Effects of exogenous enzyme supplementation to corn- and soybean meal-based or complex diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites in growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of exogenous enzymes on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients, blood metabolites, fecal VFA, and fecal ammonia-N in growing pigs (Sus scrofa) fed a corn (Zea mays L.)- and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal (SBM)-based diet. In Exp. 1, 240 growing barrows (initial BW: 55.6 ± 0.9 kg) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments on the basis of BW. There were 4 replicates in each treatment with 12 pigs per replicate. The 5 treatments consisted of a corn-SBM-based control diet and 4 additional diets were similar to the control diet, with the exception that 0.05% β-mannanase (M), α-amylase + β-mannanase (AM), β-mannanase + protease (MPr), or α-amylase + β-mannanase + protease (AMP) was added to the diets, which were fed for 28 d. Pigs fed the AM, MPr, or AMP diet had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed the AMP diet also had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed the M, AM, or MPr diet. Pigs fed the AMP diet had greater (P < 0.05) G:F than pigs fed the control diet. The G:F of the pigs fed the M, AM, or MPr diet were not different (P > 0.05) from the G:F in pigs fed the AMP or control diet. The ADFI, ATTD of nutrients, blood metabolites, and fecal VFA and ammonia-N concentrations were not different among treatments. In Exp. 2, 192 growing barrows (initial BW: 56.9 ± 1.0 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments. There were 4 replicates in each treatment with 12 pigs per replicate. Pigs were fed a corn-SBM-based diet (CSD) or a complex diet (CD) that contained corn, SBM, 3% rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) meal, 3% copra (Cocos nucifera L.) meal, and 3% palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) kernel meal. Each diet was prepared without exogenous enzymes or with 0.05% AMP and all diets were fed for 28 d. The ADG and G:F of pigs fed the CSD were greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the CD. However, the type of diet had no effect on the ATTD of nutrients, blood metabolites, or fecal VFA and ammonia-N, and there was no diet × enzyme interaction for any of the measured variables. Supplementation of diets with exogenous enzymes resulted in greater (P < 0.05) ADG, G:F, ATTD of DM, GE, and CP, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration. These results indicate that supplementation of 0.05% of AMP enzymes to a corn-SBM diet or a complex diet may improve the performance of growing pigs.     

Effects of blood meal pH and irradiation on nursery pig performance

A total of 720 nursery pigs in three experiments were used to evaluate the effects of blood meal with different pH (a result of predrying storage time) and irradiation of spray-dried blood meal in nursery pig diets. In Exp. 1, 240 barrows and gilts (17 +/- 2 d of age at weaning) were used to determine the effects of blood meal pH (7.4 to 5.9) in diets fed from d 10 to 31 postweaning (7.0 to 16.3 kg of BW). Different lots of dried blood meal were sampled to provide a range in pH. Overall (d 0 to 21), pigs fed diets containing blood meal had greater ADG (P < 0.05) and ADFI (P < 0.05) than pigs fed diets without blood meal. Ammonia concentrations in blood meal rose as pH decreased. However, blood meal pH did not influence (P > 0.16) ADG, ADFI, or gain:feed (G:F). In Exp. 2, 180 barrows (17 +/- 2 d of age at weaning) were used to determine the effects of post drying pH (7.6 to 5.9) and irradiation (gamma ray, 9.5 kGy) of blood meal on growth performance of nursery pigs from d 5 to 19 postweaning (6.8 to 10.1 kg of BW). One lot of whole blood was isolated with 25% of the total lot dried on d 0, 3, 8, and 12 after collection to create a range in pH. Overall, pigs fed blood meal had improved G:F (P < 0.01) compared to pigs fed the control diet. Similar to Exp. 1, the ammonia concentration of blood meal increased with decreasing pH. Blood meal pH did not influence ADG, ADFI, or G:F (P > 0.21), but pigs fed irradiated blood meal (pH 5.9) had greater ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) than pigs fed nonirradiated blood meal (pH 5.9). In Exp. 3, 300 barrows (17 +/- 6 d of age at weaning) were used to determine the effects of blood meal irradiation source (gamma ray vs. electron beam) and dosage (2.5 to 20.0 kGy) on growth performance of nursery pigs from d 4 to 18 postweaning (8.7 to 13.2 kg of BW). Overall, the mean of all pigs fed blood meal did not differ in ADG, ADFI, or G:F (P > 0.26) compared to pigs fed the control diet without blood meal. Pigs fed irradiated blood meal had a tendency (P < 0.10) for increased G:F compared with pigs fed nonirradiated blood meal. No differences in growth performance were detected between pigs fed blood meal irradiated by either gamma ray or electron beam sources (P > 0.26) or dosage levels (P > 0.11). These studies suggest that pH alone as an indicator of blood meal quality is not effective and irradiation of blood meal improved growth performance in nursery pigs.     

