Acid-insoluble ash is a better indigestible marker than chromic oxide to measure apparent total tract digestibility in pigs

The aim of this study was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients in cottonseed meal (CSM) and soybean meal (SBM) in simple carbohydrate and more complex wheat-based diets using 2 indigestible markers and total faecal collection. Twenty-five Large White × Landrace boars (57.8 kg) were randomly allocated to either a pure wheat diet, 40% CSM or SBM in either a sugar-starch- (1:1) or wheat-based diet for 18 d. Acid-insoluble ash (AIA) and chromic oxide (Cr₂O₃) were included in all diets as indigestible markers. Diets were offered (1,800 g/d per pig) in 3 meals/d from d 1 to 11 and 8 meals/d from d 12 to 17. On d 9, the pigs were moved to individual metabolism cages to allow total faecal collection. On d 18, the pigs were fed hourly for 8 h. After the 8th meal, pigs were anaesthetized and digesta sampled from the terminal ileum and rectum before lethal injection. There were no differences between ATTD of nitrogen (N) determined using AIA as a marker and measured by total faecal collection. On the other hand, the ATTD of N of diets containing CSM in sugar-starch- or wheat-based diets and the pure wheat diet determined using Cr₂O₃ as a marker was less (−3.11%, −4.46% and −6.59%; P < 0.001) than that measured by total faecal collection. The ATTD of N determined using AIA as a marker was highly correlated with that measured using total faecal collection (P < 0.001; R² = 0.95). Similarly, the ATTD of N determined using Cr₂O₃ as a marker was correlated with that measured using total faecal collection, although the correlation was not quite as strong as using AIA (P < 0.001; R² = 0.87). Also, the slope of the regression line and the intercept were closer to unity and zero for the relationship when the ATTD of N was determined using AIA compared to Cr₂O₃ as an indigestible marker. The ATTD of organic and dry matter behaved similarly. These data demonstrate that the basal diet and choice of indigestible marker can substantially influence the ATTD and that the use of AIA as an indigestible marker is more suitable than Cr₂O₃ in digestibility studies in pigs.     

Nutritional strategies to cope with reduced litter weight gain and total tract digestibility in lactating sows

Twelve lactating sows were used to evaluate the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) (14% vs. 12%) and increasing neutral detergent fibre (NDF) levels (18% vs. 22%) on litter performance, total tract apparent digestibility and manure composition in a 4 × 4 latin square arrangement during a 36‐day lactation period. Diets were isoenergetic (2.9 Mcal ME/kg) and had similar total lysine content (0.9%). In addition, a second aim was to compare a reference external marker method (Cr₂O₃) with an internal feed marker [acid‐insoluble ash (AIA)] for the calculation of apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients in lactating sows. The reduction of dietary CP level in lactating sows had no effect on either live‐weight or backfat thickness or apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients. However, the piglets' average daily gain (ADG) was reduced in low dietary CP diets, which suggests that sows reduced milk production due to an underestimation of certain essential amino acid requirements (e.g. valine). The increase of dietary NDF level did not affect sow and litter performance. Nevertheless, the total tract apparent digestibility of organic matter, CP and carbohydrates was reduced, and ether extract digestion was increased in high NDF compared to normal NDF diets equally balanced for ME and lysine content. The coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients in lactating sows were greater when using AIA compared to Cr₂O₃ marker, regardless of dietary CP or NDF level, but their coefficients of variation were lower in the former than in the latter. In lactating sows, a trade‐off between litter performance and nutrient digestion is established when reducing dietary CP or increasing NDF levels while maintaining similar lysine content through synthetic amino acids and balancing metabolizable energy through dietary fat sources.     

Nutrient digestibility and performance responses of growing pigs fed phytase- and xylanase-supplemented wheat-based diets

