bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
233 Encapsulated Butyrate Supplementation Improved Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs without Added ZnO
Authors: Chen Ying , Jolliff James , Kaufman Jeff
Published: October 2023

This study was to investigate the effects of supplementing encapsulated butyrate additives in nursery phase 1 and 2 diets with and without pharmacological levels of ZnO on growth performance of nursery pigs. Pigs (n = 720; ~21 d of age, 5.72 kg of BW) were assigned to 6 treatments (n = 12, 10 pigs/pen, mixed sex) in a randomized complete block design with initial BW as a block and fed for 42 days in 3 phases (d 0-9, d 10-21, and d 22-42, respectively). Treatments were: 1) Control, basal diet with 3,000 ppm of Zn in phase 1, 1,500 ppm of Zn in phase 2 and 125 ppm of Zn in phase 3 (i.e., pharmacological levels); 2) Control with GBM Performant (encapsulated butyrate additive with 63% butyric acid) at 0.475 kg/MT in phase 1 and 2 diets; 3) Control with GBM Performant at 0.75 kg/MT in phase 1 and 2 diets; 4) basal diet with GBM Performant at 0.475 kg/MT in phase 1 and 2 diets without pharmacological levels of ZnO; (5) basal diet with GBM Performant at 0.75 kg/MT in phase 1 and 2 diets without pharmacological levels of ZnO; (6) Control with Product A (encapsulated butyrate additive with 40% butyric acid) at 0.48 kg/MT, which provided equivalate dietary butyrate content as treatments 2 and 4. All phase 1 and phase 2 diets were added with antibiotics. Diets contained nutrients meeting or exceeding NRC requirements. Growth performance was measured for each phase. Data were analyzed using SAS v9.4 with pen serving as the experimental unit and differences considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. During phase 1, all GBM Performant treatments had greater (P < 0.01) ADG than Control or Product A treatment. The GBM Performant treatments also had greater ADFI (P = 0.04) and Gain:Feed (P = 0.07) than Product A treatment with Control being intermediate. Throughout the trial, GBM Performant treatment without pharmacological levels of ZnO showed greater ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.01) than GBM Performant treatment with pharmacological levels of ZnO and the Control, whereas the Product A treatment showed the least ADG and ADFI. The GBM Performant treatment without pharmacological levels of ZnO tended to have greater overall Gain:Feed (P = 0.08) than other treatment groups. There was no significant difference on overall performance from the two supplementing dosage levels of GBM Performant. In conclusion, under the current trial condition, GBM Performant supplementation in phase 1 and 2 diets improved growth performance of nursery pigs than Control group without butyrate. When removing ZnO, GBM Performant treatment showed more benefits on performance compared with pigs supplemented with GBM Performant and pharmacological level of ZnO.
226 Modulation of Zinc, Copper and Iron Transporters in Weaned Pigs Fed Different Dietary Zinc/Copper Ratios
Authors: Dalto Danyel Bueno , Deschêne Karine , Villeneuve Geneviève , Guay Frédéric , Martel-Kennes Yan , Talbot Guylaine , Matte J Jacques , Lapointe Jérôme
Published: October 2023

This study evaluated the impact of different dietary zinc/copper ratios on the gene expression of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) transporters in jejunum and liver of weaned pigs. Piglets (n = 160) were weaned at 21 days of age (d 21; 7.81 ± 0.25 kg) and fed a basal post-weaning diet (without antibiotics) supplemented (n = 40/treatment) with 100 (LZn) or 3,000 (HZn) mg/kg of Zn as ZnO in combination with 6 (LCu) or 130 (HCu) mg/kg of Cu as CuSO4 until d 42. Piglets were sacrificed at d 21, d 28, d 35, and d 42 (n = 10 animals∙treatment -1∙day-1) for harvesting jejunum and liver samples. The mRNA expression of Zn, Cu, and Fe transporters was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using a 2x2x3 factorial design (two Zn levels, two Cu levels, and three slaughter days) and results are presented as fold-change relative to pre-treatment values (d 21). For Zn-related genes, jejunum Zip4 expression was least for HZn from d 28 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.01; Table 1) and Zip5 was greatest for HZn at d 28 (Zn effect; P = 0.04). On d 42, the greatest values for jejunal Zip4 were observed with LZnHCu (interaction Zn x Cu x time; P = 0.05). For Znt1 in jejunum and liver, mRNA expression was greatest for HZn from d 28 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.01) whereas Zip5 was greatest in liver for HZn at d 28 and d 35 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.04). On d 35, the least values for hepatic Zip5 were observed with LZnHCu (interaction Zn x Cu x time; P = 0.04). For Cu-related genes, no treatment effect (P ≥ 0.12) was detected for Crt1 and Atox1 in jejunum and liver. In both tissues, Mt3 expression was greatest for HZn from d 28 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.01). No treatment effect was detected (P = 0.53) for Atp7a expression in jejunum. However, for Atp7b in liver, values were greatest for HZn from d 35 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.01). For Fe-related genes, no treatment effect (P ≥ 0.18) was detected for Heph, Tfrc and Fpn1 in jejunum and for Dmt1, Tfrc and Hamp in liver. In jejunum, Dmt1 was greatest for LZn at d 28 and d 42 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.01) whereas Fth1 was greatest in HZn groups from d28 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.01) and for HCu at d42 (Cu effect; P = 0.04). In liver, Fth1 and Fpn1 were greatest for HZn from d28 (Zn effect; P ≤ 0.02). In conclusion, among the present different dietary zinc/copper ratios, most treatment effects on intestinal and hepatic Zn, Cu and Fe transporters originated from dietary ZnO levels suggesting a major contribution of Zn in modulating the metabolism of these trace minerals in post-weaning piglets.
257 Survey of Biological Measurements Used to Determine Bone Mineralization in Pigs Across the US Swine Industry
Authors: Williams Hadley , Gebhardt Jordan T , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Bergstrom Jon R , Rahe Michael , Siepker Christopher , Sitthicharoenchai Panchan
Published: October 2023

