bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
267 Efficacy of Using the Elastic net Regularized Regression Method to Predict Body Weight of Beef Heifers Using Body Measurements and Calculated Frame Score
Authors: Yusuf Mustapha , Mosher Macie K , Fontoura Ananda B P , Hanna Lauren L Hulsman , Bauer Marc L , Ringwall Kris A , Swanson Kendall C
Published: October 2023

Several methods to estimate the body weight (BW) of cattle have been proposed. Body measurements have proved to be useful in estimating the BW of cattle. However, there are multicollinearities between body measurements which could affect the accuracy of prediction models. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO regression), ridge regression, and more recently elastic net (EN) regularization has been suggested to handle multicollinearity better than simple regression. Elastic net is a regularization technique that combines LASSO and ridge regression. In this study, we modelled BW against some body measurements [calculated: volume (VL) 218 to 503 liters; frame score (FS) 2.1 to 7.5; surface area (SA) 4.02 to 7.1 m2], and direct body measurements [body length (BL) 89 to 136 cm; hip height (HH) 96 to 136 cm; hip width (HW) 33 to 52 cm; heart girth (HG) 149 to 191 cm; mid girth (MG) 177 to 234 cm; flank girth (FG) 156 to 239 cm] to examine which variable(s) predicts BW more accurately. Data from 300 heifers (9 breeds) collected over 4 years were used with year as a random effect to account for differences between years. We ran the EN model using the glmnet function of the R caret package. Ten-fold cross validation was used with 5 repeats. The EN model was trained using 206 observations and validated with 94 observations. The best model was selected based on the minimum root mean square error and median R-square (R2) values. Including FS in the prediction model resulted in the highest R2 (0.5754) and was a better predictor for BW compared with other models: VL (0.4271), SA (0.4130) and direct body measurements (0.4861). This suggests that calculated FS could be a better estimate for BW than direct body measurements and indicates that FS still accurately predicts size of heifers.
92 Methane Mitigation in Dairy Animals Begins Before Birth with Opportunities to Impact Throughout Life
Authors: French Elizabeth A
Published: October 2023

Research efforts are underway to identify methane mitigators in the dairy sector to reach net zero carbon emissions, and ideally, net negative global emissions. Methane mitigation is multifactorial, including strategies in genetics, management, diet composition, diet nutrient composition, and implementation of feed additives. Research efforts thus far have primarily focused on adult ruminants. Research on how calf management and its impact on phenotypic traits including milk production and methane production is currently lacking. Supplying different levels of nutrients in late lactation results in demonstrated splits in feed intake, average daily gain, metabolism, and greenhouse gas emissions from their offspring. Post-calving, nutrient-restricted heifers entering the lactating herd are hypothesized to be less productive and have greater environmental impact due to reduced productive efficiency relative to their control herd mates. Identification of feed additives that are locally sourced, alter the rumen microbiome, and have lifetime reductions on emissions are under investigation. Further research efforts include identifying metabolic and genetic profiles to identify animals in early life as either high or low methane emitters. Being able to classify animals early in life can reduce the total economic inputs used to raise animals and reduce the total environmental impact of these animals through early culling or intervention of high methane emitting animals. The goal of this presentation is to discuss current knowledge and future potential of calf management, feeding regimes, and feed additive implementation to reduce methane emissions and total environmental impact in the dairy industry.
91 Methanogen Ecology in the Ruminant Hindgut
Authors: Ricke Steven C
Published: October 2023

Environmental methane production continues to be an ongoing global concern and interest is growing to reduce total methane production. As a part of this collective effort mitigation of methane production in ruminants has become one of the targets for ongoing research. Several strategies have emerged including dietary manipulation, administration of unique feed additives that specifically target methanogens, and host animal modulation approaches. Most of these efforts have focused on the rumen methanogen population and understanding their ecology in relationship to the non-methanogen microbial population. However, there is potential for methane production in the hindgut of the ruminant animal, and this should be considered in any overall strategy for mitigation of methane production in ruminants. The emphasis of this presentation is to discuss the current knowledge and future prospects for understanding the contribution of hindgut methanogens to overall ruminant methane production and their potential for contribution to mitigation of ruminant methane production.
306 Nutrient Digestibility and Dietary Energy Values in Growing Pigs Fed a Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Soluble (Cddgs)-Based Diet with Multi-Enzyme Supplementation
Authors: Halbur Joseph G , Hong Jinsu , Llamas-Moya Sara , Duong Tri , Kitt Steve J , Weaver Eric , Bertram Mark
Published: October 2023

