carcass weight was observed as dietary wcDDGS increased. In Exp. 2, 18 pigs of average BW 20.4 ± 2.4 kg (mean ± SD) were individually housed in metabolism crates and fed the 3 diets (n = 6) at 550 kcal ME kg BW^?0.60day for a 16‐day period followed by measurement of O₂ consumption using an indirect calorimeter. Diet had no effect (p > 0.10) on whole‐body O₂ consumption and HP. In conclusion, increasing wcDDGS content in growing pig diets linearly reduced ADFI, ADG and eviscerated hot carcass weight but had no effect on G:F, visceral organ weights or HP.     

Additivity of standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in mixed diets containing multiple protein sources for growing pigs fed three crude protein levels

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) levels of semi‐purified diets on the additivity of values for standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in mixed diets from multiple protein sources for growing pigs. A total of 28 barrows (initial BW, 66.4 ± 1.3 kg) were surgically fitted with simple T‐cannulas at the distal ileum and assigned to a replicated 14 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with 14 diets and 4 periods. The 14 experimental diets consisted of a nitrogen‐free diet; a corn‐based diet (80 g CP/kg); nine semi‐purified diets containing soya bean meal (SBM), canola meal (CM) or corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS), each type (protein source) of semi‐purified diets supplied 80, 120 or 160 g CP/kg, respectively; three mixed diets based on corn, SBM, CM and cDDGS formulated to contain 120, 160 and 200 g CP/kg respectively. Pigs were fed each of the 14 diets during a seven‐day period, and ileal digesta were collected from 08:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m on day 6 and 7. Chromic oxide was added as an indigestible marker. Results indicated that the SID of CP and AA were not affected by CP levels (p > .05). Values for SID of AA were additive (p > .05) with the exception of His and Lys; Arg and Lys; Arg, Lys, Thr, Asp, Cys and Gly in the mixed diets containing 120, 160 and 200 g CP/kg respectively (p < .05). In conclusion, additivity of SID values of AA in the mixed diets at different CP levels was not affected by the CP levels of semi‐purified diets for growing pigs. Therefore, it is recommended that SID values of AA should be used to formulate practical diets containing multiple ingredients for pigs.     

Effects of xylanase supplementation on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood parameters,fecal microbiota,fecal score and fecal noxious gas emission of weaning pigs fed corn‐soybean meal‐based diet

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of xylanase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, blood parameters, fecal microflora shedding, fecal score and fecal noxious gas emission of weaning pigs fed corn‐soybean meal based diet. A total of 150 weaning pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 7.85 ± 0.93 kg were randomly allocated to three treatments based on BW and sex (10 replicate pens with five pigs, two gilts and three barrows) were used in this 42‐day trial. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) X1, basal diet +0.005% xylanase; (2) X2, basal diet +0.01% xylanase. The xylanase supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), and gain : feed ratio (G:F) from days 29 to 42 and the in overall period, dry matter, nitrogen and energy digestibility, and fecal Lactobacilli counts, and linearly decreased (P < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, fecal NH₃ and H₂S emission. Additionally, at weeks 5 and 6, there was a linear decrease in fecal score with xylanase supplementation. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of xylanase improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, shifted microbiota by increasing fecal Lactobacillus counts, decreased BUN concentration, fecal score, and fecal NH₃ and H₂S emission in weaning pigs.     

Renal energy excretion of horses depends on renal hippuric acid and nitrogen excretion

The prediction of renal energy excretion is crucial in a metabolizable energy system for horses. Phenolic acids from forage cell walls may affect renal energy losses by increasing hippuric acid excretion. Therefore, the relationships were investigated between renal energy, nitrogen (N) and hippuric acid excretion of four adult ponies (230–384 kg body weight (BW)) consuming diets based on fresh grass, grass silage, grass cobs (heat‐dried, finely chopped, pressed grass), alfalfa hay, straw, extruded straw and soybean meal. Feed intake was measured; urine and faeces were quantitatively collected for three days. Feed was analysed for crude nutrients, gross energy, amino acids and neutral‐detergent‐insoluble crude protein (CP); faeces were analysed for crude nutrients and cross energy; urine was analysed for N, hippuric acid, creatinine and gross energy. Renal energy excretion (y; kJ/kg BW^0.75) correlated with renal N excretion (x₁; g/kg BW^0.75) and renal hippuric acid excretion (x₂; g/kg BW^0.75): y = 14.4 + 30.2x₁+20.7x₂ (r = .95; n = 30; p < .05). Renal hippuric acid excretion was highest after intake of fresh grass and lowest after intake of soybean meal. The ratio of hippuric acid to creatinine in urine and the excretion of hippuric acid per gram of dry matter intake was significantly higher for fresh grass than for all other rations. There was no relationship between aromatic amino acid intake and renal hippuric acid excretion. The results of the present study and literature data suggest that feed can be categorized into four groups with regard to the energy losses per gram CP intake: (i) protein supplements (e.g., soybean meal): 4.2–4.9 kJ/g CP intake (ii) alfalfa hay, grains, dried sugar beet pulp: 6.4 kJ/g CP intake, (iii) hay, preserved grass products, straw: 5.2–12.3 kJ/g CP intake (mean 8) and (iv) fresh grass. For group (iii) a negative relationship was observed between renal energy losses per gram of CP and the content of CP or neutral‐detergent‐insoluble CP in dry matter.     