Pigs (n = 192) from 64 commercial sites across 14 production facilities in the Midwest USA were used to evaluate baseline biological measurements used to determine bone mineralization in pigs. There were 3 pigs selected from each site representing: 1) a clinically normal pig, 2) a pig with evidence of clinical lameness, and 3) a pig with a history of recent low feed intake within a hospital pen (sick pig). Pigs ranged in age from nursery to market weight, with the three pigs sampled from each site representing the same phase of production. For each pig, blood, urine, and the right and left metacarpal, fibula, 2nd rib, and 10th rib were collected and analyzed. Serum was analyzed for Ca, P, and 25(OH)D3 as part of the serum chemistry profile. and. Each bone was measured for bone density and ash (non-defatted and defatted methods). Bone density was measured on each bone based on Archimedes principle. For defatted bone ash, all bones were cleaned of tissue and then placed in Soxhlet extractors containing petroleum ether for 7 days as a means of removing water and fat. Bones were then dried at 105°C for 7 days and then ashed in a muffle furnace at 600°C for 24 h. Healthy pigs had increased (P < 0.05) serum calcium and 25OHD3 compared with sick pigs, with lame pigs intermediate (Table). Healthy pigs also had increased (P < 0.05) serum phosphorus compared with sick and lame pigs, with no differences between the sick and lame pigs. For defatted bone ash and bone density, there was a pig type × bone interaction (P < 0.001). There were no differences between pig types for the fibulas, 2nd rib, and 10th rib, but metacarpals from healthy pigs had greater bone ash compared with sick pigs, with lame pigs intermediate. For bone density, healthy and lame pigs had greater (P < 0.05) bone density than sick pigs for the metacarpals and fibulas, with no difference observed for the ribs. In summary, there appear to be differences in serum analysis between a healthy, lame, and sick pig. Differences in bone mineralization between pig types were observed in the metacarpal and fibula, but not ribs. The metacarpal appears to be the most sensitive bone to detect differences in bone mineralization between pig types. There was also considerable range in values within pig type across production sites.
249 The Impact High Soyhull and Soybean Meal Diet Formulations on Grow-Finish Pig Performance
Authors: Miller Kayla A , Mendoza Omarh F , Shull Caleb M , Gabler Nicholas K
Published: October 2023

The objectives of this study were two-fold in evaluating the effects of soybean meal and soyhulls inclusion level in diets fed to grow-finish pigs on growth performance. Firstly, we compared high soybean meal (minimal crystalline amino acids) vs. crystalline amino acids diet formulations. Secondly, we evaluated the addition of soyhulls and soyhulls plus xylanase to diet formulations. In a complete randomized design, a total of 463 grower pigs (BW of 28.4 ± 5.6 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 12 pens/treatment; 9 – 11 pigs/pen). Within each phase, dietary treatments were formulated to the same SID Lys:ME, and to meet or exceed nutrient recommendations (NRC, 2012) and were fed over three phases consisting of: 1) corn soybean-meal based diet formulated with crystalline amino acids (CON); 2) corn soybean-meal based diet formulated to meet AA requirements via soybean-meal with limited crystalline amino acids (HSBM); 3) As diet #1 with 15% soyhulls (SH); and 4) As diet #3 + commercial xylanase enzyme (SH+X). Diets were formulated with to a SID Lys:ME of 3.26, 2.46, and 1.95 in phase 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Pig BW and pen feed disappearance were recorded at phase change to calculate ADG, ADFI, and feed efficiency (G:F) over the study duration of 95 days. All data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 with pen as the experimental unit and the model included the fixed effect of treatment with least squares means reported. There were no differences (P > 0.05) amongst treatments in phase 1 for any growth performance measures. There was an increase in ADFI of pigs fed SH and SH+X when compared with CON and HSBM (P < 0.05) in phase 2 (P2; 2.89 and 2.82 vs. 2.75 and 2.73 kg/d, respectively) and phase 3 (P3; 3.42 and 3.40 vs. 3.18 and 3.28 kg/d, respectively). However, no differences in ADG or G:F (P > 0.05) compared with CON were reported in P2 or P3. Overall, there were no differences in ADG (P > 0.05) between treatments. Pigs fed SH and SH+X had an increase ADFI compared with CON and HSBM (2.84 and 2.83 vs. 2.68 and 2.71 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.05) and a decrease in G:F when fed SH; however, no differences between CON, HSBM, and SH+X (0.38 vs. 0.40, 0.40, and 0.39, respectively; P > 0.05). In conclusion, there were no negative growth performance effects of feeding a diet containing minimal crystalline amino acids and meeting the requirement of the pigs via soybean meal. Further, there was an increase in feed intake when pigs were fed a diet containing 15% soyhulls, regardless of if there was an addition of xylanase.
276 Investigating the Colonization History of Early-Life Microbiome of Piglets
Authors: Adams Seidu , Knapp Josh P , Neujahr Alison , Burkey Thomas , Miller Phillip S , Fernando Samodha C
Published: October 2023

