bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
59 Dietary Fiber Source and Stage of Gestation Impact Water Balance and Fecal Physicochemical Properties of Sows
Authors: Crome Thomas A , Vahlenkamp Kyle , Giesemann Mark A , Petry Amy L
Published: October 2023

Providing soluble fiber in sow diets is known to increase satiety, reduce incidences of constipation, and decrease the rate of assisted farrowings due to its physicochemical properties. However, fiber sources commonly used in U.S. sow diets have negligible solubility and water holding capacity, but carbohydrases may improve these characteristics. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of soluble fiber from sugar beet pulp, insoluble fiber from corn DDGS, and carbohydrase supplementation on water balance and fecal physicochemical properties of sows at mid- and late-gestation. A total of 36 confirmed gestating sows (186 ± 4.6 kg BW) were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments on d 28 of gestation (n = 8) with factors of fiber type [insoluble (IF; 355 g/d) or soluble fiber (SF; 98 g/d)] and enzyme supplementation (Rovabio Advance P10; Adisseo, Antony, France). Diets were fed from d 28 to 109 of gestation at a feeding level of 2.1 kg (SID-Lys 11 g/d and 4.5 NE-Mcal/d). Two 8-d periods of metabolism collections took place on d 50-59 (mid-) and 99-108 (late-) of gestation. Fresh fecal samples were taken from each sow on d 1 of each collection period and water balance was measured from d 4-7. Daily water allowance was set at 80 mL/kg of BW per day. Data were analyzed as repeated records using a linear mixed model with block as a random effect, and fiber type, enzyme supplementation, and period and their interactions as fixed effects. Daily water allowance was used as a covariate where appropriate. No interactions were observed among the main effects (P > 0.63), and there was no effect of enzyme supplementation on water balance or fecal physicochemical properties measured (P > 0.13). Sows fed SF had an increase ratio of grams of water excreted per gram of fecal DM (1.73 vs 1.96 g/g; Fiber P = 0.002) and had 76.6% greater fecal water binding capacity than those fed IF (5.18 vs. 9.15; Fiber P = 0.044). Irrespective of diet, sows in late gestation excreted 14.9% more water per g of DM in their feces (Period P < 0.001) and had increased fecal water binding capacity (5.02 vs 9.67%: Period P = 0.035). In late gestation, urine output increased by 30.5% (1182 vs 1543 mL/d; Period P=0.028) and estimated fecal moisture output increased by 12.3% (367 vs 412 mL/d; Period P = 0.015). Urine specific gravity increased by 0.6% in late gestation (1.00 vs 1.01 g/ml; Period P = 0.047). Sows fed SF had 22.3% less urine output (P = 0.045) but 21.8% more estimated fecal moisture output (P = 0.048). With decreased urine output and increased fecal moisture, these data suggest that there is a repartitioning of water, with greater water retention in the gastrointestinal tract of sows fed SF and during late gestation.
68 Impact of Increasing Levels of Hybrid Rye on Carcass Characteristics and Product Sensory Evaluation in Grow-Finish Pigs
Authors: Sullivan Caitlyn R , Thaler Robert C , Berg Kiah M , De Jong Jon A , Ward Joe P , Frahm Paul F , Boerboom Mike J
Published: October 2023

The objective of this trial was to determine the effects of hybrid rye (KWS Bono) inclusion rate on lean muscle deposition and product quality of grow-finish pigs. A total of 2,400 barrows and gilts (FAST x PIC 800, 44.9 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments. Diets were corn-soybean based with hybrid rye replacing either 0, 40, 70 or 100% of the corn in the diet. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the 2012 NRC requirements for all nutrients, and a five-phase feeding program was utilized (44.9 to 56.0, 56.0 to 69.0, 69.0 to 87.9, 87.9 to 107.5, and 107.5 to 111.6 kg). Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured at each phase change. Pigs were marketed across three events and (%) Yield, Hot Carcass Weight (HCW), Backfat (BF) and Iodine Value (IV) were measured at the procurement facility. Two primal sections (loins and bellies) were removed from 88 pigs (22/treatment) and sent to the KSU Meat Lab Facility to be cooked or smoked for a trained, sensory panel evaluation. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with block as a random effect and pre-planned linear and quadratic contrast statements to analyze the inclusion of hybrid rye. Results indicate that increasing hybrid rye inclusion rate from 0 to 100% decreased (P < 0.001) average market BW, % Yield, HCW, BF and IV all decreased (P < 0.001) as hybrid rye inclusion rate increased (Table 1). The sensory measures for loin chops for Initial Juiciness, Sustained Juiciness, Myofibrillar Tenderness and Overall Tenderness decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing hybrid rye. Connective Tissue Amount, Pork-Flavor Intensity and Off-Flavor Intensity were not affected (P > 0.10) by dietary treatment. All bacon measures including Texture, Saltiness, Smoke Intensity, Bacon Flavor and Off Flavor were not affected by hybrid rye inclusion (P > 0.10). In summary, while there was a reduction in HCW, BF, % Yield, IV and certain sensory values for loins as hybrid rye increased, there was no effect on any of the bacon variables measured. Therefore, depending on economics, hybrid rye can be an acceptable replacement for corn in finishing pig diets.
64 Determining the Phosphorus Release Curve for Sunphase HT Phytase from 250 to 2,000 FTU/kg in Nursery Pig Diets
Authors: Kim Ty , Gaffield Katelyn , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T , Zhou Ying , Song Xuerong , Wu Xiuyi
Published: October 2023