酶解羽毛粉的体外蛋白质消化率及其在生长猪日粮中的应用效果

试验旨在测定酶解羽毛粉的体外蛋白质消化率,同时研究酶解羽毛粉替代日粮中鱼粉对生长猪生产性能和蛋白质消化率的影响。体外试验采用胃蛋白酶-胰酶水解法对水解羽毛粉和酶解羽毛粉进行消化测定其蛋白质消化率。饲养试验选用135头体重相近的杜×长×大生长猪,随机分成3组,分别为对照组(3%秘鲁鱼粉组),处理Ⅰ和Ⅱ(酶解羽毛粉50%和100%替代秘鲁鱼粉)。结果表明:酶解羽毛粉体外蛋白质消化率比水解羽毛粉提高了15.38%(P<0.05)。处理组平均日增重和平均日采食量与对照组均无显著差异(P>0.05);饲料增重比及蛋白质消化率也与对照组差异不显著(P>0.05)。结合生产性能试验与经济效益分析,酶解羽毛粉100%等蛋白替代秘鲁鱼粉组为最佳,在生产实践中具备实用性和可行性。     

Effects of dietary supplementation of an enzyme blend on the ileal and fecal digestibility of nutrients in growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of a beta-glucanase-protease enzyme blend product (EBP) on fecal digestibility (FD), apparent ileal digestibility (AID), standardized ileal digestibility, and digestibility in the hindgut of growing pigs. Twelve ileal-cannulated, growing barrows (38.2 +/- 0.5 kg) were housed in individual metabolism crates, blocked by previous feed intake into 3 groups with 4 pigs each, and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments within a square (group) of 3 replications of 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were basal diet (Basal), Basal + 0.05% of EBP (0.05% EBP), Basal + 0.10% of EBP (0.10% EBP), and hydrolyzed casein for measurement of endogenous amino acids. The Basal diet consisted of corn and soybean meal and was calculated to have 3.36 Mcal of ME/kg and 1.1% of total lysine, as-fed basis. Feed intake of each replicate of the Latin square during the first period was 85% of the minimum feed intake of the 4 pigs during the preliminary period and was equalized within each square. The feeding level was increased by 100 g/d in each subsequent period. Each of the experimental periods was 14 d, including 4 d of dietary adaptation, 5 d of fecal collection, 3 d of transition period, and 2 d of ileal collection. Ileal effluents were collected continuously for the same 12-h interval each day. Pigs fed the EBP demonstrated increased (P < 0.05) FD of DM, OM, energy, CP, nonfiber carbohydrate, total dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, acid-hydrolyzed fat, ash, Ca, and P compared with pigs fed Basal. The AID of NDF and hemicellulose was increased (P < 0.05) by supplying the EBP either at 0.05 or 0.10% in the diets, but AID of DM and energy was not increased. The AID of acid-hydrolyzed fat tended to be greater (P = 0.051) for the pigs fed the EBP than for those fed Basal. Ileal digestibility of most amino acids was not affected by treatment, but the EBP reduced the apparent and standardized digestibility of methionine, alanine, and serine (P < 0.05). The difference between FD and AID of hemicellulose was lower (P < 0.05) for the pigs fed the EBP than for those fed Basal. These results demonstrated that the EBP fed to growing pigs improved the FD of DM, OM, energy, CP, nonfiber carbohydrate, total dietary fiber, acid-hydrolyzed fat, Ca, and P, and the AID of NDF and hemi-cellulose, but the standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids was not improved by supplying the EBP in corn-soybean meal-based diets of growing pigs.     

Effect of mannan oligosaccharides and fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs

A total of 150 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average BW of 7.22 ± 0.80 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 28-d trial to determine the effects of dietary fructan and mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs. Pigs were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) negative control (NC), basal diet; 2) positive control (PC), NC + 0.01% apramycin (165 mg/kg); 3) NC + 0.1% fructan (FC); 4) NC + 0.1% mannan oligosaccharide source (MO); and 5) NC + 0.05% fructan + 0.05% mannan oligosaccharide source (FM). There were 3 replications per treatment with 10 pigs per pen (5 barrows and 5 gilts). From d 0 to 14, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets were greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. From d 15 to 28, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in ADG, ADFI, and G:F. During the overall period (d 0 to 28), pigs fed the MO diet had a greater ADG than pigs fed the NC diet (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the PC and MO diets increased ADFI (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. However, no differences were detected among dietary treatments in G:F during the overall experimental period. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and N in pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets was greater (P < 0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. The ATTD of DM increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the MO and FM diets compared with pigs fed the FC diet. However, at the end of the experiment, pigs fed the FM diet had a greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Additionally, there were no differences in IgG, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocyte counts among dietary treatments on d 0, 14, or 28. The diarrhea score in pigs fed the MO diet was reduced (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. In conclusion, mannan oligosaccharides have a beneficial effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs. Furthermore, mannan oligosaccharides can decrease diarrhea score in weanling pigs.     

