bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
34 Assessing the Ability to Immunomodulate the Innate Immune System and Oxidative Status of Weaned Pigs Through a Prenatal Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Mitchell Ty M , Sanchez Nicole C Burdick , Carroll Jeff A , Broadway Rand P , Legako Jerrad A , Petry Amy L
Published: October 2023

Gastrointestinal immunity and antioxidant defenses may be bolstered in young animals through prenatal immune system stimulation (PIS), but this is largely uninvestigated in swine. The objective of this experiment was to determine if a low dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered to late-gestating sows would alter the immune response and oxidative status of subsequent offspring. On d 78 ± 1.8 of gestation, 14 Camborough sows (Parity = 2.6±1.4) of the same farrowing group were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to one of two treatments: intramuscular injection of saline (CON) or LPS from E. coli O111:B4 (2.5 µg/kg of BW). Sow rectal temperatures (RT) and sickness behavior scores (SBS) were recorded every 0.5 h from -0.5 h to 8 h and every 8 h from 8 to 48 h post-treatment. A subset of 34 weaned barrows (n = 17 CON, LPS; weaning age 21 ± 1.3 d) from the experimental sow group were transported on d -7 to an environmentally controlled facility where they were individually housed with ad libitum access to water and feed. On d -1, pigs were anesthetized for placement of a subcutaneous temperature logger and a jugular catheter. On d 0, all pigs were challenged intravenously with the same LPS strain (10 µg/kg of BW) previously administered to sows. Body temperature was measured at 5-min intervals from the time of logger placement. Blood samples were collected at -2, 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h relative to LPS administration at 0 h. After the 24 h blood collection, pigs were necropsied for ileal and jejunal tissue. Plasma samples, jejunal and ileal tissues were analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with treatment and time as fixed effects. A dependent covariance structure was used for repeated measurements. Sows administered LPS had elevated RT from 2 to 16-h post-challenge with return to baseline by h 24, indicating mild immune stimulation (treatment × time; P < 0.01). Similarly, sows exposed to LPS had increased SBS from 2 to 3.5 h post-challenge (treatment × time; P < 0.01). Pigs exposed to PIS had greater body temperature than CON at 1 and 2 h post-LPS (treatment × time; P < 0.01). An increase in plasma TAC at 2 and 4 h post-LPS was observed in pigs exposed to PIS relative to CON (treatment × time; P < 0.01). Irrespective of treatment, LPS increased plasma MDA from 2 to 24 h post-challenge (time; P < 0.01). There was no effect of PIS on ileal or jejunal tissue TAC (P ≥ 0.40), but weaned pigs exposed to PIS had decreased jejunal MDA (P < 0.05). Collectively, it appears PIS may alter the innate immune response and oxidative status of the weaned pig during LPS challenge.
32 Effect of Probiotics Supplementation Level on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Fecal Metabolites in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Duddeck Karyn A , Justman Tiffany E , Adkins Haley J , Smith Alexandra H , Hernandez Samantha , Wenner Seth J , Chen Chi , Li Wenli , Jang Young Dal
Published: October 2023

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation level of probiotics on growth performance, blood variables, and fecal metabolites in nursery pigs. Certain strains of Bacillus subtilis have been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhea and therefore improve growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 54 newly weaned piglets were allotted to 3 treatments in 3 replicates with 6 pigs per pen based on body weight, gender, and breed for a 28-d feeding trial. Treatments were: 1) Control: no probiotics supplementation, 2) CERTILLUS 1x: probiotics supplementation at the recommended level, and 3) CERTILLUS 10x: probiotics supplementation at 10 times the recommended level. The CERTILLUS products consisted of two strains of Bacillus subtilis at a low and a high dose of 3.75 × 108 CFU/g and 3.75 × 109 CFU/g supplemented at 0.05% resulting in 1.875 × 105 CFU/g diet and 1.875 × 106 CFU/g diet for the 1x and 10x treatments, respectively. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were used for d 0-14 (Phase 1) and d 14-28 (Phase 2) postweaning. Body weight, blood glucose and creatinine, fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and bile acid concentrations were measured at d 14 and 28 postweaning. Body weight at d 14 postweaning (P = 0.06; 11.98, 12.73, and 12.21 kg for the control, 1x, and 10x treatments, respectively) and average daily gain for d 0 to 14 postweaning (P < 0.05; 0.206, 0.259, and 0.222 kg/d, respectively) were greater in the 1x treatment than the control and 10x treatments although there was no significant difference in growth performance at d 28 postweaning. Blood glucose concentrations were greater in both probiotic treatments than the control treatment at d 14 postweaning (P < 0.05; 95.2, 111.7 and 114.3 mg/dL for the control, 1x, and 10x treatments, respectively). In the fecal SCFA concentrations, the butyrate concentrations were greater in the 1x treatment than the control and 10x treatments (P < 0.05; 36.17, 47.57, and 33.23 µmol/g feces for the control, 1x, and 10x treatments, respectively) and the acetate (120.02, 141.87, and 101.17 µmol/g feces, respectively), propionate (62.95, 71.42 and 55.27 µmol/g feces, respectively), and total SCFA (236.72, 282.23, and 205.80 µmol/g feces, respectively) concentrations were greater in the 1x treatment than the 10x treatment with the intermediate value in the control treatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in fecal bile acid concentrations and blood creatinine concentrations at both d 14 and 28 postweaning. In conclusion, dietary probiotics supplementation to nursery diets at the recommended level could improve growth rate in the early postweaning period and increase fecal SCFA concentrations but not at a high level of supplementation.
PSII-2 Evaluation of Meloxicam in Sows Post-Farrowing on Sow and Piglet Performance
Authors: Fisk Alexandra , Harlow KaLynn , Statler Abigail , deNeui Grace , Rosener Dan , Peters Stacy , Stewart Kara R
Published: October 2023