A total of 280 pigs (DNA 241 × 600, initially 10.4 ± 0.24 kg BW) were used in a 21-day growth study to determine the available P (aP) release curve for Sunphase HT phytase (Wuhan Sunhy Biology Co., Ltd., Wuhan, P.R., China). At approximately 19 d of age, pigs were weaned, randomly allotted to pens, and fed common starter diets. On d 21 post-weaning, considered d 0 of the study, pigs were blocked by average pen body weight (BW) and randomly allotted to 1 of 7 dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 8 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were derived from a single basal diet and ingredients including phytase, monocalcium P, limestone, and sand were added to create the treatment diets. Treatments included 3 diets containing increasing (0.11, 0.19, and 0.27% aP) inorganic P from monocalcium P, or 4 diets with increasing phytase (250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FTU/kg) added to the diet formulated to 0.11% aP. All diets were corn-soybean meal-canola meal-based and were formulated to contain 1.24% SID Lys and an analyzed Ca:P ratio of 1.10:1. Before the beginning of the study, all pigs were fed a diet containing 0.11% aP for a 3-d period (d 18 to 21 post-weaning). At the conclusion of the study, 1 pig, closest to the mean weight of each pen, was euthanized and the right fibula, rib, and metacarpal were collected to determine bone ash and density. After cleaning, bones were submerged in ultra-purified water under vacuum for 4 h. Weights were then collected, and bone density was calculated. For bone ash, bones were placed in a drying oven at 105oC for 7 d and then ashed in a muffle furnace at 600oC for 24 h (Table 1). For the overall experimental period, feeding increasing levels of aP from inorganic P improved (linear, P ≤ 0.014) ADG, G:F, and final BW. Similarly, feeding increasing phytase increased (linear, P ≤ 0.011) ADG and final BW as well as improved (quadratic, P = 0.023) G:F. For fibula bone ash weight and percentage bone ash, rib bone ash weight and bone density, and all metacarpal bone properties, pigs fed increasing levels of aP from inorganic P exhibited a linear improvement (P ≤ 0.019), with a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.030) for fibula bone density and rib percentage ash. Additionally, pigs fed increasing phytase had increased (P < 0.05) bone ash weight, percentage bone ash, and bone density in either a linear or quadratic fashion depending on the bone analyzed. The available P release curve generated for Sunphase HT phytase for percentage bone ash combining values from right fibula, rib, and metacarpal is: aP = (0.360 × FTU) ÷ (2,330.250 + FTU).
67 Effect of Different Dietary Protein Sources on Skeletal Muscle Growth Characteristics and Satellite Cell Mitotic Activity of Young Piglets
Authors: Sandoval Jorge L , Calderon Allan J , Leiva Samuel F , Anderson Brian L , Starkey Jessica D , Starkey Charles W
Published: October 2023

The neonatal period in pigs is distinguished by rapid growth as a function of extensive protein synthesis. Muscle satellite cells also referred to as stem cells (SC) have an essential role in postnatal hypertrophic muscle growth by increasing myofibrillar protein synthesis potential through fusion with existing myofibers to increase the DNA template available for transcription of these important muscle proteins. Thus, the impact of protein sources and differences in their amino acid availability on SC-mediated hypertrophic growth over time in neonatal pigs is of interest. To evaluate how different dietary protein sources fed to young piglets affect muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), fiber density, and SC proliferative activity, a randomized complete block design experiment was conducted using piglets (n = 123) from 5 different farrowing groups. At birth, piglets were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments consisting of a control group and 3 liquid dietary treatments. The commercial milk replacer-based diets contained: whey only (MLK), MLK + spray dried plasma (SDP), and MLK + soy protein concentrate (SPC). After birth, all piglets were allowed to nurse at least 36-h on the sow to allow colostrum intake, assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments, transferred to Rescue Decks, and reared until tissue collection on d 6, 14, 19, and 25. The control group was left in the farrowing crate and nursed by the sow until sampling (SOW). On sampling day, pigs were injected with 5’-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label mitotically active cells. One-hour post-injection, pigs were euthanized and longissimus dorsi (LM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscle samples were collected for immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. Cell populations were classified as either mitotically inactive SC (MyoD+:BrdU-; Pax7+:BrdU-; MyoD+:Pax7+:BrdU-) or mitotically active SC (MyoD+:BrdU+; Pax7+:BrdU+; MyoD+:Pax7:BrdU+). Data were analyzed as a 2-way ANOVA using SAS V9.4 PROC GLIMMIX and means were separated using PDIFF at P ≤ 0.05. Tendencies were declared when 0.0501 < P ≤ 0.10. At d 14 and 19, MLK-fed piglets had the least BWG (P ≤ 0.0810). On d 14 and 19, MLK-fed piglet LM fibers had the smallest CSA and greatest density (P ≤ 0.0459) though they were similar in fiber density to SOW piglets on d 14. The MLK-fed piglets exhibited the least density of Pax7+:BrdU+ SC in BF (P = 0.0185) and the greatest density of MyoD+ SC in LM (P = 0.0831) on d 6 as well as the greatest density of MyoD+ SC in LM (P = 0.0551) and proliferative MyoD+:BrdU+ SC in BF (P = 0.0799) on d 19, though these differences did not persist through d 25. Overall, these data indicate that supplementation of different dietary protein sources can impact satellite cell-mediated hypertrophic muscle growth of neonatal piglets though the mechanism will require further investigation.
50 Individual Precision Feeding can Greatly Reduce Global Warming, Eutrophication, and Acidification Environmental Impacts
Authors: Llorens Berta , Pomar Candido , Goyette Bernard , Rajagopal Rajinikanth , Andretta Ines , Latorre María Ángeles , Remus Aline
Published: October 2023

