Effects of dietary supplementation of cobiotic based on Agave fructans on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative damage and immune status of broiler

This study evaluated the effect of cobiotic (CO) composed of organic fructans powder of Agave tequilana and turmeric powder of Curcuma longa L. as an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokines serum levels of broiler chickens. A total of 135 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers distributed to five experimental groups, which included starter or finisher standard diets without AGPs (CON), CON + 0.25 COLI-ZIN g/kg feed (AGP), CON + 0.1 g Agave fructans/kg feed (AF), CON + 0.5 g turmeric powder/kg feed (TP) and CON + 0.1 g AF + 0.5 g TP /kg feed (CO), for 49 days. AF followed by TP, decreased feed intake, obtaining the best FCR. AGP increased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to other groups. CO significantly decreased the pH of the cecal content. AF increased IL-10 levels, while TP decreased it. AF decreased the IL-1β levels. The present study showed that including a cobiotic based on AF and TP or components separately in a broilers diet improved growth performance, modified intestinal and cecum pH, and stimulated the immune system, which suggests CO as a safe alternative to AGP.

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.

Lactobacillus-driven feed fermentation regulates microbiota metabolism and reduces odor emission from the feces of pigs

IMPORTANCE

Our present study showed that dietary supplementation with feed fermented by Lactobacillus could promote the growth performance of pigs, regulate the microbiota, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. It could prevent the accumulation of toxic substances and reduce odor emission from pig feces, thereby reducing environmental pollution. In addition, one key triumph of the present study was the isolation of Weissella cibaria ZWC030, and the strain could inhibit the production of skatole in vitro in our present results.

Arazyme in combination with dietary carbohydrolases influences odor emission and gut microbiome in growing-finishing pigs

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing feed with arazyme and dietary carbohydrolases derived from invertebrate gut-associated symbionts on the noxious gas emissions, gut microbiota, and host-microbiome interactions of pigs. Here, 270 and 260 growing pigs were assigned to control and treatment groups, respectively. The tested feed additives contained a mixture of arazyme (2,500,000 Unit/kg) and synergetic enzymes, xylanase (200,000 Unit/kg) and mannanase (200,000 Unit/kg), derived from insect gut-associated symbionts in a 7.5:1:1 ratio. The control group was fed a basal diet and the treatment group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 % enzyme mixture (v/v) for 2 months. Odorous gases were monitored in ventilated air from tested houses. Fecal samples were collected from steel plate under the cage at the completion of the experiment to determine chemical composition, odor emissions, and bacterial communities. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of NH₃ (22.5 vs. 11.2 ppm; P < 0.05), H₂S (7.35 vs. 3.74 ppm; P < 0.05), trimethylamine (TMA) (0.066 vs. 0.001 ppm; P < 0.05), and p-cresol (0.004 ppm vs. 0 ppm; P < 0.05) at 56 d in treatment group compared with the control group. Moreover, fecal analysis results showed that exogenous enzyme supplementation caused a reduction in VFAs and indole content with approximately >60 % and 72.7 %, respectively. The result of gas emission analysis showed that NH₃ (9.9 vs. 5.3 ppm; P < 0.05) and H₂S (5.8 vs. 4.1 ppm; P < 0.05) were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared to the control group. The gut microbiota of the treatment group differed significantly from that of the control group, and the treatment group altered predicted metabolic pathways, including sulfur and nitrogen related metabolism, urea degradation. The results demonstrated that supplementing feed with arazyme with dietary carbohydrolases effectively controls noxious gas emissions and improves health and meat quality of pigs.

Effect of insect protein and protease on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal microflora and gas emission in growing pig

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of Hermetia illucens larvae (HIL) as protein and protease on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal microflora, and gas emission in growing pig. In experiment 1, the seventy-two crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.98 ± 2.95 kg were randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments (3 pigs per pen and 6 replicates pen per treatments). The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating two diets (Poultry offal diets and HIL diets) without or with supplementing protease. The poultry offal in basal diet has been replaced by HIL. In experiment 2, the four crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial BW of 28.2 ± 0.1 kg were individually accepted in stainless steel metabolism cages. The dietary treatments included: 1) PO- (PO-; poultry offal diet), 2) PO+ (PO- + 0.05% protease), 3) HIL- (3% PO of PO- diet was replacement 3% HIL), 4) HIL+ (HIL- + 0.05% protease). In experiment 1, From weeks 0 to 2, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) were significantly increased in the PO diet group compared with the HIL group. From weeks 2 to 4, ADG and G:F were higher for protease group than for non-protease group. At weeks 2 and 4, the PO diet group had lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than HIL diet group. In experiment 2, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen (N) retention were decreased by HIL diet at weeks 2 and 4. The fecal microflora and gas emission were not affected by HIL and protease. The HIL diet showed lower CP digestibility than PO diet and total essential amino acids digestibility tended to higher in PO diet than HIL diet. In summary, the present study revealed that replacement of the PO protein with the HIL protein and the additive of protease in growing pig diets during the overall experimental period had no negative effect.