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used in humans and companion animals to treat arthritis, having strong anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a new compounded oral drench suspension formulation of Meloxicam on sow body temperature in the first 24 hours after farrowing, piglet survivability, and piglet growth. A total of 851 sows in a commercial farm were randomly assigned to receive a single, 90 mg dose (6 mL of a 1.5% suspension) of Meloxicam via oral drench at completion of farrowing (MEL, n = 428) or receive no drug after farrowing (CON, n = 423). Rectal temperatures were taken at the end of farrowing, and 12 and 24 hours after farrowing to monitor sow body temperatures. As standard practice on this farm, sows with a temperature ≥ 39.7 °C at 24 hours post-farrowing were treated with flunixin (NSAID) and ampicillin injectables for 3 consecutive days (MEDS). Litter size and weights were recorded on day 0 and again on the day before weaning. Piglet deaths and reasons were recorded daily to determine piglet survivability and the body weights of dead piglets were recorded. The Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, North Carolina) was used to analyze the interaction between treatment (MEL or CON) and parity (P1 vs. P2 and P3 vs. P>3) as the main effects. A 2x2 factorial design was used to reanalyze the interaction of Meloxicam treatment with additional medicated pigs (MEDS) using PROC Mixed in SAS with MEL and MEDS as main effects, and litter birthweight quartile and number nursed covariates where appropriate. MEL was successful in reducing the temperature of sows by 0.16 °C in the first 12 hours after farrowing (P = 0.0013). For all groups, sows greater than parity 3 had lower temperatures in the first 24 hours after farrowing (P = 0.0083). Gilts in the MEL group required less additional medication than gilts in the CON group (P = 0.0102). Treating sows with Meloxicam tended to reduce the incidence of scours in piglets (P = 0.0907). MEL did not significantly (P > 0.05) impact preweaning mortality (CON = 12.9%, MEL = 12.3%), piglet weaning weight (CON: 5.4 kg ± 0.10; MEL: 5.5 kg ± 0.04), and no differences were observed between piglet weight and age at death between the treatment groups. This study exhibits the ability of a single dose of Meloxicam at farrowing to reduce fever within the first 12 hours of dosing and its potential to reduce the incidence of scours in piglets. Future studies investigating a longer Meloxicam therapy period post-farrowing will give insight into the use of Meloxicam as a fever-reducer to improve sow and piglet lactation performance and survivability.
PSIII-2 Comparison of Continuous Monitoring and Scan Sampling for Monitoring Postural Changes in Sows Housed in Gestation Crates
Authors: Moest Nicole K , Willard Naomi C , Pol Katherine D Vande , Shull Caleb M , Ellis Mike
Published: October 2023

Continuous monitoring of the behavior of sows is the most accurate approach of measurement but is laborious. Scan sampling, which involves monitoring behavior at fixed intervals, can reduce labor requirements compared with continuous monitoring. However, the accuracy of scan sampling compared with continuous monitoring needs to be established. The objective of this study was to compare 2 sampling methods (continuous monitoring vs. scan sampling) for monitoring postural changes in individually housed sows after weaning. The study was carried out as a within-subject longitudinal study using 99 multiparous sows that were monitored over an 11-day period following weaning. Sows were housed in individual stalls and were checked daily for standing reflex from day 3 to 7 post-weaning. Video recording of the sows was carried out throughout the study period. The postures recorded were lying, standing, sitting, and active (standing + sitting). All recording of postures was carried out by a single trained observer. For the continuous monitoring, video recordings were observed continuously and the exact time and duration that sows exhibited each posture over the study period was recorded. The scan sampling method involved pausing the video recordings at 5 min intervals and recording the posture of the sow at each time. Postures recorded from the scan sampling were reported as the number of observations of each posture as a percentage of the total number of observations. Postures recorded from the continuous monitoring were reported as the time spent in each posture as a percentage of the total time. A repeated-measures analysis was carried out using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS; the model included the fixed effects of study day, sampling method, and the interaction. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between sampling methods for any of the postures on any study day or for the overall study period (Table 1). In conclusion, these results suggest that scan sampling at 5-minute intervals gives similar results to continuous monitoring for measuring the posture of newly weaned sows housed in individual crates. Further research is needed to define the maximum interval for scan sampling that maintains the accuracy of monitoring sow posture.
PSV-1 Pasture Does Not Impact Pork Quality of Finishing Hogs
Authors: Becker Chelsea , Hines Elizabeth A , Campbell Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Sales of certified organic pork continue to increase, and an increasing number of young farmers are looking to rear hogs with organic or other niche labeling claims that require outdoor access. There is limited research available to support pastured pork operations in developing best management practices for rearing pigs in outdoor environments. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of housing on swine performance and pork quality and to build best management strategies for raising hogs on pasture. Pigs (n = 50) from the same sire and farrowing cohort were obtained from 10 separate litters. Pigs were grouped into separate treatments according to average body weights (BW) with equal sex rations among both groups: Indoor (n = 25), and Outdoor (n = 25), with 5 hogs per pen within each treatment. The Indoor groups were housed on 7m2 of solid concrete flooring in a ventilation-controlled barn; the Outdoor groups were housed on native grass pasture with pen size being 23m2, and a third shaded with 40% shade cloth. Outdoor pens were rotated to new grass every 14 days to manage soil destruction, while Indoor pigs remained in original pens for the duration of the project. Water access was provided via a nipple drinker system and fed a standard grow-finish ration ad libitum for both groups. All pigs were slaughtered at 26 weeks of age, with the Indoor group averaging BW of 126kg, and the Outdoor group averaging BW of 111kg (P < 0.05). Hot carcass weights were also larger (P < 0.001) of the Indoor group. All pork quality measurements were taken at the 10th rib. Color and marbling scores were not shown to vary between the treatment groups (P ≥ 0.17). Colorimeter values (L*, A*, B*) were similar across treatments as well (P ≥ 0.41). However, loin eye area exhibited a trend with the Outdoor group having a smaller average size (P = 0.07) In addition to this, pH values were also shown to vary at 0h (P = 0.03), 6h (P = 0.01), and 24h (P < 0.01) postmortem, with the Indoor group having the higher ultimate pH. Based on these data, pasture reduced final market size and loin eye area of hogs, but not overall pork quality. Although pH was reduced for the Outdoor group, no values showed a rapid decline in pH that would indicate a PSE pork product. Further, average pH between treatments were within 0.2 at all sampling times. Further research is needed to evaluate efficacy of best management practices to improve efficiency of pig growth rate on pasture and to ensure that pork quality will not be reduced.
PSV-7 Evaluation of Narasin Inclusion Level on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing-Finishing Pigs
Authors: Puls Christopher L , Arentson Roger A , Shields Michael , Carr Scott
Published: October 2023