Dietary enzyme supplementation may enhance the digestibility and utilization of non-starch components of the diet by pigs. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-carbohydrase enzyme (ENZ) in growing pigs for apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy values in a corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS)-based diet. A total of 12 ileal-cannulated pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 31.7 kg ± 3.04] were housed in individual metabolic crates for 21 days (Period 1) and subsequently transferred to individual floor pens for additional 28 days (Period 2). These animals were assigned to 2 diets (n = 6) in a completely randomized design (CRD). The diets were formulated on corn, soybean meal and cDDGS (30%) without (CON) or with ENZ supplementation. The ENZ (Proprietary xylanase/cellulase product, Kerry Inc.) was included in the diets at 200 g/tonne. Feeds were formulated to 1.15% SID lysine and met or exceeded nutrient requirements for growing pigs (NRC, 2012). Pigs were fed diets at three times maintenance energy requirement based on BW, which was assessed at every 2 weeks intervals throughout the study, Titanium dioxide was added to the diets as an indigestible marker. In period 1, pigs had 14 d of adaptation, followed by 4 d fecal and urine using the total collection method and 2 d ileal digesta collection. In period 2, pigs had 23 days adaptation, followed by 2 d fecal collection and 2 d illeal digesta collection. The AID of AA and gross energy (GE) and ATTD of nutrients and GE were calculated by an index method. Data were analyzed as a CRD, using pig as the experimental unit and enzyme supplementation as the main effect. Overall, average daily gain and gain:feed ratio of pigs were 857 and 918 g/d and 0.52 and 0.54 for CON and ENZ, respectively (P > 0.05). In period 1, ENZ supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the ATTD of dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and GE by 4.4%, 26.8%, 2.8%, 11.3%, and 3.6%, respectively. Also, ENZ tended to improve (P < 0.10) the ATTD of crude protein (CP) by 7.4% and AID of threonine, CP, and GE by 6.6%, 7.6%, and 13.7%, respectively. In period 2, ENZ improved (P < 0.05) the ATTD of DM, ash, OM, CP, NDF, and GE by 5%, 30.1%, 3.4%, 4.1%, 19.6%, and 4.2%, respectively. similarly, EMZ improved (P < 0.05) the AID of threonine, CP, and GE by 4.2%, 6.0%, and 6.4%, respectively. In conclusion, multi-carbohydrase supplementation in a corn-SBM diet with 30% cDDGS increased the digestibility of nutrients and energy in growing pigs and may represent a useful strategy to optimize the utilization of such raw material.
33 Effect of Utilizing Nurse Sows Compared with no Nurse Sows on Farrowing House Productivity
Authors: Meier Larissa E , Allen Kacey N , Cross Amanda , Mauch-Swinford Emily , Stephenson Ethan , Sonderman John , McNeil Brady
Published: October 2023

As number of piglets born alive increases, producers are faced with managing large litters in farrowing. Incorporating nurse sows is one strategy producers have used to assist with increased number born alive. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in sow farm productivity in farrowing rooms with 0% nurse sows (NoNurse) and rooms with 7% nurse sows (Nurse). Crossbred sows (n = 618), ranging from parity 1 to parity 6, were assigned to farrowing rooms based on farrow date (DNA L241, DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE). At birth, all pigs (n = 9109) were individually tagged and weighed. For both treatments, cross-fostering occurred within the first 24 hours after birth within treatment. Pig movements were limited as much as possible for sows, with born alive between 13 and 15 pigs, to maximize the number of sows lactating her own pigs. If cross-fostering was necessary, pigs were placed on sows to maximize functional teat count. Farrowing rooms had 14 crates. Nurse treatment left 1 crate open (7%) to bring in a nurse sow between days 3-5 of lactation. Pigs lagging in BW gain relative to their peers (fall-behind pigs) in the Nurse treatment room were identified, weighed, and moved to a nurse sow. In NoNurse treatment, fall-behind pigs were marked and weighed but remained on their original dam. Littermates of the fall-behind pigs were also weighed for both treatments. Pigs were weaned at approximately 21.5 days of age and weaning weights were recorded. Mortality reason and date were recorded throughout the trial. Birth weights of pigs were not statistically different (P = 0.29) between NoNurse and Nurse treatment rooms. However, birth weights for fall-behind pigs were on average 0.34 kg less than non-fall-behind pigs (P < 0.05) regardless of treatment. Fall-behind pigs in the NoNurse treatment were on average 0.75 kg (P < 0.05) less at weaning than the fall-behind pigs in the Nurse treatment. NoNurse treatment sows weaned on average 0.73 more pigs (P < 0.05) than Nurse treatments sows. There was no difference in pre-weaning mortality between the Nurse and NoNurse treatments (P = 0.48). Producers should continue evaluating strategies to assist with the increase in born alive due to the impact on weaning performance.
28 On-Farm Rapid Test to Assess Immunological Health of Young Pigs
Authors: Carter Kyerra , Weaver Eric , Levesque Crystal L
Published: October 2023

Immunological competence is important for young pig survivability. A rapid on-farm test of immunological status may be a tool to help with early identification of sick animals. A new immunological test uses gold nanoparticle technology (D2Dx) to detect changes in serum proteins, particularly IgG and was evaluated as a potential on-farm measure of immunological health of pigs born during a farm level Porcine Respiratory Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS) outbreak. Up to three piglets from each litter in 2 farrowing groups (28 days apart) were selected for serial blood sampling and monitoring of body weight. Group 1 (n = 13 sows) experienced the PRRS outbreak approximately 14 days before farrowing and Group 2 (n = 15) approximately 40 days before farrowing. Attempts were made to select one piglet from each of 3 general categories [small (< 1.0 kg), average (1.1 – 1.6 kg), heavy (>1.6 kg)] from each litter. Serum samples were collected at day 2 and 15 of age from each piglet and serum IgG concentration and D2Dx ratio were assessed. Serum immunocrit at day 2 was also completed. Daily animal care of piglets and sows followed standard barn protocols. No creep feed was provided, sows were fed ad libitum, and cross-fostering was limited. Stillborn rate and preweaning death loss was approximately 70% in Group 1 and 35% in Group 2. Birth weight was similar between Group 1 and 2 litters (1.4 ± 0.3 kg). However, body weight gain to day 15 was 1.7 ± 0.95 kg and 2.7 ± 1.1 kg for piglets from Group 1 and 2, respectively, which may be due to timing of the PRRS outbreak. The D2Dx ratio declined from day 2 to 15 (0.029 vs -0.002) in both groups and was significantly reduced in Group 2 pigs (P < 0.001). A lower ratio suggests a stronger type 2 immune response and has been associated with decreased overall immunity in cattle, humans, and rodents. The D2Dx ratio was negatively correlated (r = -0.58) with BW gain in Group 1 pigs and positively correlated (r = 0.36) with gain in Group 2 pigs. Both immunocrit (day 2) and IgG (d15) were greater in Group 1 pigs than Group 2 (P < 0.01). There was a no relationship between birth weight and day 2 serum immunocrit (R2 = 0.06) or day 2 D2Dx (R2 = 0.01). There was no relationship between serum IgG and D2Dx at d15. The PRRS disease activity impacts immunocrit and serum IgG measures in the neonatal pig. The D2Dx ratio was not strongly related to piglet immunological status under disease conditions; however, the stronger type 2 immune response may be reflective of positive changes in piglet immune function and the response to maternal PRRS antibodies in milk.
PSII-1 Evaluation of Precision Feeding on Animal Behavior in Finishing Beef Cattle
Authors: Hanson Santana , Braaten Hannah , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: October 2023

