bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
113 Evaluation of high soybean meal diets with inclusion of dietary enzymes on the effect of growth performance and greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Wileman Caitlyn , Humphrey Dalton C , Scoggin Kenwood , Trabue Steven , Bergstrom Jon R , Perez-Calvo Estefania , Greiner Laura L
Published: May 2024

Crossbred gilts [n = 48; initial body weight (BW) = 52.55 ± 4.12 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of high soybean meal (SBM) inclusion with dietary enzymes on the growth performance, nitrogen balance, and gas emissions of growing pigs. This study consisted of two replicates of 24 gilts placed in individual metabolism stalls. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments and blocked by BW (4 pigs•treatment-1•replicate-1). Pigs were fed a common diet from d 0 to 12, the experimental diets were fed in two phased (d 12 to 24 and d 24 to 36). The experiment consisted of 3 collection periods, with each period subdivided into two subperiods to collect samples for gas emissions and nutrient balance. Manure samples were collected for 72 h. Twice daily, urine and feces were weighed, and a ratio of the excreta were subsampled to measure gas emissions. Measurement of nutrient digestibility and retention consisted of urine and feces collections over a 72 h-period. The six dietary treatments include: 1) basal control diet (NC) corn-soy diet supplemented with synthetic amino acids, 2) high soybean meal (HSBM) diet (PC) formulated to replace all synthetic lysine, 3) HSBM diet with xylanase (Ronozyme WX 5000; DM; WX), 4) HSBM diet with inclusion of a multi-enzyme additive including hemicellulase and pectinase (Ronozyme VP, DM; VP), 5) HSBM diet with inclusion of xylanase (Ronozyme WX 5000, DM) and multi-enzyme additive including hemicellulase and pectinase (Ronozyme VP, DM; WXVP), and 6) HSBM diet with 1,500 FYT/kg of phytase (HiPhorious, DM; SD). The NC, PC, WX, VP, and WXVP diets contained phytase (HiPhorious, DM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) to provide 600 phytase units (FTU) per kg of diet and was assumed to release 0.15% available phosphorous. The SD diet contained 1,500 FTU/kg and was assumed to release 0.21% available phosphorous. Additionally, high soybean meal diets within each phase were isocaloric. Data were analyzed as repeated measures in SAS 9.4 (Inst., Cary, NC) with fixed effects of treatment, collection period, and block. Pig was the experimental unit, and results were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Pigs fed VP had the greatest average daily gain (ADG) compared with pigs fed SD (P = 0.865; Table 1). Pigs fed VP had the greatest gain to feed ratio (GF) efficiency compared with pigs fed WXVP (P = 0.3544). Manure pH, urine pH and hydrogen sulfide tended to decrease in all treatments from phase 2 to phase 3. Pigs fed PC had the lowest manure pH compared with pigs fed SD (P = 0.0826; Table 2). In conclusion, the feeding of HSBM or adding select enzymes did not alter gas emissions or growth performance metrics.
114 Effects of greater levels of soy protein and methionine on periparturient health of sows
Authors: Olson Lauren , Dey Moul , Weaver Eric
Published: May 2024

Sow prolificacy in the U.S. continues to trend greater, as does sow mortality. Replacement of soy protein (SBM) in sow diets with corn and purified amino acids (AA), may impact the health of highly prolific sows. In 2015, Denmark increased recommendations for SID methionine (MET) to SID lysine (LYS), MET:LYS to 32%, NRC (2012) recommend 27%. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate SBM and MET at greater levels for their effects on markers of health in the peripartum and lactation periods. A total of 38 parity 1 to 3 females (PIC 1050) were utilized with a starting body weight (BW) of 223.4kg ± 13.0 SD. On d 85 of gestation, sows were allocated by BW and parity to one of four treatments: 1 - 30% SBM (30% of diet), 36% MET:LYS; 2 - 15% SBM, 36% MET:LYS; 3 - 30% SBM, 27% MET:LYS; 4 - 15% SBM, 27% MET:LYS. Sows were fed dietary treatments 28 d pre-farrow, according to BW, and ad libitum throughout lactation. Body condition by caliper (BCS), BW, and backfat (BF) were measured on d 0, 21, 2 d post-farrow, and weaning. Sows were assigned a farrowing ease score of 1 to 4 (1-easy to 4-difficult) based on duration, restless activity, savaging, and assistance required. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) were placed on a subset of sows (n = 12) on d 113 of gestation through 3 d post-farrow. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS with sow serving as the experimental unit. A planned t-test was performed on CGM glucose data. Two sows were removed during lactation. The combined effect of 30% SBM and 36% MET:LYS produced an average lactation BW loss of 0.3 kg, while the 15% SBM and 27% MET:LYS treatment, diets similar to NRC, lost an average of 18.1kg. Sows fed the 30% SBM diets had less lactation BW loss than 15% SBM (Table 1; P < 0.10). Sows fed 36% MET:LYS lost less BW than those fed 27% MET:LYS (P < 0.05). The 36% MET:LYS group also lost less backfat during lactation and had lower pre- and post-farrow body temperatures than 27% MET:LYS (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). While no differences in blood glucose were observed, in sows with CGM, greater levels of SBM decreased interstitial glucose concentrations (P = 0.055). In conclusion, greater inclusion of SBM and increasing the MET:LYS ratio in sow diets may improve periparturient changes in body condition and health outcomes.
109 Evaluation of net energy, standardized ileal digestible lysine, and soybean meal content interaction in 13 to 25 kg pigs using a central composite design
Authors: Cordoba Hilario M , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Gebhardt Jordan T , Cemin Henrique S , Soto Jose A
Published: May 2024