Establishing an essential amino acid profile for maintenance in poultry using deletion method

This study aimed to estimate the essential amino acid profile and the ideal ratio for the maintenance of poultry by deletion method. A nitrogen balance (NB) trial was conducted using 198 adult roosters, housed individually in metabolic cages. The treatments were 33 purified diets being 11 diets with an amino acid mixture providing high protein intake of 500 mg N/BW_kg^0.75 per day, 11 diets providing medium protein intake of 250 mg N/BW_kg^0.75 per day (in each diet, one amino acid tested was diluted 50%) and 11 diets providing low protein intake of 125 mg N/BW_kg^0.75 per day (made by omitting the amino acid tested). Each treatment had six replicates. After 48 h of fasting receiving water plus sucrose, the roosters were fed 40 g of the diets by tube once a day for 3 days. The excreta were collected within 72 h after the first feeding. The diets and excreta were analysed for nitrogen content. For each amino acid studied, a linear regression was fitted by NB and amino acid intake (AAI). The maintenance requirements were estimated as the AAI to maintain the NB equal to zero. The daily amino acid requirements for maintenance were estimated to be Lys 11, Met 29, Thr 23, Trp 5, Arg 50, Val 29, His 6, Gly 54, Phe 49, Leu 78 and Ile 21 mg/BW_kg^0.75 per day. Therefore, the amino acid ratio for maintenance was concluded to be Lys 100, Met 276, Thr 220, Trp 48, Arg 467, Val 275, His 60, Gly 511, Phe 467, Leu 735 and Ile 198% independent of the scale. The essential amino acid profile and the ideal ratio for the maintenance of poultry estimated in this study contributed to improve the factorial model for estimating essential amino acid requirements for poultry.     

Phytate degradation,intestinal microbiota,microbial metabolites and immune values are changed in growing pigs fed diets with varying calcium–phosphorus concentration and fermentable substrates

The present study assessed effects of diets containing varying calcium–phosphorus (CaP) concentration and fermentable substrates on digestibility of diets, intestinal microbiota and immune system using 32 crossbred pigs (initial BW 54.7 kg). In a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, pigs were fed either a corn–soybean meal (CSB) or corn–field pea (CFP) diet with either low [‐] (4.4 g Ca/kg; 4.2 g total P/kg) or high [+] (8.3 g Ca/kg; 7.5 g total P/kg; supplemented with monocalcium phosphate) CaP content for a period of 9 weeks. In week 8, blood samples were taken, and at the end of the trial, all pigs were euthanized to collect digesta and mesenteric lymphoid tissue. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P was greater (p < 0.05) for pigs fed the CaP+ and CFP diets than CaP‐ and CSB diets. The myo‐inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP₆) concentration in jejunal digesta was higher (p < 0.05) for CaP+ than in CaP‐ fed pigs. In addition, caecal and faecal InsP₅ isomer concentration were greater (p < 0.05) for CSB than CFP diets. In the caecum, gene copy numbers of saccharolytic bacteria, such as Eubacterium rectale and Roseburia spp., as well as SCFA concentration were higher (p < 0.05) for CaP+ than CaP‐ diets. In particular, innate immune cell numbers, such as natural killer cells, dendritic cells, monocytes and neutrophils, were greater (p < 0.05) for CaP+ than CaP‐ fed pigs. Diets high in CaP resulted in higher abundance of potential beneficial bacteria and might promote the first line of defence enhancing the activation of the cellular adaptive immune response, thereby possibly decreasing the risk for intestinal disturbances. These results strongly suggest that both, CaP supply and dietary ingredients differing in fermentability, may beneficially affect gut health through increase in SCFA‐producing bacteria and/or bacteria with anti‐inflammatory properties.     