Nitrogen and phosphorus excretion are among the primary potential sources of environmental contamination in growing-finishing pig operations. Nutrient excretion can be reduced by feeding pigs with daily tailored diets to their estimated nutrient requirements using individual precision feeding (IPF) techniques. The environmental impact of moving from conventional group 3-phase-feeding (CON) to IPF systems in Québec, Canada, was evaluated in this study using life-cycle analysis. A cradle-to-farm gate life-cycle analysis was conducted using Simapro software (v. 8.0.3.14; PRE Consultants, Amersfoort, The Netherlands). The model included inputs and outputs of each sub-phase: raw materials/feedstuffs production, feed mill processing transport, animal rearing (maternity, weaning, and fattening units), and manure spreading in all livestock productions. All feed ingredients originated from Quebec (Montérégie region) and agricultural practices were simulated using real management data from an average farm in Quebec. Based on observed pig growth data, the CON and IPF systems were compared in the growing-finishing phase (Andretta et al., 2016). The IPF diets were obtained by blending two feeds (i.e., A and B), while CON diets were formulated according to the ones used by the industry. The evaluated impact categories were global warming (GW), eutrophication (EU), and acidification (AC). The functional unit was 1 ton of feed at the feed mill gate, and 1 ton of pig live weight at the farm gate for finished pigs. A Monte Carlo analysis was performed to determine the uncertainty of the growth performance results. Feeding programs were compared with ANOVA. Corn was the ingredient with greater GW and AC impacts, therefore, diets with greater corn content were those with greater impacts in these categories. Feed B, which contained 83.2% of corn, resulted in impacts of 570 kg of CO2 eq., 8.21 kg SO2 eq. and 6,27 kg PO4 eq. Diets with greater EU impact were those with a greater percentage of soybean meal. Feed A contained 25.4% of this ingredient and impacted 554 kg of CO2 eq., 6,84 kg SO2 eq. and 7.05 kg PO4 eq. CON diets had environmental impacts between those of feeds A and B. Compared with CON, IPF decreased GW by 5.1%, AC by 14.2% and EU by 12.2%. IPF significantly reduced the environmental impact in all categories due to the more efficient use of nutritional resources. IPF is an effective alternative to improve the sustainability of growing-finishing pig operations in Québec and likely other regions using corn and soybean-based diets.
54 Impact of Ileal Indigestible Protein on Nitrogen Excretion and Fecal Microbiota may be Greater Compared with Total Protein Concentration of Diets in Growing Pigs
Authors: Sung Jung Yeol , Johnson Timothy A , Ragland Darryl , Adeola Olayiwola
Published: October 2023

The effect of changes in dietary ileal indigestible protein concentration may be more influential in the amount of nitrogen flowing to the large intestine compared with changes in total dietary protein concentration. For this reason, we hypothesized that an increase in dietary ileal indigestible protein concentration induces an increase in hindgut nitrogen utilization and nitrogen excretion and a shift in fecal microbiota in growing pigs, when compared with pigs given a high total protein diet. Three diets were prepared: 1) standard protein diet based on corn and soybean meal, 2) high-indigestible protein diet in which autoclaved soybean meal replaced normal soybean meal in the first diet, and 3) high protein diet where the inclusion rate of soybean meal was greater than that of the other diets. T-cannulated barrows (n = 18; initial BW = 63.4 ± 8.0 kg) were allotted to the 3 diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. Pigs were individually housed in pens and the experiment lasted for 23 days. On d 7 and 21, fecal samples were collected by rectal massage for microbiota analysis. Grab samples of feces were collected on d 20 and 21, and ileal digesta were collected on d 22 and 23 for the determination of energy and nitrogen utilization. Energy and nitrogen utilization data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS using a pig as the experimental unit and a model that included diet as a fixed variable and block as a random variable. For microbiome analysis, R was used. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were analyzed and the difference in abundance of the genus was determined using the DESeq2 function. The high-indigestible protein diet achieved decreased apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen and resulted in greater ileal indigestible nitrogen concentration (P < 0.05). Apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen was less (P < 0.05), and correspondingly fecal nitrogen concentration and daily fecal nitrogen output were greater (P < 0.05) in the high-indigestible protein diet. Apparent post-ileal digestibility and hindgut disappearance of nitrogen and gross energy were the greatest (P < 0.05) in the high protein diet. Beta diversity metrics of feces in the high-indigestible protein diet on d 21 were different (q < 0.05) from those in the other two diets, which indicates a shift in fecal microbiota. According to the DESeq2 results, the direction of the microbiota shift induced by the high-indigestible protein diet may have reduced hindgut fiber utilization. In conclusion, an increase in dietary ileal indigestible protein increased nitrogen excretion and shifted fecal microbial communities but did not increase hindgut nitrogen utilization.
51 Evaluation of the Effects of a Single Intranasal Dose of Essential oil Spray on the Nasopharyngeal Microbiota of Feedlot Cattle: A Pilot Study
Authors: Magossi Gabriela , Schmidt Kaycie N , Holman Devin B , Winders Thomas , Carlson Zachary , Underdahl Sarah R , Swanson Kendall C , Amat Samat
Published: October 2023