Previous studies evaluating 15 mg/kg of narasin have shown improvements in BW, ADG, and G:F. However, FDA approved labeling for narasin indicates improved G:F with increased inclusion levels (20 to 30 mg/kg), which may provide greater economic return with higher feed costs. Some commercial systems have shown improvements in ADG and G:F when feeding 20 or 30 mg/kg narasin compared with 15 mg/kg. As such, two studies were conducted to evaluate 30 mg/kg of narasin on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. Studies were carried out using a randomized complete block design with three narasin levels: 0, 15, or 30 mg/kg. Study 1 (2,545 pigs) was carried out from 42.6 ± 1.3 kg to 132.9 ± 3.6 kg. Study 2 (1,235 pigs) was carried out over a fixed time of 112 days from 39.1 ± 3.0 kg to 139.8 ± 3.5 kg. All pigs were fed diets that met or exceeded nutrient recommendations of growing-finishing pigs (NRC, 2012). Pigs were offered ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the study and weighed every 28 days and at every marketing event. Feed additions and feed remaining in the feeder at the time of pig weighing was recorded. Due to relatively low carcass recovery at the harvest facility, carcass data for Study 1 are not presented. Feeding 30 mg/kg of narasin did not improve (P > 0.05) growth or carcass performance compared with feeding 15 mg/kg narasin (Table 1). Compared with controls, feeding 15 mg/kg narasin increased final body weight (1.3 kg and 1.5 kg for Study 1 and 2, respectively), increased hot carcass weight (1.9 kg – Study 2), and improved carcass yield (0.4 percentage units), although differences were not always statistically different (P > 0.05). Overall G:F was improved 1.5% (P < 0.05) in Study 1, but not different (P > 0.05) than controls in Study 2. Results of this study confirm improvements in growth performance and carcass characteristics from feeding 15 mg/kg narasin to growing-finishing pigs. The outcomes of feeding 30 mg/kg of narasin were unexpected based on field outcomes and warrant further research.
PSV-2 Impact of Diseases in Pig Production on Carcass and Meat Quality
Authors: Fortier Marie-Pierre , Gagnon Patrick
Published: October 2023

Several diseases, including Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS), are present in pig herds. The effects of diseases on growth performance are generally well known, but there is a lack of information on the consequences on carcass and meat quality. The aim of this project was to assess the impact of diseases present in the nursery and finishing on performances, carcass yields and meat quality. The trial was carried out at the Deschambault Swine Evaluation Station, where a project aimed at evaluating disease resilience is being carried out. A total of 480 castrated piglets from 8 different batches entered the nursery barn every 3 weeks. Pigs were observed daily, and a careful examination of the clinical signs was carried out weekly on each animal, to separate pigs showing signs of disease from those in good health. Ultrasound measurements of back fat thickness, muscle depth and intramuscular fat (IMF) level were performed three different times during growth. When the pigs reached a body weight of approximately 120 kg, carcass quality and meat yield measurements were taken 18 to 24 hours after slaughter. The ultimate pH, color, water loss and marbling were measured on the loin. The presence of PRRS and other diseases had a significant impact on the growth performance of pigs in fattening and demonstrates that the presence of the virus in the herd significantly decreases the average daily gain (ADG). This difference has a direct impact on the number of days in fattening. Results for back fat thickness at the end of fattening show significant differences (P < 0.05) between uninfected pigs (14.7 mm), pigs infected in nursery (13.9 mm) and fattening (12.8 mm) only, and pigs that have been ill both in nursery and fattening (12.4 mm). These results indicate that the presence of diseases leads to a decrease in fat deposition in pigs at the end of fattening. However, results for IMF measured at the end of fattening demonstrate that the presence of diseases had no significant impact on the final IMF level (P > 0.10), varying between 2.05% for healthy pigs and 2.13% for animals that have been sick in nursery and fattening. The results obtained in the slaughterhouse have shown that the presence of diseases does not seem to have an impact on the various measures of meat quality (P > 0.05). Only drip loss shows a significant difference (P < 0.05) between healthy and sick animals. However, the low number of sick pigs in the batches evaluated could have limited the observed effects. The work carried out by the CDPQ has made it possible to quantify the impact of diseases by providing a better understanding of their impact on product quality.
PSI-17 Interactive Effects of Folic Acid and Zinc Oxide on Nursery Pig Growth Performance
Authors: Becker Larissa L , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: October 2023