Pigs [n = 4,683; 337 × 1050, PIC; initial body weight (BW) = 13.0 ± 0.01 kg] were used in a 21-d trial to investigate the interaction of net energy (NE), standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys), and soybean meal (SBM) content used at five different levels on growth performance of nursey pigs. Pigs were housed in mixed sex pens with 35 pigs per pen and assigned in a randomized complete block design to 15 dietary treatments using a circumscribed central composite design (CCD). Factorial and axial points had 7 repetitions, and the central points had a total of 24. Eight diets were formulated to various levels of NE, SID Lys, and SBM and blended to create the 15 dietary treatments. The NE ranged from 2,334 to 2,762 kcal/kg, SID Lys from 1.08 to 1.52%, and SBM from 25.5 to 35.9%. Diets were corn-soybean meal based and soy hulls and soybean oil were added to reduce or increase NE content of the diet. Feed grade amino acids and SBM were used to adjust SBM and SID Lys content and to maintain SID Thr, Trp, Met, Val, and Ile ratios relative to SID Lys. For NE, a linear effect (P ≤ 0.052) was observed for average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and linear and quadratic effect was found (P ≤ 0.047) for gain to feed ratio (G:F) with a reduction in growth performance as NE increased due to reduction in SID Lys:calorie. When increasing SID Lys, ADG (P ≤ 0.044) and G:F (P ≤ 0.020) increased quadratically (Table). Increasing SBM content linearly improved ADG (P = 0.039) and G:F (P < 0.001), respectively. There was also a significant interaction between SID Lys and SBM for G:F (P = 0.082), where SID Lys positively impacted G:F as SBM increased in the diet. When including the significant terms, the resulting models can be used to predict the ADG (kg) response = [0.579392 + (-0.0063389 × NE) + (0.0260796 × Lys) + (0.0067428 × SBM%) + (-0.0065721 × Lys²) adjusted R2 = 0.36], and G:F (kg/kg) response = [0.7013215 + (0.0035198 × NE) + (0.0264389 × Lys) + (0.0060863 × SBM%) + (-0.0048012 × NE²) + (-0.0031838 × Lys²) + (-0.0034413 × Lys × SBM) adjusted R2 = 0.65]. In conclusion, using a CCD, increasing SID Lys resulted in a quadratic improvement in ADG and G:F, with this improvement being greater when SBM also increased. Overall, we observed few interactions between SID Lys, SBM, and NE.
107 Soybean meal energy value under field conditions: Where are we at and where are we going?
Authors: Cemin Henrique S , Soto Jose A , Hansen Ernie L , Tokach Mike D
Published: May 2024

Soybean meal (SBM) is the main protein source for swine diets globally. Considering its wide utilization and relevance to the swine industry, it is critical to accurately characterize its nutritional profile. The net energy (NE) of SBM has been particularly scrutinized as an increasing amount of evidence suggests it may be underestimated. For instance, the NRC (2012) reports the NE of SBM as 2,087 kcal/kg. Recent indirect calorimetry trials suggest, however, that this value could be at least 8% greater. Furthermore, large scale growth assays conducted under the rigors and challenges of field conditions indicate that the energy of SBM may be even greater. The foundation of such growth assays is to relate the energy value of a test ingredient, in this case SBM, to the energy value of a known ingredient it replaces in diet formulation, such as corn. Changes in feed and caloric efficiencies are measured and can then be used to estimate the energy content of SBM relative to corn. Multiple field trials established that when fed increasing levels of SBM, late nursery, growing, and finishing pigs respond with linear improvements in feed and caloric efficiencies, suggesting an underestimation of the energy value of SBM. In those cases, while the NRC value for SBM NE is 78% of corn NE, this value ranges from 100 to 125% under field conditions. It is hypothesized that the discrepancy between NE values derived from academic and commercial facilities could be driven by differences in health and environmental conditions and the functional molecules within SBM. These functional molecules, such as isoflavones and saponins, have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. In a challenging field environment, such molecules could bolster the immune response, consequently conserving and redirecting energy from the immune system to growth. Although the evidence is robust, it is critical to understand the particularities of such trials. The methodology utilized is clearly not the same as classic NE measurements. Thus, the term productive energy has been proposed to describe the energy value observed in growth assays. Although all studies agree that the energy of SBM should be greater than traditional publications, there is significant variability across studies which should be further investigated. Nevertheless, these findings provide important insight regarding the value of SBM, particularly for practical swine nutritionists.
111 Current and future usage of soybean meal in swine diets in China
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Junjun , Li Defa
Published: May 2024