Five essential oils (EO) were previously characterized in vitro and identified as candidates for the development of an intranasal EO spray to inhibit the colonization and proliferation of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) pathogens, especially at feedlot entry when cattle are most susceptible to BRD. In the present pilot study, these EO were evaluated for their potential to reduce BRD pathogens and to modulate nasopharyngeal microbiota in feedlot cattle. Angus-crossbred calves [n = 40; 7to 8 months old; initial BW = 284 ± 5 kg (SE)] received either an intranasal EO spray consisting of ajowan, thyme, fennel, cinnamon leaf, and citronella (0.025%, vol/vol per EO) suspended in PBS (3 mL per nostril) or PBS (Control) on day (d) 0. Deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected on d -1 (24 h before EO administration), 1, 2, 7, 14, 28, and 42, and processed for microbiota characterization using 16S rRNA gene. The calves that received EO had similar feed intake (P = 0.62) and average daily gain (P = 0.37) than control calves. Overall bacterial concentration estimated by qPCR was greater in control (P =0.049) than EO group, with EO group having reduced bacterial concentration on d 2 (P = 0.01) and d 7 (P=0.07). Sequencing results revealed that overall community structure of nasopharyngeal microbiota was different between EO and control calves (PERMANOVA: R2 = 0.01, P = 0.02), and was strongly affected by time (R2 = 0.1, P = 0.001). Within individual sampling day, the effect of EO on community structure was only detected on d 1 (R2 = 0.05, P = 0.03). Microbial richness (observed ASVs) and diversity (Shannon and Inverse Simpson) were not different between the two groups (P ≥ 0.17). The effect of EO on the most dominant phyla was observed (P ≤ 0.05) with Proteobacteria (d14), Firmicutes (d1, 14), Actinobacteriota (d14), and Bacteroidota (d2, 14). Among the predominant genera: Moraxella, Ralstonia, Mycoplasma, Mannheimia, Filobacterium, Pseudomonas, Pasteurella, and Corynebacterium, the abundance of Mannheimia (4.34% vs. 10.4%) and Filobacterium (2.53% vs. 11.9%) were reduced (P < 0.05) by EO on d 2. In control calves, Mannheimia was enriched by 3.9-fold (P < 0.05) from d -1 (2.66%) to d 2 (10.4%), whereas it remained constant in EO calves (P > 0.05) between these days (2.23% and 4.34%). Corynebacterium was also decreased (P < 0.05) in EO calves on d 1 (1.06% vs. 2.58%). The BRD-associated Histophilus genus was low (mean 0.02%), so EO effect was not assessed. Overall, a single dose of intranasal EO spray modulated nasopharyngeal microbiota and reduced the abundance of Mannheimia within 48 h post administration while having no effect on feed intake and daily gain. Our study highlights that nasally dosing EO may modulate respiratory microbiota and potentially mitigate bovine respiratory disease in finishing cattle.
193 Creatine Monohydrate on In Vitro Cultivated Bovine Cells Leading to Guanidinoacetic Acid Supplementation In Vivo
Authors: Eckhardt Erika P , Kim WonSeob , Kim Jongkyoo
Published: October 2023

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) is an amino acid-like compound that acts as a precursor to creatine (CRE) when either made in the body or digested. Creatine is directly used by skeletal muscle tissue as an energy source with the potential to act as a growth-promoting agent. The study objectives were to evaluate the effects of various CRE concentrations on bovine satellite cells for the rate of proliferation and myogenic differentiation. Satellite cells (SC) were isolated from the Longissimus muscle of 3-month-old Holstein bulls (n = 5). Cells were seeded at a density of 1 × 104 cells/mL on 96-well plates and incubated with 0 (CON), 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mM of CRE. The absorbance rate was measured at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of incubation. Cells for gene expression were plated on 6-well plates at a density of 1 × 105 in 10% FBS/DMEM. Following 24 h of adhesion, SC were incubated with 5 and 7.5mM CRE for 48 h. After which, cells were harvested after 48 h for Pax3, Pax7, and Myf5 mRNA gene expression analysis. To identify the effects of CRE during myogenic differentiation, SCs were induced myogenic differentiation. Upon reaching approximately 90% confluency, the growth medium was replaced by differentiation media (2% horse serum/ DMEM) containing 0 (CON), 5, and 7.5 mM CRE. A two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test were conducted regarding cell proliferation. A one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test were performed for gene expression. Interaction of treatment against time was noted (P < 0.01) in Con, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mM CRE. Cell proliferation rate was influenced by CRE treatment (P < 0.01). At 72 h of incubation, all CRE treatments increased cell proliferation rate compared with Con (P < 0.05). At 96 h of incubation, cells treated with 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mM of CRE increased proliferation compared with Con (P < 0.05). At 96 h, CRE treatment 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mM increased proliferation rate compared with 10mM CRE treated cells (P < 0.05). No treatment effect was found in the mRNA gene expression of Pax7, Pax3, and Myf5 (P > 0.05). Cells incubated with CRE showed no change in mRNA gene expression of IGF-1 and Myogenin (P > 0.05), and a tendency was noted for S6KB1 increase expression under treatment (P = 0.0643). S6KB1 is a protein kinase that, through mTOR pathway expression, leads to an increase in cell growth, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation. Results suggest that the treatment of BSCs with CRE impacted proliferation, CRE at 5mM vs. 7.5 mM concentrations treatment of differentiated muscle cells led to a trend in altering S6KB1 gene expression.
190 Effect of Segregation in Pigs in the Nursery Period by Body Weight (Light, Medium, and Heavy) on the Productive Performance on Wean-to-Finish
Authors: Rodriguez Cristina Rodriguez , Gómez Álvaro Rojo , Ramos Diego Aguilera , Cota José Angel , Mikovich Elías , Martínez Víctor Alfonso , León Ricardo Alberto , Sánchez Luis Angel
Published: October 2023