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing phytase and xylanase on nutrient digestibility and performance of growing pigs fed wheat-based diets. In Exp. 1, 10 diets were fed to 60 pigs from 20 to 60 kg of BW to determine the effect of combining phytase and xylanase on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and growth performance. The 10 diets included a positive control diet (PC; 0.23% available P; 0.60% Ca) and a negative control diet (NC; 0.16% available P; 0.50% Ca) supplemented with phytase at 0, 250, and 500 fytase units (FTU)/kg and xylanase at 0, 2,000, and 4,000 xylanase units (XU)/kg in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement. In Exp. 2, 6 ileally cannulated barrows (initial BW = 35.1 kg) were fed 4 wheat-based diets in a 4 x 4 Latin square design, with 2 added columns to determine the effect of combining phytase and xylanase on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. The 4 diets were NC (same as that used in Exp. 1) or NC supplemented with phytase at 500 FTU/kg, xylanase at 4,000 XU/kg, or phytase at 500 FTU/kg plus xylanase at 4,000 XU/kg. In Exp. 3, 36 barrows (initial BW = 55.5 kg) were fed 4 diets based on prepelleted (at 80 degrees C) and crumpled wheat for 2 wk to determine the effect of phytase supplementation on ATTD of nutrients. The 4 diets fed were a PC (0.22% available P; 0.54% Ca) and a NC (0.13% available P; 0.43% Ca) alone or with phytase at 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg. All diets in the 3 experiments contained Cr(2)O(3) as an indigestible marker. No synergistic interactions were detected between phytase and xylanase on any of the response criteria measured in Exp. 1 or 2. There were no dietary effects on growth performance in Exp. 1. In Exp. 1, phytase at 250 FTU/kg increased the ATTD of P and Ca by 51 and 11% at 20 kg of BW or by 54 and 10% at 60 kg of BW, respectively, but increasing the level of phytase to 500 FTU/kg only increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of P at 20 kg of BW. In Exp. 2, phytase at 500 FTU/kg increased (P < 0.05) the AID of P and Ca by 21 and 12%, respectively. In Exp. 3, phytase at 500 FTU/kg improved (P < 0.05) ATTD of P by 36%, but had no further effect at 1,000 FTU/kg. Xylanase at 4,000 XU/kg improved (P < 0.05) AID of Lys, Leu, Phe, Thr, Gly, and Ser in Exp. 2. In conclusion, phytase and xylanase improved P and AA digestibilities, respectively, but no interaction between the 2 enzymes was noted.     

Effect of feeding acidified or fermented barley using Limosilactobacillus reuteri with or without supplemental phytase on diet nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

Fermentation of cereal grains may degrade myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP₆) thereby increasing nutrient digestibility. Effects of chemical acidification or fermentation with Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri with or without phytase of high β-glucan hull-less barley grain on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and gross energy (GE), standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AAs), and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P were assessed in growing pigs. Pigs were fed four mash barley-based diets balanced for water content: 1) unfermented barley (Control); 2) chemically acidified barley (ACD) with lactic acid and acidic acid (0.019 L/kg barley grain at a ratio of 4:1 [vol/vol]); 3) barley fermented with L. reuteri TMW 1.656 (Fermented without phytase); and 4) barley fermented with L. reuteri TMW 1.656 and phytase (Fermented with phytase; 500 FYT/kg barley grain). The acidification and fermentation treatments occurred for 24 h at 37 °C in a water bath. The four diets were fed to eight ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight [BW], 17.4 kg) for four 11-d periods in a double 4 × 4 Latin square. Barley grain InsP₆ content of Control, ACD, Fermented without phytase, or Fermented with phytase was 1.12%, 0.59%, 0.52% dry matter (DM), or not detectable, respectively. Diet ATTD of DM, CP, Ca, and GE, digestible energy (DE), predicted net energy (NE) value, and urinary excretion of P were greater (P < 0.05) for ACD than Control. Diet ATTD of DM, CP, Ca, GE, DE and predicted NE value, urinary excretion of P was greater (P < 0.05), and diet AID of Ca and ATTD and STTD of P tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for Fermented without phytase than Control. Diet ATTD of GE was lower (P < 0.05) and diet ATTD and STTD of P, AID and ATTD of Ca was greater (P < 0.05) for Fermented with phytase than Fermented without phytase. Acidification or fermentation with/without phytase did not affect diet SID of CP and AA. In conclusion, ACD or Fermented without phytase partially degraded InsP₆ in barley grain and increased diet ATTD of DM, CP, and GE, but not SID of CP and most AA in growing pigs. Fermentation with phytase entirely degraded InsP₆ in barley grain and maximized P and Ca digestibility, thereby reducing the need to provide inorganic dietary P to meet P requirements of growing pigs.     

Effect of phytase supplementation to diets for weanling pigs on the digestibilities of crude protein, amino acids, and energy