The objective of this presentation was to introduce the utilization tendency and research progress of soybean meal (SBM) in swine diets in China. As for the utilization tendency of SBM in China, it not only brings great pressure to the food security of China, but also directly pushes the high production cost of animal products. In 2022, 117 million tons of protein feed was consumed by the animal husbandry in China, accounting for nearly 1/3 of the total protein feed consumption in the world. Thus, the application of low-protein diet has been promoted with the strong support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in China since 2018. With the related techniques, including popularizing low protein diet, developing new protein feed resources, promoting precise nutrition, and feeding technology, even though the compound feed output has increased by more than 84 million tons in 2022 in China, the SBM consumption in feed has reduced 6%. Recently, the geopolitical challenges, regional unrest and climate change tendency have increased the great uncertainty of protein feed supply, which requires us to deeply understand the significance of SBM reduction and substitution in animal feed. As for the research progress, the available energy contents of SBM were determined on growing pigs. Barrows [n = 24; initial body weight (BW) = 36 ± 1.4 kg] were randomly allotted to 4 diets containing SBM with either corn basal or corn-soybean meal basal, and total feces and urine collection method and indirect calorimetry method were used to determine the available energy of SBM. The results showed that the average digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy (NE), and retained energy (RE) values in SBM [17.36, 16.52, 10.62, and 5.06 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), respectively] determined using the corn-SBM-basal diet were not different from the those determined using the corn-basal diet. Moreover, the best fitted prediction equations developed based on 22 SBM samples produced from soybeans from China (n = 6), USA (n = 6), Brazil (n = 7) or Argentina (n = 3) were: DE = 38.44 - 0.43 CF - 0.98 GE + 0.11 ADF (R2 = 0.67, P < 0.01) and ME = 2.74 + 0.97 DE - 0.06 CP (R2 = 0.79, P < 0.01). The in vitro digestion kinetics of SBM from different sources showed that the release of amino acids in the 0-10 min time interval was significantly negatively correlated with the NE of SBM (R2 = -0.34).
106 Net energy of soybean meal
Authors: Stein Hans H
Published: May 2024

Our current net energy (NE) systems were developed based on work conducted around 40 yr ago. At that time, it was normal that pigs deposited no more than 40% of the protein they were fed. However, modern genetic lines are much leaner than older genetics and they deposit more protein than earlier. It is, therefore, not uncommon that protein deposition in modern genotypes exceeds 60% of dietary protein intake. This means that more of the amino acids in the protein-rich ingredients are used for protein deposition and less are being deaminated with a subsequent reduced energetic cost of deamination associated with feeding protein-rich ingredients. As a consequence, the theoretical energy value of protein rich ingredients such as soybean meal (SBM) is greater when fed to modern pigs than to older genotypes that were used when our current NE systems were developed. Indeed, in several recent experiments it was demonstrated that the ME and NE of SBM is greater than indicated in current feed ingredient tables. A greater NE than predicted has also been demonstrated for field peas, whereas corn does not seem to have increased energy value compared with previous estimates, which is consistent with the hypothesis that it is the increased protein efficiency of modern pigs that is the reason for the greater NE value in SBM. As a consequence of the greater NE value of SBM, less added fat need to be used to reach a certain NE level in the diet, which will reduce overall diet costs. However, because of the greater genetic capacity for protein deposition in modern pigs, there is a need to upgrade the NE system and to develop new equations to predict NE in diets and ingredients based on the protein deposition capacity of modern pigs. It can also be argued that because commercially fed pigs always are group housed and allowed ad libitum intake of feed, pigs fed to generate prediction equations for NE also need to be group housed and allowed ad libitum intake of feed because both animal behavior and level of feed intake may affect the NE value of diets. In conclusion, because of the increased ability of modern genotypes of pigs to retain dietary protein in the body, there is reduced deamination of amino acids and therefore reduced energy loss in modern pigs than in older genotypes, which results in greater NE of protein rich ingredients including SBM. There is, therefore, a need for developing a new NE system that preferably uses group-housed pigs that are allowed ad libitum access to feed.
110 Effects of increasing levels of soybean meal in nursery diets on growth performance and fecal dry matter of 10 to 25 kg pigs
Authors: Faccin Jamil , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Gebhardt Jordan T , Goodband Robert D , Woodworth Jason C
Published: May 2024