A management strategy to improve growth performance at weaning is segregation of pigs in the nursery period by body weight (BW; Light, Medium, and Heavy) in an attempt to increase productive performance and decrease within pen variation in BW. However, the result of current studies indicated that this practice may not be as effective as not sorting pigs. The objective was to determine the effect on productive performance and coefficient of variation (CV) within four categories of BW: Normal (without segregation), Light, Medium, and Heavy. A total of 24 Experimental Units, (EU; 50% barrows and 50% gilts) in an Incomplete Randomized Block Design with four treatments (Trt) and six replicates per Trt. Pen was the EU and block was the weaning group. Treatments were four; Normal (without segregation; 6.35 kg BW); Light (4.45 kg BW); Medium (5.89 kg BW); and Heavy (7.15 kg BW). Pigs were weighed individually on d 21 (at the beginning of the experiment), 70, 119, 135 and 146 of life. Growth data were analyzed using PROC MEANS and GLM of SAS. Results indicated that at the beginning of the experiment (for design) BW and the CV were different (P < 0.05). From weaning to d 70 Medium and Normal categories had similar BW (29.79 vs. 30.57 kg; P > 0.05), respectively. Light and Heavy pigs remained unchanged in their weight categories. Interestingly, the CV at d 70 was 3.46 percentage points greater in all the groups of pigs that were regrouped by weight, in fact, the only group that reduced the CV at d 70 was the Normal (it was decreased by 3.26 percentage points). Average daily gain at day 70 was less (P < 0.05) for Light (0.62 kg/d) compared with any of the other treatments (0.69 kg/d, average of the rest of the treatments). Average daily feed intake was less for Light (0.940 kg/d) followed by Medium and Normal (1.00 and 1.04 kg per day, respectively) and the Heavy which had the greatest intake (1.08 kg/d). No differences were found in removed animals and mortality (P > 0.05). However, the total number of animals treated parenterally was greater in the Light and Medium (16.75 vs. 12.80, respectively; P < 0.05) than the Heavy and Normal (7.83 and 7.00, respectively, P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment the BW of the pigs was different between treatments (P < 0.05) being the Light group pigs the least heavy (120.62 kg), followed by the Medium (128.02 kg) and Normal (131.31 kg) the treatment Heavy was the heaviest with 133.04 kg. These results suggest that segregation in nursery by BW has a negative effect on the CV.
81 Creating a More Efficient Production System (Feed Efficiency in the Real World)
Authors: Smith Zachary K , Gentry Wes
Published: October 2023

Modern food production is the subject of much scrutiny, especially with regard to potential environmental impact and sustainability. To accurately assess impact, both costs and benefits should be evaluated, and inputs and outputs should be standardized. Emphasis is commonly placed on efficiency when comparing production of various animal proteins. Efficiency of a process can be described as a ratio. This ratio is simply: 1) input to output or 2) output to input. The relationship of input to output such as feed input to gain (i.e., body weight, carcass weight, or retail cut weight) output is termed feed to gain (F:G) and the relationship of output to input is termed gain to feed (G:F). Production efficiency is optimal when animals are depositing lean tissue and poorest when the animal fattens and approaches chemical maturity. Because of the energy density of tissues deposited, energetic (calorie:calorie) efficiency can look very different than production (feed) efficiency. Factors related to animal health are also important as a reduction in death loss can offer a substantial boost to efficiency. Feed efficiency should be expressed on a dry matter basis. Failure to account for moisture content in a feedstuff can make feed efficiency appear poorer, especially when cattle are compared with non-ruminants, which typically consume drier diets. Should the environmental impact of beef production be lifetime or feedyard only? Much, if not all, of what a cow eats has no other value to mankind. The authors believe that the creation of human available calories from cellulose must be accounted for. For a more just comparison, efficiency could be measured using inputs that could have been used for human consumption, when making across species comparisons. With this in mind, non-ruminants are not nearly as attractive for large-scale protein production. There would also be value in evaluating efficiency of input to ideal protein output, rather than just weight gain or pounds of food produced. In that scenario plant-based foods would fare poorly. How best can cattle be used to supply the bioavailable nutrients for a growing population? Modern cattle eat large amounts of feed, get very large and have the ability to fatten and still be very efficient. Continual improvement and advancement is critical; but more meaningful assessments of efficiency are possible when the appropriate input:ouput comparisons are evaluated.
1 Microbiomes from Theory to Application
Authors: Adams Seidu , Aluthge Nirosh D , Abbas Waseem , Spangler Matt L , James Wells , Hales Kristen E , Kuehn Larry A , Oliver William T , Burkey Thomas , Miller Phillip S , Fernando Samodha C
Published: October 2023