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

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

Growth performance and carcass quality are not different between pigs fed diets containing cold-fermented low-oil DDGS and pigs fed conventional DDGS,but pelleting improves gain to feed ratio regardless of source of DDGS

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs fed diets containing cold-fermented, low oil distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is not different from that of pigs fed diets containing conventional DDGS regardless of the physical form of the diets. A total of 160 barrows and gilts were used. There were 4 diets, 10 pens per diet, and 4 pigs per pen. Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age and fed a common phase 1 diet that did not contain DDGS during the initial 7 d post-weaning. Pigs were then allotted to the four diets that were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two sources of DDGS (cold-fermented and conventional DDGS) and two diet forms (meal and pellets). Pigs were fed phase 2 diets from day 7 to 21 and phase 3 diets from day 21 to 43 post-weaning. All diets were based on corn and soybean meal, but phase 2 diets also contained 15% DDGS and phase 3 diets contained 30% DDGS. From day 43, pigs were fed grower diets for 38 d, early finisher diets for 38 d, and late finisher diets for 18 d and these diets also contained 30% DDGS. Feed was provided on an ad libitum basis and daily feed allotments were recorded. Pigs were weighed at the beginning of each phase and at the conclusion of the experiment. On the last day of the experiment, the pig in each pen with a body weight that was closest to the pen average was slaughtered and carcass measurements were determined. Combined results for the two nursery phases indicated that feeding meal diets instead of pelleted diets increased (P < 0.001) average daily feed intake and decreased (P < 0.05) gain to feed ratio (G:F). However, no differences between the two sources of DDGS were observed for the overall growth performance of weanling pigs. For the entire growing-finishing period, the source of DDGS did not affect growth performance, but pigs fed meal diets had reduced (P < 0.001) G:F compared with pigs fed the pelleted diets. There were no differences between the two sources of DDGS for carcass characteristics. Back fat was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed pelleted diets than for pigs fed meal diets. In conclusion, no differences in growth performance or carcass characteristics between pigs fed cold-fermented DDGS and pigs fed conventional DDGS were observed. However, pigs fed pelleted diets had greater G:F and greater back fat than pigs fed meal diets.     

Milk yield and composition of lactating Comisana ewes fed total mixed rations containing nitrogen sources with different ruminal degradability

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pelleted total mixed rations (PTMR) containing two crude protein (CP) levels and N sources with different ruminal degradability on milk yield and composition of lactating ewes. The experiment, which lasted 14 weeks, was conducted during the spring and summer of 2007 and used 80 multiparous Comisana ewes in mid-lactation, reared in permanent stabling. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used, with ewes receiving two levels of CP (low 15.5% CP and high 17.5% CP) and two type of N sources with different rumen degradable protein (low and high) for each dietary treatment: (1) high-degradable protein diet (17.5% CP) composed by soybean meal, sunflower meal and urea (HPHD), (2) low-degradable protein diet (17.5% CP) included only corn gluten meal (HPLD), (3) high-degradable protein diet (15.5% CP) composed by soybean meal, sunflower meal and urea (LPHD), and (4) low-degradable protein diet (15.5% CP) included only corn gluten meal (LPLD). In order to evaluate in vivo digestibility of PTMRs, four adult rams were placed in metabolic cages and their individual faeces and urine were collected. In the performance trial, ewe milk yield was recorded daily and Individual milk samples were analysed weekly for milk composition and to determine milk renneting parameters. The 17.5% CP diets led to better nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients and had positive effects on milk production than the 15.5% CP diets. Similar results were obtained for corn gluten meal diets, compared to diets containing soybean meal, sunflower meal and urea. Data showed that corn gluten meal diets have had a positive effects on milk fat (P < 0.05), but not on milk protein, lactose and renneting parameters. All ewes gained weight during the experimental period, but the body weight change was not significant among treatments. Our findings indicate that an increase in rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content does not negatively affect nutrient digestibility of sheep rations and milk yield and composition.     