With the recent Renewable Fuel Standard Program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, soybean oil is expected to be in record demand by the fuel energy industry. As a result, there will be the potential opportunity for increased usage of soybean meal (SBM) in swine diets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of SBM in late nursery diets on growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM). In Exp. pigs [n = 1,266; DNA 241 × 600; initial body weight (BW) = 10.1 ± 0.27 kg] were fed 1 of 4 dietary treatments which were corn-based with SBM levels of 25.0, 28.9, 32.5, or 36.2%. In Exp. pigs (n = 2,340; DNA 241 × 600; initial BW = 13.5 ± 0.29 kg) were fed 1 of 5 dietary treatments which were corn-based with SBM levels of 25.0, 28.9, 32.5, 36.2, or 40.0%. Both experiments lasted 21 d with 14 replicate pens/treatment and 4 or 5 pigs/pen. At d 21 and 26 postweaning for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, pens of pigs were randomly allotted to treatments in a randomized complete block design with BW as the blocking factor. Additions of SBM replaced feed-grade amino acids to form experimental diets, and all diets were formulated to be nearly isocaloric with SBM NE considered to be 100% of corn NE. Dietary additions of feed-grade AA were adjusted to meet or exceed NRC (2012) AA requirements in relation to Lys for Ile, Met, Cys, Thr, Trp, and Val. In Exp. 1, increasing SBM from 25.0 to 36.2% decreased average daily gain (ADG; linear, P = 0.012), average daily feed intake (ADFI; linear, P < 0.001), and final BW (linear, P = 0.021), with the greatest change occurring when SBM increased from 28.9 to 32.5% (Table). No evidence for difference between treatments was observed for gain to feed ratio (G:F; P = 0.729). Fecal DM decreased (linear, P < 0.006) as SBM increased in the diet at d 7, but not on d 21. In Exp. 2, starting with a heavier initial BW, increasing SBM from 25.0 to 40.0% decreased ADFI (linear, P = 0.017), with the greatest change occurring when SBM increased from 32.5 to 36.2%. However, no evidence for treatment differences (P ≥ 0.198) was observed for ADG, final BW, or G:F. Fecal DM decreased (linear, P ≤ 0.046) at d 7 and 21 as SBM increased in the diet. In conclusion, feeding greater than 28.9% SBM for nursery pigs starting at 10 kg BW does compromise performance, but when pigs are closer to 13.5 kg BW, greater SBM diets did not affect ADG or G:F. Also, increasing the level of SBM reduced fecal DM more markedly a week after the transition to high SBM diets compared with 3 wk after the start of treatment feeding.
171 Current limitations to implement fiber in U.S. sow and nursery diets, and nutritional strategies to support ideal fiber profile
Authors: Merriman Laura A
Published: May 2024

The importance of fiber in swine nutrition is increasingly recognized, and the consequences of insufficient dietary fiber can be significant. Consequently, U.S. production nutritionists have begun exploring the incorporation of fiber into their nutrition programs. However, incorporating fiber into diets is not without challenges. Analytical capabilities for assessing fiber content have improved, yet accessing accurate data remains a hurdle. Furthermore, the cost of analysis limits the ability of nutritionists to utilize these advanced methods for ingredient analysis. The lack of information around fiber requirements in the diet may be due to the insufficient methodology that has historically been available to measure the indigestible fraction of the diet. In the nursery phase, research findings on the effects of fiber have been mixed, likely influenced by the health status of the animals. Short-term growth performance trials may not fully capture the benefits of fiber, and more comprehensive, long-term studies focusing on health-related parameters are lacking. Similarly, research on sow nutrition faces challenges due to the limitations of barn structures and feed lines. Sow trials typically involve only a small number of treatments, often requiring before- and after- assessments. Moreover, the benefits of fiber are more apparent in later reproductive cycles, necessitating prolonged research efforts. Given the limited phases in sow diets, primarily lactation and gestation, conducting sow research is both challenging and costly. Evidence from European literature and recent U.S. studies suggests that the total dietary fiber and the level of soluble, fermentable fiber have a crucial role in swine diets, particularly for sows and piglets. However, the availability and affordability of such fiber types in the U.S. are limited. The majority of fiber-rich ingredients in the U.S. consist mostly of insoluble fiber. To address this limitation, technological advancements will be needed to transform available fiber sources into the desired fiber constructs, rather than relying solely on fiber-rich ingredients. A stimbiotic, which encourages fiber fermentation, may be key to achieving the desired fiber profile. The addition of a stimbiotic has been shown to increase the digestibility of fiber. It also increases the capacity of the beneficial microbiome to break down and ferment fiber, which leads to an increase in the production of volatile fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric). In conclusion, U.S. swine nutritionist must explore alternative dietary strategies to capturing the ideal fiber composition.

Key word: fiber, nursery, sow
166 Beyond solubility: Navigating the complex landscape of dietary fiber in swine digestion and physiology
Authors: Petry Amy L , Miller Hannah
Published: May 2024

Dietary fiber comprises a diverse group of cell wall polysaccharides, along with lignin, that resist digestion by endogenous enzymes in non-ruminants. Over the past 50 yr, our understanding of dietary fiber has significantly advanced, resulting in diverse definitions and analytical methods that have deepened our comprehension of its role in swine nutrition. However, the analysis of dietary fiber remains one of the most intricate, expensive, and resource-intensive aspects of monogastric nutrition research. From the early days of crude fiber and detergent fiber techniques to the more recent methods such as non-starch polysaccharide and total dietary fiber methodologies, analytical techniques have evolved to encompass the complex carbohydrates found in diets. Translating these chemical and analytical understandings into physiological insights poses a formidable challenge for nutritionists. This presentation aims to discuss these analytical concepts and challenges in understanding dietary fiber, with a particular focus on its impact on swine nutrition and physiology. Going beyond the concept of ‘solubility,’ we will delve into the physicochemical and physiological properties of dietary fiber, emphasizing its intricate roles in the swine digestive milieu. This includes aspects such as digestion kinetics, fermentability, rheology, viscosity, and microbial ecosystems. Moreover, research consistently demonstrates that dietary fiber can have positive effects on gastrointestinal health under specific production and dietary conditions. Paradoxically, it can also negatively impact energy digestibility and feed efficiency. By modeling the chemical nature of fiber and its role in digestion physiology, it could be possible to bridge this gap to optimize production goals and swine health in high fiber diets. This presentation will highlight the significance of a holistic comprehension of the intricate aspects of dietary fiber within swine nutrition and future directions for incorporating it into formulation metrics. Such knowledge is pivotal for navigating the complexities of incorporating fiber into diet formulation, effective management, and the pursuit of sustainable practices.
170 Feeding the modern sow: Unlocking the value of dietary fiber
Authors: Rosero David S
Published: May 2024