A total of 360 barrows (600×241, DNA; initially 5.5±0.029 kg) were used in a 38-d growth study to evaluate the effects of including increasing levels of folic acid (Rovimix Folic Acid, DSM, Parsippany, NJ) with or without pharmacological levels of Zn provided by zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance and fecal characteristics of nursery pigs. Pigs were weaned at approximately 19-d of age and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments. A total of 72 pens were used with 5 pigs/pen and 12 replications/treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 3×2 factorial with main effects of folic acid (0, 20, or 40 mg/kg) and ZnO (3,000 mg/kg of Zn in phase 1 and 2,000 mg/kg in phase 2, or no added Zn other than 110 mg/kg from the trace mineral premix). Diets were corn-soybean meal based and fed in 2 phases. A common phase 3 diet with no folic acid and 110mg/kg of Zn was fed to all pigs. No significant (P > 0.10) folic acid×ZnO interactions were observed. For the experimental period (d 0 to 24), pigs fed diets with pharmacological levels of Zn had improved (P ≤ 0.030; Table 1) d 24 BW, ADG, and ADFI. There was a quadratic (P < 0.05) response for d 24 BW, ADG, and ADFI where pigs were fed 20 mg/kg folic acid had poorer performance compared with pigs fed 0 or 40 mg/kg. For the common period (d 24 to 38), pigs previously fed diets without pharmacological Zn had improved (P = 0.028) feed efficiency compared with pigs previously fed pharmacological levels of Zn. Additionally, a quadratic (P= 0.008) response was observed in ADG and ADFI when pigs were previously fed folic acid with pigs fed 20 mg/kg having poorer performance compared with pigs fed 0 or 40 mg/kg. Overall (d 0 to 38), there was a quadratic (P ≤ 0.003) response in final BW, ADG, and ADFI when pigs were fed folic acid with pigs fed 20 mg/kg having reduced performance compared with pigs fed 0 or 40 mg/kg; however, no overall differences (P > 0.10) were observed when pigs were fed diets with or without pharmacological levels of Zn in phase 1 and 2 diets. No statistical differences (P > 0.10) in mortality were observed when pigs were fed diets with or without pharmacological levels of Zn although pigs fed no supplemental folic acid had numerically the lowest mortality. Fecal DM percentage was greater (P = 0.007) on d 24 compared with d 9, with pigs fed diets with added Zn having reduced (P< 0.001) frequency of diarrhea presence. In conclusion, the addition of 40 mg/kg folic acid did not influence nursery pig performance, but a negative response was observed at 20 mg/kg, regardless of Zn inclusion in the diet.
PSI-19 A Saccharomyces Cerevisiae-Derived Postbiotic Stimulates in Vitro Volatile Fatty Acid Production and Influences Hindgut Microbial Population Characteristics
Authors: Binnebose Andrea M , Sardi Maria , Kozlowicz Briana , Norton Sharon A
Published: October 2023

Horses rely on volatile fatty acids (VFA) to provide a source of energy and fermentative end-products for their health and performance. Improvement in VFA production, has been associated in various species with improved feed conversion and availability of nutrients necessary to maintain epithelial cell growth, blood flow, and the normal secretory and absorptive functions of the intestine and positive changes in the microbial ecology of the gut. In this study, we characterized the effect of a dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation postbiotic (SCFP; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) using an in vitro equine intestinal model to estimate the effects on VFA production and microbiome changes in the horse hindgut. Treatments contained inoculated medium containing a predigested blend of alfalfa and timothy hay substrate and a dilution of fresh equine excreta. The test article (SCFP) was evaluated at 150 mg (TEC) and 225 mg (TECP), in addition to a negative control containing inoculated medium alone, and the positive control containing inulin. The full array of treatments and replicates were incubated anaerobically at 37.2 C for 24 h. VFA concentrations were analyzed by gas chromatography and the microbiome was characterized through shotgun sequencing. Both levels of SCFP supported greater (P < 0.05) acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total VFA production versus the negative control. Greater production of acetate, propionate, butyrate and total VFA was observed for TECP compared with the positive control (P < 0.05). Between the two SCFP treatments, TECP promoted more acetate, propionate and total VFA (P < 0.01), and 18.3% more butyrate than TEC. Significant microbiome changes were also observed, with TEC and TECP promoting greater microbiome diversity (P < 0.05) compared with both negative and positive controls. Compared with the negative control, both levels of SCFP influenced an increased abundance (P < 0.05) of lactic acid producers (Veillonella), butyrate producers (Butyricicoccus, Anaerobutyricum), and an increased abundance of multiple Bacteroides species, all known for their enrichment of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. Interestingly, our data show a distinct effect of inulin in microbial communities by promoting an increased abundance of Streptococcus species. This study provides evidence that a SCFP can stimulate VFA production, and this effect is incremental with the level of administration which could potentially provide gut health benefits in horses.
PSI-15 Impact of Dietary Zinc Source on Post-Weaning Performance and Livability
Authors: Schweer Wesley P , Cornelison Alyssa S , Bradley Casey L , Walk Roger , Nosbisch Shelby , Rodrigues Lucas Alves
Published: October 2023