Net energy of soybean oil and choice white grease in diets fed to growing and finishing pigs

The objectives of this experiment were 1) to determine the NE of soybean oil (SBO) and choice white grease (CWG) fed to growing and finishing pigs, 2) to evaluate the effects of inclusion rate of SBO on the NE by growing and finishing pigs, and 3) to determine if there is a difference in the NE of SBO and CWG between growing and finishing pigs. Forty-eight growing (initial BW: 22.13 ± 1.78 kg) and 48 finishing (initial BW: 84.17 ± 5.80 kg) barrows were used, and they were housed and fed individually. Within each stage of growth, pigs were allotted to 8 outcome groups of 6 barrows based on BW. Within each outcome group, pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 groups. Two groups at each stage of growth served as an initial slaughter group. Pigs in the remaining groups were assigned to 4 dietary treatments and slaughtered at the conclusion of the experiment. The basal diet contained corn, soybean meal, and no supplemental lipids. Three additional diets were formulated by mixing 95% of the basal diet and 5% SBO, 90% of the basal diet and 10% SBO, or 90% of the basal diet and 10% CWG. Average daily gain and G:F for finishing pigs and apparent total tract digestibility of energy for growing and finishing pigs increased (linear, P < 0.05) with lipid content, but was not affected by lipid source. The lipid gain:protein gain ratio and the energy retention also increased (linear, P ≤ 0.05) with lipid content in growing and finishing pigs. There were no interactive effects between lipid content and stage of growth or between lipid source and stage of growth on the NE of diets and the NE of dietary lipids. The NE of diets increased (linear, P < 0.01) with increasing SBO (2,056, 2,206, and 2,318 kcal/kg for diets containing 0, 5, or 10% SBO). The NE of the diet containing 10% CWG (2,440 kcal/kg) was greater (P < 0.05) than the NE of the diet containing 10% SBO. The NE of diets was greater (P < 0.05) for finishing pigs than for growing pigs regardless of lipid content or source. The NE of SBO included at 5% (5,073 kcal/kg) was not different from the NE of SBO included at 10% (4,679 kcal/kg), but the NE of CWG (5,900 kcal/kg) was greater (P < 0.05) than the NE of SBO. The stage of growth had no impact on the NE of SBO or CWG. In conclusion, the NE of lipids is not affected by the content of dietary lipids, but the NE of CWG is greater than the NE of SBO.     

Pre-cecal phosphorus digestibility for corn,wheat, soybean meal,and corn gluten meal in growing Japanese quails from 28 to 32 d of age

The optimization of dietary phosphorus (P) depends on precise details of the P availability in feed ingredients to avoid excess or deficient P in a mixed diet. This study was carried out to measure the apparent ileal digestibility of P for corn, wheat, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal in growing Japanese quails from 28 to 32 d posthatch. A total of 400 quail chicks were randomly distributed across 5 treatments with 4 replicates and 20 birds in each floor pen. The P-free diet (PFD) was formulated based on cornstarch to measure the basal endogenous P losses (EPL). Digestibility coefficients were determined by ileal digesta sampling using TiO₂ as an indigestible marker. The EPL was estimated at 384 mg/kg DMI. The apparent ileal P digestibility (AIPD) for corn, soybean meal, wheat, and corn gluten meal were determined to be 0.38, 0.53, 0.38, and 0.78, respectively. The corresponding values for true ileal P digestibility (TIPD) were 0.48, 0.61, 0.50, and 0.83, respectively. The t-test analysis showed that the difference of AIPD and TIPD values for corn (P = 0.031) and wheat (P = 0.015) were statistically significant, however, no significant differences were observed for corn gluten meal (P = 0.318) and soybean meal (P = 0.104). In conclusion, the correction of AIPD coefficients for EPL in low-P ingredients such as corn and wheat may be much more important than that in high-P feedstuffs such as corn gluten meal and soybean meal in growing quails.     

Effects of a dietary supplement of DHA-rich marine algae on Italian heavy pig production parameters

To evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with a marine algae product (MA) containing a high level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on heavy pig production performances (including meat and subcutaneous fat quality), a trial was conducted on sixty Landrace × Large White barrows with a starting average body weight (BW) of 118 kg. Pigs were allocated to four experimental groups: a control group (A) fed a maize/soybean diet and three treatment groups in which MA was added at 2.5 g kg^− 1 over the last 8 weeks prior to slaughtering (group B) or at 5 and 2.5 g kg^− 1 over the last 4 weeks prior to slaughtering (groups C and D, respectively). Vitamin E was added at 12.5 mg kg^− 1 in the diets for groups B and D and at 25 mg kg^− 1 in the diet of group C. The four diets were formulated so as to supply the same amount of nutrients, with exception of vitamin E. Pigs were fed at a rate of 9% of their metabolic BW (BW^0.75) up to a maximum of 2.9 kg of dry matter per pig per day. Pigs were slaughtered at about 160 kg BW. The dietary treatment did not affect either the growth or slaughtering parameters of pigs. No significant differences were observed with respect to pH values, meat colour, loin composition and the iodine number of subcutaneous fat. Pigs on MA diets showed a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in DHA levels both in loin and in subcutaneous fat. No significant differences in relative fatty acid composition were observed between pigs receiving the MA supplement at the lower level (2.5 g kg^− 1) over an 8-week period (group B) and pigs receiving the higher MA supplement (5.0 g kg^− 1) over a 4-week period prior to slaughter (group C).     