Early-life microbiome establishment and colonization is essential for gut development, nutrient digestion and metabolism, and modulation of the immune system. Microbial colonization of the infant digestive tract begins at birth, and as such, maternal microbiota has an important influence on the early-life establishment and colonization of the infant gut microbiota. Therefore, perturbations during early life establishment of the infant gut microbiome may have long-term impact on the microbiota composition and function, and may serve as a major determinant on host health and development. To evaluate the effects of early life microbiomes on long-term colonization of the microbiome, and effect host function, we set out to quantify the percentage of the sow microbiome that contributes to early-life colonization in the piglet and how such microbiomes would persist within the piglet gut. To this end, we investigated the colonization history and the role of the sow microbiome in establishment of the piglet microbiome over time using 16S rRNA sequencing. We observed 125 amplicon sequence variants to be persistent across different sampling time points, day 0, day 14, and day 21, representing 89.73%, 68.99%, and 67.30% of the total reads on day 0, day 14 and day 21, recovered from the piglets respectively. Comparing the piglet microbiota to that of the sow, we observed 114 of the 125 persistent ASVs in the piglet microbiota to arise from the sow that account for 75% of the total reads in the sow microbiota. This core microbiome includes Bacteroides, Methanobrevibacter, Lachnoclostridium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Ruminococcaceae Genus, Romboutsia, Phascolarctobacterium, Erysipelotrichaceae Genus, Muribaculaceae Genus, Streptococcus, [Eubacterium] coprostanoligenes group Genus and others. The species abundance increased for Bacteroides, Methanobrevibacter, Lachnoclostridium, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Lactobacillus, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Ruminococcaceae Genus, Romboutsia, Phascolarctobacterium, Erysipelotrichaceae Genus, Muribaculaceae Genus, Streptococcus, [Eubacterium] coprostanoligenes group Genus and other species over time while species abundance of pathogens or opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia-Shigella and Salmonella species decreased over time. In conclusion, the maternal microbiota has an important role in early-life microbiome establishment and can be utilized to develop a more beneficial microbiome to increase pig health and productivity.
288 Effect of Increasing Mn from Mn Hydroxychloride on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Grow-Finish Pigs
Authors: Cordoba Hilario M , Woodworth Jason C , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T , Van de Ligt Chris P A
Published: October 2023

A total of 2,025 grow-finish pigs (337 × 1050, PIC; initially 39.9 ± 0.55 kg) were used in a 95-day trial to determine the impact on growth and carcass performance by increasing Mn from Mn hydroxychloride compared with a control diet containing MnSO4. Pigs were housed in mixed gender pens with 27 pigs per pen and 15 pens per treatment. The treatments were structured as a completely randomized design and consisted of a control diet containing 30 mg/kg of Mn from MnSO4 (Eurochem, Veracruz, Mexico) or 15, 30, 45 or 65 mg/kg of Mn from Mn hydroxychloride (IBM; IntelliBond M, Micronutrients USA, LLC, Indianapolis, IN). Experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-DDGS-based and were formulated with a premix without Mn and containing 150 mg/kg of Cu from IntelliBond C (Micronutrients, Indianapolis, IN) and 100 mg/kg of Zn from IntelliBond Z (Micronutrients, Indianapolis, IN). Diets were fed in 4 phases from 39.9 to 49.9, 49.9 to 74.8, 74.8 to 99.8, and 99.8 to 133.3 kg. In the grower period (d 0 to 43), G:F was improved (quadratic, P = 0.035) when IBM level increased up to 45 mg/kg but then worsened thereafter (Table). Overall (d 0 to d 95), there was no evidence of difference (P > 0.05) for any growth or carcass response criteria when comparing the Mn sources at 30 mg/kg of Mn or when increasing the level of IBM in diets. In conclusion, no differences were observed in this trial with the exception of an improvement in G:F observed in the grower phase as Mn from IBM increased up to 45 mg/kg.
291 Effect of Early vs. Late Maturing Sire Lines and Creep Feeding on the Stress Response, Intestinal Permeability, and Growth Performance of Nursery and Finishing Pigs
Authors: Wensley Madie R , Woodworth Jason C , Tokach Mike D , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: October 2023