Glycemic index of starch affects nitrogen retention in grower pigs

Three studies were performed to examine the effect of starch and protein digestion rates on N retention in grower pigs. In Exp. 1, the glycemic index (GI) of corn, a malting barley, and a slow-rumen-degradable barley (SRD-barley) were measured using 6 barrows (BW = 18.0 ± 0.5 kg). The GI of malting barley was greater (P < 0.05) than that of SRD-barley (71.1 vs. 49.4), and the GI of both barley cultivars was less (P < 0.05) than that of corn (104.8). In Exp. 2, the standardized ileal digestibility of AA and DE content of the 3 ingredients were determined using 5 ileal-cannulated barrows (BW = 20.7 ± 2.3). The apparent total-tract energy digestibility values of corn (86.1%) and malting barley (85.7%) were greater (P < 0.05) than that of SRD-barley (82.3%). The standardized ileal digestibility of Lys was 94.0, 92.6, and 92.4% for corn, malting barley, and SRD-barley, respectively, and did not differ among grains. In Exp. 3, 6 diets were formulated to equal DE (3.40 Mcal/kg), standardized ileal digestibility of Lys (8.6 g/kg), starch (424.9 g/kg), and digestible CP (180.0 g/kg) using the values obtained in Exp. 2. Three GI [high (corn), medium (malting barley), and low (SRD-barley)] and 2 rates of protein digestion [rapid (soy protein hydrolysate) and slow (soy protein isolate)] were tested in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with 36 barrows (BW = 32.2 ± 2.5 kg). Pigs were fed 3.0 times the maintenance energy requirement daily in 2 meals for 2 wk and were housed in metabolic crates to collect feces and urine separately. At the end of the study, intestinal contents were collected from 4 equal-length segments of the small intestine. The percentage of unabsorbed CP in segment 1 relative to dietary CP was greater (P < 0.05) for the soy protein isolate diet than for the soy protein hydrolysate diet (170.3 vs. 116.5%). The percentages of unabsorbed starch in segments 1 and 2 were greater (P < 0.05) for the SRD-barley diet than for the malting barley or corn diet. Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the malting barley and SRD-barley diets than for pigs fed the corn diet. Urinary N excretion was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the SRD-barley diet than for pigs fed the corn or malting barley diet. Pigs fed slowly digestible starch (SRD-barley; 46.6%) had less (P < 0.05) net N retention than pigs fed corn or malting barley (54.7 and 54.1%, respectively). In conclusion, slowly digestible starch sources such as SRD-barley may not be suitable to support maximum protein deposition in restricted-fed grower pigs.     

Phosphorus bioavailability, growth performance, and nutrient balance in pigs fed high available phosphorus corn and phytase

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate P bioavailability, growth performance, and nutrient balance in pigs fed high available P (HAP) corn with or without phytase. The bioavailability of P in normal and HAP corn relative to monosodiumphosphate (MSP) for pigs was assessed in Exp. 1. In a randomized complete block design, 96 pigs (average initial BW 9.75 kg) were fed eight diets for 28 d. The reference and test diets were formulated by adding P as MSP, HAP, or normal corn at 0, 0.75, or 1.5 g/kg to a corn-starch-soybean meal basal diet (2.5 g/kg P) at the expense of cornstarch. Plasma inorganic P concentration responded linearly (P < 0.05) to supplemental P intake. Estimates of P bioavailability from HAP andnormal corn when plasma P was regressed on supplemental P intake were 46 and 33%, respectively. In Exp. 2 and 3, pigs were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets containing HAP corn or normal corn and 0 or 600 units of phytase per kilogram in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (two corn sources and two levels of phytase). In Exp. 2, 48 crossbred pigs (barrow:gilt, 1:1) averaging 9.25 kg were used to evaluate growth performance. There were no detectable interactions between corn source and phytase for any of the performance criteria measured. Pigs receiving normal corn had the lowest (P < 0.05) BW and rate of gain. Feed efficiency was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed normal compared with those fed the HAP corn phytase-supplemented diet. In Exp. 3, 24 crossbred barrows averaging 14.0 kg were used to evaluate nutrient digestibility. There were no detectable interactions between corn and phytase for any of the N and Ca balance criteria. Nitrogen and Ca retention were improved in pigs receiving HAP corn with phytase (P < 0.05). Retention and digestibility of P was lowest (P < 0.01) for pigs on normal corn diet without phytase. The percentage of P digested and retained was improved and fecal P excretion lowered (P < 0.05) by feeding HAP corn.The results of this study indicate that the bioavailability and balance of P in HAP corn is superior to that of normal corn. The addition of 600 phytase units (Natuphos 600, BASF) to HAP corn-based diets further improved P digestibility and reduced P excretion in pigs.     

