Effects of a root extract from Achyranthes Japonica Nakai on the growth performance, blood profile, fecal microbial community, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs

Effects of dietary supplementation of postbiotic derived from Bacillus subtilis ACCC 11025 on growth performance, meat yield, meat quality, excreta bacteria, and excreta ammonia emission of broiler chicks

The primary aim of this study was to explore the impact of dietary supplementation with a postbiotic derived from Bacillus subtilis ACCC 11025 on growth performance, meat yield, meat quality, excreta bacterial populations, and excreta ammonia emissions of broiler chicks. A total of 480 day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks, initially weighing 52.83 ± 1.38 g, were randomly allocated into 4 distinct groups. Each group was housed in 6 separate cages, each containing 20 birds. The experimental phase spanned 42 d, divided into 2 periods (d 1-21 and d 22-42). Dietary interventions were based on a basal diet, with postbiotic supplementation at levels of 0.000, 0.015, 0.030, or 0.045%. Our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with postbiotic had a positive influence on body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency. The most substantial improvements in BWG and feed efficiency were observed in the group of broiler chicks fed a diet containing 0.015% postbiotic. Furthermore, the inclusion of postbiotic in the diet led to an increase in the yield of breast and leg muscles, with a significant difference in meat yields observed between the control group and the group receiving 0.015% postbiotic supplementation. It's noteworthy that dietary manipulation did not exert any discernible impact on the quality of breast and leg muscle samples. Concurrently, we observed an elevation in serum albumin and total protein contents corresponding to the increasing postbiotic dosage in the diet. Additionally, dietary supplementation with postbiotic effectively controlled the emission of ammonia from excreta and reduced the abundance of Salmonella in excreta while enhancing the presence of Lactobacillus bacteria. The group receiving 0.015% postbiotic supplementation displayed the lowest levels of ammonia emission and the highest counts of Lactobacillus bacteria in excreta. In light of these results, we conclude that dietary supplementation with 0.015% postbiotic represents an efficacious strategy for increasing BWG and meat yield of broiler chicks by enhancing feed efficiency as well as mitigating ammonia emissions from excreta by modulating the composition of excreta bacterial communities.

Strategies for reducing noxious gas emissions in pig production: a comprehensive review on the role of feed additives

The emission of noxious gases is a significant problem in pig production, as it can lead to poor production, welfare concerns, and environmental pollution. The noxious gases are the gasses emitted from the pig manure that contribute to air pollution. The increased concentration of various harmful gasses can pose health risks to both animals and humans. The major gases produced in the pig farm include methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and volatile fatty acids, which are mainly derived from the fermentation of undigested or poorly digested nutrients. Nowadays research has focused on more holistic approaches to obtain a healthy farm environment that helps animal production. The use of probiotics, prebiotics, dietary enzymes, and medicinal plants in animal diets has been explored as a means of reducing harmful gas emissions. This review paper focuses on the harmful gas emissions from pig farm, the mechanisms of gas production, and strategies for reducing these emissions. Additionally, various methods for reducing gas in pigs, including probiotic interventions; prebiotic interventions, dietary enzymes supplementation, and use of medicinal plants and organic acids are discussed. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on reducing noxious gas in pigs and offers valuable insights for pig producers, nutritionists, and researchers working in this area.

Effect of dietary Achyranthes japonica extract on growth performance of growing pigs and absorption rate of quercetin in blood

This study was done to investigate the effects of the incorporation of Achyranthes japonica extracts (AJE) in diet on the production parameters of growing pigs. Exp 1: Total, 105 crossbred pigs (average body weight: 24.47 ± 2.46 kg) were used in a 6-week feeding trial. Pigs (seven replicates, five pigs per pen) were allotted randomly to three treatments. Dietary treatments: CON (basal diet); basal diet with 0.025% AJE, and basal diet + 0.050% AJE). Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial count, and fecal noxious gas were assessed in this study. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were not affected by the addition of up to 0.05% AJE. In the case of apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and digestible energy (DE) were not changed in 3rd and 6th weeks of the feeding trial through the addition of AJE up to 0.05% in the growing pig diet. In microbial count, Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli count at 3rd and 6th week was similar in all the treatment diets. The inclusion of AJE at levels up to 0.05% in growing pig diet had no effect on the production of NH3, H2S, acetic acid, and CO2 in the feces. After ending the Exp 1, a total of nine pigs were divided into three treatment groups. Treatment diets were included, TRT1, basal diet + powder quercetin 30 g; TRT2, basal diet + powder quercetin 150 g; TRT3, basal diet + powder quercetin 300g. Rate of absorption in blood was increased with the higher dose of quercetin. The results suggested incorporation of AJE up to 0.05% has no significant effect on ADG, ADFI, and G:F, as well as DM, N, and DE digestibility, fecal microbial count, and fecal noxious gas emission in growing pigs, even though no negative effect was found.