Our understanding of dietary fiber in sow nutrition is evolving rapidly, shifting from a once-overlooked portion of the diet to a critical component influencing intestinal functionality, gut microbiota, and modulation of digestion and metabolism. Recent advancements in fiber nutrition and analytical methods have highlighted its significance in optimizing sow lifetime productivity and welfare through its impact on nutrient utilization and overall health. Growing evidence supports the benefits of dietary fiber in gestation diets, notably contributing to sow well-being by reducing stress and behavioral issues observed in group housing systems (Sapkota et al., 2016). Accordingly, dietary fiber supplementation in gestation diets has been linked to the reduction of stillborn pigs, heavier piglet weights at birth, increased lactation feed intake, and reduced pre-wean mortality (Feyera et al., 2017). Supplementing dietary fiber during the peripartum phase has been shown to reduce the farrowing duration and the stillborn incidence (Theil et al., 2014); possibly linked to a reduction in constipation (Cardona et al., 2024) and enhanced sow energy status through greater short-chain fatty acids availability (Feyera et al., 2017). Despite the positive evidence, the practical application of dietary fiber supplementation in US sow diets has been limited due to insufficient characterization of fiber components in available ingredients. Recent advancements in analytical techniques, defining fiber components as total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble fiber (SF), and insoluble fiber (ISF), offer improved reliability and accessibility, overcoming previous barriers. Recent studies showed that a high fiber gestation diet (TDF 18% and 9% for high and low fiber diets, respectively) did not affect reproductive performance, liter size, individual piglet weight, or pre-wean mortality but it reduced weight loss during lactation (Paz et al., 2022). Moreover, studies conducted by Martinez et al. (2022) demonstrated that top-dressing dietary fiber during the peripartum phase reduced the wean-to-estrus interval (top-dress 0.45 kg or 0.90 kg/d, TDF 35%, ISF:SF ratios ranging from 2.6 to 7.4). These studies highlight the potential value of dietary fiber in US sow diets. However further research is warranted to determine the optimal level and desirable fiber characteristics to fully unlock its nutritional value in sow diets.
169 The impact of corn-based fiber on intestinal morphology and disaccharidase activity in growing pigs
Authors: Miller Hannah , Self Rachel , Sasser Cassidy , Balser Amelia , Broadway Rand R , Sanchez Nicole C Burdick , Carroll Jeff A , Penn Michael Cruz , Petry Amy L
Published: May 2024

Dietary changes can modify gastrointestinal architecture and function; thus, our experimental objective was to evaluate how different insoluble corn-based fiber sources (CBF) impact intestinal morphology and brush-border disaccharidases. Two replicates of 28 gilts [26.7 ± 2.5 kg body weight (BW); PIC800 x Camborough; n = 56], were randomly assigned to one of 7 semi-synthetic diets, including a control (CTL) diet with a formulated total dietary fiber (TDF) value of < 1% and 6 diets with a CBF replacing 30% of the corn starch in CTL: dehulled degermed corn (DHDG; TDF = 1.09%), ground corn (COR; TDF = 3.24%), high protein dried distillers grains (HP; TDF = 8.79%), dried distiller’s grains (DDGS; TDF = 9.35%), corn gluten meal (CGM; TDF = 9.88%), and corn bran (BRN; TDF = 13.15%). Pigs were individually housed, and limit-fed 2.4 times maintenance. On d 31, pigs were necropsied, and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon tissue were collected for histological analysis. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model with treatment as a fixed effect, replicate as a random slope or fixed effect, where appropriate, using the mixed procedure of SAS. In the duodenum, DHDG, COR, and CGM had the least (P = 0.04) levels of maltase production. Duodenal sucrase production was least in BRN and HP, and DHDG had the greatest (P = 0.04). Duodenal villi height was shortest (P < 0.01) in CTL and BRN compared with HP, DDGS, and CGM, which had the tallest (P < 0.01; Table). Similarly, CTL and BRN had the shallowest duodenal crypt depth (P < 0.01) and tended (P = 0.08) to have a lesser duodenal villus:crypt ratio compared with the other treatments. There were no differences (P > 0.10) among treatments for ileal sucrase or lactase production, but maltase production was greatest in CTL, DDGS, and CGM (P = 0.03). Relative to CTL and BRN, gilts fed HP, DDGS, and CGM, had the tallest (P = 0.01) villus height in the ileum. However, neither ileal villi:crypt ratio nor crypt depth differed (P > 0.10). Cecal crypt depth for BRN increased 32% compared with CTL (P < 0.01). Cecal crypt width was narrowest (P < 0.01) in CTL and DHDG and widest in HP, DDGS, CGM, and CB (P < 0.01). Colon crypt width was narrowest (P < 0.01) in CTL and DHDG and widest in DDGS, CGM, and CB (P < 0.01). Collectively, these data demonstrate that different fiber types have a significant impact on intestinal morphology and disaccharidase production in the growing pig.
172 Effects of post-MSC DDGS inclusion in gestation diets on total tract nutrient and energy digestibility compared with other fiber sources
Authors: Shipman Garrin , Palencia Jorge Y Perez , Hong Jinsu , Herrick Kevin J , Jolly-Breithaupt Melissa L , Levesque Crystal L
Published: May 2024