Soybean meal from roundup ready or conventional soybeans in diets for growing-finishing swine

Dehulled soybean meal prepared from genetically modified, herbicide (glyphosate)-tolerant Roundup Ready soybeans containing the CP4 EPSPS protein and near-isogenic conventional soybeans were assessed in an experiment with growing-finishing pigs. The soybeans were grown in the yr 2000 under similar agronomic conditions except that the Roundup Ready soybeans were sprayed with Roundup herbicide. Both were processed at the same plant. The composition of the two types of soybeans and the processed soybean meal were similar. Corn-soybean meal diets containing conventional or Roundup Ready soybean meal and fortified with minerals and vitamins were fed to 100 cross-bred pigs from 24 to 111 kg BW. Diets contained approximately 0.95% lysine initially and were reduced to 0.80 and 0.65% lysine when pigs reached 55 and 87 kg BW, respectively. There were 10 pens (five pens of barrows and five pens of gilts) per treatment with five pigs per pen. All pigs were scanned at 107 kg mean BW and all barrows were killed at the end of the test for carcass measurements and tissue collection. Rate and efficiency of weight gain, scanned backfat and longissimus area, and calculated carcass lean percentage were not different (P > 0.05) for pigs fed diets containing conventional or Roundup Ready soybean meal. Gilts gained slower, but they were more efficient and leaner (P < 0.05) than barrows. Responses to the type of soybean meal were similar for the two sexes with no evidence of a diet x sex interaction for any of the traits. In most instances, carcass traits of barrows were similar for the two types of soybean meal. Longissimus muscle samples from barrows fed conventional soybean meal tended (P = 0.06) to have less fat than those fed Roundup Ready soybean meal, but water, protein, and ash were similar. Sensory scores of cooked longissimus muscles were not influenced (P > 0.05) by diet. The results indicate that Roundup Ready soybean meal is essentially equivalent in composition and nutritional value to conventional soybean meal for growing-finishing pigs.     

The effects of poultry meal source and ash level on nursery pig performance

Weanling pigs (total of 560) were used in two experiments to determine the effects of poultry meal in nursery diets on pig performance. In Exp. 1,210 barrows and gilts (initially 7.4 kg and 21 +/- 2 d of age) were fed one of five diets, which included a control diet with no specialty protein products or (as-fed basis) the control with 2.5 or 5.0% fish meal, or 2.9 or 5.9% poultry meal (11.8% ash). Poultry meal replaced fish meal on an equal lysine basis. Overall (d 0 to 28), pigs fed diets containing fish meal had greater (P < 0.01) ADG than pigs fed poultry meal. Increasing fish meal tended to have increased (quadratic, P < 0.07) ADG, with the greatest improvement observed in pigs fed the diet containing 2.5% fish meal. Pigs fed diets containing fish meal had improved (P < 0.01) G:F compared with pigs fed diets containing poultry meal. In Exp. 2, a total of 350 barrows and gilts (initially 8.9 kg and 22 +/- 2 d of age) were fed one of seven experimental diets, which included a control diet with no specialty protein products, or the control with 2.5 or 5.0% fish meal, 2.9 or 5.8% low-ash (10.9%) poultry meal, and 3.1 or 6.2% high-ash (13.5%) poultry meal. Poultry meal replaced fish meal on an equal lysine basis. Overall (d 0 to 15), there were no differences in ADG and ADFI (P = 0.14); however, pigs fed diets containing fish meal or poultry meal had improved (linear, P < 0.01) G:F compared with pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed diets containing low-ash poultry meal had greater (P < 0.01) G:F compared with pigs fed diets containing high-ash poultry meal. Based on these data, quality control specifications, such as ash content, need to be considered when using poultry meal as an animal protein replacement in diets for nursery pigs.     

Assessment of energy content of low-solubles corn distillers dried grains and effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and pork fat quality in growing-finishing pigs

Two studies were conducted to assess the energy content of low-solubles distillers dried grains (LS-DDG) and their effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and pork fat quality in grow-finish pigs. In Exp. 1, 24 barrows (Yorkshire-Landrace × Duroc; 80 to 90 d of age) in 2 successive periods were assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments. In individual metabolism stalls, pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal diet (control); control replaced by 30, 40, or 50% LS-DDG; or control replaced by 30 or 40% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) at 3% of their initial BW for 12 d. All diets contained 0.25% CrO(2). During the 5-d collection period, feces and urine were collected from each pig. Feed, feces, and urine were analyzed for DM, GE, and N concentrations, and feed and feces were analyzed for Cr content. The ME content of LS-DDG (2,959 ± 100 kcal/kg of DM) was similar to that determined for DDGS (2,964 ± 81 kcal/kg of DM). In Exp. 2, 216 Yorkshire-Landrace × Duroc pigs were blocked by initial BW (18.8 ± 0.76 kg) and assigned to 1 of 24 pens (9 pigs/pen). Pens within block were allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (8 pens/treatment) in a 4-phase feeding program: a corn-soybean meal control (control), control containing 20% LS-DDG, or control containing 20% DDGS. Treatment had no effect on final BW, ADG, ADFI, or HCW. Pigs fed LS-DDG had similar G:F (0.367) compared with pigs fed DDGS (0.370), but tended (P = 0.09) to have decreased G:F compared with pigs fed the control (0.380; pooled SEM = 0.004). Dressing percent was less (P < 0.01) for pigs fed LS-DDG (72.8%) and DDGS (72.8%) compared with the control (73.8%; pooled SEM = 0.22). Pigs fed LS-DDG (54.8%) had greater (P = 0.02) carcass lean compared with pigs fed DDGS (53.4%), but were similar to pigs fed control (54.1%; pooled SEM = 0.33). Bellies from pigs fed DDGS (12.9°) were softer (P < 0.01) than those from pigs fed control (17.7°; pooled SEM = 1.07) as determined by the belly flop angle test. Feeding LS-DDG (14.1°) tended (P < 0.10) to create softer bellies compared with control-fed pigs. The PUFA content of belly fat was reduced (P < 0.01) by LS-DDG (14.0%) compared with DDGS (15.4%), but was increased (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the control (9.4%; pooled SEM = 0.34). In conclusion, LS-DDG and DDGS had similar ME values and inclusion of 20% LS-DDG in diets for growing-finishing pigs supports ADG and ADFI similar to that of diets containing 20% DDGS, and may reduce negative effects on pork fat compared with DDGS.     