Effects of mannan oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus mucosae on growth performance, immune response, and gut health of weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides

Addition of pre- and probiotics may confer growth and health benefits when added to the diet of pigs. To determine the effects of feeding mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) and Lactobacillus mucosae (LM) as prebiotic and probiotic sources in weanling pigs under immune challenge, 96 weaned pigs were randomly allotted to 16 experimental pens within a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Control diets with or without 0.1% yeast-derived MOS were randomly assigned to pens and 109 cfu/pig LM broth or a control broth were top-dressed daily. Pigs were fed one of four dietary treatments (control, MOS, LM, and MOS+LM) in Phases I and II (days 0 to 7 and days 7 to 21 postweaning, respectively) and a common diet during Phase III (days 21 to 35 postweaning). On day 14, all pigs were challenged with 100 µg/kg body weight (BW) Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via intraperitonial injection. Feed disappearance and pig BW were measured weekly. Blood and fecal samples were collected weekly, and additional blood samples were collected on days 1 and 3 post-LPS challenge. On days 15 and 21, one pig per pen was euthanized for collection of ileal mucosa and duodenal and ileal tissue samples. From days 0 to 14, feeding LM decreased gain-to-feed ratio (G:F; P < 0.05). An interaction between LM and MOS was observed for G:F on days 14 to 21 (P < 0.05); G:F in LM (715 g/kg) was greater compared with MOS+LM (P < 0.05; 600 g/kg) and control (P < 0.10; 615 g/kg), but was not different (P > 0.10) from MOS (674 g/kg). After pigs were fed a common diet (days 21 to 35), G:F was decreased (P < 0.05) in the LM treatment groups. Pigs fed diets that included MOS had increased serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G on days 1 and 3 post-LPS challenge and 2 wk after removal of treatments (P < 0.05) and on days 14 and 21 postweaning (P < 0.10) compared with pigs fed diets without MOS. On day 15, mucosal immunoglobulin G was increased (P < 0.05) in control vs. MOS and LM groups. Circulating IL-1β in control and MOS+LM pigs increased (P < 0.05) on day 1 post-LPS challenge but did not change (P > 0.10) in MOS and LM groups. On day 15, pigs fed LM had decreased (P < 0.05) ileal crypt depth compared with pigs fed the control diet. On day 21, fecal propionate and butyrate tended to be lower (P < 0.10) in pigs fed MOS vs. control and MOS+LM diet. These preliminary findings suggest that feeding LM alone improved feed efficiency and ileal morphological structure during the first week of LPS challenge; additionally, feeding LM and MOS may have beneficial effects relative to immune biomarkers.

Dietary Inclusion of Blood Plasma with Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Supplementation Enhanced the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Lactobacillus Count, and Reduced Gas Emissions in Weaning Pigs