Four experiments were conducted with weanling pigs fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum, to determine the effect of phytase supplementation to four diets on the apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of CP and AA, and the apparent total-tract digestibilities (ATTD) of CP and DE. Phytase (Natuphos, DSM Food Specialties, Delft, The Netherlands) was supplemented at rates of 0, 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg to the four diets. A 20% CP (as-fed basis) corn-soybean meal diet was used in Exp. 1; a 20% CP wheat-soybean meal diet in Exp. 2; a 20% CP wheat-soybean meal-canola meal diet in Exp. 3; and a 19% CP barley-peas-canola meal diet in Exp. 4. In each experiment, six barrows, fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum, were fed the basal plus phytase-supplemented diets according to a repeated 3 x 3 Latin square design. Each experimental period comprised 14 d. The piglets were at fed 0800 and 2000 daily, equal amounts for each meal, at a daily rate of at least 2.4 times the maintenance requirement for ME. Feces were collected from 0800 on d 8 until 0800 on d 12 of each experimental period. Ileal digesta were collected from 0800 to 2000 on d 12, 13, and 14. Chromic oxide was used as the digestibility marker. The average initial and final BW (average of all experiments) were 7.9 and 16.5 kg, respectively. Phytase supplementation did not improve the AID of CP and AA in Exp. 1, 2, and 4; however, there were improvements (P < 0.05) or tendencies (P < 0.10) toward improvements in the AID of CP and AA or the ATTD of CP and the content of DE with phytase supplementation in Exp. 3. These results suggest that the AA response factor to microbial phytase supplementation depends on diet composition.     

Calcium, phosphorus, and amino acid digestibility in low-phytate corn, normal corn, and soybean meal by growing pigs

Nine growing barrows were equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and used to determine apparent ileal (AID) and apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) coefficients of Ca and P in low-phytate corn, normal corn, soybean meal, and in diets where soybean meal was mixed with low-phytate corn or normal corn. The AID and the standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SID) of CP and AA also were determined. The animals (initial BW = 29.3 +/- 1 kg) were allotted to a 9 x 9 Latin square with nine diets and nine periods. Three diets contained low-phytate corn, normal corn, and soybean meal as their sole source of CP, AA, Ca, and P, respectively. Three additional diets were identical to these diets except that limestone and monosodium phosphate were added. Two diets contained low-phytate corn or normal corn and soybean meal, limestone, and monosodium phosphate, and the final diet was a N-free diet. The AID and ATTD of Ca were higher (P < 0.05) for low-phytate corn than for normal corn (70.0 and 69.1% vs. 47.4 and 49.6%, respectively). The AID and ATTD for Ca in soybean meal (50.9 and 46.7%, respectively) did not differ from values for normal corn but were lower (P < 0.05) than for low-phytate corn. The AID and ATTD for P from low-phytate corn (56.5 and 54.5%, respectively) were greater (P < 0.05) than from normal corn (28.3 and 28.8%, respectively), whereas soybean meal had intermediate AID and ATTD for P (37.2 and 38.0%, respectively). The AID and ATTD of P increased (P < 0.05) when monosodium phosphate was added to normal corn (44.9 and 49.8%, respectively) and soybean meal (49.6 and 46.2%, respectively), but adding monosodium phosphate to low-phytate corn, did not alter either AID (49.7%) or ATTD (50.7%) of P. No differences between AID and ATTD for Ca or P within the same diet were observed. The AID of Arg, Asp, Gly, Ile, Lys, Phe, Thr, and Val were greater (P < 0.05) in low-phytate corn than in normal corn. The AID of all AA in soybean meal were greater (P < 0.05) than in both types of corn, with the exception of Ala, Cys, Leu, and Met. The SID of Lys, Phe, and Thr were higher (P < 0.05) in low-phytate corn than in normal corn. Because low-phytate corn has a higher digestibility of Ca and P, less inorganic Ca and P need to be supplemented to diets containing low-phytate corn than to those containing normal corn, and P excretion may be decreased when low-phytate corn is used in the diet.     

Digestibility of phosphorus in growing pigs as influenced by source and concentration of dietary phosphorus and collection site

The current study examined the influence of source and concentration of dietary phosphorus (P) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P in growing pigs. Eighteen cannulated barrows (25 ± 5 kg) were allotted to a triplicate 6 × 3 incomplete Latin square design with six diets and three periods. The diets comprised of soybean meal (SBM) or distillers' dried grain with solubles ( DDGS) as sole sources of dietary P, and three concentrations of P (2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 g/kg) in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. The AID and ATTD of P were not different (p = 0.37) in all diets. Apparent digestibility of P was affected (p < 0.01) by source and concentration of P. There was no interaction between source and concentration of dietary P on the apparent digestibility of P. Determined by regression analysis, the true ileal digestibility of P was 58.3% or 57.6%, and true total tract digestibility of P was 56.0% or 62.6%, for SBM or DDGS, respectively. The regression-derived ileal endogenous P loss (EPL) was 0.61 or 0.13 g/kg DM intake, and total tract EPL was 0.53 or 0.35 g/kg DM intake, for SBM or DDGS, respectively. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that both the source and concentration of dietary P affect the digestibility of P in growing pigs.     