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.     

Digestibility of phosphorus by growing pigs of fermented and conventional soybean meal without and with microbial phytase

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) are greater than in conventional soybean meal (SBM-CV) when fed to growing pigs. Four diets were formulated to contain FSBM or SBM-CV and either 0 or 800 units/kg of microbial phytase. The only sources of P in these diets were FSBM and SBM-CV. A P-free diet to estimate basal endogenous losses of P was also formulated. Thirty barrows (initial BW: 14.0 ± 2.3 kg) were placed in metabolism cages and allotted to 5 diets in a randomized complete block design with 6 pigs per diet. Feces were collected for 5 d after a 5-d adaptation period. All samples of ingredients, diets, and feces were analyzed for P, and values for ATTD and STTD of P were calculated. Results indicated that the basal endogenous P losses were 187 mg/kg of DMI. As phytase was added to the diet, the ATTD and STTD of P increased (P < 0.01) from 60.9 to 67.5% and from 65.5 to 71.9%, respectively, in pigs fed FSMB. Likewise, addition of phytase to SBM-CV increased (P < 0.01) the ATTD and STTD of P from 41.6 to 66.2% and from 46.1 to 71.4%, respectively. The ATTD and STTD of P were greater (P < 0.01) in FSBM than in SBM-CV when no phytase was used, but that was not observed when phytase was added to the diet (soybean meal × phytase interaction, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the ATTD and STTD of P in FSBM was greater than SBM-CV when no microbial phytase was added, but when phytase was added to the diets, no differences between FSBM and SBM-CV were observed in the ATTD and STTD of P.     

Influence of protein type and level on nitrogen and forage use in cows consuming low-quality forage

Minimal quantities of ruminally degradable protein from supplements may improve supplement use efficiency of ruminants grazing dormant forages. In Exp. 1, N retention, ruminal NH(3), serum urea N, and NDF digestibility were evaluated for 12 ruminally cannulated cows (Bos spp.) in an incomplete Latin Square design with 3 periods of 42 d each. Cows were fed weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees] hay (4.1% CP, 75% NDF, OM basis) at 1.3 % BW/d and offered 1 of 3 sources of CP [urea, cottonseed (Gossypium spp.) meal (CSM); or 50% blood meal and 50% feather meal combination (BFM)] fed to supply 0, 40, 80, or 160 g/d of CP. Beginning on d 22 of supplementation, ruminal contents and serum samples were collected at -2, 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 h relative to the morning offering of hay. On Day 24, feces and urine were collected for 72 h. In Exp. 2, 4 ruminally cannulated steers were used in a replicated 4 by 4 Latin Square to evaluate use of supplements differing in quantity and ruminal CP degradability. Steers were fed 6.8 kg/d chopped sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench nothosubsp. drummondii (Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse] hay (3.7% CP, 74% NDF on OM basis) and supplemented with 56 g/d of a salt mineral mix (CON); CON + 28 g/d blood meal + 28 g/d feather meal (BFM); CON + 98 g/d CSM (LCS); or CON + 392 g/d CSM (HCS). Treatments provided 0, 40, 40, or 160 g/d of CP for CON, BFM, LCS, and HCS respectively. In Exp. 1, N use and total tract NDF digestibility were not affected by protein sources or amounts (P ≥ 0.18). Ruminal NH(3) concentrations exhibited a quadratic response over time for UREA (P < 0.05) and was greater with increasing inclusion of urea (P < 0.05); whereas BFM or CSM did not differ (P > 0.05) by amount or across time. In Exp. 2, supplementation had a tendency (P = 0.09) to increase DM disappearance. Supplementation also increased (P < 0.01) serum glucose concentrations; however, no difference (P ≥ 0.28) was found between supplements. Serum urea N and ruminal NH(3) concentrations were increased (P ≤ 0.01) in steers fed HCS. Feeding low quantities of a high-RUP supplement maintained rumen function without negatively affecting DM or NDF digestibility of a low-quality forage diet.     