Charolais × Angus cross steers (n = 80; initial shrunk BW = 505 kg ± 31.6 kg; n = 10 pens; 5 replicate pens/treatment) were used in two 24-hour observations to evaluate animal behavior based on varying degrees of daily feed inclusion over a 28-day period (d 14 and d 42 on feed). Treatments included: 1) A fixed diet inclusion rate for each individual ingredient with a tolerance of 0.454 kg, and 2) Variable inclusion rates (VAR) of diet ingredients that were randomly increased or decreased while maintaining the targeted daily as-fed delivery. Steers were fed twice daily with a slick bunk approach used to manage feed bunks. Diets composition (DM basis) was 48% high moisture corn (HMC), 21% dry-rolled corn (DRC), 5% liquid supplement (LS), 14% dried distillers’ grains plus solubles (DDGS), and 12% grass hay (GH). In the VAR treatment inclusions of HMC, DRC, and DDGS varied independently by assigning a random integer with each integer corresponding to a specific deviation from target. Dietary inclusion of LS was fixed. Inclusion of GH was altered so that the targeted as-fed amount was delivered each day. Inclusion rates of ingredients (HMC, DRC, and DDGS) on an as-fed basis varied from the formulated diet by -20, -15, -10, -5, 0, +5, +10, +15, or +20%. Data from the two 24-hour observations were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with pen as the experiment unit. Treatment was analyzed as a fixed effect and block (pen location) was a random effect in the model. Varying ingredient inclusion did not affect cattle activity, time spent drinking, resting, eating, or ruminating, or chewing behaviors (P ≥ 0.24) during the initial d 14 observation. Treatment did affect DMI the week preceding that observation period (P = 0.04). During the second 24-hour observation period activity, resting, ruminating, and chewing behaviors along with DMI were unaffected by variation in inclusion of diet ingredients (P ≥ 0.33). Varying inclusion rates of diet ingredients increased time spent drinking (P = 0.05) by 33.3% and decreased time spent eating behaviors (P = 0.01) by 9.4% at the d 42 observation point. Under the conditions of the present experiment, altering dietary ingredient proportions in a finishing diet may influence time spent drinking and eating after 42 d on feed.
PSII-3 Effect of Room Temperature Regimen on Growth Performance and Mortality of Newly-Weaned Pigs
Authors: Morris Jenny , Ellis Mike , Shull Caleb M
Published: October 2023

Current recommended room temperatures for newly weaned pigs are based on historical research carried out several years ago. Since that time, major changes have occurred in the genotype of the pigs and in the management and the housing environment. This study was carried out to determine if a temperature regimen based on the choice of temperature of the pigs would improve post-weaning performance of pigs of different weaning weights. This study was carried out over the first 4 weeks after weaning (21 ± 1 d) using a split-plot design with 2 treatments: 1) Room Temperature Regimen (RT; main plot; Preferred vs. Control); 2) Weaning Weight (WW; subplot; Light vs. Heavy). Room temperatures for the Preferred treatment were 32, 32, 30, and 28℃ for wk 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the study, respectively. Room temperatures for the Control treatment (based on current recommendations) were 28, 26, 24, and 22℃ for week 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the study, respectively. The WW treatments were based on the lightest and heaviest pigs, respectively, from each litter. Four identical rooms of a wean-to-finish facility were used (2 rooms/RT treatment); 256 newly weaned pigs were housed in mixed-sex pens of 8 (16 pens/RT treatment) at a floor space of 0.78 m2/pig. Growth performance (ADG, ADFI, G:F) and mortality were measured over the 4-wk study period. The average start and end weight was 4.6 ± 0.32 kg and 12.7 ± 0.89 kg, respectively, for the Light WW treatment and was 6.4 ± 0.40 kg and 15.8 ± 1.47 kg, respectively for the Heavy WW treatment. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between RT and WW for growth performance measures. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of RT on overall growth performance. Light WW pigs had less (P < 0.05) overall ADG (0.29 vs. 0.34 kg; SEM 0.009) and ADFI (0.40 vs. 0.46 kg; SEM 0.010) but similar G:F (0.733 vs. 0.739 kg; SEM 0.0115) compared with Heavy WW pigs. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between the RT and WW treatments for overall mortality. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of RT for Heavy WW pigs (3.1 vs. 1.6 % for the Preferred and Control treatments, respectively; SEM = 1.89); however, mortality was less (P < 0.05) for Light pigs on the Preferred than on the Control treatment (1.6 vs. 7.8 %, respectively; SEM 1.89). In conclusion, the Preferred RT treatment did not impact growth performance in the first 4 weeks after weaning but reduced mortality of pigs of light, but not heavy weaning weight. This finding warrants verification under commercial conditions.
PSI-20 Effects of Prebiotic Galactooligosaccharide (Gos) on Piglet Growth and Jejunal Morphology During the Peri-Weaning Period
Authors: Boston Timothy E , Wang Feng , Xi Lin , Kim Sung Woo , Fellner Vivek , Scott Mark F , Ziegler Amanda L , Van Landeghem Laurianne , Blikslager Anthony T , Odle Jack
Published: October 2023

Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is a specific prebiotic that is enzymatically synthesized from lactose to form beta-linked oligosaccharides containing 2-8 galactose units. In this study, GOS-enriched whey permeate (Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie MN) was supplemented to piglets in lactation and nursery phases. To maximize pre-weaning GOS intake, novel gruel creep feeders were utilized. Using a 3x2 factorial design, piglets from 24 litters received either no creep feed (NC), creep without GOS (CG-) or creep with 5% GOS (CG+) followed by a phase 1 nursery diet without (NG-) or with 3.8% GOS (NG+). After 1 week, pigs were fed common phase 2 and phase 3 diets. At d 22 (pre-weaning) and d 31 (post-weaning), 6 pigs per treatment were euthanized for intestinal measurements. Pre-weaning, creep fed pigs grew 19% faster than controls (P < 0.01) but GOS effects were not detected (P > 0.1). In contrast, pigs fed GOS in phase 1 grew 34 % faster than controls (P < 0.04), irrespective of creep treatment (interaction P > 0.1), and with corresponding greater intakes (P < 0.06). These GOS effects were sustained for overall nursery performance. Furthermore, overall ADG of CG+ piglets in the nursery tended to be greatest (P = 0.09), gaining 361g/d, followed by NC (324 g/d) and CG- (310 g/d) treatments (Table 1). No effects on jejunal morphology were detected at d 22, although there was an effect of age with decreased villi length, villus area, villi:crypt ratio and increased crypt depth at d 31 (P < 0.01). Supplementation of GOS in phase 1 increased villus length (36%) and area (51%) but only in pigs previously fed the control creep (CG-) diet (interaction, P < 0.01). Treatment effects on cecal pH and VFA concentrations were not detected, although there was an effect of age with a decrease in pH (P < 0.01) and increase in propionate and butyrate concentrations post-weaning (P < 0.01). We conclude that gruel creep feeding increases weight gain regardless of GOS treatment and that nursery growth and intestinal morphology are improved by post-weaning GOS supplementation. Funded in part by Milk Specialties Global, USDA-NIFA 2022-67015-37125 and Hatch 1016618.
PSI-14 Enteric Challenge Increases Amino Acids and Energetic Costs in Growing Pigs
Authors: da valini Graziela Alves cunha , Arnaut Pedro Righetti , Hauschild Luciano , Remus Aline
Published: October 2023

Supplementing tryptophan (Trp), threonine (Thr), and methionine (Met) above the requirements might support immune system energetic and protein costs during a sanitary challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between protein deposition (PD) and immune response in challenged pigs. Twenty gilts per treatment (25.4 kg, ± 3.7 of body weight [BW]) were group-housed for 28 d in a poor sanitary condition characterized by oral inoculation with 2×109 CFU of Salmonella typhimurium, fresh manure spreading from a commercial pig farm on the barn floor and no daily cleaning. Pigs were distributed in a complete randomized block design in two treatments: control (CN) or supplemented (AA+) diet with Trp, Thr, and Met:Lysine 20% above the requirements recommended by NRC (2012). Serum samples were collected at 7 days post-challenge (dpc) for immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) quantification. Body composition was estimated by dual-energy X-ray densitometry at d -1 and 28 dpc to obtain protein (PM, % of BW) and lipid (LM, % of BW) masses. Pigs were individually fed through automatic feeding stations throughout the trial. The percentual feed intake (FI) decrease was calculated relative to individual FI of pigs before the challenge (d -4 dpc). Pearson correlations (Figure 1) were performed using the ggpubr package of R Software, and means were compared using a mixed model. Initial PM, LM, and treatment had no influence (P > 0.05) on the average FI reduction during 7 dpc, which was on average 20% less for both treatments (Table 1). However, PM was 8%, and PD was 15% greater (P < 0.05) AA+ than CN pigs, without changes in lipid deposition. Although the IgG and IgA serum concentrations were not influenced by the initial PM and LM (P > 0.05), pigs with increased IgG concentration at 7 dpc presented lower PD for both AA+ (r = -0.64; P < 0.01) and CN (r = -0.58; P < 0.01) treatments. The Pearson correlation indicates that less IgG was synthesized per unit of protein deposited in AA+ pigs, suggesting that AA+ diet might have impaired the systemic immune response and improved PD. The concentration of IgA in blood at 7 dpc had no correlation (r = -0.27; P > 0.05) with PD in CN fed pigs, whereas increased IgA at d 7 resulted in decreased PD at d 28 for AA+ pigs (r = -0.68; P < 0.01). Likely because IgA has a greater Thr content in its composition, the AA+ diet provided a better AA profile for its synthesis. Additionally, LD decreased proportionally to PD, suggesting increases in energetic costs not linked to FI, but rather to the immune system energetic expenses during the enteric challenge. Increasing Trp, Thr and Met ratio attenuates the inflammatory response and improves nutrient utilization and PD in challenged pigs.
PSII-12 Growth Performance of Pigs Fed Diets Containing Supplemental Lysine and a Low or High Essential Amino Acid-Nitrogen to Total Nitrogen Ratio
Authors: Camire Carley M , Rodrigues Lucas A , Panisson Josiane C , Shoveller Anna K , Columbus Daniel A
Published: October 2023