A total of 21 litters (early or late maturing Duroc × DNA 241) resulting in 247 pigs were used in a 170-day trial to determine the effect of sire lines selected for either early or late maturing growth rates and creep feeding on the stress response, intestinal permeability, and growth performance of nursery and finishing pigs. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial with main effect of Duroc sire line (early or late maturing) and creep feeding (with or without starting 14 d before weaning). In the nursery, there were 4 or 5 pigs per pen and 12 or 13 replications per treatment. Thirty minutes after weaning (initially 6.4 kg BW), 7 gilts per treatment were used to determine cortisol concentrations in response to weaning. Blood cortisol concentrations were increased (P < 0.01; 104.0 v. 83.5 ng/mL) in late maturing pigs compared with early maturing pigs. After almost no feed consumption by either group on d 1, late maturing pigs had decreased daily feed intake (P < 0.001) than early maturing pigs from days 2 to 14 post-weaning. Likewise, a greater percentage (P < 0.001) of late maturing pigs had BW less than their weaning weights on d 3 post-weaning compared with early maturing pigs (Table). Thus, late maturing pigs had decreased (P < 0.001) ADG and ADFI during the first 3 days in the nursery. Creep feeding had no effect on initial performance. No differences were observed in intestinal permeability between treatments. For overall nursery performance, a significant interaction was observed for ADG (P = 0.007) and ADFI (P < 0.001), with creep feeding providing a benefit in late maturing pigs, but not in early maturing pigs. Early maturing pigs had poorer G:F (P < 0.001) than late maturing pigs. At the end of the nursery, 241 pigs were transported to the finisher and randomly placed in pens based on treatment. There were 7 or 8 pigs per pen and 7 or 8 replications per treatment. For overall finishing performance, an interaction was observed for ADG (P = 0.037), with late maturing pigs that received creep feed having increased ADG compared with the other treatments. An interaction was also observed for ADFI (P = 0.007), with late maturing pigs that did not receive creep feed having decreased ADFI compared with late maturing pigs that received creep feed or early maturing pigs whether they received creep feed or not. In summary, early maturing pigs had lower stress response at weaning and improved ADG and ADFI until approximately 100 kg, at which point late maturing pigs began to exhibit greater ADG. Late maturing pigs had improved feed efficiency throughout the experiment. Creep feeding late maturing pigs resulted in improved growth performance compared with providing no creep feed, whereas creep feed did not impact early maturing pigs.
297 Determining the Effects of Energy Concentrations and Diet Forms on Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs
Authors: Lunedo Raquel , Schlesner Gerson , Perondi Dani , Junior Ademir Dahmer , Vier Carine M , Lu Ning , Orlando Uislei A , Santi Mônica , Kummer Rafael
Published: October 2023

Our objective was to determine the effects of two different dietary energy concentrations and diet forms on growth performance of nursery pigs. Barrows and gilts (n = 1,300 PIC337×Camborough, initial BW = 6.7±1.40 kg) were used in a 35-day growth trial with 52 pens in two rooms, 13 pens per treatment, and 25 pigs per pen. At the beginning of the trial, pens within each room were formed by segregating pigs into three body weight (BW) categories and gender, and then randomly allotted to one of four treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed in three dietary phases and phase changes occurred based on assigned feed budget (Phase 1: 2 kg/pig, Phase 2: 4 kg/pig, and Phase 3: ad libitum until 35d post-weaning). Treatments consisted of a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with one factor being the energy concentration of the diets with 2 levels (low and high) and the other factor being the diet form with 2 plans (mash throughout phases 1 to 3 or mash in phase 1 and 2 then pelleted in phase 3). Pellet size was 4 mm, and PDI measurements averaged 84.0 and 83.4% in the low and high energy diets, respectively. Growth performance data were analyzed using a generalized mixed model in Minitab and considered pen as the experimental unit. The statistical model considered fixed effects of BW category, energy, diet form, and their interaction, and random effects of room. All data are reported as least square means and considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. There was no evidence for a significant interaction between energy level and diet form (P > 0.10) for any response criteria. Increasing energy of the diet fed to nursery pigs did not result in significant differences (P > 0.10) in overall average daily gain (ADG; 356 and 367 g/d), average daily feed intake (ADFI; 501 and 510 g/d), or feed efficiency (G:F; 711 and 719 g/kg) between low and high energy, respectively. Feeding a pelleted diet in the last nursery phase resulted in increased (P = 0.004) overall ADG (368 vs 355 g/d), increased (P = 0.018) final BW (19.6 and 19.2 kg), and improved (P = 0.002) overall G:F (727 and 702 g/kg) compared with pigs fed mash diets throughout the entire nursery period. There was no evidence for differences in ADFI due to diet form. In addition, no evidence for treatment differences were observed for overall removal and mortality rates. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, there was no evidence for an energy impact in nursery pig growth performance. Feeding a pelleted diet in the last nursery phase resulted in improvements in overall ADG, G:F, and final BW of nursery pigs.
299 Poultry Meal Autoclaving Time-Related Reduction in Amino Acid Digestibility for Broiler Chickens and Growing Pigs
Authors: Sung Jung Yeol , Park Chan Sol , Ragland Darryl , Wiltafsky-Martin Markus K , Adeola Olayiwola
Published: October 2023

Poultry meal (PoMe), a rendered product of slaughtered poultry carcasses, is widely used in swine and poultry diets because of its highly digestible protein and balanced amino acid profile. Rendering may reduce amino acid digestibility of PoMe because rendering can induce heat damage to PoMe, and the effect of heat damage on amino acid digestibility in PoMe may be different between broiler chickens and growing pigs. For this reason, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of autoclaving on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid in PoMe fed to broiler chickens and growing pigs. Poultry meal from the same batch was autoclaved at 134°C for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 min for 7 samples. Eight experimental diets consisted of 7 diets containing each PoMe sample as a sole source of nitrogen and a nitrogen-free diet. In Exp. 1, 656 male broiler chickens (initial BW = 719 ± 97 g) at d 18 post hatching were assigned to the 8 diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. On d 23, birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation and dissected for the collection of ileal digesta. In Exp. 2, 16 barrows (initial BW = 23.3 ± 0.7 kg) surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum were allotted to duplicate 8 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with the 8 diets and 4 periods. Each experimental period consisted of 5-d adaptation and 2-d ileal digesta collection periods. Data for Exp. 1 and 2 were pooled together as a 2 × 7 factorial treatment arrangement with the effects of species (i.e., pigs and broiler chickens) and autoclaving time (i.e., 0 to 180 min). An Interaction between species and linear effect of autoclaving time was observed (P < 0.05) in SID of nitrogen, arginine, and threonine in PoMe. To be specific, the linear decrease in ileal digestibility of nitrogen and those AA with increasing autoclaving time was greater in pigs compared with broiler chickens. The SID of AA both linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) as autoclaving time increased. The SID of isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan in PoMe was greater (P < 0.05) in growing pigs compared with broiler chickens regardless of autoclaving time. In conclusion, increasing autoclaving time decreases SID of amino acids in PoMe, and SID values in some indispensable amino acids are greater in growing pigs compared with broiler chickens.
83 Developing Mortality Risk Profiles to Better Feed and Manage High-Producing Sows
Authors: Weaver Eric
Published: October 2023