Dietary of different forms of Humulus scandens on growth performance and intestinal bacterial communities in piglets

The present study was aimed at elucidating the effects of feeding different forms of Humulus scandens (Hu) on performance and bacterial communities in piglets. A total of 160 piglets were divided into four groups: (1) a control (CG, basal diet); (2) a basal diet with Hu pulp (HS), basal diet + Hu pulp; (3) a basal diet with Hu juice (HSJ), basal diet + Hu juice; and (4) a basal diet with Hu residue (HSR), basal diet + Hu residue. Results showed that HS, HSJ, and HSR supplementation led to rich average daily gain (ADG) and poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 28 to 70 d of age, increased 120 d body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and ADG and decreased FCR during 71 to 120 d of age. Three experiment groups presented greater (P < 0.05) IgA, IgG, and IgM and lower (P < 0.05) glucose, and blood urea nitrogen. The content of diamine oxidase significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in HS group. The crude  protein and crude fiber digestibility were improved (P < 0.05) in HS group and the Ca digestibility was increased (P < 0.05) in HS and HSJ groups. HSR supplementation improved the abundance of Firmicutes and decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes. Hu supplementation with different forms increased the proportion of Lactobacillus in cecum content. These results indicated that supplemental feeding of Hu with different forms improved serum immunity, nutrient digestibility, and bacterial communities in piglets, promoting growth and development, which may be regarded as a reference for developing novel feed resources for piglets.

Application potential of Humulus Scandens in livestock husbandry

On the background of antibiotic-free livestock husbandry, animal nutritionists are trying to find alternatives to antibiotics. Many herbs have been developed for animal diets to replace antibiotics. Humulus Scandens (HS) is also known as Humulus japonicus and Japanese hop in English, lü Cao () in Mandarin Chinese and kanamugura (カナムグラ) in Japanese. It is a traditional Chinese medicine with good environmental adaptability. It can grow rapidly and cover any area. Its high yield, strong vitality and medical value allow its potential to be used as an exogenous additive for animal diets to replace antibiotics. However, the knowledge about this herb is limited at present. This manuscript reviewed the processing method of HS and its application in livestock husbandry in order to provide references for its application.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate: improving broiler health by reducing harmful microbial levels in the waterline

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is commonly used for treating drinking water, industrial water, and wastewater. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of NaDCC-treated waterline drinking water on the growth of AA+ broilers by reducing microbial levels in the waterline. A total of 480 healthy 1-day-old AA+ broilers (46.77 ± 0.50 g) were selected for the experiment and randomly divided into four groups with six replicates of 20 birds each. The control group received regular drinking water, while the test groups received drinking water with NaDCC concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mg/L. The test groups consumed the treated water on specific days throughout the 42-day experimental period. Results showed that NaDCC treatment significantly reduced the levels of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds in the drinking water at the waterline (p < 0.05). Drinking water with NaDCC also led to reduced broiler fecal emissions of NH3 and H2S, as well as reduced counts of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds (p < 0.05), particularly at 30 mg/L and 50 mg/L concentrations. Broilers consuming NaDCC at 50 mg/L exhibited a significant increase in ADG from days 1-42 (p < 0.05). The levels of E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus and Moulds in the drinking water at the waterline were significantly and positively correlated with the bacterial count in the feces (p < 0.05, R > 0.6). Additionally, bacterial levels in drinking water and broiler feces were negatively correlated with broiler production performance indicators, including ADG, ADFI, F/G and AWC. In conclusion, NaDCC can indirectly enhance broiler performance by reducing the levels of harmful bacteria in the waterline without affecting normal drinking water. The addition of 30 mg/L or 50 mg/L of NaDCC to the waterline in poultry production can effectively control harmful microorganisms and improve poultry health. Based on the experiment's results, it is recommended to preferentially use 30 mg/L NaDCC in the waterline to reduce farming costs.