Comparison of the regression analysis technique and the substitution method for the determination of true phosphorus digestibility and faecal endogenous phosphorus losses associated with feed ingredients for growing pigs

Two digestibility experiments were carried out to comparatively measure true phosphorus (P) digestibility and the faecal endogenous P loss associated with soybean meal (SBM) and wheat middling meal (WM) for growing pigs by the simple linear regression analysis technique and the substitution method. Eight barrows, with an average initial body weight 21 kg, were randomly divided into two groups of four pigs with each group being fed four test diets according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Eight maize starch-based diets containing four levels (on dry matter basis) of P (0.20, 0.24, 0.36 and 0.42%) and P (0.181, 0.26, 0.36, and 0.43%) were formulated from SBM and WM as a sole source of P, respectively. Chromic oxide (0.30%) was used as a digestibility marker. Each experimental period comprised 8 d with a 4-d adaptation and a 4-d collection of faecal samples. Levels of the assay ingredient substitutions had no effects (P > 0.05) on true P digestibility and the endogenous P loss associated with SBM and WM measured by the substitution method. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the regression technique and the substitution method in measuring the true P digestibility (SBM: 49.4 ± 3.51 vs. 50.6 ± 2.4; WM: 63.7 ± 5.0 vs. 63.2 ± 5.4%) as well as the faecal endogenous P loss (SBM: 0.62 ± 0.10 vs. 0.71 ± 0.11; WM: 0.65 ± 0.16 vs. 0.70 ± 0.17 g/kg dry matter intake) for the growing pig. Thus, true P digestibility and the faecal endogenous P loss in feed ingredients for pigs may be measured by using the regression analysis technique and the substitution method.     

Formulation of diets for pigs based on a ratio between digestible calcium and digestible phosphorus results in reduced excretion of calcium in urine without affecting retention of calcium and phosphorus compared with formulation based on values for total calcium

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that formulating diets for pigs based on a ratio between standardized total tract digestible (STTD) Ca and STTD P instead of total Ca and STTD P does not decrease Ca retention, but increases P utilization. Forty barrows (59.4 ± 3.8 kg) were individually housed in metabolism crates and allotted to four corn-soybean meal-based diets in a randomized complete block design with two blocks and five pigs per diet in each block. Diets were formulated using a 2 × 2 factorial design with two diet formulation principles (total Ca or STTD Ca) and two inclusion levels of microbial phytase (0 or 500 units per kg of feed). Phytase was assumed to release 0.11% STTD P and 0.16% total Ca. Diets were formulated based on requirements for total Ca and STTD P or a ratio between STTD Ca and STTD P of 1.25:1. Diets were fed for 11 d and fecal and urine samples were collected from feed provided from day 6 to day 10. Interactions (P < 0.05) between diet formulation principle and phytase level were observed for Ca intake, Ca in feces, Ca absorbed, Ca retained, P digestibility, P absorbed, and P in urine. Phytase increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility of Ca in both total Ca and STTD Ca diets. Without phytase, Ca intake, Ca in feces, and Ca absorbed was greater (P < 0.05) from pigs fed total Ca diets than from pigs fed STTD Ca diets, but P absorbed, P digestibility, and P in urine was greater (P < 0.05) from pigs fed STTD Ca diets than from pigs fed total Ca diets. However, in the presence of phytase, no differences between diet formulation principles were observed in these variables. Regardless of phytase, Ca in urine was lower (P < 0.05) from pigs fed STTD Ca diets than from pigs fed total Ca diets. There were no differences in Ca retention between pigs fed STTD Ca diets and total Ca diets, but pigs fed total Ca diets retained less (P < 0.05) Ca if diets contained phytase. No differences in P retention were observed between diet formulation principles, but pigs fed non-phytase diets retained more (P < 0.05) P than pigs fed diets with phytase. In conclusion, because diets formulated based on STTD Ca contain less Ca than total Ca diets, pigs fed STTD Ca diets excreted less Ca in urine, but retention of Ca was not affected. Formulating non-phytase diets based on STTD Ca instead of total Ca increased P absorption, which confirms the detrimental effect of excess Ca on P digestibility. However, P retention was not improved if pigs were fed STTD Ca diets.     