With the provision of low protein (LP) diets, it is possible that N, or non-essential amino acids (NEAA), become limiting. We have previously shown that the lysine (Lys) requirement for N retention is greater when pigs are fed a diet with sufficient N, as indicated by a low EAA-N:total N ratio (EAA-N:TN). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of EAA-N:TN and Lys content on growth performance of growing pigs. A total of 240 growing pigs (20.6 ± 2.03 kg initial body weight) were randomly placed into groups of 5 pigs/pen (either 2 barrows and 3 gilts, or 3 barrows and 2 gilts) and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n = 12 pens/treatment) in 3 blocks in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Factors consisted of dietary EAA-N:TN [optimal ratio (LR) of 0.48 or high ratio (HR) of 0.55] and dietary Lys level of 1.03% SID or 1.22% SID, representing the NRC (2012) requirement and the requirement as determined previously, respectively. Diets were corn and soybean meal based and formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements according to NRC (2012). Pigs were individually weighed and feed intake determined weekly to determine average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain:feed (G:F). Fecal samples were collected on d 14 for determination of N output. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with fixed effects of ratio, lysine, and their interaction and block as a random effect. Increasing dietary Lys resulted in increased overall ADG and ADFI, regardless of EAA-N:TN ratio (P < 0.01). Pigs fed the HR diets had improved ADG in week 4 (P < 0.05), whereas pigs fed the LR diets had improved ADG and G:F in week 1 (P < 0.01). There was an interactive effect of ratio and Lys on N output (P < 0.01), where N output decreased in the HR diets with 1.22% Lys. Overall, current Lys requirements may not be sufficient to maximize growth in 20-50 kg pigs, and greater Lys may be beneficial for reducing N output in LP diets.
PSII-16 Comparison of Microencapsulated Zinc Oxide and Conventional Zinc Oxide on Weanling Pig Small Intestinal Morphology
Authors: Dahmer Payton L , Jones Cassandra K
Published: October 2023

A total of 300 pigs (DNA 200 × 400; initially 6.04 ± 0.08 kg BW) were weaned at an average of 21 d of age and used in a 42-d experiment with 12 replications per treatment. At weaning (experiment d 0), pigs were randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments: 1) negative control (standard nursery diet containing 110 ppm Zn from trace mineral premix); 2) control diet with 3,000 ppm added Zn in the form of ZnO in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm added Zn in the form of ZnO in phase 2 (High-ZnO); 3) control diet with 400 ppm added Zn in the form of ZnO in phases 1 and 2 (Low-ZnO); 3) 3,000 ppm added Zn in the form of microencapsulated ZnO in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm added Zn in the form of microencapsulated ZnO in phase 2 (High-MZnO); 5) 400 ppm added Zn in the form of microencapsulated ZnO in phases 1 and 2 (Low-MZnO). Pigs were fed dietary treatments from d 0 to 28. On d 28, a subset of pigs with a BW closest to the treatment mean (n = 30 total; 6 per treatment) were euthanized via captive bolt and necropsied for collection of small intestinal tissue to evaluate morphology at the Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Briefly, after pigs were slaughtered, they were opened viscerally, and the small intestine was identified. Two samples (approximately 2 cm long) were cut from the proximal and distal ends of the ileum and fixed in formalin. Samples were then embedded in paraffin and 4 µm cross-sections were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Slides were analyzed using a microscope at 10× magnification. Measurements [villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), and villus height:crypt depth ration (VH:CD)] were evaluated from 10 unbroken villi and their corresponding crypts. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (version 9.4) with individual pig as the experimental unit. No evidence of differences in proximal ileal VH (P = 0.34), proximal ileal CD (P = 0.52), and proximal ileal VH:CD (P = 0.49) were observed between dietary treatments (Table 1). Likewise, there was no evidence of differences in distal ileal VH (P = 0.63), CD (P = 0.53), or VH:CD (P = 0.80) between dietary treatments. In summary, feeding a microencapsulated form of ZnO did not appear to alter small intestinal morphology in weanling pigs compared with conventional, unprotected ZnO.
PSIII-10 Effects of Mitoquinol During an Acute Heat Stress in Growing Gilts
Authors: Freestone Alyssa D , Rudolph Tori E , Roths Melissa S , Mayorga Edith J , Abeyta Megan A , Goetz Brady M , Rodriguez-Jimenez Sonia , Opgenorth Julie , Selsby Joshua T , Baumgard Lance H
Published: October 2023