Microbiome research has gained significant momentum in the last decade. Although many studies have investigated livestock microbiome to improve animal health and productivity, only a few microbiome manipulation approaches are currently used in the industry. This is partly due to the limited understanding of livestock microbiome and how such knowledge can be applied to improve animal health and performance. Additionally, the potential role of the microbiome is poorly characterized, limiting the opportunities available to improve animal health and productivity through microbiome manipulation. Here we describe and demonstrate how current microbiome theory such as “colonization history” can be utilized to establish beneficial microbiomes in livestock species. Our data suggest that the sow microbiome greatly impacts the early microbiome establishment in piglets and represents as much as 67% of the community even after 21 days following birth. This suggests early colonization provides unique opportunities to establish “beneficial” microbiomes. Additionally, we describe how microbiome-wide association studies (MWAS) can be used to quantify the microbial role in animal performance using a cattle population consisting of more than 750 animals. Finally, we describe how livestock animal models can be used to understand key concepts of microbial establishment and how such models can be used to investigate the human microbiome using germ free pig models. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
114 Effects of Zinc Supplementation in Gestating Sow Diets on Growth Performance of the Progeny from Birth to Market Reared Under Commercial Conditions
Authors: Cony Bruna S L , de Araujo Edilaine C , Martins Gabriel , Furtado Júlio , Vier Carine M , Orlando Uislei A , Lunedo Raquel , Perondi Dani , Andretta Ines
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different Zn supplementation strategies for gestating sows on growth performance of the progeny from birth to market. Pregnant sows (n = 417) were assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design based on parity and body condition. Dietary treatments consisted of: 1) Control (CON), corn- soybean meal-based diet with 125 ppm of Zn/kg diet supplied by ZnO (standard basal diet), for a total daily intake of 250 ppm Zn; 2) Partial Supplementation (PS), CON diet + 625 ppm supplemental Zn top-dressed for a total daily intake of 850 ppm Zn provided from d 80 of gestation up to farrowing; and 3) Total Supplementation (TS), CON diet + 625 ppm supplemental Zn top-dressed for a total daily intake of 850 ppm Zn provided throughout the entire gestation phase. Individual body weight was recorded for all piglets at birth (n = 6,349) and at weaning (n = 5,016). A subgroup of piglets (same gender, housed in same farm) was also individually weighed at the end of nursery phase (n = 1207) and at the end of finishing phase (n = 260). Data were assessed by analysis of variance interpreted at 5 and 10% probability levels, adjusted by the Tukey-Kramer test for multiple comparisons. Piglets born from sows whose diets were supplemented with Zn throughout the entire gestational period (TS) tended (P = 0.10) to be heavier at birth compared with piglets born from CON sows (Table 1). The offspring from TS sows tended (P = 0.09) to have greater average daily weight gains during lactation and were heavier (P = 0.04) at weaning compared with the offspring from CON sows, with the offspring from PS sows being intermediate. Although there was no evidence for differences in nursery average daily weight gain, piglets from TS sows tended (P = 0.10) to be heavier at the end of the nursery compared with piglets from CON sows, with piglets from PS intermediate. Pigs from TS sows had greater (P = 0.003) average daily weight gain during the finishing phase and were heavier (P = 0.03) at slaughter. Only animals from the treatments CON and TS were evaluated at the end of the trial because no evidence for differences (P > 0.10) between CON and PS were found at the end of the nursery phase. In conclusion, Zn supplementation in gestating sow diet fed throughout the entire gestation period optimized the performance of the progeny from birth to market and should be considered as a viable prenatal intervention in commercial production systems.
106 Using Postbiotic Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Yeast in Gestation and Lactation Diets of Gilts to Improve Immunoglobulin Transfer and Offspring Growth Pre-Weaning
Authors: Christensen Brenda , Schulze Hagen , Kiarie Elijah , Huber Lee-Anne
Published: October 2023