Effects of coextrusion of flaxseed and field pea on the digestibility of energy, ether extract, fatty acids, protein, and amino acids in grower-finisher pigs

The objectives of this study were to determine the ileal and total tract digestibility of individual fatty acids, ether extract, energy, protein, and AA in a mix of flax and field pea (FP) and to determine whether extrusion improves the nutritive value of this mix. Five barrows (23-kg initial BW) fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were fed 5 diets at 3 times the maintenance energy requirement according to a 5 x 5 Latin square design: a wheat and soybean meal control diet and 4 diets containing 30% raw or coextruded FP plus 70% control diet and chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. The 4 extrusion treatments included the following: 1) FP0, ground, nonextruded; 2) FP1, single-screw extruded; 3) FP2, twin-screw extruded with low intensity (screw speed 120 rpm; die temperature 110 degrees C; water input 5 kg/h); and 4) FP3, twin-screw extruded with high intensity (300 rpm; 125 degrees C; 11 kg/h). The ether extract concentration was 17.8, 19.6, 17.7, and 17.3% (as fed) in FP0, FP1, FP2, and FP4, respectively. The ADF concentration was 13.2, 11.1, 11.4, and 13.7% (as fed) in FP0, FP1, FP2, and FP4, respectively. After a 7-d acclimation, feces were collected for 2 d, and then ileal digesta was collected for 2 d. Energy digestibility in the test ingredients was calculated using the difference method. Extrusion of FP did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of DM, OM, and CP for grower-finisher pigs. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of GE and ether extract and the DE content of FP, and the AID of the Arg, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Thr, and Val, and total fatty acids. Extrusion tended to increase (P < 0.10) the AID of linolenic acid. Single-screw extrusion resulted in a greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE, OM, ether extract, and DE content of FP and AID of SFA than twin-screw extrusion. Single-screw extrusion resulted in a trend for greater (P < 0.10) AID of linolenic acid and total fatty acids than twin-screw extrusion. Twin-screw extrusion at high intensity resulted in less (P < 0.05) AID of SFA than twin-screw extrusion at low intensity, indicating that equipment and conditions should be carefully controlled for the extrusion of FP. In conclusion, coextrusion of FP increased digestibility of ether extract, fatty acids, energy, and AA.     

Effect of phytase addition and dietary calcium and phosphorus levels on plasma metabolites and ileal and total-tract nutrient digestibility in pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of phytase on plasma metabolites and AA and energy digestibility in swine. In Exp. 1, eight barrows (surgery BW = 52 kg) were fitted with steered ileocecal cannulas. The experiment was a Latin rectangle and the treatments were 1) corn-soybean meal diet adequate in Ca and P (0.5% Ca, 0.19% available P [aP]), 2) corn-soybean meal diet with reduced Ca and P (0.4% Ca, 0.09% aP), 3) Diet 1 with 500 phytase units/kg, or 4) Diet 2 with 500 phytase units/kg. Pigs were fed twice daily to a total daily energy intake of 2.6 x maintenance (106 kcal of ME/kg of BW(0.75)). For each ileal digesta sample, digesta samples were collected for two 24-h periods and combined for each pig. The combination of supplementing with phytase and decreasing the concentration of dietary Ca and P increased average ileal AA (P < 0.02), starch (P < 0.02), GE (P < 0.04), and DM (P < 0.03) digestibilities. In Exp. 2, a feeding challenge was conducted with barrows (eight per treatment; average BW of 53 kg). The treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal diet or corn-soybean meal diet + 500 phytase units per kilogram of diet. In the diet with no phytase, Ca and aP were at 0.50% and 0.19%, respectively, and, in the diet with phytase, Ca and aP were each decreased by 0.12%. A catheter was surgically inserted into the anterior vena cava of each pig 6 d before the start of the feeding challenge. The barrows were penned individually, and the diets were fed for 3 d before the challenge. The pigs were held without feed for 16 h, and blood samples were obtained at -60, -30, and 0 min before the pigs were fed (2% of BW). Blood samples were then collected at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, and 300 min after feeding. Glucose area under the response curve and plasma glucose, insulin, urea N, and total alpha-amino N concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the diet with reduced Ca and P and the phytase addition. Area under the response curve for insulin, urea N, and total alpha-amino N; insulin:glucose; and plasma NEFA concentration, clearance, and half-life were not affected by diet. In conclusion, the combination of Ca and P reduction and phytase addition increased nutrient and energy digestibility in diets for pigs and increased plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, urea N, and alpha-amino N.     

Comparison of spray-dried blood meal and blood cells in diets for nursery pigs

We used a total of 680 pigs to compare spray-dried blood meal and blood cells in nursery diets. In Exp. 1, 350 barrows (17 +/- 2 d of age at weaning) were used to compare three levels of spray-dried blood meal or blood cells (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%) in the diet fed from d 5 to 19 postweaning (6.6 to 9.9 kg). Inclusion of either blood product improved ADG (P < 0.005) and G:F (P < 0.001) compared to pigs fed the control diet without added blood products. However, pigs fed spray-dried blood meal had greater ADG (P < 0.001), ADFI (P < 0.04), and G:F (P < 0.001) from d 0 to 7 compared to those fed blood cells. The greatest differences observed between the two blood products occurred at the 5 and 7.5% inclusion levels. No differences (P > 0.05) in growth performance were detected between the two blood products from d 7 to 14. In Exp. 2, 380 barrows (initial BW of 10.7 kg and 41 +/- 2 d of age) were used to determine lysine bioavailability of spray-dried blood meal and blood cells via the slope ratio procedure. With G:F ratio as the response criterion, blood meal and blood cells had similar lysine bioavailability relative to crystalline lysine. These experiments indicate that both blood products had similar lysine bioavailability, and that pigs fed spray-dried blood meal had greater performance during the initial 7 d (d 5 to 12 after weaning). However, as the pigs became heavier, there were no differences observed in performance of pigs fed either blood meal or blood cells.     