The high fiber content of corn dried distiller grains with solubles (DDGS) make it an ideal candidate for inclusion in gestation sow diets. Gestating sows, however, have greater utilization of fibrous ingredients, and nutrient values attained in grower pigs are not representative of nutrient metrics for gestating sows. The objective of this study was to evaluate apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients from post-protein separation (post-MSC) DDGS provided to gestating sows in comparison with soyhulls and sugar beet pulp; two commonly used fiber sources in gestation diets. Pregnant sows [n = 22; parity 0 to 1; initial body weight (BW) = 190 ± 10 kg] were allocated to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a crossover design with two collection periods (period 1 from d 40-59 of gestation and period 2 from d 60-79 of gestation) to attain at least 7 observations per treatment. Two of the six diets were practical corn-soybean meal-based gestation diets with either soyhulls (17.5% inclusion) or post-MSC DDGS (15% inclusion) to determine ATTD of energy and nutrients in complete diets. The remaining four diets included a corn-basal diet and the basal diet plus 30% inclusion of post-MSC DDGS, soyhulls, or sugar beet pulp. Titanium dioxide was included as an indigestible marker to calculate ATTD. Sows were fed experimental diets (2.2 kg/d in a single feeding) in two 20-d collection periods where the initial 14 d considered a diet adaptation period followed by 5 d for total collection of urine (collected using urine catheters inserted on d 14) and grab fecal samples. Energy values for the post-MSC DDGS, soyhulls, and sugar beet pulp in the corn-basal diets were calculated using differential procedure. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and fixed to a mixed linear model using treatment as the main effect and collection period as a random variable. The ATTD of the post-MSC DDGS practical diet was 8% greater in ATTD of crude protein and 13% greater in ATTD of ether extract than the practical soyhull diet (P < 0.01). The ATTD of gross energy of post-MSC DDGS was 16% greater than soyhulls (P < 0.01). This resulted in an 800 and 750 kcal/kg greater digestible energy and metabolizable energy content, respectively on an as-fed basis in post-MSC DDGS compared with soyhulls and sugar beet pulp (P < 0.01). The post-MSC DDGS also had a net energy value (as-fed basis) 700 kcal/kg greater than soyhulls and sugar beet pulp. In conclusion, post-MSC DDGS is suitable for inclusion in gestating sow diets as a fiber source while meeting the energy needs of the gestating sow.
242 Comparison of GnRH administration day in the 7&7 Synch versus 8&6 Synch Protocol for fixed-timed artificial insemination in beef heifers
Authors: Schowe Clayton E , Kutz Bryan R , Powell Jeremy G , Reynold Jana L , Midkiff Kirsten A , Looney Charles R , Weber Wyatt E
Published: May 2024

The research aimed to investigate the impact of reducing the time interval for progesterone exposure on the ovulatory follicle just before performing fixed-timed artificial insemination (FTAI). This was achieved by adjusting the timing of administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH; specifically, 100 µg gonadorelin, known as Cystorelin). The study assessed the effectiveness of two estrous synchronization protocols, the “7 & 7 Synch” and a modified protocol, by examining estrus expression (EE) and the resulting pregnancy rates (PR) following FTAI. The research utilized frozen conventional Angus semen from Select Sires, Inc. (Plain City, OH), and involved 66 Angus-cross heifers from the beef cattle research unit near Fayetteville at the University of Arkansas. To ensure consistency, the heifers were divided into two treatment groups based on their cyclicity status (CYC) and age. CYC status was determined by assessing a reproductive tract score (RTS) 1 wk before the synchronization process. RTS scores ranged from 1 to 5, with RTS 1-3 indicating pre- or peripubertal status and scores of 4 and 5 indicating cycling. Heifers with an RTS of 1 and 2 were excluded from the study before synchronization commenced. Both treatment groups involved the insertion of a controlled internal drug-releasing device (CIDR; specifically, Eazi-breed, containing 1.38 g of progesterone) into the vagina on d -14. Simultaneously, a prostaglandin F2α analogue (PGF; 500 µg cloprostenol sodium, known as Synchsure) was administered. In the first treatment group (7&7), GnRH was administered on d -7, while in the second group (8&6), GnRH was given on d -6. In both cases, PGF was administered on d 0 when the CIDR was removed, precisely 72 ± 1 h before FTAI, along with another dose of GnRH. Estrus expression (EE) was assessed during FTAI by examining Estrotect patches (Rockway Inc., Spring Valley, WI). EE was considered present when a patch had 50% or more of its color rubbed off, and it was deemed absent when less than 50% of the color had worn off. Pregnancy rates (PR) were determined through ultrasound examination on d 55. EE and PR were analyzed by treatment using the GLIMMIX procedure on SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Statistical differences were declared at α ≤ 0.05 and tendencies declared between 0.05 < P ≤ 0.1. Heifers on the 8&6-d protocol had greater rectal temperatures at breeding compared with 7&7-d heifers (P < 0.0001). AI pregnancy rates were greater in heifers on the 8&6-d protocol compared with the heifers on 7&7-d protocol (P = 0.625) with average pregnancy rates of 39.4% and 30.3%, respectively. Overall, pregnancy rate was greater as well for the 8&6-d heifers compared with the 7&7-d heifers (P = 0.044), with mean overall pregnancy rates of 78.8% and 54.5%, respectively.
239 Variation in muscle protein synthesis in growing gilts is partially associated with insulin resistance and sensitivity
Authors: Remus Aline , Lapierre Hélène , Palin Marie-France , Pomar Candido
Published: May 2024