This experiment was performed to examine the hypothesis that blood plasma (BP) with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplement in the diet of weaning pigs could provoke the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, and reduce harmful gas excretion. A total of one hundred and eighty healthy piglets were taken and assigned (complete random blocks) to three dietary treatments as: Phase 1: Treatment (TRT) 1-6% BP; TRT 2-3% BP + 3% yeast; TRT 3-6% yeast. Phase 2: TRT 1-3%; BP., TRT 2-1.5% BP + 1.5% yeast; TRT 3- 3% yeast. Phase 3: TRT 1- Control (CON) (Basal diet); TRT 2- CON; TRT 3- CON for six- weeks. Each treatment had twelve replicates and five (three gilts and two barrows) pigs per pen. Dietary inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation significantly increased the body weight of piglets during phase 2 (p = 0.003) and phase 3 (p = 0.032). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had a significant improvement in average daily gain at the end of each phase and overall (p = 0.047, 0.025, 0.018 and 0.012, respectively). At phase 3, TRT2 group piglets showed a significant improvement on nutrient digestibility of dry matter (p = 0.012) and nitrogen (p = 0.040). The fecal microbiota of TRT2 group piglets showed a tendency to increase the number of Lactobacillus counts at phase 1 (p = 0.07) and phase 2 (p = 0.06) as well as, a significant improvement at phase 3 (p = 0.021). In addition, TRT2 group piglets had trend to decrease NH3 (p = 0.074) and H2S (p = 0.069) during phase 2, and significantly reduced NH3 (p = 0.038) and H2S (p = 0.046) at phase 3. However, the fecal score of piglets remains unaffected during the entire trial. At the end of phase 1 piglets' IgG (p = 0.008) was significantly increased with the inclusion of BP with yeast supplementation. Based on the positive effects on body weight, average daily gain, nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus count, and reduced gas emission, we suggest that dietary supplement with BP and yeast in the diet of weaned piglet could serve as an excellent alternative to antibiotics growth promoters.

The Effect of Black Pepper (Piperine) Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Fecal Microbial, Fecal Gas Emission, and Meat Quality of Finishing Pigs

Simple Summary

Recently, Livestock industries use many herbs and spices as feed additives for various purposes. In addition, herbal extracts can be efficiently used as growth promoters, anti-stress agents, Immune boosters, and antimicrobials. However, limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of black pepper extract (BPE) in swine diets. So, in this study, we use different doses of BPE (piperine) as supplemental additives to evaluate the growth performance of finishing pigs. The findings suggested that the graded level of BPE supplementation in pigs diet had a positive effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality. The results of this research will provide a new perception on the applications of BPE as a feed additive in livestock feed industry.

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the effect of black pepper extract (BPE) supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] finishing pigs with average initial body weight (BW) of 53.7 ± 1.42 kg were used in 10-week trial and allotted to 6 dietary treatments (6 replications pens/treatment with 5 pigs per pen). The dietary treatments were: CON (basal diet), TRT1-CON + 0.025% BPE, TRT2-CON + 0.05% BPE, TRT3-CON + 0.1% BPE, TRT4-CON + 0.2% BPE, TRT5-CON + 0.4% BPE. Linear increase in body weight gain (BWG) (p = 0.038, 0.006) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed (p = 0.035, 0.007,and 0.006 respectively), during the overall trial in pigs fed increasing levels of BPE in supplemented diet compared to control. The dietary supplementation of BPE showed a linear increase (p = 0.007) in gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) at week 10. However, there were no significant results observed on average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the overall experiment. The total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM) was linearly improved (p = 0.053) with graded levels of BPE. In addition, BPE diet supplementation had linearly increased fecal Lactobacillus counts (p = 0.048) and decreased Escherichia coli counts (p = 0.031) in pigs at week 10. Furthermore, NH3, methyl mercaptans, and acetic acid was linearly decreased (p = 0.023, 0.056, 0.054) in pigs fed graded level of BPE supplementation. The inclusion of BPE in pigs’ diet had linearly increased (p = 0.015) backfat thickness at week 10. Thus, we concluded that BPE supplementation had positively enhanced the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs.

Physiological, antimicrobial, intestine morphological, and immunological effects of fructooligosaccharides in pigs

In pig nutrition, there are some periods when natural alternatives to antibiotics are more required, such as during suckling and weaning. Fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) are a group of prebiotics applied as feed ingredients in animal nutrition since their positive effects on growth performance, immunological parameters, intestinal microbiota, and gut morphology are reported. Accordingly, FOS may be candidate molecules to improve the mentioned properties in pigs. Previous studies defined FOS as inhibiting the activity of pathogens and increasing the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the gut, although metabolites of FOS decreased the intestinal pH value. Beneficial effects on digestive-enzyme activities and on protein digestion were determined in some studies. All of the three types of FOS (inulin, oligomeric fructans, and short-chain FOSs) promoted the microbial composition of the gut by increasing the colonizations of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella genus. FOS also affected the immune response directly and indirectly and increased vaccine-specific IgA, serum IgG, and IgE levels. Moreover, FOS enhanced the activation of T cells and altered the secretions of some cytokines. Levels of vaccine-specific IgG could not be increased after FOS supplements. In most cases, FOS modified intestinal morphological parameters, such as longer villi, villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio, and thicker mucosa, which could suggest better absorptive functions. Results are contradictory on growth performance, which might be influenced by the chemical structure, the duration, and the dose of FOS, so further studies are required. This review aims to gather information regarding immunological, antimicrobial, intestine morphological, and growth performance properties of fructooligosaccharides in pigs.