Zinc (Zn) is a key trace element involved in protein synthesis and immune development, which makes it a pivotal nutrient for the newly weaned pig. The objective was to investigate the effects of dietary Zn source on pig performance and livability in a commercial nursery setting. A total of 1,296 weaned pigs [5.67 ± 0.15 kg initial body weight (BW)] were randomly assigned to dietary treatments consisting of Zn Sulfate (ZSF), Zn amino acid complex (AVL), or glycinate-bound Zn (GMT), all supplying 120 ppm of Zn to the diets and fed in a three-phase (Ph) feeding system [Ph1: d 0-14; Ph2: d 14-28; Ph3: d 28-42]. Pigs had ad libitum access to pelleted feed and water throughout the study. Performance and feed intake were measured on d 14, 28, and 42 of the study. All pigs removed from test were recorded and weighed. During the first week of the study, there was an outbreak of Escherichia coli, and pigs were all administered water-soluble Zn via water lines and potato starch in pans. Pigs fed GMT had decreased (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI, kg/d) during Phase 1 (0.082, SEM = 0.005), 2 (0.628, SEM = 0.002), and overall (0.526, SEM = 0.005) compared with AVL [Phase 1 (0.097, SEM = 0.005), 2 (0.651, SEM = 0.002), and overall (0.552, SEM = 0.005)], and ZSF [Phase 1 (0.107, SEM = 0.005), 2 (0.640, SEM = 0.002), and overall (0.547, SEM = 0.005)]. Moreover, pigs fed GMT had greater (P < 0.05, SEM = 0.710) overall mortality (4.60%) compared with AVL (1.89%) and ZSF (2.53%). Our results indicate that there are differences in feed intake and mortality when post-weaning pigs are fed different sources of Zn, and further work is needed in other health status flows.
PSII-20 The Effect of Hemolysis on Vitamin A, E, and Trace Mineral Analysis in Plasma
Authors: Greiner Laura L , Elefson Sarah
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the level of interference that occurs to vitamin A, E, and trace mineral analyses when plasma is subjected to hemolysis. Blood (14 mL; K3EDTA blood tubes; BD Vacutainer, Franklin Lankes, NJ) was collected from six gilts (approximately 85 kg) via jugular venipuncture. Collected whole blood (20 mL) was aliquoted equally into three test tubes. One test tube was processed with no manipulation, the second was aspirated with a 26-gauge one-half inch needle 5 times, and the third was subjected to sonification for 5 seconds (Model: GE 130PB; Cole Parmer, Vernon Hills, IL; outage = 02). Plasma was separated from red blood cells via centrifugation (2,000 x g for 10 minutes at 4°C) and stored at -80°C until time of analysis. All plasma from the samples were analyzed for vitamin A (retinol) and E (alpha-tocopherol) and trace minerals at the Iowa State University Veterinarian Diagnostic Laboratory (Ames, IA). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS 9.4 (Statistical Analysis System, Cary, NC) with animal as the experimental unit and a fixed effect of hemolysis. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found for vitamin A, E, and trace minerals, but at varying degrees of hemolysis (Table 1). Vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, and zinc were not different (P > 0.05) when the sample was not manipulated or aspirated with a needle but were different (P < 0.05) when the sample was subjected to sonification. Vitamin A was different (P < 0.05) when the blood was aspirated and subjected to sonification compared with no manipulation. Iron and molybdenum were different (P < 0.05) across all three degrees of hemolysis. Based on these data, hemolysis can reduce vitamin A and E and calcium concentrations while increasing detectable concentrations of other minerals in plasma.
PSII-10 Ammonium Phosphate is an Appropriate Nitrogen Source in Nitrogen-Limiting Diets for Growing Pigs
Authors: Buchinski Miranda , Camire Carley M , Babatunde Olufemi O , Shoveller Anna K , Columbus Daniel A
Published: October 2023

The use of low protein (LP) diets is common in swine production, but there is potential for reduced dietary N for the endogenous synthesis of non-essential amino acids (NEAA), impacting overall animal growth. It has been previously demonstrated that inclusion of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) in a diet with an increased essential amino acid-nitrogen:total nitrogen (EAA-N:TN) ratio (i.e. limiting in total N) reduced the Lys requirement and maximum NR in growing pigs. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of NPN inclusion and Lys content on growth performance of growing pigs. A total of 240 growing pigs (120 gilts and 120 barrows) with an initial body weight (BW) of 20.2 ± 2.18 kg were housed in groups of 5 pigs/pen. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments over 3 blocks (n = 8 pens/treatment) in a 2 × 3 factorial design, with factors of NPN inclusion (no ammonium phosphate [NAP] or ammonium phosphate inclusion at 1.7% [AP]) and dietary lysine (Lys; 1.03%, 1.15% or 1.27% standardized ileal digestible). The AP and NAP diets were formulated to have an EAA-N:TN ratio of 0.48 and 0.54, respectively. All diets were corn and soybean meal-based and formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) nutrient requirements. The experimental period was 28 d, with individual BW and per pen feed intake determined weekly. On d 28, backfat and lean depth were measured on 2 pigs per pen, one male and one female. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with fixed effects of N content, Lys, and their interactions, and block as a random effect. Backfat and lean depth analysis included sex as a fixed effect. Inclusion of NPN reduced feed intake and increased gain:feed compared with pigs fed NAP diets (P < 0.05). Overall ADG and d 28 BW increased with increasing Lys, but were not impacted by dietary NPN content (P > 0.05). Pigs fed AP diets had increased lean depth (P < 0.05) and reduced backfat. Overall, NPN, as ammonium phosphate, can improve feed efficiency and increase lean depth while maintaining similar ADG and final BW.
PSII-8 Effects of Extruded-Expelled Soybean Meal and Benzoic Acid on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Carcass Fat Iodine Value of Finishing Pigs
Authors: Bromm Jenna J , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Berg Kiah M , De Jong Jon A , Pohlen Courtney , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: October 2023