The effects of thermal treatment of field peas (Pisum sativum L.) on nutrient and energy digestibility by growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to measure the effect of thermal treatment on the digestibility of CP, AA, starch, NDF, ADF, and energy in field peas fed to growing pigs. Five pea-containing diets were formulated. The peas included in these diets were either not heat-treated (control) or extruded at 75, 115, or 155 degrees C or pelleted at 75 degrees C. A N-free diet was also included in the experiment to measure basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. The 6 diets were fed to 6 growing pigs (initial BW: 69.3 +/- 2.9 kg) that were allotted to dietary treatments in a 6 x 6 Latin square design. A T-cannula was installed in the distal ileum of each pig, allowing for the collection of ileal digesta. Each experimental period lasted 9 d; fecal samples were collected on d 6 and 7, and ileal samples were collected on d 8 and 9 of each period. Apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) for CP, AA, starch, and energy and standardized ileal digestibility values (SID) for CP and AA were calculated. Apparent total tract digestibilities (ATTD) for NDF, ADF, starch, and energy were also calculated. As the extrusion temperature increased, the AID and SID for CP and all AA, except Pro, increased (quadratic, P < 0.05). In contrast, except for Arg and Pro, the peas that were pelleted at 75 degrees C had AID and SID for CP and AA that were similar to those obtained for the control peas but less (P < 0.05) than the AID for the peas that were extruded at 75 degrees C. The AID for starch and energy increased (linear, P < 0.001) as the extrusion temperature increased to 155 degrees C (from 89.8 to 95.9% and from 71.5 to 79.0%, respectively), but the AID for starch and energy in the pelleted diet was not different from the AID in the control diet (90.1 vs. 89.8% and 69.1 vs. 71.5%, respectively). The ATTD for starch varied from 98.6 to 99.7% and did not differ among treatments. Likewise, no differences were observed for the ATTD of NDF and ADF. However, the ATTD for energy in the diets increased from 89.0 to 93.3% (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) as field peas were extruded, and the ATTD for energy in the pelleted diet was also greater (P < 0.05) than that of the control diet (91.6 vs. 89.0%). In conclusion, extrusion of field peas increases the AID of CP, AA, starch, and energy and the ATTD of energy. Pelleting field peas at 75 degrees C does not influence the AID of nutrients or energy but improves the ATTD of energy.     

Effect of feeding level on ileal and total tract digestibility of nutrients and energy from soybean meal‐based diets for piglets

A total of 36 piglets with an initial body weight (BW) of 5.6 ± 0.7 kg, fitted with simple T‐cannulas at the distal ileum, were used to evaluate the effect of three graded feeding levels (50, 75 or 100 g/kg BW^0.75 day) on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and energy, and on ATTD of organic matter (OM), ether extracts (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and digestible (DE), metabolisable (ME) and net energy (NE) content in soybean meal (SBM)–casein–cornstarch‐based diets. The AID of DM, N and energy and ATTD of NDF, ADF and EE in the diets were not affected (p > 0.05) by the feed intake (FI) level. There was a small decrease in ATTD of DM, N (CP), OM, ash and energy, and in DE, ME and NE content in the diets (p < 0.05) with increasing FI level. The net disappearance in the large intestine (in % of ileal recovery) decreased for DM, N and energy (p < 0.05) with increasing FI level. The design of the study allowed for estimating ileal endogenous loss of N and total tract endogenous loss of ash, N and EE, for estimating corresponding true ileal and total tract digestibility values, and for estimating urinary endogenous N loss. High variability in estimates of ileal endogenous N loss and total tract endogenous losses of N, EE and ash reflects great variation in individual endogenous losses between animals. Estimation of true total tract digestibility of N, EE and ash by regression analysis was affected by their decrease in ATTD with increasing FI level, as estimates for true digestibility were lower compared to their apparent values. The present results suggest that FI level can affect both apparent and true total tract nutrient digestibility in piglets.     

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.     

Comparison of digestible and metabolizable energy and digestible phosphorus and amino acid content of corn ethanol coproducts from Brazil and the United States produced using fiber separation technology for swine