Feeding broilers with wheat germ, hops and grape seed extract mixture improves growth performance

In the study, Wheat germ, Hops and Grape seed extracts were made into a mixture (BX). The BX was supplemented in AA + broilers diets to investigate the effects of BX on broiler growth performance, blood indicators, microbiota, and noxious gas emissions in faeces. Four hundred and eighty 1-day-old AA + male broilers with an average initial body weight (44.82 ± 0.26) were randomly divided into four dietary treatments of six replicates each, with 20 birds per replicate. The experimental groups consisted of a group fed a basal diet and groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% BX. The trail was 42 days. The results showed that supplementing the dietary with graded levels of BX linearly increased ADG and ADFI from days 22–42 and 1–42. When dietarys supplemented with 0.2% BX significantly increased ADG and ADFI on days 22–42 and 1–42 (p &lt; 0.05). The addition of BX reduced H2S and NH3 emissions in the faeces; the levels of E. coli and Salmonella in the faeces were significantly reduced and the levels of Lactobacillus were increased (p &lt; 0.05). In this trial, when the diet was supplemented with 0.2% BX, faecal levels of E. coli and Salmonella were consistently at their lowest levels and Lactobacillus were at their highest. At the same time, NH3 and H2S emissions from broiler faecal also had been at their lowest levels. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with a 0.2% BX could improve the growth performance of broilers and also reduced faecal H2S and NH3 emissions, as well as faecal levels of E. coli and Salmonella, and increased levels of Lactobacillus. Thus, BX made by Wheat germ, Hops and Grape seed extract is expected to be an alternative to antibiotics. And based on the results of this trial, the recommended dose for use in on-farm production was 0.2%.

Evaluation of dietary curcumin nanospheres as phytobiotics on growth performance, serum biochemistry, nutritional composition, meat quality, gastrointestinal health, and fecal condition of finishing pigs

Curcumin is a bioactive functional feeding stimulant that is widely used as an additive in cuisine and animal feeds. Owing to its hydrophobic nature and low bioavailability, the nanoformulation of curcumin has recently received special attention from researchers. In this study, we investigated the effects of curcumin nanospheres (CN) on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, meat quality, intestinal immunohistochemistry, fecal malodors and microbes in finishing pigs. A total of 90 crossbred pigs (Duroc × [Yorkshire × Landrace]) with an average initial body weight of 73.77 ± 0.08 kg were randomized into 3 dietary groups in triplicate pens (10 pigs in each pen): control (CON) without supplementation of CN and the pigs in the remaining two groups were supplemented with CN at 1.0 (CN1) and 2.0 (CN2) mL/kg diet for a 40-day long experiment. The results showed that pigs fed the higher CN supplemented diet (CN2) had significantly higher final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) than those fed the CON diet, and no significant differences were observed in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) after 28 days. At the end of the experiment, pigs fed the CN supplemented diet showed no significant difference in WG, ADFI or FCR compared to those on the CON diet. Overall, at the termination of the 40-day feeding trial, dietary CN had a significant effect on FW and WG, except for ADFI and FCR, in finishing pigs. After 40 days of the feeding trial, serum biochemical parameters such as glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in pigs fed the CN supplemented diet. However, high density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in pigs fed the CN diets. Protein and lipid contents, as well as yellowness and lightness of the neck and longissimus dorsi muscles were not significantly affected by CN supplementation; however, there was a tendency to increase the redness of the longissimus dorsi muscle in pigs fed the CN2 supplemented diet compared to the CON diet. Meat grading and carcass weight significantly increased in pigs fed a higher CN supplemented diet. Fecal Escherichia coli and ammonia gas were significantly depleted in pigs fed CN diets. Histomorphological parameters, such as villus height, crypt depth and goblet cells in the jejunum of the intestine were significantly increased in pigs fed CN diet. Immunohistochemical staining showed that pro-inflammatory cytokine like tumor necrosis factor-α expression was reduced in pigs fed CN supplemented diets compared to the CON diet; however, antibodies such as immunoglobulin A and tight junction proteins such as claudin 3 were highly expressed in the intestine of pigs fed the CN diets. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of dietary curcumin nanospheres as a nanobiotechnology tool as well as an effective feed additive for improving the performance and health status of finishing pigs.

Tributyrin and anise mixture supplementation improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, jejunal villus height, and fecal microbiota in weaned pigs

Introduction

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of tributyrin and anise mixture (TA) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emission, fecal score, jejunal villus height, hematology parameters, and fecal microbiota of weaned pigs.