Nutritional value of quality protein maize for starter and finisher swine.

Growth trials with starter (n = 120, 6.8 kg initially, 28 d of age, Exp. 1) and finisher (n = 70, 59 kg initially, Exp. 2) pigs were conducted to compare quality protein maize (QPM, .40% lysine) and normal corn (.31% lysine) in simple corn-based diets containing the same levels of soybean meal. In Exp. 1, pig performance was similar (P greater than .10) on all diets, regardless of the level of soybean meal, suggesting that QPM and normal corn have similar feeding value in lysine-adequate (.99 to 1.11%) diets. In Exp. 2, less soybean meal was needed in QPM than in normal corn diets to maximize performance; increasing soybean meal from 10.8 to 13.8% improved rate (P less than .05) and efficiency (P less than .01) of gain of pigs fed normal corn diets but had no effect on performance of pigs fed QPM diets. A QPM-based diet containing 6% soybean meal and supplemental lysine and tryptophan failed to maximize feed efficiency, but growth rate was equal to that obtained on the normal corn diet with 13.8% soybean meal. The apparent fecal digestibility of GE and ileal digestibility of N were similar for QPM and normal corn, but apparent ileal digestibility of most essential amino acids was slightly higher for QPM (Exp. 3). Experiment 4 compared apparent digestibilities of QPM, conventional opaque-2 corn and two high-protein corns. Digestibilities differed (P less than .05) among the corns, but the absolute differences were small and were likely due to differences in amino acid content of the corns.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

In growing pigs,nutritive value and nutrient digestibility of distillers’ by-products obtained from two varieties of rice

In South-East Asia, rice distillers’ by-product (RDP) is a widely abundant feedstuff whose adequate incorporation into pig diets is still questionable. Especially, effects of RDP on nutrient digestibility of growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal-based diet are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine nutrient digestibility and energy value of ordinary (ORDP) and glutinous (GRDP) rice distillers’ by-product in growing pigs. Two groups of 12 castrated crossbred barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire), about 3 months old, 38?±?1.04-kg initial body weight, were each allocated to a 15-day experiment in which pigs were divided into three isonitrogenous diet-groups. The animals were housed individually in metabolism cages for separated collection of feces and urine. Each diet-group was provided either a control corn-soybean meal diet or a diet in which corn and soybean meal were partly replaced by ORDP or GRDP at 15 or 30% on diet dry matter basis. Glutinous by-product especially showed higher levels in crude protein, neutral/acid detergent fiber, total branched-chain amino acids, and butyric acid. When compared to the control diet, ORDP tented to increase DM intake (P?= 0.054) but decreased energy (P?< 0.001) and crude protein (P?< 0.04) digestibility, while GRDP decreased DM intake (P?< 0.001). Both GRDP and ORDP products negatively affected digestibility of ether extract. The average digestible and metabolizable energy of ORDP and GRDP were 17.0 and 16.6, and 17.7, and 17.1 MJ/kg DM, respectively. In conclusion, these results show that both RDP, and especially GRDP, are highly valuable protein and energy sources for pig production.

     

Effects of Aspergillus niger fermented rapeseed meal on nutrient digestibility,growth performance and serum parameters in growing pigs

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influences of Aspergillus niger fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. A total of 72 growing pigs (body weight = 40.8 ± 2.1 kg) were used in feeding trials, lasting for up to 42 days, and were randomly allotted to one of three diets, including a corn‐soybean meal control diet as well as two experimental diets containing 10% unfermented rapeseed meal (RSM) or 10% FRSM. The results showed that average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of pigs fed FRSM were superior (P < 0.05) to that of pigs fed unfermented RSM and did not differ from the control. Pigs fed control diet had higher (P < 0.05) total tract apparent digestibility for dry matter, protein, calcium and phosphorus than pigs fed unfermented RSM diet and did not differ from the FRSM diet. Pigs fed FRSM had lower levels (P < 0.05) of serum aspartate transaminase compared to unfermented RSM. In conclusion, solid state fermentation using Aspergillus niger may improve the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of RSM for pigs and FRSM is a promising alternative protein for pig production.