Three experiments (exp.) were conducted to determine and compare the digestibility of nutrients and energy of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from the United States (USDDGS), a dried mixture of corn bran with solubles (CBS) from Brazil (BRCBS), and high protein corn distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) from the United States (USHPDG) and Brazil (BRHPDG) in growing pigs. The feed ingredients were evaluated for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF, respectively), and digestible and metabolizable energy (DE and ME, respectively) using the total collection and index methods in exp. 1; ATTD and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) in exp. 2; and apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibilities of CP and amino acids (AA) in exp. 3. Fifty crossbred barrows (32.4 ± 6.9, 38.3 ± 5.2, and 46.2 ± 5.3 kg body weight [BW], in exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively) were fed a corn basal diet in exp. 1, a P-free diet in exp. 2, and an N-free diet in exp. 3 or diets with 40% inclusion of test ingredients to provide 10 replications per treatment. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism cages (exp. 1) or in pens (exp. 2 and 3) and fed at 2.8 times the maintenance DE requirement (110 kcal/kg BW^0.75) based on their BW at the beginning of each experiment. Except for ATTD of NDF, which tended (P = 0.058) to be greater by the index method compared with the total collection method, no difference between the total collection and index methods was observed for ATTD of remaining nutrients and DE. The ATTD of DM, GE, NDF, and DE content of BRHPDG were greater (P < 0.001) than USHPDG, BRCBS, and USDDGS. The AID of CP, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr, and Val and the SID of His, Leu, Lys, and Val of BRHPDG were 8% to 36% greater (P < 0.05) than those from USHPDG. Except for Trp, all AID and SID AA values were greater (P < 0.05) in BRHPDG than in USHPDG. The ATTD of DM, GE, NDF, and ADF; DE and ME content; AID of CP, Arg, Ile, Leu, Phe, Thr, and Trp; and SID of CP, Arg, Phe, and Thr of USDDGS were 9% to 45% greater (P < 0.05) than those in BRCBS. The ATTD and the STTD of P in USHPDG and USDDGS were 26% to 42% greater (P < 0.05) compared with BRHPDG and BRCBS. In conclusion, BRHPDG had a greater digestibility of energy and most of the AA than USHPDG, while the BRCBS evaluated had lower nutritional value than the USDDGS source.     

Cereal type and heat processing of the cereal affect nutrient digestibility and dynamics of serum insulin and ghrelin in weanling pigs

The effects of feeding corn or rice, either raw or heat processed (HP), on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients and on insulin and ghrelin concentrations in the serum were studied in young pigs. Pigs were weaned at approximately 23 ± 3 d of age and weighed 7.4 ± 1.2 kg. Each of the 4 treatments was replicated 9 times, and the experimental unit was a pig individually housed. Pigs (5 males and 4 females/treatment) were fed their respective diets ad libitum from 23 to 47 d of age. At 37 d of age, the effects of dietary treatments on the fasting and postprandial concentrations of insulin and total and acylated ghrelin were studied. The ATTD of OM, GE, and ether extract were, respectively, 4.3, 5.4, and 3.6% greater (P < 0.05) for the rice than for the corn diets, but CP digestibility was not affected. Similar results were observed for AID. Heat processing of the cereal increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD by 2.1% for OM, 3.2% for GE, 7.1% for ether extract, and 2.2% for CP and tended to increase the AID of CP (P = 0.06) and starch (P = 0.09). The postprandial serum insulin response was greater and was more prolonged in pigs fed raw rice than in pigs fed raw corn (P < 0.05). In addition, the effects of HP on serum insulin response were more pronounced with corn than with rice (cereal × HP, P < 0.05). Total ghrelin concentration was not affected by treatment, but acylated ghrelin was greater (P < 0.05) at 6 h postprandially in pigs fed rice than in pigs fed raw corn. Feeding rice and HP corn increased nutrient digestibility and insulin response in the early postprandial period and increased the acylated ghrelin response in the late postprandial period compared with feeding raw corn.     

Effects of different defatted rice bran sources and processing technologies on nutrient digestibility in cannulated growing pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different defatted rice bran (DFRB) sources and processing technologies on nutrient digestibility in different intestinal segments of pigs. Nine barrows with T-cannula in the distal ileum were randomly allotted to nine different sources in which oil was pressed extracted for seven sources and was solvent extracted for two sources. The experiment contained 6 periods of 12 d, including 8 d for diet adaptation, 2 d for fecal collection, and 2 d for digesta collection. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), ash, total dietary fiber (TDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose in different sources of DFRB was quite variable. There were no differences in the AID of dietary gross energy (GE), organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) between different sources of DFRB. There were no differences in the AID of dietary EE, TDF, IDF, and hemicellulose between different processing technologies. Pressed DFRBs have greater (P < 0.05) average AID of dietary GE, DM, ash, OM, CP, SDF, and NDF and lower (P < 0.01) ADF compared with solvent-extracted DFRBs. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of most of the dietary nutrients, except for the ATTD of dietary EE, SDF, and hemicellulose, significantly varied in different sources of DFRB (P < 0.05). In addition, pressed DFRB had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of dietary SDF, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose compared with solvent-extracted DFRB. The apparent hindgut digestibility (AHD) of dietary DM, SDF, NDF, and ADF significantly varied (P <0.05) in different sources of DFRB. Exception with DM, there are no differences in the AHD of nutrients digestibility between pressed DFRB and solvent-extracted DFRB. In conclusion, DFRB in different sources and processing technologies with different physicochemical properties had different effects on nutrient digestibility in the foregut and hindgut of pigs.     