Methods

A total of 150 21-day-old crossbred weaned pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. All pigs were randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the initial body weight (6.19 ± 0.29 kg). Each group had 10 replicate pens with 5 pigs (three barrows and two gilts) per pen. The experimental period was 42 days and consisted of 3 phases (phase 1, days 1-7; phase 2, days 8-21; phase 3, days 22-42). Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-basal diet and supplemented with 0.000, 0.075, or 0.150% TA.

Results and discussion

We found that dietary supplementation of graded levels of TA linearly improved body weight, body weight gain, average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency (P < 0.05). TA supplementation also had positive effects on apparent dry matter, crude protein, and energy digestibility (P < 0.05) and jejunal villus height (P < 0.05). The emission of ammonia from feces decreased linearly with the dose of TA increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, TA supplementation was capable to regulate the fecal microbiota diversity, manifesting in a linearly increased Chao1 index and observed species and a linearly decreased Pielou's index (P < 0.05). The abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Clostridium butyricum were increased, while the abundance of Prevotella copri was decreased, by treatment (P < 0.05). Therefore, we speculated that TA supplementation would improve growth performance and reduce fecal ammonia emission through improving nutrient digestibility, which was attributed to the increase of jejunal villus height and the regulation of fecal microbiota.

Effects of dietary supplementation probiotic complex on growth performance, blood parameters, fecal harmful gas, and fecal microbiota in AA+ male broilers

In this study, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis were made into a probiotic complex (PC). The PC was supplemented in AA+ male broilers' diets to investigate the effects of PC on broiler growth performance, carcass traits, blood indicators, harmful gas emissions in feces and microbiota. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old AA+ male broilers with an average initial body weight (data) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments of 6 replicates each, with 20 birds per replicate. The control group (T0) was fed a basal diet, while the test groups (T1 and T2) were supplemented with 0.025 and 0.05% PC in the basal diet, respectively. The trail was 42 days. The results showed that the supplementation of 0.05% PC significantly (p < 0.05) improved average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers from 22 to 42 days and 1-42 days. Compared to the control group, the breast rate was significantly higher in T2, and the thymic index was significantly higher than that in T1 treatment (p < 0.05). The addition of PC had no significant effects on antibody potency in broiler serum (p > 0.05), but significantly increased albumin and total protein content in serum (p < 0.05). The addition of PC reduced H₂S and NH₃ emissions in the feces; the levels of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the feces were significantly reduced and the levels of Lactobacillus were increased. And the most significant results were achieved when PC was added at 0.05%. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the levels of E. coli and Salmonella and the emissions of H₂S and NH₃. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with a 0.05% probiotic complex could improve the growth performance of broilers and also reduced fecal H₂S and NH₃ emissions, as well as fecal levels of E. coli and Salmonella, and increased levels of Lactobacillus. Thus, PC made by Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis is expected to be an alternative to antibiotics. And based on the results of this trial, the recommended dose for use in on-farm production was 0.05%.

Effect of multi-strain probiotics on the performance of AA+ male broilers

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of a probiotic complex (PC) consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis on productive performance, carcass traits, immune organ indices, fecal microbiota counts and noxious gas emissions in AA+ male broilers. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old AA+ male broilers with similar body weight (44.77 ± 0.25) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups of 6 replicates each, with 20 broilers in each replicate. The experimental groups consisted of a group fed a basal diet and groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% PC. The results showed that the addition of PC had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance, and carcass traits of AA+ broilers during the experimental period (1-42 days of age). Dietary addition of PC significantly increased the thymus index of AA+ broilers (P < 0.05), reduced the number of E. coli and Salmonella in feces (P < 0.01) and reduced the concentrations of fecal NH₃ and H₂S emissions (P < 0.01). Furthermore, birds fed 0.2% PC diet had the highest number of fecal Lactobacillus counts. Results indicate that probiotic complex consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis enhances immune organ development, reduces the number of E. coli and Salmonella in feces, increases the number of Lactobacillus and reduces NH₃ and H₂S emissions in feces. This trial provides a theoretical basis for the use of probiotic complexes in broiler production.