A total of 2,162 pigs (PIC 1050 × DNA 600; initially 31.4 ± 0.47 kg) were used in a 109-d finishing trial to evaluate the effects of extruded-expelled soybean meal (EESBM) and benzoic acid on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat iodine value. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 27 to 28 pigs per pen and 20 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of soybean meal source and benzoic acid. Diets contained either conventional soybean meal (SBM) or extruded-expelled soybean meal (EESBM; Lester Feed and Grain, Lester, IA) with or without 0.25% benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products; Parsippany, NJ). The EESBM was analyzed to be 43.2% CP and 7.73% fat (acid hydrolysis). Experimental diets were not balanced for energy, but rather formulated to the same SID Lys:ME ratio and fed based on a feed budget from d 0 to 109 in 6 phases. Overall (d 0 to 109), there were no interactions between soybean meal source and benzoic acid (P > 0.10; Table 1). There was a main effect of soybean meal source where pigs fed EESBM had reduced (P = 0.010) ADFI compared with pigs fed conventional SBM without influencing ADG, resulting in increased (P < 0.001) G:F. Also, pigs fed diets with benzoic acid had reduced (P = 0.022) ADFI compared with pigs fed diets without benzoic acid without changes in ADG, resulting in pigs fed benzoic acid having increased (P = 0.006) G:F. When evaluating caloric efficiency, pigs fed diets containing benzoic acid had improved (P < 0.001) metabolizable energy (ME) caloric efficiency compared with pigs fed diets without benzoic acid, with soybean meal source not having any impact. For carcass belly fat IV, pigs fed EESBM had increased (P < 0.001) carcass belly fat iodine value compared with pigs fed conventional SBM. In summary, replacing conventional SBM with EESBM and the addition of benzoic acid improved feed efficiency. Also, as expected, pigs fed EESBM had a greater carcass belly fat iodine value compared with pigs fed conventional SBM, most likely due to the greater dietary unsaturated fatty acid contribution from EESBM.
PSII-9 Effects of Increasing Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Growth Performance, Mortality Rate, and Medication Usage in Prrs-Virus Challenged Nursery Pigs
Authors: Bromm Jenna J , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Flohr Josh , Schmitt Raymond , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: October 2023

A total of 91,140 weaned pigs (DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initially 5.1 ± 0.05 kg) originating from PRRSV-positive sow farms, were used across 8 nursery sites to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on growth performance, total removal and mortality rate, and medication usage of nursery pigs. Each of the 8 sites contained 5 barns with 2 rooms, and each room contained 40 pens with 27 to 28 pigs per pen. Rooms of pigs were blocked by nursery site and allocated within sow source to 1of 2 dietary treatments. Room was the experimental unit with 40 rooms per treatment with approximately 1,100 pigs per room. The first treatment was a standard nursery diet specific to the production system. The second treatment was the same standard nursery diet with the addition of 3% O3 Trial Feed. At placement, all pigs received 0.45 kg/pig of a common pre-starter. Pigs were then fed experimental diets across 3 phases with all diets fed in pelleted form. Oral fluids verified that 61 of the 80 rooms tested positive for PRRSV one-week post-placement in the nursery and 78 of the 80 rooms tested positive for PRRSV three weeks post-placement. Overall, there were no significant differences (P > 0.10) observed in growth performance between pigs fed diets containing 0 or 3% O3 Trial Feed (Table 1). Pigs fed control diets had reduced (P < 0.001) total removals and mortality percentage compared with pigs fed diets containing 3% O3 Trial Feed. When evaluating medication usage, there were no significant differences (P > 0.10) observed in the total number of injections given per 1,000 pig days. However, pigs fed diets containing 3% O3 Trial Feed had a reduced (P < 0.001) number of total injections per pig placed. In summary, the increase in omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, through the inclusion of 3% O3 Trial Feed, did not impact growth performance during the duration of this trial. There was an increase in total removals and mortality in pigs fed diets containing O3 Trial Feed. However, there was a reduction in total injections given per pig placed in pigs fed diets containing O3 Trial Feed. We hypothesize that because of the high prevalence of PRRSV at entry, O3 Trial Feed may not have had sufficient time to impact the immune system before the PRRSV challenge.
PSII-13 Effects of Standardized Ileal Digestible Lysine, Fiber Level, and Amino Acid Ratios on Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs
Authors: Cemin Henrique S , Hart Morgan D , Pietig Jamie L , Hansen Sharlie A , Soto Jose A , Hansen Ernie L
Published: October 2023