Comparative digestibility of energy and nutrients in fibrous feed ingredients fed to Meishan and Yorkshire pigs

The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that differences in the digestibility of total dietary fiber among breeds of pigs is influenced by the type of fiber fed and also by the age of the pig. Five Meishan pigs (BW: 77.2 ± 15.2 kg; 5 mo old), 5 light Yorkshire pigs (BW: 80.1 ± 11.2 kg; 4 mo old), and 5 heavy Yorkshire pigs (BW: 102.1 ± 3.5 kg, 5 mo old) were surgically prepared with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. A corn-soybean meal diet (control) was formulated with 5 g?kg(-1) of titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Three additional diets were formulated by replacing 30% of the control diet with 30% of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), soybean hulls, or sugar beet pulp, and 1 diet was formulated by replacing 15% of the control diet with 15% pectin. Each group of pigs was allotted to a 5 × 5 Latin square design, and pigs were fed the 5 experimental diets during five 14-d periods. Fecal samples were collected on d 12, and ileal digesta were collected on d 13 and 14 of each period. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE and nutrients in each ingredient were calculated using the substitution method. Hindgut disappearance was calculated as the difference between ATTD and AID. When fed the control diet, Meishan pigs tended (P < 0.10) to have a greater AID of GE and CP (78.6 and 80.3%, respectively) than light (77.0 and 78.9%, respectively) and heavy (75.7 and 76.9%, respectively) Yorkshire pigs, and they had a greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM, GE, and carbohydrates (89.2, 89.5, and 95.5%, respectively) than light (86.6, 86.4, and 92.4%, respectively) and heavy (87.0, 86.6, and 93.0%, respectively) Yorkshire pigs. The ATTD of DM, GE, CP, carbohydrates, and total dietary fiber in DDGS (75.4, 76.3, 81.3, 78.0, and 75.3%, respectively) was greater (P < 0.01) in Meishan pigs than in light (55.7, 58.5, 66.7, 49.2, and 39.0%, respectively) and heavy (59.8, 62.9, 70.0, 51.1, and 55.7%, respectively) Yorkshire pigs. There were no differences among the 3 groups of pigs in the ATTD of GE or nutrients in soybean hulls, sugar beet pulp, or pectin. The hindgut disappearance of DM and carbohydrates in DDGS by Meishan pigs (26.8 and 52.9%, respectively) was greater (P < 0.05) than in the light (10.0 and 22.8%, respectively) and Heavy Yorkshire pigs (12.2 and 20.0%, respectively), but for the other ingredients, no differences in hindgut disappearance among Meishan, light Yorkshire, and heavy Yorkshire pigs were observed. In conclusion, Meishan pigs have a greater ATTD of DM, GE, and some nutrients in corn-soybean meal diets and in DDGS than Yorkshire pigs.     

The effect of short-term phytase supplementation on the apparent total tract digestibility of calcium and phosphorus and the reproductive performance of late gestation and lactating sows fed diets without mineral phosphorus

The objective of this study was to measure apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca and P as well as reproductive performance in late gestation and lactating sows supplemented with a novel phytase and to compare the response to phytase supplementation between late gestation and lactating sows. A total of 45 late gestation sows and 45 lactating sows were used in experiments 1 and 2, respectively, in a completely randomized design. The sows were provided with a control diet or the control diet supplemented with 187.5 or 375 FYT phytase/kg feed for 10 days. The diets were prepared according to the formulas in use for production but without any inorganic P supplement. Titanium dioxide was included at 3 g/kg feed as an indigestible marker. Each dietary treatment was replicated with 15 sows individually housed in farrowing stalls. The sows were allowed to adapt to the experimental diets for 5 days before a 5-d fecal collection by grab sampling, and the performance of the sows and their litters were measured until weaning. The results showed that the ATTD of Ca increased linearly (P < 0.001), while the ATTD of P increased both linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing supplementation of phytase in both late gestation and lactating sows. There was no significant effect of phytase on the ATTD of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy, and the performance of the sows and their progenies. The phytase added at 187.5 and 375 FYT/kg feed released 0.07% and 0.10% digested P, respectively, in late gestation sows, which compared with 0.09% and 0.12% digested P in lactating sows. In conclusion, a novel phytase at 187.5–375 FYT/kg feed could release 0.07–0.12% digestible P for sows. It appeared that using the P digestibility values of feed ingredients listed by NRC to formulate a diet for sows might overestimate dietary P supply and a greater response to phytase supplementation could be expected in lactating sows than in late gestation sows.     