The apparent ileal digestibility and the apparent total tract digestibility of carbohydrates and energy in hybrid rye are different from some other cereal grains when fed to growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy, starch, and total dietary fiber (TDF) in two varieties of hybrid rye and compare these values with values obtained for barley, wheat, corn, and sorghum. It was hypothesized that there are no differences in AID and ATTD of energy and nutrients among hybrid rye, barley, wheat, and sorghum. Twenty-four ileal cannulated barrows (initial body weight = 28.1 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly allotted to a two-period experimental design with six diets and four replicate pigs in each period for a total of eight replicate pigs per diet. Diets consisted of 97% of each grain, and each pig received a different diet in each period. The initial 5 d of each period were considered the adaptation period, whereas urine and fecal materials were collected from the feed provided from day 6 to 10, and ileal digesta were collected on days 12 and 13 of each period. Results indicated that the metabolizable energy (ME) on a dry matter (DM) basis was greatest (P < 0.05) in corn and wheat (3,732 and 3,641 kcal/kg DM), and least (P < 0.05) in barley (3,342 kcal/kg DM), whereas the two hybrid ryes contained 3,499 and 3,459 kcal/kg DM, respectively. The ME values in hybrid rye were not different from values determined for barley and sorghum (3,573 kcal/kg DM). In all grains, the AID of starch was greater than 90%, and the ATTD of starch was nearly 100%. Barley contained more TDF than the other cereal grains, and the two hybrid ryes had concentrations of soluble dietary fiber that were close to the concentration in barley but greater than in wheat, corn, and sorghum. The AID of TDF was less than 35% for all cereal grains, but the ATTD of TDF was greater (P < 0.05) in the two hybrid ryes (68% and 70%) than in the other ingredients (56% to 58%). In conclusion, feeding hybrid rye to pigs resulted in reduced pre-cecal absorption of energy compared with wheat, corn, and sorghum, but because hindgut fermentation of fiber was greater in hybrid rye than in other cereal grains, the content of ME in hybrid rye was not different from barley and sorghum but less than in corn and wheat.

Effects of dietary levan-type fructan on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal noxious gas emissions, and litter performance in lactating sows

In total, 28 multiparous sows (n = 7) and their litters were used to determine the effects of levan-type fructan supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, and fecal noxious gas emissions. The dietary treatments included (1) CON, basal diet; (2) FC1, CON + 0.1% fructan; (3) FC2, CON + 0.2% fructan; and (4) FC3, CON + 0.3% fructan. No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) in body weight (BW), average daily feed intake, or back fat loss in lactating sows among treatments. However, blood lymphocyte concentrates were higher (P < 0.05) in sows fed levan-containing diets than in those fed the CON diet. Weaning BW and overall average daily gain (ADG) of piglets in the FC3 treatment were higher (P < 0.05) than piglets in the CON treatment. Blood lymphocytes and nutrient digestibility of sows, as well as the weaning BW and the ADG of piglets were increased linearly (P < 0.05) as the concentration of levan increased in the diet. The diarrhea score of piglets and the fecal gas emissions of sows decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary levan increased. In conclusion, levan supplementation did not affect feed intake or decrease back fat loss of lactating sows, but it improved nutrient digestibility and immune ability, decreased fecal noxious gas emissions of lactating sows, and it improved growth performance and reduced diarrhea in piglets.

BOARD INVITED REVIEW: The pig microbiota and the potential for harnessing the power of the microbiome to improve growth and health1

A variety of microorganisms inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of animals including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. Pioneers in gut microbiology have stressed the critical importance of diet:microbe interactions and how these interactions may contribute to health status. As scientists have overcome the limitations of culture-based microbiology, the importance of these interactions has become more clear even to the extent that the gut microbiota has emerged as an important immunologic and metabolic organ. Recent advances in metagenomics and metabolomics have helped scientists to demonstrate that interactions among the diet, the gut microbiota, and the host to have profound effects on animal health and disease. However, although scientists have now accumulated a great deal of data with respect to what organisms comprise the gastrointestinal landscape, there is a need to look more closely at causative effects of the microbiome. The objective of this review is intended to provide: 1) a review of what is currently known with respect to the dynamics of microbial colonization of the porcine gastrointestinal tract; 2) a review of the impact of nutrient:microbe effects on growth and health; 3) examples of the therapeutic potential of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics; and 4) a discussion about what the future holds with respect to microbiome research opportunities and challenges. Taken together, by considering what is currently known in the four aforementioned areas, our overarching goal is to set the stage for narrowing the path towards discovering how the porcine gut microbiota (individually and collectively) may affect specific host phenotypes.