Gilts [n = 50; initial body weight (BW) 190.7 ± 4.2 kg] were used to determine the optional inclusion level of postbiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae in late gestation and lactation diets to improve immunoglobulin transfer and piglet growth performance during the suckling period. Gilts were assigned to one of five (n = 10) diets: standard gestation and lactation diets (Y0) or diets with postbiotic yeast included at either 0.25% (Y0.25), 0.5% (Y0.5), 1.0% (Y1), or 1.2% (Y1.2). Diets were fed from d 85 of gestation until weaning (d 21 after farrowing). During gestation gilts were fed 2.6kg/d and feed was offered ad libitum during lactation. Gilt BW was recorded on d 85 and 110 of gestation, and gilt and piglet BW were recorded on d 1 and 21 of lactation. Twenty-four hours after farrowing, plasma was collected from each gilt and two median BW piglets per litter via orbital sinus. Additionally, 50 mL of colostrum was collected in equal parts from all functional teats on the right side. On d 21, plasma samples were collected from each gilt and two median BW piglets per litter. Concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig) A, G, and M were quantified in plasma and colostrum. Data were analyzed in SAS with treatment as the main effect. Linear, quadratic, and yeast vs. no yeast contrast statements were used to assess responses to dietary inclusion of yeast. Time (minutes) between farrowing (defined as birth of the first piglet, confirmed by video recording) and sampling was used as a covariate for d 1 Ig concentrations. There were no differences in number of piglets born alive (12.5 ± 0.9), birth weight (1.40 ± 0.45kg), or gilt BW change during lactation (-7.98 ± 6.68kg). Lactation average daily feed intake tended to be 14.6% greater for gilts provided yeast versus no yeast (5.11 vs. 4.46 ± 0.31kg, respectively; P = 0.069). At weaning, offspring from Y0.25 fed gilts had greater BW than piglets from Y0- or Y1.2-fed gilts (6.48 vs. 5.66 and 5.82 kg ± 0.16, respectively; P < 0.001), with all other treatments intermediate. On d 1, colostrum and gilt plasma Ig concentrations were unaffected by diets. However, yeast increased piglet plasma concentrations of IgM (linear; P = 0.034) and tended to increase IgA (linear; P=0.093), and total Ig (linear; P = 0.074). On d 21, gilts fed yeast-containing diets tended to have greater plasma IgA (yeast vs. no yeast and quadratic; P = 0.063 and P = 0.076, respectively), but IgM was greater for gilts fed Y0 (yeast vs. no yeast; P < 0.05). On d 21, piglet plasma IgA tended to be greater when gilts were provided yeast-containing diets (yeast vs. no yeast; P = 0.069). Therefore, postbiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae was effective in improving maternal transfer, with piglet IgA and IgM concentrations increasing linearly with increasing yeast inclusion, while Y0.25 also improved piglet growth performance during the suckling phase.
109 The Effect of Lactation Diets Supplemented with a Feed Flavor on Sow and Litter Performance
Authors: Spinler Mikayla , Gebhardt Jordan T , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Goodband Robert D , Kyle Josh , Woodworth Jason C
Published: October 2023

A total of 105 sows (Line 241, DNA, Columbus, NE) were used across four batch farrowing groups to evaluate the effects of including a feed flavor (Krave AP, Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA) in lactation diets on sow and litter performance. Sow groups 1 and 2 farrowed in an old farrowing facility during the summer months with fans and drip coolers used to regulate the ambient temperature. Groups 3 and 4 farrowed in a new farrowing facility during the winter months and utilized fans and cool cells for environmental temperature control. Sows were blocked by BW within parity on d 110 of gestation and allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments, 55 sows on the control diet and 50 sows on the flavor diet. Dietary treatments were a standard corn-soybean-based lactation diet (control) or control diet with the addition of a feed flavor at 0.05% of the diet. Farrowing facility environment greatly impacted feed intake, with ADFI being greater (P < 0.001) in the new farrowing facility during the winter months compared with the old farrowing facility in the summer months (Table 1). Sows fed the flavor treatment had a tendency (P = 0.093) for greater ADFI overall compared with control fed sows across the entire experiment. Piglet BW from sows fed the flavor diet tended to be greater (P = 0.087) on d 10 and was greater (P = 0.039) at weaning compared with pigs from sows fed control diets. An interaction between flavor and farrowing facility was observed for pig ADG (P = 0.001), with pigs from sows fed the flavor diet in the old farrowing facility having a greater ADG compared with piglets from sows fed the control diet. The opposite was observed in the new farrowing facility. Litter ADG tended (P = 0.093) to be greater for pigs from sows fed the flavor diet. Preweaning mortality of piglets from sows fed a diet containing a feed flavor was greater from birth to d 2 (P = 0.038) and d 2 to weaning (P = 0.005) compared with piglets from sows fed the control diet. In conclusion, sows fed the flavor-containing diet tended to have greater overall ADFI and had greater piglet weaning weights. The differences in feed flavor response between season and environment suggests that adding a feed flavor to the lactation diet in situations where sow lactation ADFI is less than optimal could lead to improvements in sow and litter performance.
113 Effect of Birth Weight on Tissue Copper, Iron, and Zinc Concentrations in Piglets
Authors: Hammers Kelsey L , Urriola Pedro E , Schwartz Mark , Ryu Moon-Suhn , Gomez Andres , Johnston Lee J
Published: October 2023