Dietary inclusion of Achyranthes japonica extract to corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens

This research was conducted to determine the effects Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE) supplementation to corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, excreta noxious gas emission, and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 432 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens, having initial body weight (IBW) of 41.11 ± 1.65 g were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates cages with 18 broilers per cage. Dietary treatments composed of corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diets along with the addition of 0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1% of AJE. Bodyweight gain (BWG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were linearly influenced by the supplementation of AJE duringphase1 and 2 and the overall trial period. Inclusion of increasing levels of AJE linearly improved the digestibility of dry matter (DM) on d 35. Dietary supplementation of increasing levels of AJE failed to show significant effects on cecal Lactobacillus, coliform, and Salmonella counts, excreta noxious gas ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, total mercaptans, carbon dioxide, acetic acid and propionic acid emission, meat quality, and relative organ weight. Therefore, we concluded that supplementation of 0.1% of AJE in diets could improve BWG and ADFI, dry matter digestibility in broilers.

Effects of Achyranthes japonica extract on the performance of finishing pigs fed diets containing palm kernel meal and rapeseed meal as a partial alternative to soybean meal

A total of 120 finishing pigs with an average initial body weight of 49.72 ± 0.08 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 10 weeks trial. Pigs were randomly allotted into one of four dietary treatments (6 replicate pen/treatment, 5 pigs/pen). The nutritional dietary treatments were corn, soy bean meal, palm- kernel meal, and rapeseed meal based basal diets supplemented with 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20% of Achyranthes japonica extract (AJE). Dietary inclusion of AJE supplementation had trend to increase the body weight and average daily gain of pigs at week 10 and the overall experimental period, respectively. The graded level of AJE supplement had increase the total track digestibility dry matter (p = 0.067) only at week 5 while nitrogen and energy digestibility (p < 0.05) was linearly increased at both weeks 5 and 10. During week 10, pigs fed with an increased level of AJE supplementation had linearly increase (p < 0.05) fecal Lactobacillus counts. In addition, AJE supplementation in the diet of finishing pigs had linearly decreased (p > 0.05) NH3 emission of gas and trend to decrease total mercaptans during week 10. Dietary inclusion of AJE supplement resulted in a linear increase in the blood protein concentration level. Moreover, drip loss was linearly reduced on day 5 and day 7 (p > 0.05) post slaughter in finishing pigs fed with gradually increased levels of AJE supplementation. During weeks 5 and 10, pigs fed with graded levels of AJE supplementation had linearly increase (p < 0.05) the backfat thickness and lean meat percentage. Therefore we conclude that dietary inclusion of AJE with palm kernel meal and rapeseed meal could be benificial to enhance the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, blood prolife, meat quality and reduced fecal gas emission in finishing pigs.

Achyranthes Japonica Nakai root extract supplementation improves apparent nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, and excreta gas emission in broiler chicks

This study investigated the effects of supplementing Achyranthes Japonica Nakai (AJN) root extract to the diet of broiler chicks on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, caecum microbiota, excreta gas emission, and relative weight of organs. A total of 270 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (42.11 ± 0.18 g) were randomly allotted into 3 dietary treatments according to the initial body weight. Each treatment had 5 replicate cages with 18 birds per cage. The experimental period was 35 days (starter, days 1-7; grower, days 8-21; finisher, days 22-35). Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based basal diet supplemented with 0.000, 0.015, or 0.030 % AJN root extract. The apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen (P = 0.025) increased linearly with the increase of the dosage of AJN root extract, while the counts of E. coli in caecum (P = 0.038) and excreta ammonia emission (P = 0.003) decreased linearly. However, the growth performance (P > 0.05) and the relative weight of organs (P > 0.05) did not differ among the dietary groups. In conclusion, AJN root extract could increase the nutrient digestibility and reduce the noxious gas emission by reducing the caecum harmful microbiota in a dose-dependent manner.

Soy isoflavones supplementation improves reproductive performance and serum antioxidant status of sows and the growth performance of their offspring

A total of 60 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, average parity was 1.39) were used to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones (ISO) supplementation on reproductive performance, serum antioxidant enzyme parameters, and milk compositions of sows, and the growth performance of offspring. Sows were randomly assigned to 4 groups based on the parity. There were 15 replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-based basal diet and supplemented with 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg ISO. With the increase of the ISO dosage, average daily feed intake of sows increased linearly; oestrus interval decreased linearly and quadratically. In addition, on day 10 of lactation, linear increases in serum superoxide dismutase levels, linear and quadratic increases in serum total antioxidant capacity, and linear decreases in serum malondialdehyde levels were observed in increasing ISO dosage in the diet of sows. The body weight on day 10 and 21 and the average daily gain during days 3-10 and 3-21 of offspring increased linearly at graduated doses of ISO increased. Therefore, feeding sows with graded levels of ISO containing diet during late-gestation and lactation periods improved the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of their offspring in a dose-dependent manner.