Comparison of spray‐dried egg and albumen powder with conventional animal protein sources as feed ingredients in diets fed to weaned pigs

We evaluated the apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in spray‐dried egg (SPE) and albumen powder (AP) compared with spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP), dried porcine solubles (DPS) and fish meal (FM). Additionally, the effects of these egg byproducts as a replacement for conventional animal proteins on the performance and nutrient digestibility of piglets were studied. In Exp. 1, six barrows fitted with ileal T‐cannulas were allotted to a 6 × 6 Latin Square design and fed six diets. The AID and SID of AA were generally higher in AP and FM (P < 0.01) than in the other protein sources. In Exp. 2, 150 piglets weaned at 21 days, were fed diets containing the five protein sources for 3 weeks. Weight gain of piglets fed SDPP was the highest among the treatments. Dry matter and protein digestibility for pigs offered SDPP were higher (P < 0.01) than those offered FM and DPS. AP decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli counts in the cecum. DPS decreased (P < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase compared with SPE. In conclusion, AP and SPE are competitive with traditional animal protein sources and can be successfully fed to piglets without compromising performance.     

饲喂频率对生长猪饲粮养分消化率的影响

为研究饲喂频率对生长猪总能(GE)和养分的表观回肠消化率(AID)和表观全肠道消化率(ATTD)的影响,试验将24头回肠末端安装简单T型瘘管、平均初始体重为(40.7±1.3)kg的生长猪随机分到M2组(每天饲喂2次)和M12组(每天饲喂12次),每个处理组12个重复,每个重复1头猪。试验期共9 d,包括5 d适应期,2 d粪样收集期和2 d食糜收集期。结果表明:平均日采食量(ADFI)、平均日增重(ADG)和耗料增重比不受饲喂频率的影响(P0.1);饲喂频率对粗灰分、干物质(DM)、粗脂肪(EE)、碳水化合物(CHO)、粗蛋白(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)以及GE的AID无显著影响(P0.1);M2组的粗灰分、DM、EE、CP、NDF和GE的ATTD显著低于M12组(P0.05);M2组EE和ADF(P0.05)、NDF(P0.01)的后肠道消化率显著低于M12组;M2组ADF和CP的ATTD以及GE的后肠道消化率有低于M12组的趋势(P0.1)。由此可见,生长猪饲喂玉米-豆粕型饲粮,GE和养分的AID不受饲喂频率的影响,但增加饲喂频率能提高GE和养分的后肠消化率和ATTD。     

Effect of β-mannanase on the digestibility of diets with different protein sources in dogs determined by different methodologies

This experiment aimed at evaluating the effects of including the enzyme, β-mannanase, in dog (Canis lupus familiaris) diets based on either poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) by-product meal (PBM) or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Meal (SBM). The second objective was to evaluate 3 methods for determining energy and nutrient digestibility values in diets fed to dogs: total fecal collection (TFC) and use of aia or crude fiber (CF) as a marker. Eight dogs were allotted to a replicated latin square (4 by 4) design. There were 2 diets based on PBM as the major protein source and 2 diets based on SBM as the major protein source. Within each protein source, 1 diet contained no β-mannanase and 1 diet contained 0.01% β-mannanase. Diets were fed for an adaptation period of 5 d followed by 5 d of TFC. Fecal score (1 = watery feces to 5 = dry, hard pellets), pH, DM, and fecal volume were determined. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, OM, CP, ether extract (EE), N-free extract (NFE), and GE, and ME content were calculated using the methods of TFC, AIA, and CF. Data were analyzed as a 2 by 2 by 3 split-split-plot design (β-mannanase, protein source, and digestibility calculation procedure). There were interactions between protein source and β-mannanase (P < 0.05). Supplementation of β-mannanase increased ATTD of nutrients and energy and ME (+ 195.3 kcal/kg) and also reduced fecal production in the diet with SBM, but not in the diet that contained PBM. There was an interaction between digestibility calculation procedure and protein source (P < 0.05). The use of AIA overestimated ATTD of the diets containing PBM, but digestibility values estimated based on TFC and CF were not different. Dogs fed diets containing SBM produced more feces with greater moisture content and lower pH compared with dogs fed the PBM diet (P < 0.05). Addition of 0.01% β-mannanase increased (P < 0.05) the digestibility and ME content of the diets containing SBM, but did not improve (P > 0.05) fecal texture. Results indicated that values for ATTD of energy and nutrients in diets containing sbm are not different if they are calculated based on TFC, AIA, or CF, but use of AIA may result in an overestimation of values for ATTD of energy and nutrients in diets containing PBM.     