The sow is the origin of pigs born, maternal care, and nutrition in the most critical, neonatal period of life of the pig. Increasing pigs born, birth weight, age, and body weight of pigs at weaning remain effective predictors of the measures of productivity in swine production systems: pigs weaned, growth rate, and full value market pigs. Factors that impact the health and longevity of the sow affect the measures of production. However, as prolificacy continues to increase in sows, a parallel trend for increasing sow mortality reduces the potential gains in productivity. Lameness and musculoskeletal issues account for nearly one-half of the current mortality while sudden non-euthanasia deaths account for the remainder. The increasing mortality of first or second parity sows that is sudden, non-euthanasia, such as prolapses, torsions, gastrointestinal ulcers, and others has exposed our limited knowledge of the metabolism and physiology of the high-producing sow. General risk factors for increased mortality in a herd are age, season, flooring, feeding, body condition, and disease/health status of the sow. A greater understanding of the etiology for the those causes of death is needed for sustainable progress in changing the trend from greater to lower mortality. Reducing sow mortality correlates well to greater productivity as measured by pigs per sow year. Deaths occur most commonly in the peri-parturient period. One path to improving pigs weaned per sow is to gain the needed understanding of the metabolic changes and stressors on the sow at farrowing. Retaining sows in the herd through lower mortality also promises to increase herd productivity through improving parity structure. Pigs from first parity sows have lighter birth weights and transfer less effective passive immunity compared with pigs from older sows but these differences have not been consistently shown. The pre-natal impacts of exposure to viral pathogens and altering nutrient supply also have been shown to affect the pig and needs additional research. Increasing the management, health, and nutrition of the sow to promote longevity is path forward to more pigs weaned and sustainable production.
84 Dead Sows do not Rear Piglets
Authors: Knauer Mark
Published: October 2023

Increasing sow mortality continues to challenge pig producers in the U.S. Sow mortality is an animal well-being, economic and sustainability concern. The majority of sow death loss occurs during late gestation and lactation. Unborn piglets are not able to survive when a sow dies in late gestation. During lactation, sow death (depending on stage of lactation) reduces the availability of colostrum, milk and number of functional teats available to a batch of piglets. Hence sow mortality impedes reproductive throughput. The author characterized sow mortality and evaluated nutritional interventions at a 2,600 animal commercial sow farm in eastern North Carolina over a 27-week period. Sows were housed in individual stalls during gestation. Sow mortality was specifically evaluated between day 95 of gestation and 30 days post-farrowing. Females were evaluated at day 95 of gestation for body condition using the Knauer sow body condition caliper. Sows were further evaluated for abnormalities (e.g., structural conformation, overgrown toes and dew claws, perineal swelling, behavior). Farm recorded sow mortality codes included difficult farrow (7%), lameness (32%), prolapse (21%) and unknown (40%). Of the 3,340 sows evaluated, 190 (5.7%) died between day 95 of gestation and 30 days post-farrow. Abnormalities were more likely (P < 0.01) to be recorded for sows that subsequently died when compared with sows that lived (15.3 vs. 4.5%). Sow mortality was associated (P < 0.05) with both parity and sow body condition. First litter females and heavier conditioned sows were more likely to survive. Yet these two factors combined explained less than 2% of the variation in sow mortality. Few nutritional interventions have been scientifically evaluated in relation to sow mortality. The author will report on five pilot studies, conducted at the commercial sow farm in eastern North Carolina, evaluating the impact of different nutritional strategies to enhance sow livability. Pilot studies consisted of vitamin supplementation experiments (n = 3) in late gestation or the transition period, soybean meal supplementation in late gestation and increased feeding levels in late gestation. Supplementing a combination of vitamins E and C, in late gestation, showed promise in enhancing sow livability. Results challenge the author’s paradigm that poor stockmanship and structural conformation are largely related to the sow U.S. sow mortality dilemma. Hence it is recommended that the swine industry work to better understand the micro and macro nutrient requirements of modern sow genotypes under commercial environments.
102 Growth Performance in Pigs fed a High Soybean Meal Diet During Heat Stress
Authors: Johnson Erika M , Kiefer Zoe E , Studer Jamie M , Kerr Brian J , Griener Laura , Gabler Nicholas K , Baumgard Lance H , Ross Jason W
Published: October 2023