Pigs with similar body weight (BW), same genetic background and sex vary in protein deposition (PD) overgrowth. We aimed to study metabolic factors influencing PD in 65 kg BW gilts. Gilts were fed ad libitum a diet balanced to maximize PD. Dual X-rays were conducted to estimate body protein mass on d 1 and 21, allowing calculation of PD by difference. On d 23, the gilts were categorized into Low (157 g/d) and High (219 ± 9.97 g/d) PD groups. In each group, eight pigs underwent jugular vein cannulation. After a 48-h recovery period, where they were fed at 90% of the measured feed intake, they were fasted for 8 h. All pigs were then given a 300 g meal at time 0, and blood samples were collected at 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150, 178, and 178 min, to study insulin and glucose responses. At 180 min post-meal, a solution of L-13C valine was administered i.v. (18 ape – flooding dose), and liver, duodenum, and longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected within 5 minutes of slaughter. The fractional synthesis rate (FSR, %/d), absolute synthesis rate (ASR, g/d), ribosomal capacity for protein synthesis (Cs), and the efficiency of protein synthesis (KRNA) based on total RNA concentration in skeletal muscle were calculated. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-B) and insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI) were also determined. The difference between Low and High PD gilts was compared using a F-test. The longissimus dorsi muscle exhibited a 31% greater (P = 0.01) FSR in High compared with Low PD group. No significant differences were observed in the FSR of the jejunum and liver. High PD gilts showed a 55% greater ASR in whole-body muscles (P = 0.003) and 42% greater ASR in the liver (P = 0.04) compared with Low PD gilts, with no difference for the ASR in the jejunum. The KRNA in the longissimus dorsi was 48% greater in High PD gilts (P = 0.01), with no differences in KRNA for the jejunum or liver. Cs did not differ between Low and High PD gilts. The QUICKI index tended to be greater in High PD gilts (P = 0.10). Spearman’s correlation revealed that longissimus dorsi FSR was negatively correlated with the HOMA-B index (r = -0.53; P = 0.04). Increases in the HOMA-B index tended to be associated with greater KRNA (r = -0.49; P = 0.06). These correlations highlight the complex interplay of metabolic and hormonal factors involved in the observed differences in protein synthesis and efficiency in growing gilts. Insulin resistance and sensitivity may play a role in influencing skeletal muscle PD variations.
243 Effects of body weight change in pre-production Duroc boars on semen collection training, semen production parameters, and longevity in a commercial boar stud
Authors: Hartman Ashley R , Weigand Macie C , Terlouw Steven L , Garrison Brad S , Grieger David M , Woodworth Jason C , Stewart Kara R , Fike Karol E
Published: May 2024

Our objective was to assess the effects of percentage body weight (BW) change in developing Duroc boars on semen collection training, semen production parameters, and longevity in a commercial boar stud. Retrospectively, 164 boars were divided into one of three groups based on their percentage BW change from arrival to the boar stud until the end of the 42-d isolation period. The one-third of boars that had the greatest percentage of BW change during the isolation period gained 36.1% to 10.1% (TOP). The middle one-third of boars that were intermediate in percentage BW change during isolation gained 9.7% to 2.6% (MIDDLE). The final group consisted of one-third of boars that either minimally gained or lost BW (2.5% to -9.5% change in BW; BOTTOM). During the isolation period boars in the TOP group lost the least amount of backfat (indicated by ultrasound or caliper score; P < 0.05), while boars in the BOTTOM group lost the most backfat. Average boar age at the time of successfully becoming a working boar (successfully mounting the collection dummy and producing an ejaculate with a motility ≥ 70% and percent normal morphology ≥ 65%) and the proportion of boars that were successful at become working boars did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Among working boars, the concentration of sperm in ejaculates tended to differ (P = 0.0740) between groups (Table). Boars in the TOP group had a greater percentage of sperm with normal morphology (P = 0.0337) than boars in the BOTTOM group. There was a group by production week interaction (P < 0.0001) for semen ejaculate volume, total number of sperm, and total number of sperm with normal morphology. Boars in the TOP and MIDDLE groups produced more total sperm and normal sperm than the BOTTOM group from wk 8 to 20 of being working boars, resulting in production of considerably more doses for artificial insemination. During their time as working boars, removal from the stud by cull or death was not different between groups (P >0.05). There was also no difference (P > 0.05) between groups on the average week of removal from the stud, with each group having boars most frequently removed at wk 22 of production. While percentage BW change during isolation did not affect semen collection training and longevity in the stud, the increase in production of total normal sperm in the TOP and MIDDLE groups compared with the BOTTOM group could have substantial economic benefits for boar stud. Our study suggests that managing boars individually to ensure they stay in a positive metabolic state is ideal for optimal semen production at a boar stud.
240 Impact of structural traits on semen collection training and lesion characteristics in Duroc boars
Authors: Hartman Ashley R , Weigand Macie C , Grieger David M , Fike Karol E
Published: May 2024