Objectives were to evaluate the effects of mitoquinol (MitoQ) on production parameters, gastrointestinal (GIT) contents, GIT mass, and circulating leukocytes during acute heat stress (HS). Crossbred gilts [49.1±2.4 kg body weight (BW)] were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 therapeutic-environmental treatments: 1) thermoneutral (TN) control (TNCON; n = 8), 2) TN and MitoQ (TNMitoQ; n = 8), 3) HS control (HSCON; n = 8), or 4) HS and MitoQ (HSMitoQ; n = 8). The study consisted of two experimental periods (P). During P1 (2 d) pigs were fed ad libitum and housed in TN conditions (20.6±1.5°C). During P2 (24 h) pigs were fed ad libitum and exposed to either TN or constant HS (37.3±1.3°C). In MitoQ fed pigs, MitoQ (20 mg) was administered twice daily (0700 and 1800 h; 40 mg/d) during both P1 and P2. Rectal temperature (TR), skin (TS), respiration rate (RR), and feed intake (FI) were recorded every 4 h during P2. Following P2, all pigs were euthanized, and organs were weighed. As expected, pigs exposed to HS had increased TR, TS, and RR (1.5°C, 8.7°C, and 86 bpm, respectively; P < 0.01) relative to TN. Compared with TN, HS pigs had decreased FI (67%; P < 0.01). Additionally, HS pigs lost BW compared with TN (-1.9 vs. +1.5 kg, respectively; P < 0.01). Despite consuming 67% less feed, stomach contents were similar in TN and HS pigs (P > 0.54), regardless of environment. Large and small intestine contents were decreased in HS pigs relative to TN (23 and 49%, respectively; P ≤ 0.01). Total GIT luminal contents (stomach, small and large intestines) were decreased in HS relative to TN pigs (2.43 vs. 3.26 kg; P = 0.01); however, MitoQ fed pigs tended to have increased GIT contents regardless of the environment (3.05 vs. 2.63 kg; P = 0.08). Total empty GIT and liver weights decreased in HS relative to TN pigs (3.21 vs. 3.48 and 1.16 vs. 1.22 kg, respectively; P ≤ 0.03). In addition, liver weight was decreased in MitoQ relative to CON pigs (1.13 vs. 1.24 kg; P = 0.01). Further, total GIT weight (tissue and contents) was decreased in HS relative to TN pigs (5.63 vs. 6.70 kg; P = 0.01). Environment nor therapeutic treatment affected circulating leukocytes (P > 0.16); however, HS pigs tended to have decreased lymphocytes relative to TN (16%; P = 0.07). Based upon the changes in GIT content, it appears HS decreases gastric emptying while increasing intestinal passage rate. Overall, acute HS increased body temperature indices, and decreased FI, GIT mass and BW; however, MitoQ administration did not appear to ameliorate these metrics.
PSIII-20 Impact of Prefarrow Fat Supplementation on Piglet Survival and Subsequent Reproduction
Authors: Knauer Mark , Peppmeier Zack , Purvis Jerry
Published: October 2023

Past research (40+ years ago) suggests feeding fat to sows before parturition and during lactation improves piglet energy stores, sow colostrum fat percentage, sow milk fat percentage and piglet survival. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the impact of sow fat feeding on piglet survival and throughput in a modern production system. Data were collected from 1,866 sows at a 3,600 sow commercial farm in eastern North Carolina between May and August. Sows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments from day 108 of gestation until farrowing (no supplementation; Control), supplemented with 227g or 454g of soybean oil per day, or supplemented with 227g of coconut oil per day. Oil sources were top dressed daily with 2.27kg of lactation diet. After farrowing, sows had ad libitum access to the lactation diet. At birth, piglets received a colored ear tag corresponding to prefarrow diet. Traits recorded included total number of piglets born, stillborns, crossfosters, number weaned, piglet survival (number weaned ÷ total number born), litter weaning weight, lactation length, whether a sow farrowed a subsequent litter, subsequent total number born, subsequent number born alive, subsequent stillborns, Knauer sow body condition caliper score prefarrow and sow caliper score at weaning. Linear models were used in statistical analysis. Fixed effects included sow prefarrow diet, parity, contemporary group and location of the sow within the farrowing room. Covariates were included when applicable. Results are shown in Table 1. Stillborns and stillborn percentage did not differ (P > 0.05) between dietary treatments. Yet sows supplemented with soybean oil tended (P = 0.10) to have fewer stillborn piglets (0.06 piglets) than Control sows. No differences (P > 0.05) in piglet survival across dietary treatments were observed. Sows supplemented with soybean or coconut oil prefarrow had greater (P < 0.05) subsequent total number born (13.71 vs. 13.31 piglets) and tended (P = 0.07) to have greater subsequent number born alive (13.07 vs. 12.72 piglets) than Control fed sows. Accordingly, sows supplemented with soybean oil tended (P = 0.08) to have more subsequent total number born (13.69 vs. 13.31 piglets) and tended (P = 0.09) to have greater subsequent number born alive (13.07 vs. 12.72 piglets) than Control fed sows. No differences (P > 0.05) in sow body condition loss during lactation were observed between dietary treatments. In summary, prefarrow fat supplementation did not impact piglet survival but did enhance subsequent litter size. The authors would like to thank the United Soybean Board for funding projects designed to enhance pig farmer profit.
PSIII-14 Effect of Water Delivery System on Intestinal Microbial Populations of Nursery Pigs
Authors: Hammers Kelsey L , Law Kayla , Urriola Pedro E , Gomez Andres , Johnston Lee J
Published: October 2023