In the U.S. swine industry, feeding programs are focused on using feed ingredients that are easily digestible and cost effective. With the predicted increases in soybean processing, pig producers may have increased availability of a cost-effective protein source in soybean meal (SBM). This expanded availability of SBM may result in feeding protein above the ostensible requirements, which would likely intensify the thermic effect of digestion, potentially increasing the susceptibility of the pig to heat stress (HS). Heat stress has damaging effects on feed intake and growth performance, costing the swine industry >$900 million annually. Therefore, the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein diets (in the form of SBM) during HS on growth performance in growing pigs. Growing pigs (n = 40; initial BW = 55 ± 5.6 kg) were allocated into six treatments: 1) thermoneutral (TN) ad libitum control diet (TN-Ctl; n = 6), 2) TN pair-fed (PF) control diet (PF-Ctl; n = 6), 3) HS ad libitum control diet (HS-Ctl; n = 8), 4) TN ad libitum high SBM diet (TN-SBM; n = 6), 5) TN PF high SBM diet (PF-SBM; n = 6), and 6) HS ad libitum high SBM diet (HS-SBM; n = 8). The control diet included 15% crude protein (CP) while the high SBM diet included 23% CP with excess amino acids. The study consisted of two periods: Period 1 (P1; 7 d) in which all pigs were housed in TN environments (26.7 ± 1.4°C) with ad libitum access to respective diets. Period 2 (P2; 21 d), HS groups were exposed to cyclical HS with daytime temperatures reaching 35°C and evening temperatures decreased to 29.4°C. During P2, PF groups were fed to respective HS-Ctl or HS-SBM equivalents in TN conditions. Pigs exposed to HS had an overall increase in rectal temperature and respiration rate (0.91°C and 45 bpm, respectively; P ≤ 0.01) and HS-SBM pigs had increased evening rectal temperature (± 0.13°C; P ≤ 0.01), relative to HS-Ctrl. Overall, HS decreased ADFI (19%; P ≤ 0.01), ADG (26%; P ≤ 0.01) and increased F:G (10%; P ≤ 0.01) irrespective of dietary CP levels. Loin muscle area (P = 0.19) and backfat (P = 0.98) were not different between the TN and HS pigs regardless of diet. Circulating blood urea nitrogen levels did not differ between HS and TN pigs (P = 0.68), but an increase was observed in pigs fed the SBM diet relative to the control diet (P ≤ 0.01). In summary, these results demonstrate that HS decreases growth performance, but the negative effects are not augmented by feeding a high SBM diet.
71 Effects of Late Gestational Nutrient Restriction on Calf pre-Weaning Growth, Backgrounding and Feedlot Performance, and Carcass Composition
Authors: Meyer Allison M , Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Wichman Lindsey G , Petzel Emily A , Brake Derek W , Redifer Colby A
Published: October 2023

Fall-calving Hereford-SimAngus heifers [single-sired; BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] bred to a single sire were individually fed 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from day 160 of gestation to calving. Post-calving, all females were fed chopped tall-fescue hay supplemented to meet lactational nutrient requirements in Calan gates to constrain diets of calves to milk only until day 147, then pen-fed in drylots until weaning at day 242 ± 3 (SD). Post-weaning, calves were fed a tall fescue hay-based backgrounding diet in the same large drylots for 53 ± 12 d, then moved to partially covered pens with GrowSafe feeding systems in 2 groups and fed a corn-based feedlot diet (formulated to be 18.3% CP, 1.21 Mcal NEg/kg, DM basis; 89% DM) for 255 ± 3 d (similar days on feed rather than carcass endpoint). Cattle were harvested in a commercial plant, and camera carcass grading was performed. Data were analyzed with maternal treatment, calving date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects; feedlot group was included for feedlot and carcass measures. We previously reported that birth weight was not affected (P = 0.72), but NR decreased (P < 0.04) milk production by 15%. Calves born to NR dams had reduced ADG from birth to day 147 (P = 0.02), day 147 to weaning (P = 0.08), and birth to weaning (P = 0.003), resulting in NR calves having 13% lighter (P = 0.004) weaning weight. Backgrounding ADG was not affected (P = 0.80) by maternal treatment; thus, feedlot entry BW was 11% less (P = 0.009) in NR calves. On day 28, 56, 84, and 112 on feed, NR calves weighed less (P ≤ 0.09) than control. Final BW was not affected (P = 0.91) by maternal treatment. Feedlot ADG was greater for NR calves from day 168 to slaughter (P = 0.02) and the overall feeding period (P = 0.03), but not before day 168 on feed (P ≥ 0.22). Calves born to NR dams had less (P = 0.02) dressing percentage, but improved (P = 0.02) yield grade and backfat thickness. Hot carcass weight, ribeye area, marbling score, and KPH were not affected (P ≥ 0.26) by maternal treatment. Percent prime, yield grade ≤ 2, and yield grade ≥ 4 were not affected (P ≥ 0.29) by maternal treatment. Overall, late gestational nutrient restriction decreased growth pre-weaning but increased late finishing growth, without affecting backgrounding or early feedlot growth. These cattle had leaner carcasses after similar days on feed, suggesting that late gestational nutrient restriction altered growth patterns or body composition.
70 Nutrient Restriction During Late Gestation Alters Maternal Circulating Amino Acid Concentrations in Primiparous Beef Females
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Wichman Lindsey G , Meyer Allison M
Published: October 2023