Amino acid digestibility in dry extruded-expelled soybean meal fed to pigs and poultry

The digestibility of AA in dry extruded-expelled soybean meal (DESBM) and regular, solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM) were determined in pigs and poultry. In the pig assay, 4 Cotswold barrows (average initial BW of 80.4 kg) fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were allotted to 4 semipurified diets in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Diet 1, a low protein diet (5% casein), was used to quantify endogenous CP and AA losses. Diets 2, 3, and 4 were formulated to contain 35% regular, solvent-extracted SBM; batch 1 of DESBM (DESBM-1); and batch 2 of DESBM (DESBM-2), respectively, as the sole source of protein. The DESBM samples were obtained from 2 different batches but were subjected to the same processing conditions. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was included as a digestibility marker in all diets. Compared with DESBM-1 and DESBM-2, apparent ileal digestibility of DM in SBM was greater (P < 0.05). Apparent and true ileal digestibilities of AA in SBM were greater (P < 0.05) compared with DESBM-2. In the poultry assay, 4 dietary treatments were each assigned to adult cecectomized roosters in a completely randomized design. Treatment 1 was a nonnitrogenous diet (NND; 90% sucrose and 10% vegetable oil) used to estimate endogenous N and AA losses. Treatments 2, 3, and 4 contained SBM, DESBM-1, and DESBM-2 as the only source of protein. Each of these diets was fed in 25-g quantities formulated to provide 5 g of CP from the respective soybean meal source. The SBM had greater (P < or = 0.05) true digestibility for isoleucine, leucine, cysteine, proline, serine, and tyrosine compared with DESBM-1. The results indicate that, relative to regular, solvent-extracted soybean meal, AA digestibilities of different batches of dry extruded-expelled soybean meal varied in pigs and poultry.     

Effects of beta-mannanase addition to corn-soybean meal diets on growth performance,carcass traits,and nutrient digestibility of weanling and growing-finishing pigs

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effects of adding a beta-mannanase preparation (Hemicell, ChemGen, Gaithersburg, MD) to corn-soybean meal-based diets on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weanling and growing-finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, 156 weanling pigs (20 d, 6.27 kg BW) were allotted to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were a factorial arrangement of diet complexity (complex vs simple) and addition of 3-mannanase preparation (0 vs 0.05%). Pigs were fed in three dietary phases (Phase 1, d 0 to 14; Phase 2, d 14 to 28; and Phase 3, d 28 to 42). Pigs fed complex diets gained faster and were more efficient (P < 0.05) during Phase 1 compared with pigs fed simple diets. Overall, gain:feed ratio (G:F) tended to be improved (P < 0.10) for pigs fed complex diets and it was improved (P < 0.01) for those fed diets with beta-mannanase. In Exp. 2, 117 pigs (44 d, 13.62 kg BW) were allotted randomly to three dietary treatments. Dietary treatments were 1) a corn-soybean meal-based control, 2) the control diet with soybean oil added to increase metabolizable energy (ME) by 100 kcal/kg, and 3) the control diet with 0.05% beta-mannanase preparation. Beta-mannanase or soybean oil improved (P < 0.05) G:F compared with pigs fed the control diet. In Exp. 3, 60 pigs (22.5 kg BW) were allotted randomly to the three dietary treatments used in Exp. 2. Dietary treatments were fed in three phases (23 to 53 kg, 53 to 82 kg, and 82 to 109 kg with 0.95, 0.80, and 0.65% lysine, respectively). Overall, the addition of soybean oil tended to improve G:F (P < 0.10) compared with that of pigs fed the control diet, and G:F was similar (P > 0.54) for pigs fed diets with soybean oil or beta-mannanase. Also, addition of beta-mannanase increased ADG (P < 0.05) compared with that of pigs fed the control or soybean oil diets. There were no differences (P > or = 0.10) in longissimus muscle area or backfat; however, on a fat-free basis, pigs fed the diet with beta-mannanase had greater (P < 0.05) lean gain than pigs fed the control or soybean oil diets. In Exp. 4, 12 barrows (93 kg BW) were allotted randomly to one of the three dietary treatments used in Exp. 3. Addition of 3-mannanase had no effect (P > 0.10) on energy, nitrogen, phosphorus, or dry matter digestibility. These results suggest that beta-mannanase may improve growth performance in weanling and growing-finishing pigs but has minimal effects on nutrient digestibility.