An experiment was conducted to determine the interactive effects of standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine, dietary fiber, and amino acid ratios on growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 4,320 pigs (initial BW = 7.8 kg), placed in pens of 36 mixed sex pigs, were used in a 43-d trial. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial structure with two levels of SID Lys (1.15 or 1.38%), two levels of dietary fiber [control or high fiber (5% sugar beet pulp + 3.75% soy hulls)], and two amino acid ratio profiles [control (65% SID Thr:Lys, 58% SID Met+Cys:Lys, 67% SID Val:Lys, 55% SID Ile:Lys, and 18.5% SID Trp:Lys) or AA+ (5 percentage points greater than control ratios)] with 15 replicates per treatment. The experimental diets were fed from d 0 to 25 and a common corn-soybean meal-based diet was fed from d 25 to 43. Pigs were weighed on d 0, 25, and 43 to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure in SAS. From d 0 to 25, there was a fiber × amino acid ratio interaction (P = 0.008) for ADFI, where pigs fed the high fiber diet had similar ADFI, regardless of AA ratios, but those fed control levels of fiber had reduced ADFI when fed AA+ ratios (Table 1). Similar interactions were also observed (P < 0.05) for overall (d 0 to 43) ADG, ADFI, and final BW. There were no other significant interactions (P > 0.05). As for main effects, pigs fed low Lys had reduced (P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Feeding high fiber diets reduced (P < 0.05) G:F but did not impact (P > 0.05) ADG or ADFI. Pigs fed AA+ ratios had improved (P < 0.05) G:F but no evidence for differences (P > 0.05) for ADG or G:F was observed.
PSII-15 Effect of Low Protein Diets Fed to Weanling Pigs on Growth Performance, Fecal Score, and Carcass Characteristics
Authors: Cristobal Minoy A , Lee Su A , Stein Hans H
Published: October 2023

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that feeding low protein diets to weanling pigs reduces diarrhea with no effects on growth performance from wean to finish or on carcass characteristics. In Exp. 1, 160 pigs (BW: 6.88 ± 0.36 kg) were allotted to 5 diets with 4 pigs/pen and 8 pens/diet. Five phase 1 diets were fed from d 1 to 14 and included the positive control (PC; CP = 23%) with an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), the negative control (NC; CP = 23%) without the AGP, the NC containing 25% rolled oats (RO), and 2 diets containing 17% CP and 0 or 25% RO. Phase 2 diets were fed from d 14 to 35 and included the PC (CP =21 %) with an AGP, the NC (CP = 21%) without the AGP, the NC containing 20% RO, and 2 diets containing 19% CP and 0 or 25% RO. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and replicate as random effect. Results from Exp. 1 indicated that pigs fed the 17% CP diet without RO had decreased (P < 0.05) diarrhea scores compared with the NC diet containing RO. Pigs fed the 17% CP diet containing RO had reduced (P < 0.05) G:F compared with the NC diet, but there was no difference among pigs fed the other 4 diets. In Exp. 2, 160 pigs (BW: 6.29 ± 1.00 kg) were allotted to 4 diets with 5 pigs/pen and 8 pens/diet in a wean to finish experiment with 6 phases. Phase 1 and 2 diets were fed for 14 d each, phase 3 was fed for 18 d, and phase 4, 5, and 6 diets were each fed for 35 d. In Phase 1, four diets included the PC diet (CP = 23%) with an AGP, the NC diet (CP = 23%) without the AGP, and 2 diets containing 19% CP or 17% CP and no AGP. In Phase 2, four diets included the PC diet (CP = 22%) with an AGP, the NC diet (CP = 22%) without the AGP, and 2 diets containing 20% CP or 19% CP and no AGP. All pigs were fed common conventional diets from Phase 3 to market. Data were analyzed as in Exp 1. Overall results from Exp. 2 indicated that there were no differences among treatments in the growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs from wean to finish. In conclusion, feeding low protein diets to weanling pigs reduced post-weaning diarrhea and may replace antibiotic growth promoters without affecting growth performance or carcass characteristics at the time of marketing of pigs although slight reductions in growth performance in the nursery phase may be observed.
PSII-14 The Effect of Increasing Soluble Dietary Fiber and the Addition of a Stimbiotic in Gestation on Sow Productivity in a Prrs and Non-Prrs Challenge
Authors: Wilcock Pete , Berg Kiah M , Cordero Gustavo , Russo Anthony
Published: October 2023