We hypothesized that maternal circulating AA concentrations would be reduced by late gestational nutrient restriction, indicating less available nutrients for transport by the uteroplacenta to the growing fetus. Fall-calving Hereford-SimAngus heifers [single-sired; BW: 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.7] bred to a single sire were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to receive either 100% (control; CON; n = 12) or 70% (NR; n = 13) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from day 160 of gestation to calving. Heifers were individually fed chopped sorghum sudan hay (1.74 Mcal ME, 6.66% CP, 72.0% NDF; DM basis) and based on individual intakes, supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. Jugular blood samples were obtained on days 159 (Pre-treatment), 202, and 244 of gestation, and 1 h post-calving to determine serum concentrations of the 20 common AA (except cysteine), 1-methyl histidine, and 3-methyl histidine. Gestational and post-calving AA were analyzed separately with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. Gestational AA included day and nutritional plane x day using repeated measures. We have previously reported that dam BCS was less (P ≤ 0.04) by day 202 of gestation and dam BW was less (P ≤ 0.01) by day 223 of gestation for NR dams. Post-calving, NR dams were 64 kg BW and 2.0 BCS lless (P < 0.001), but calf birth weight was not affected (P = 0.72) by nutritional plane. Histidine, lysine, and methionine were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in NR dams on day 202 of gestation. Tryptophan and valine were less (P ≤ 0.05) while methionine and total AA tended to be less (P ≤ 0.08) on day 244 of gestation in NR dams. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and tyrosine were less (P ≤ 0.03), but 3-methyl histidine was greater (P ≤ 0.01) on days 202 and 244 of gestation in NR dams. 1-methyl histidine was greater (P ≤ 0.05) at all 3 gestational timepoints but leucine was less (P = 0.03) in NR dams during gestation. Post-calving, glutamic acid, leucine, and valine were less (P ≤ 0.04), and methionine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and total AA tended to be less (P ≤ 0.10) in NR dams. Histidine, 1-methyl histidine, 3-methyl histidine, and serine were greater (P ≤ 0.03) in NR dams post-calving. In summary, late gestational nutrient restriction reduced total maternal circulating AA and altered the maternal serum AA profile, but calf birth weight was not affected. Individual AA that were greater or unaffected in NR dams were likely indicative of body protein catabolism occurring to meet nutrient requirements.
161 The Effects of Feeding Hempseed Cake on Pancreatic and Intestinal Enzymatic Activity in Finishing Heifers
Authors: Mia Md Golam Kafi Afrose , Winders Thomas , Yusuf Mustapha , Serum Eric , Smith David J , Neville Bryan W W , Amat Samat , Dahlen Carl R , Swanson Kendall C
Published: October 2023

Due to the unique nature of the rumen, unlike monogastric animals, ruminants like cattle largely depend on microbial hydrolysis of feed rather than post-ruminal enzymatic degradation. However, in ruminants fed high-grain diets, significant amounts of starch can bypass ruminal fermentation, where pancreatic and small intestinal enzymes play a vital role in digestion. Ruminal microbiota, as well as the host animal, require protein as a nitrogen source to optimize digestibility. Hempseed cake (containing >30% of crude protein) is a by-product of hempseed oil production, but currently is not used as a feed source as it is not an FDA-approved feed ingredient. Presently, the availability and costs of protein supplements are volatile, and sourcing alternative protein sources is needed. Therefore, information is necessary on the effect of feeding hempseed cake on ruminant digestive function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding hempseed cake on pancreatic and intestinal enzymatic activity in finishing heifers. Angus-crossbred finishing heifers (494 ± 10 kg BW) were fed for 111 days with one of two dietary treatments: 20% [dry matter (DM) basis] of dried corn distillers grains plus solubles (n = 16, control) or hempseed cake (n = 16, hemp). All animals were slaughtered at the end of treatment. Intestinal tissues for digestive enzyme assays were isolated and stored at -800C following immediate flash freezing with liquid nitrogen. The MIXED procedure in SAS was used to analyze the data. There was a tendency (P = 0.09) of greater pancreatic tissue mass in the hemp group than in the control group. The activity of pancreatic α-amylase, trypsin, and lipase relative to protein (U/g protein) was less (P < 0.01) in heifers fed hemp than in heifers fed distillers grains primarily because protein concentration (mg/g) and content (g/pancreas) were greater (P < 0.01) in the hemp group than the control group. However, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.2) in digestive enzyme activity (U/g of tissue) in pancreatic and small intestinal tissues. Overall, our results suggest that there was no adverse effect of feeding hemp on the enzymes responsible for nutrient digestion in the small intestine and that hempseed cake may be useful as an alternative source of protein in cattle fed finishing diets.
167 Timing of Implants use in a Backgrounding System
Authors: Butterfield Kylie , Adair Kelton , Nuttelman Brandon L , Erickson Galen E , Drewnoski Mary E , MacDonald Jim C
Published: October 2023