A previous experiment was conducted to determine if cleanliness of a water delivery system influenced growth performance of nursery pigs. Additionally, we hypothesized that cleanliness of the water delivery system would alter populations of intestinal bacteria. Newly weaned pigs (n = 315; about 21 d of age) were used in a 42-d experiment and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 water line treatments with 17 to 18 pens/treatment and 9 pigs/pen. Treatments consisted of water delivered to pens via a water distribution system in use for 21 years without cleaning (OLD) or water delivered to pens via a water distribution system in use for 6 weeks (NEW). Water for both distribution systems was sourced from a common well. Pigs were housed in an environmentally controlled, power-ventilated, confinement nursery barn and were allowed ad libitum access to water and common diets fed in 3 phases across OLD and NEW treatments. Twenty-eight pigs of average body weight (n = 14 pigs/treatment) were selected for collection of fecal swabs on days 0, 4, and 42 post-weaning. A pooled water sample was collected from 10 randomly selected pens/treatment and from the water supply on days 4 and 42. Swabs were also collected from the inside surface of each water line at the beginning and end of each line. To characterize the microbiome in all samples, extracted DNA was sequenced on the MiSeq platform targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene, and sequence data were analyzed using DADA2 and various packages within the R statistical software. Bacterial community composition of water and water line samples differed between OLD and NEW, while the sampling location of line swabs differed by location (PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.2-0.6, P < 0.05). No differences in alpha diversity were observed in pig fecal bacteria at d 0 or d 42 between OLD and NEW line. However, at d 4, pigs drinking water from the NEW line had increased fecal bacterial richness (P = 0.044) and a tendency for increased bacterial diversity (Shannon’s H, P = 0.059) compared with pigs drinking water from the OLD line. There were no differences in bacterial community composition between the OLD and NEW line throughout the trial; however, pigs drinking water from the NEW line showed more discriminating bacterial taxa compared with OLD at day 4 and 42, including greater abundances of Prevotella, Christensenellaceae R7, Rosburia and Bacteroides, among others (P < 0.05). In conclusion, drinking water from either water line did not have major effects on the gut microbiome of pigs, except for more fecal bacterial diversity in pigs drinking water from the new water line at day 4 post-weaning.
PSIV-20 An in Vitro Digestion Procedure Using Daisyii Incubator Can Replace Conventional in Vitro Digestion Procedures Using Flasks for Estimating Ileal Digestibility of Feed Ingredients for Pigs
Authors: Park No A , Son Jeonghyeon , Kim Beob G
Published: October 2023

In vitro procedures using flasks have been used for simulating nutrient utilization by pigs. However, these procedures are time-consuming and laborious and require a number of flasks and filter crucibles. The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro procedure using DaisyII incubator for simultaneous analysis of multiple samples. In a conventional in vitro procedure, 10 mg of pepsin in step 1 and 50 mg of pancreatin in step 2 are used for each flask containing 1 g of feed sample. In a preliminary experiment, 24 samples each in R55 bags were digested in a jar of DaisyII incubator with 24 times the quantity of buffer solution and enzymes of the conventional flask procedure. In the preliminary experiment, greater crude protein (CP) digestibility values were observed in the DaisyII incubator procedure compared with the conventional flask procedure. To determine optimum enzyme doses in the in vitro ileal disappearance (IVIDDaisy) procedure using the DaisyII incubator, 3 doses of pepsin (10, 7.5, and 5 mg/sample in step 1) and 3 doses of pancreatin (50, 37.5, and 25 mg/sample in step 2) were tested in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement for 11 test ingredients. The quantity of buffer solution and enzymes in a jar was increased proportionally with the number of samples. The 11 test ingredients were barley, copra meal, corn, corn distillers dried grains with solubles, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, palm kernel meal, rice bran, soybean hulls, soybean meal, and wheat bran. The in vitro ileal disappearance (IVIDflask) of CP in the 11 ingredients was determined using the conventional flask procedure. The sum of square of deviation between IVIDflask of CP and IVIDDaisy of CP was the least when 5 mg pepsin/sample in step 1 and 37.5 mg/sample in step 2 were used (IVIDflask of CP, % = 14.4 + 0.81 × IVIDDaisy of CP, %; r2 = 0.748). On the other hand, the determination coefficient was the greatest when 10 mg pepsin/sample in step 1 and 50 mg/sample in step 2 were used (IVIDflask of CP, % = 2.5 + 0.93 × IVIDDaisy of CP, %; r2 = 0.878). In conclusion, the in vitro procedure using a DaisyII incubator can be used for estimating ileal digestibility of protein in multiple samples simultaneously for pigs.
PSIV-12 Dietary Supplementation of a Botanical Blend Improved Growth Performance and Reduced Diarrhea Incidence in Commercially Housed Weaned Pigs
Authors: Agyekum Atta Kofi , Simard Francis , Abedin Mohsen , Mcknight Leslie L
Published: October 2023