Energy, phosphorus, and amino acid digestibility of high-protein distillers dried grains and corn germ fed to growing pigs

Three experiments were conducted to measure energy, P, and AA digestibility in 2 novel co-products from the ethanol industry [i.e., high-protein distillers dried grains (HP DDG) and corn germ]. These products are produced by dehulling and degerming corn before it enters the fermentation process. Experiment 1 was an energy balance experiment conducted to measure DE and ME in HP DDG, corn germ, and corn. Six growing pigs (initial BW, 48.9 +/- 1.99 kg) were placed in metabolism cages and fed diets based on corn, corn and HP DDG, or corn and corn germ. Pigs were allotted to a replicated, 3 x 3 Latin square design. The DE and ME in corn (4,056 and 3,972 kcal/kg of DM, respectively) did not differ from the DE and ME in corn germ (3,979 and 3,866 kcal/kg of DM, respectively). However, HP DDG contained more (P < 0.05) energy (4,763 kcal of DE/kg of DM and 4,476 kcal of ME/kg of DM) than corn or corn germ. Experiment 2 was conducted to measure apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and true total tract digestibility of P in HP DDG and corn germ. Thirty growing pigs (initial BW, 33.2 +/- 7.18 kg) were placed in metabolism cages and fed a diet based on HP DDG or corn germ. A P-free diet was used to measure endogenous P losses. Pigs were assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design, with 10 replications per treatment. The ATTD and the retention of P were calculated for the diets containing HP DDG and corn germ, and the endogenous loss of P was estimated from pigs fed the P-free diet. The ATTD was lower (P < 0.05) in corn germ (28.6%) than in the HP DDG (59.6%). The retention of P was also lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed corn germ (26.7%) than in pigs fed HP DDG (58.9%). The endogenous loss of P was estimated to be 211 +/- 39 mg per kg of DMI. The true total tract digestibility of P for HP DDG and corn germ was calculated to be 69.3 and 33.7%, respectively. In Exp. 3, apparent ileal digestibility and standardized ileal digestibility values of CP and AA in HP DDG and corn germ were measured using 6 growing pigs (initial BW, 78.2 +/- 11.4 kg) allotted to a replicated, 3 x 3 Latin square design. The apparent ileal digestibility for CP and all AA except Arg and Pro, and the standardized ileal digestibility for CP and all AA except Arg, Lys, Gly, and Pro were greater (P < 0.05) in HP DDG than in corn germ. It was concluded that HP DDG has a greater digestibility of energy, P, and most AA than corn germ.     

The influence of xylanase on the fermentability,digestibility, and physicochemical properties of insoluble corn-based fiber along the gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs

In theory, supplementing xylanase in corn-based swine diets should improve nutrient and energy digestibility and fiber fermentability, but its efficacy is inconsistent. The experimental objective was to investigate the impact of xylanase on energy and nutrient digestibility, digesta viscosity, and fermentation when pigs are fed a diet high in insoluble fiber (>20% neutral detergent fiber; NDF) and given a 46-d dietary adaptation period. A total of 3 replicates of 20 growing gilts were blocked by initial body weight, individually housed, and assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: a low-fiber control (LF) with 7.5% NDF, a 30% corn bran high-fiber control (HF; 21.9% NDF), HF + 100 mg xylanase/kg (HF + XY [Econase XT 25P; AB Vista, Marlborough, UK]) providing 16,000 birch xylan units/kg; and HF + 50 mg arabinoxylan-oligosaccharide (AXOS) product/kg (HF + AX [XOS 35A; Shandong Longlive Biotechnology, Shandong, China]) providing AXOS with 3–7 degrees of polymerization. Gilts were allowed ad libitum access to fed for 36-d. On d 36, pigs were housed in metabolism crates for a 10-d period, limit fed, and feces were collected. On d 46, pigs were euthanized and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta were collected. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model with block and replication as random effects, and treatment as a fixed effect. Compared with LF, HF reduced the apparent ileal digestibility (AID), apparent cecal digestibility (ACED), apparent colonic digestibility (ACOD), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), NDF, and hemicellulose (P < 0.01). Relative to HF, HF + XY improved the AID of GE, CP, and NDF (P < 0.05), and improved the ACED, ACOD, and ATTD of DM, GE, CP, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose (P < 0.05). Among treatments, pigs fed HF had increased hindgut DM disappearance (P = 0.031). Relative to HF, HF + XY improved cecal disappearance of DM (162 vs. 98 g; P = 0.008) and NDF (44 vs. 13 g; P < 0.01). Pigs fed xylanase had a greater proportion of acetate in cecal digesta and butyrate in colonic digesta among treatments (P < 0.05). Compared with LF, HF increased ileal, cecal, and colonic viscosity, but HF + XY decreased ileal viscosity compared with HF (P < 0.001). In conclusion, increased insoluble corn-based fiber decreases digestibility, reduces cecal fermentation, and increases digesta viscosity, but supplementing xylanase partially mitigated that effect.