A 2-year study conducted at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska determined the effects of backgrounding rate of gain and implanting during the winter or summer phases on animal performance and carcass traits. The study design was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement with the factors of winter gain (0.45 or 0.90 kg/d; LG and HG, respectively) and three implant strategies. The implant strategies included a 36 mg zeranol (Ralgro; Merck Animal Health, De Soto, KS) implant during the winter phase and 40 mg trenbolone acetate and 8 mg estradiol (Revalor-G; Merck Animal Health) implant during the summer phase (STRNG), no implant during the winter phase and Rev-G during the summer phase (MED), and no implant during the winter or summer phases (NONE). The study used 240 (initial BW = 247 kg, SD = 5.9 kg YR 1; BW = 255 kg, SD = 10.9 kg YR 2) weaned steers each year that were fed one of two backgrounding diets consisting of bromegrass hay and 10% MDGS (LG) or 30% MDGS (HG). Steers were backgrounded in the feedlot for a 148-day winter phase followed by a 56-day summer phase where they grazed smooth bromegrass paddocks. Upon arrival in the feedlot for the finishing phase, steers received 200 mg TBA and 40 mg estradiol (Revalor-XS; Merck Animal Health) and were fed a common diet for the entire finishing phase. In the winter phase, steers fed the HG diet had a greater ADG, ending BW, DMI, and improved G:F over steers fed LG (P < 0.01). Steers that received a Ralgro implant during the winter phase (STRNG) were observed to have an 13% improved ADG (P < 0.01), a 10% increase in G:F (P < 0.01), and an additional 14 kg of BW for the winter phase. There were no interactions between the rate of gain and implant strategy (P ≥ 0.15) during the winter period. In the summer, HG steers had maintained greater ending BW than LG, although LG steers had greater ADG than HG (0.70 and 0.53 kg, respectively; P < 0.01) due to compensatory gain. Steers assigned to HG during the winter phase had a greater IBW for the finishing phase. Steers fed HG during the winter and administered an implant at both backgrounding phases (STRNG) had the greatest HCW with no differences in ADG or G:F during the finishing phase. Combining a strong implant program and an increased rate of gain during winter backgrounding resulted in 34 kg of additional HCW at marketing. Implant strategy and rate of gain during the winter growing period had additive effects to increase animal performance through all phases.
162 Kernel Processing Corn Silage Included at 65% of the Diet (DM Basis) and fed to Growing Beef Steers Increases dry Matter Intake, Decreases Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Neutral Detergent Fiber, and Does not Enhance Starch Digestibility
Authors: Grimes Becca , Francis Forest L , Gubbels Erin R , Rusche Warren C , Smith Zachary K
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of kernel processing of corn silage on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of steers fed corn silage included at 65% of the diet (DM basis). Steers (n = 184; initial shrunk BW = 338 ± 22.3 kg) were assigned to 1 of 24 pens (8 steers/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (12 pens/treatment): non-kernel processed corn silage included at 65% diet DM (CON) or kernel processed corn silage included at 65% diet DM (KPCS) in a randomized complete block design with pen as experimental unit. Steers from replicates 1 to 8 spent 47-d on test and steers from replicates 9 to 12 were fed for 46-d on test. On the final day of the study, apparent total tract digestibility of diet dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), N, and starch was determined using an internal marker ratio technique using the undigested NDF residue following a 240 h in-situ incubation in ruminal fluid (uNDF240). Diet samples were collected twice daily (morning and afternoon) starting two days prior to fecal collections. Fecal collections were taken via rectal palpation on the final day of the study. Data were analyzed as a RCBD with fixed effects of KPCS diet and random effect of block (location within feedyard). Kernel processing increased DMI by 6% (P = 0.01) during the collection period and cumulative DMI throughout the study was increased by 2% for KPCS treatment (P = 0.04). Kernel processing did not enhance the ATTD of DM, OM, or starch (P ≥ 0.71), but did decrease ATTD of NDF by approximately 6% (P = 0.04) compared with corn silage that was not kernel processed. Furthermore, kernel processing was determined to increase ATTD of N by 5% (P = 0.05). These results indicate that kernel processed corn silage may decrease apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber due to greater intake but does not appreciably influence starch digestibility.
165 Interactions Between Steroidal Implants and Zinc Supplementation in Feedlot Steers
Authors: Smerchek Dathan T , Rients Emma L , McLaughlin Amy M , Thornton-Kurth Kara J , Hansen Stephanie L
Published: October 2023

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the interaction of Zn and steroidal implants on growth and trace mineral (TM) status. Steers (n = 6/pen) were stratified by BW in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Dietary treatments were fed for 60 days pre-implant, with a roughage-based diet from d -60 to -38, transition to a high concentrate diet, and 23 d on finishing diet before implant. Dietary treatments (8 pens per treatment; Zn as ZnSO4) included: 1) no supplemental Zn (analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM (Zn100). Within Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment on d 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200 mg TBA, 20 mg E2; TE200). Body weights were taken on d -1, 0, 28, 56, and 89, 90. Liver and blood were collected on d 0, 20, 40, and 84 for TM. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Proc Mixed of SAS evaluated linear and quadratic effects of Zn within implant treatments and the effect of supplemental Zn within TE200. Performance and carcass characteristics used d -60 BW as a covariate. Plasma and liver TM data were analyzed as repeated measures. After 60 d plasma Zn was similar amongst Zn treatments (1.36 mg/L; P = 0.15). TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn 8.4% from d 0 to 20 whereas NO cattle decreased 3.6% (implant × day; P = 0.08). Supplementation of Zn increased overall liver Zn concentration (P = 0.05). TE200 decreased liver Mn 13.8% from d 0 to 20 while NO decreased 1.2% (implant × day; P = 0.01). During the first 28 d post-implant, no linear or quadratic effects of Zn were noted within NO or TE200 for BW, ADG, G:F, or DMI (P ≥ 0.12). However, within TE200, Zn supplementation improved d 0-28 ADG and G:F (P ≤ 0.04). From d 56-90 steer performance was lackluster; however, within TE200, increasing concentration of supplemental Zn tended to linearly increase G:F (P = 0.07). Within TE200, marbling tended to be quadratically affected (P = 0.06) where Zn30 was lesser than Zn100 with Zn0 intermediate. No additional linear, quadratic, or Zn within TE200 carcass responses (P ≥ 0.11) were noted. From d 0 to 28 Zn supplementation improved ADG and G:F of implanted steers; beyond this, few growth performance differences were noted due to Zn. However, liver and plasma TM results are consistent with our prior work, suggesting steroidal implants increase demand for Zn and Mn following implant administration to support improved growth and efficiency.