This sow study evaluated the effect that sugar beet pulp (SBP), a soluble fiber source, and a stimbiotic (Signis; AB Vista) can have on sow productivity and health when fed in gestation. A stimbiotic is an additive that stimulates fiber-degrading microbiome, resulting in an increase in fiber fermentability even though the additive itself contributes limited small chain fatty acid production. A commercial gestation barn with two feeding lines was utilized to feed sows (n = 2173) two dietary treatments from d 30 to d 90; a corn, soy, soy hulls with (HSDF) or without (LSDF) SBP (50 kg/t) plus stimbiotic (100 g/t) and from d 90 to entering the farrowing pen the LSDF diet with or without a stimbiotic (100 g/day). Sows were fed 2.0 kg per day providing the following fiber intake levels/day, HDSF: TDF; 266g, SDF 55g, IDF, 211g and LDSF: TDF; 240g, SDF 40g, IDF, 200g. The following variables were measured; total born, live born, still born, mummies, pre-weaning mortality, pigs weaned per sow, prolapse rate and sow mortality/culls. A proportion of sows (n = 81) were moved to a GESTAL system for lactation and intake recorded per gestation treatment. During the study the farm became PRRS positive and any sows that farrowed while the farm was PRRS positive were identified as PRRS positive sows and included as a factor. Data were analyzed with ANOVA evaluating the effects of fiber, parity, and PRRS using the fit model platform in JMP16. Significant treatment means were separated using Student’s t-tests, with significance accepted at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed that for born alive there was an interaction between treatment and parity (P =0.02) and treatment and PRRS (P < 0.05) with the HDSF diet increasing born alive in parity 1 (+1.30 pigs; P = 0.03) and parity 2 (+0.71 pigs; P = 0.08) with no effect in parity 3+. HDSF improved born alive in non PRRS pigs (+1.01 pigs; P < 0.01) and had no effect in PRRS pigs. There was a tendency for HDSF program to reduce stillborn (8.8% v 7.4%; P = 0.09) but had no effect on mummies. There was a tendency to increase in pigs weaned with the HSDF treatment (9.15 v 8.86; P = 0.07) with no effect on sow mortality/culls. There was no effect of treatment on prolapses. On the sub-sample of sows recorded in lactation those sows (Parity 2+) that had been on the HSDF in gestation showed an increased ADFI (5.36 kg v 6.02 kg; P = 0.01) compared with the LSDF. It can be concluded that sow productivity can be improved by increasing the fermentative capacity of the gestation feed through the combination of adding a soluble fiber such as SBP along with a stimbiotic.
PSIII-19 Effect of Dietary Clay Mineral and Organic Selenium Supplementation on Broilers
Authors: Kim Yongju , Chang Seyeon , An Jaewoo , Go Youngbin , Song Dongcheol , Cho Hyunah , Park Sehyun , Jeon Kyungho , Cho Jinho
Published: October 2023

Selenium is an essential trace element that has several important biological roles in humans, including regulation of the antioxidant defense system, improving immunity, and maintaining body homeostasis. However, in countries with densely populated populations around the world, selenium intake is less than the recommended daily intake due to a lack of selenium in the soil. So, we hypothesized that the addition of organic selenium and clay minerals to broiler feed would increase selenium concentration in the meat as well as antioxidant capacity and immune response. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of clay minerals and organotaselenium on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal morphology, blood characteristics, fecal microbiome, foot-pad dermatitis and meat quality characteristics of broilers. A total of 168 1-d old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the initial body weight (37.33 ± 0.24 g) with 7 replicate per 8 birds (mixed sex). The experiments period was 28 d. Dietary treatments were: basal diets based on corn-soybean meal (Control group), basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zeolite and 0.2 ppm seleno-methionine (Treatment 1), and basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zeolite and 0.4 ppm seleno-methionine (Treatment 2). Supplementation of zeolite and seleno-methionine did not affect (P > 0.05) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, foot-pad dermatitis. However, increasing level of seleno-metionine showed linear increase (P < 0.05) in villus height/crypt depth ratio of duodenum and selenium concentration in breast meat. Also, increasing level of seleno-methionine showed linear decrease (P < 0.05) in blood uric acid. Total genomic DNA was used to assess the fecal microbiota diversity and composition using the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. There were differences in alpha diversity and beta diversity in fecal microbiomes among treatments (P < 0.05). Taxonomic analysis at phylum level revealed that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes of Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 were significantly less than control group. In genus level, the relative abundance of fecal Lactobacillus and Enterococcus of Treatment groups were greater than control group. In short, 1000 ppm zeolite and 0.4 ppm seleno-methionine supplementation to broiler diet supported positive gut microbime change, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, and concentration of selenium in muscle.
PSIII-8 Impact of Essential Oil Combination on Performance and Coughing Prevalence in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Florez Mónica , Paula Vinicius R C , Alvarenga Patricia V A , Hörstmann Mareike , Oliveira Eduardo Raele
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate a liquid essential oil combination based on eucalyptus, peppermint, and crystals of menthol on performance and coughing prevalence of nursery pigs. One hundred forty-four 24-d old weaned crossbred pigs (5.91 ± 0.94 kg) were housed 12 per pen and received via drink water an essential oils combination (BronchoVest, Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels und Produktionsges, Germany) in the proportion of 200 mL per each 1000 L of drinking water, from day 25 to 34, 47 to 53, and 57 to 64 of age (BV), or no additive in the drinking water (CON). The animals from the two treatments were fed corn soybean-meal based diets in four feeding phases program. Growth performance was measured by feeding phase and in the total period, and the coughing prevalence was determined daily. A randomized block design was used based on body weight of the pigs, with 6 replicates, using the pen as the experimental unit for performance variables, and the animal for coughing prevalence. Data were subjected to ANOVA and non-parametric contingency data were evaluated by Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Differences between means were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05 and a trend at P < 0.10. The DWG (0.185 kg vs. 0.197 kg; SD ± 0.016; P = 0.094) and ADFI (0.215 kg vs 0.218 kg: SD ± 0.026; P = 0.083) of BV-treated pigs tended to be greater than the CON animals in Pre-Starter II phase (Table 1). The total count of cough identifications (42 vs. 21, P = 0.001) and total number of animals (18 vs 9, P = 0.053) coughing during the experiment period were less in the BV animals, and the prevalence of total coughs trend to be greater in the CON (Table 2). In conclusion, the combination of essential oils based on eucalyptus and peppermint and crystals of menthol improved performance and reduced coughing symptoms of pigs in the nursery phase.