Pigs (n = 3,990) were used in a previous study to determine if supplemental zinc fed to sows at various timepoints during gestation would reduce pre-weaning mortality. Additionally, data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of birth weight on tissue concentrations and distribution of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in piglets. Mixed parity sows were fed 1 of 3 diets: a control corn-soybean meal diet containing 125 ppm supplemental Zn supplied by zinc hydroxychloride, a diet consisting of the control + 141 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (266 ppm total supplemental Zn) fed from 5 days after breeding to farrowing, or the control diet fed from breeding to farrowing + 2,715 ppm of supplemental Zn from ZnSO4 (2,840 ppm total supplemental Zn) starting on day 110 of gestation until farrowing. Two low and 2 average birth weight pigs (n = 122) were selected from 10 sows per treatment group to assess Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations of serum and tails. Serum was collected from each pig at day 1 of age and tails were collected on day 2 of age. Liver tissue was collected from a subset of pigs (n = 65) that died naturally or were euthanized within 2 days of age. The statistical model included fixed effects of treatment and farrowing group, the random effect of their interaction, and the random effect of pig nested within sow. Serum concentrations of each trace element did not differ by birth weight (Table). Low birth weight piglets had greater concentrations of Fe (P = 0.018) and Cu (P = 0.031) in their tails than average birth weight pigs. No differences were observed in tail Zn concentration by birth weight. Notably, pigs that died naturally weighed less at birth than euthanized pigs (P < 0.001). Moreover, pigs that died naturally had greater hepatic Fe concentrations (P < 0.001) and tended to have greater liver Cu concentrations (P = 0.098) compared with euthanized pigs. The associations between tissue iron and copper concentrations and birth weight of piglets may have nutritional and pathophysiological implications and thus warrant further investigation.
110 Effects of Supplementation of Refined Functional Carbohydrates in Sow and Piglet Diets on Performance During pre-Weaning and in Nursery in Pigs Fed Diets without any Antimicrobials
Authors: Jalukar Sangita , Vargas Antonio , Carrion-Lopez Maria-Jose
Published: October 2023

The objective of the study was to test effects of supplementation of Refined Functional Carbohydrates in sow and piglet diets on performance during pre-weaning and in nursery in pigs fed diet without antibiotics and pharmacological level of Zinc Oxide. Hybrid-hyper prolific sows (n = 269) and their litters [(Landrace x Large-white) x Pietrain] were used for the trial. All sows participated in the gestation phase, but only 94 of them were monitored throughout the lactation phase and their piglets during nursery phase. During the first 90 days of gestation all sows were fed a common standard diet. On approximately d 90 of gestation, sows were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 1) control group (CONTROL, n = 134), and 2) RFC group (0.02% CELMANAX SCP, n = 135), until transfer to farrowing unit (d 110 of gestation). A subset of sows received the corresponding lactation feed (CONTROL n = 54 and 0.02% CELMANAX SCP, n =4 6) after entering the farrowing room and throughout lactation. The day after farrowing, piglets were weighed individually and the number of piglets born alive, stillborn, and mummified were recorded. The piglets were supplemented with creep feed from day 7 of lactation with identical treatments as their sows. Sow body condition and feed intake during lactation and rectal temperature post farrowing were recorded. Piglet BW at weaning, pre-weaning mortality and medical treatments were recorded. Fecal score of sows and litter during pre-weaning were also recorded. At weaning, piglets were assigned to the 2 treatments (CONTROL and CELMANAX SCP, 0.02%), according to lactation treatment with 30 piglets/pen and 22 pens/treatment. Treatments were fed in the first two phases of nursery, 0-7 days and 7-21 days post weaning. Nursery pig performance was recorded. Data were analyzed with statistic software Minitab version 17.0 Windows using sow as the experimental unit for variables of gestation and lactation stages, and pen for the variables during nursery period. Sows that received diets supplemented with RFC showed a reduced mortality rate of piglets at 24 h of life (P=0.05). At weaning, an increase in piglet BW (P< 0.05) and a trend for greater ADG (P = 0.07) was noted in piglets from RFC supplemented multiparous sows. Nursery pigs fed diets supplemented with RFC had greater BW (P=0.03) and ADG (P=0.03) and a trend for greater ADFI during the first 21 days of nursery (P=0.08). In conclusion, sows supplemented with RFC in late gestation diet (d 90 to d 110) had reduced piglet mortality 24 h postpartum. Continued supplementation of RFC in lactation diet of sows and in piglet creep increased piglet weaning weight. Piglets supplemented with RFC in the early nursery stage (0 to 21d) also saw an improvement in the main productive indicators.
125 Effects of Wheat Middlings and Sugar Beet Pulp 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 wheat middlings (WM) and sugar beet pulp (SBP), on growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 2,393 pigs (initial BW = 7.4 kg), placed in pens with 33 to 35 pigs each, were used in a 42-d trial. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial structure with two levels of WM (0 or 15%) and three levels of SBP (0, 2.5, or 5%) with 12 replicates per treatment. Corn and a fermented soybean meal product (ME-Pro, Prairie AquaTech, Brookings, SD) were replaced by the fiber sources to achieve the desired levels, whereas soybean meal inclusion rate was held constant across treatments. Diets were not balanced for net energy. The experimental diets were fed from d 0 to 21 and a common corn-soybean meal-based diet was fed from d 21 to 42. Pigs were weighed on d 0, 21, and 42 to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F (Table 1). Data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure in SAS. There was no evidence (P > 0.10) for WM × SBP interactive effects. From d 0 to 21, pigs fed WM had poorer (P ≤ 0.040) ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Feeding up to 5% SBP did not affect (P > 0.10) growth performance. From d 21 to 42, pigs previously fed WM had improved (P = 0.012) G:F and those previously fed SBP had decreased (P, linear = 0.032) G:F. Overall (d 0 to 42), pigs fed WM had lower (P ≤ 0.048) ADG and G:F and those fed SBP had decreased (P, linear = 0.012) G:F. In conclusion, there were no interactive effects between WM and SBP. Pigs fed 15% WM had decreased performance and a minor impact was observed by feeding up to 5% SBP.