Rising incidence of lameness in boar stud contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, affecting longevity and likely semen output. Lameness is not unique to the boar and affects the swine industry as a whole, contributing to millions of dollars in losses every year. Hypothesized contributors to lameness incidence are body, feet, and leg structure. In the boar stud lameness affects the ability of the boar to mount the dummy and can cause pain-related stress which can impact reproductive function. Lameness is also often accompanied by skin lesions or wounds which can lead to infection and further semen production. Our objectives were to evaluate the relationship between boar structural traits and semen collection training traits and determine if structural traits influence presence and severity of skin lesions. Structural traits of developing Duroc boars (n = 82; 190 ± 10.3 d of age) were assessed at arrival to the stud and 6 wk later. Structural traits assessed included front and rear leg set, foot shape, chest width, and hip width (1 = poor; 5 = ideal). An overall structure score for each boar was determined by adding all structural trait scores. Lesions were assessed on a zero to three scale (0 = no lesions; 3 = severe lesions). Based on overall structure score, boars were categorized into one of three groups (poor, intermediate, or ideal) to determine if structural traits affected the presence and severity of lesions. All boars were subjected to semen collection training 1 wk after arriving at the stud and considered trained when successful mounting and ejaculation occurred. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were determined between total structure score, lesion severity, and semen collection training characteristics. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used to assess lesion presence differences between structure groups. Structure score and lesion severity were not significantly correlated (-0.017; P = 0.91) with number of attempts to train, time to mount, or time to collection of ejaculates. Upon arrival at the stud, boars in the poor structure group displayed a greater (P < 0.01) incidence of lesions than intermediate and Ideal structure groups but did not have greater lesion severity (P = 0.74). After 6 wk in the boar stud, there were no differences (P = 0.83) in lesion presence or severity between structure groups, suggesting the lameness issues are more likely caused by housing environment or other factors than structural traits.
241 Immunophysiology and performance of broilers supplemented with macroalgal sulfated polysaccharides during a subclinical necrotic enteritis challenge
Authors: Suarez Maria Garcia , Dalloul Rami , Blue Candice
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the effects of a sulfate polysaccharide extracted from marine algae product on performance, intestinal lesion scores, and mRNA abundance of various tight junction proteins and immune response genes. A total of 600 one-day old male broilers (Ross 708) were allocated to one of four treatment groups (6 replicate floor pens, 25 birds/pen): negative control (NC) group fed a corn-soybean meal diet; positive control (PC) fed NC + 15 ppm Avilamycin and 125 ppm Amprolium, an additive group (AGS) fed NC + Algoguard added at 0.1% of the diet, and (AGH) fed NC + Algoguard added at 0.2% of the diet. To predispose the birds to NE, birds were orally gavaged with 2,000 Eimeria maxima sporulated oocysts on d 14 followed by a dose of approximately 1×108 CFU/mL of C. perfringens on d 19. On d 21, four birds/pen were necropsied for NE lesions and on d 14, 21, and 42 jejunal samples were collected to assess mRNA abundance. Birds and feed were weighed on d 14, 21, 28, and 42 on a per pen basis. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated during each feeding phase and adjusted for daily mortality. The data were analyzed using ANOVA (JMP, Pro 16) and significance (P ≤ 0.05) was determined by the LSD test. During d 14-21, 0-21, 0-28, and 0-42, mortality rate and ADFI were significantly less in AGS, AGH, and PC compared with NC. ADG was greater while FCR was significantly less in PC, AGS, and AGH during d 21-28, 0-28, and 0-42 compared with NC (P ≤ 0.05). Lesion severity was also significantly less in AGS, AGH, and PC compared with NC. On d 14, 21, and 42 there were no toxins present in the tested serum samples. Calprotectin concentration was greater in PC and NC on d 21 and 42 compared with the supplemented groups. C. perfringens toxin was not detected in serum samples of any of the four treatment groups. mRNA abundance of CLDN1, IL1β, IL12B, and IL10 was greater in AGS compared with NC on d 14 and 42. ZO1 was significantly greater on d 21 in PC treatment and was less than both AGS and AGH on d 42 (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with all other treatments, mRNA abundance of OCLDN was greater and those of IFN-γ and ZO2 were less in PC, while that of CLDN3 showing no significant difference among all 4 treatments. To conclude, dietary inclusion of this algal product in broiler diets could be considered as a beneficial alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in the context of this challenge model.