The study evaluated the effects of dietary botanical supplementation on the growth performance and diarrhea incidence of commercially housed weaned piglets. The study design was a randomized complete block with two dietary treatments [control (CON) and botanical blend (BB)] and 36 replicate pens per treatment (16 pigs/pen, 576 pigs/treatment). All piglets were fed a three-phase feeding program: P1, days 1-10; P2, days 11-21; P3, days 21-42. Diets were corn-soy and contained 150 ppm total zinc; P1 and P2 diets also contained 250 ppm of chlortetracycline. The botanical supplement was included in the P1 and P2 BB diets at a rate of 250 ppm. Body weight (BW) and feed disappearance were recorded weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Body condition scoring and diarrhea frequency and severity were measured weekly for the first 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using PROC GLMMIX of SAS with appropriate models for the different data distributions. Pen was the experimental unit. The overall herd mortality and culling rate were 0.17% and 3.04%, respectively. Further, more than 95% of the pigs were in good body condition and did not differ between treatments. Pigs fed BB had a greater survival rate at the end of the study (97.9 vs 95.7%; P = 0.01) and diarrhea incidence was reduced by 5% for pigs fed BB compared with CON. In early nursery (days 1-21), pigs fed BB had a lower FCR (1.21 vs. 1.23 kg/kg; P = 0.049) and greater ADG (0.276 vs. 0.267 kg/d; P = 0.016), resultant in heavier BW at day 21 (12.1 vs. 11.9 kg; P = 0.046) than those fed CON. Considering the entire nursery (days 1-42), pigs fed BB tended to have greater ADG (0.430 vs 0.421 kg/d; P = 0.06) and ADFI (0.580 vs. 0.568 kg/d; P = 0.054) overall compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of the botanical blend reduced diarrhea incidence and significantly improved early (1-21 days post-weaning) growth performance and feed efficiency in commercially housed weaned piglets. These early growth benefits persisted to the end of the nursery period, as a tendency for increased growth rate and feed intake.
PSIV-13 Evaluation of Floor Space Restriction and Hyper-Dosing of Phytase on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Serum Chemistry of Late Finishing Pigs
Authors: Kuneff Izadora , Rosero David S , Wilcock Pete , van Heugten Eric
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of strategically applied hyper-dosing of phytase on growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum chemistry profile of late finishing pigs housed under space-restricted conditions. A total of 375 finishing pigs (94.63 ± 0.61 kg) were randomly assigned to 48 pens, with 7 to 8 pigs per pen equally balanced for gilts and barrows. Two phytase supplementation doses (control of 2,500 FTU/kg or hyper-dose of 5,000 FTU/kg) and two space allocation dimensions (adequate with 0.85 m2/pig or restricted with 0.66 m2/pig) were combined to create 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Pigs were fed a finishing diet formulated to contain 0.68% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine, 0.55% Ca, and 0.24% available P and phytase was given equal matrix values for Ca, P, SID amino acids, and net energy for both supplementation levels. Analyzed dietary phytase concentrations were 2,970 and 6,560 FTU/kg for the 2,500 and 5,000 FTU/kg treatments, respectively. The 3 heaviest pigs per pen (2 barrows and 1 gilt) were marketed on d 28 and the remaining pigs were marketed on d 42. No interactions; P > 0.10) were observed between floor space allowance and phytase supplementation. Pig body weight was determined weekly and was reduced (P < 0.008) by restriction of space on week 3 (116.7 vs. 118.4 kg), and 4 (time of first marketing; 123.6 vs. 125.4 kg) and tended to be reduced (P < 0.08) on week 5 (125.5 vs. 127.8 kg), and 6 (second marketing; 133.0 vs. 135.3 kg). Body weight considering all pigs marketed (d 28 and d 42) was reduced (P = 0.009; 133.9 vs. 135.4) by space restriction. Space restriction reduced ADG during week 1, 3, the first marketing period, and for all pigs marketed (P < 0.05). Similarly, ADFI was reduced in space restricted pigs for all periods (P ≤ 0.001), but gain:feed was not impacted (P > 0.08). Back fat depth and loin eye area measured using ultrasound was not impacted by space restriction. Hyper-dosing with phytase did not impact (P > 0.06) growth performance or carcass characteristics, regardless of space allowance. Space restriction and phytase supplementation did not impact serum chemistry except for increased serum total protein and decreased urea N (P < 0.05) due to space restriction and decreased aspartate transaminase with hyper-dosing phytase. Results indicate that restricted floor space allowance reduced growth rate, feed intake and body weight of late finishing pigs and that hyper-dosing phytase was not an effective strategy in improving growth performance regardless of space allowance.
PSIV-19 Understanding Intestinal Health in Nursery Pigs Through Potential Non-Invasive Biomarkers
Authors: Miotto Galli Gabriela M , Andretta Ines , Levesque Crystal L , Kippert Carlos J , Takeuti Karine Ludwing , Kipper Marcos
Published: October 2023

Mannans in feed ingredients can cause a feed-induced immune response (FIIR), resulting in intestinal inflammation. The addition of beta-mannanase can limit this anti-nutritional action, reducing the cost of activating the immune response. In the same way, non-invasive biomarkers are important tools that can provide early diagnosis of low-grade inflammation by mannans. The objective of this study was to assess potential non-invasive biomarkers in nursery pigs reared in different scenarios of low-grade inflammation. Female piglets (n = 396; 6.86 ± 0.9 kg; Large white × Landrace) weaned at 21 days of age were used for this trial. Treatments were organized in a factorial design with two diet types (simple or complex feed formulas containing 25 and 12% of soybean-meal, respectively) and two enzyme supplementation plans (control without supplementation or supplemented with beta-mannanase at 0.4 kg per feed of 1,000 kg Hemicell HT, Elanco Animal Health, São Paulo, Brazil). Fecal samples were collected from 10 pigs per treatment at the 21st experimental day. The fecal concentration of calprotectin, neopterin, free fatty acid, lactoferrin, and calcium binding proteins were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Blood was sampled 6h after oral gavage of FITC-dextran at the 22nd experimental day to access intestinal permeability. The variables were subjected to the normality test (Shapiro-Wilk), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's test. Differences among treatments were considered at 5 and 10% significance levels. Piglets receiving beta-mannanase had reduced fecal levels of calprotectin (-41%; P = 0.048), neopterin (-43%; P = 0.019), and free fatty acid (-34%; P = 0.050) in relation to the control group. A tendency was observed for the reduction of novel lactoferrin (-1%; P = 0.072) and calcium binding proteins (-35%; P = 0.095) when comparing control with supplemented animals. In addition, beta-mannanase supplementation decreased intestinal permeability (-10%; P = 0.053) compared with control treatment. However, there was no effects of diet type or diet by enzyme interactions (P > 0.10). The addition of beta-mannanase in the nursery phase reduced fecal biomarkers associated with gut health inflammation. However, there was no difference between diets indicating a simple diet may be used to reduce diet cost without compromising the intestinal health of the animals.