Partially defatted olive cake in finishing pig diets: implications on performance, faecal microbiota, carcass quality, slurry composition and gas emission

One of the key factors to improve swine production sustainability is the use of agro-industrial by-products in feeds, such as olive by-products. However, it is necessary to assess its effects on the overall production process, including the animal and the environment. With this aim, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of including a partially defatted olive cake (PDOC) in pig diets on growth performance, faecal microbiota, carcass quality and gas emission from the slurry. Two finishing diets were formulated, a control (C) diet and a diet with PDOC included at 120 g/kg. Eighty finishing male pigs Duroc-Danbred × (Landrace × Large White) of 60.4 ± 7.00 kg BW were divided between these two treatments. During the finishing period (60 to 110 kg BW, 55 days) average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded. Faecal samples from the rectum of 16 animals per treatment were incubated for bacteria enumeration. At the end of finishing period, backfat thickness and loin depth (LD) were measured. Animals were slaughtered to obtain carcass weight and carcass composition parameters, and subcutaneous fat was sampled to analyse the fatty acid (FA) profile. In addition greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions were measured during pig slurry storage using the methodology of dynamic flux chambers. An initial slurry characterisation and biochemical methane potential (B0) were also determined. No significant differences between treatments were found in performance, carcass quality and microbial counts with the exception of LD, which was lower in PDOC compared with C animals (45.5 v. 47.5 mm, SEM: 0.62; P = 0.020). The FA profile of the subcutaneous fat did not differ between treatments, but the monounsaturated FA (MUFA) concentration was higher and the polyunsaturated FA was lower in the animals fed PDOC (50.9 v. 48.3, SEM: 0.48, P < 0.001; 17.6 v. 19.3, SEM: 0.30, P < 0.001 in mg/100 g of Total FA, for PDOC and C animals, respectively). The initial pig slurry characterisation only showed differences in ADF concentration that was higher (P < 0.05) in the slurry from PDOC treatment. Regarding gas emission, slurries from both treatments emitted similar amounts of ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as B0 values. The results obtained suggest that PDOC may be included in balanced pig diets at rates of up to 120 g/kg without negative effects on performance, carcass quality, gut microflora and slurry gas emission, while improving the MUFA concentration of subcutaneous fat.

Effects of a blend of organic acids and medium-chain fatty acids with and without Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and meat quality in finishing pigs

An experiment was conducted to assess effects of Enterococcus faecium and a blend of organic acids (OAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in finishing pigs. A total of 120 pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace); 51.04 ± 1.82 kg] were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; BOM1, CON + 500 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; BOM2, CON + 1000 mg kg−1 blend of OAs and MCFAs; EBOM1, BOM1 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium; EBOM2, BOM2 + 20 mg kg−1 E. faecium. Pigs fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets had higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake (during days 36–70 and days 1–70) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 35 and 70) compared with those fed BOM1 and BOM2 diets (P < 0.05). However, no differences on blood parameters and meat quality were observed between pigs offered BOM1 and BOM2 diets and those fed EBOM1 and EBOM2 diets (P > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with the combination of E. faecium and a blend of OAs and MCFAs was more effective in improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility than supplementation with blend of OAs and MCFAs alone in finishing pigs.

Effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.) seed extract supplementation in different energy density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, fecal microbiota, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs

This study evaluated the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in growing pigs. About 140 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 23.70 ± 2.80 kg were used in a 6 wk trial. Treatments were (on as-fed basis) two levels of FSE (FSE0, 0 or FSE0.2, 2 g kg−1basal diet), and two levels of energy [low-energy diet (LED); 3160 or high-energy diet (HED); 3260 kcal kg−1metabolizable energy (ME)]. Pigs in HED and FSE0.2 diets had higher final BW, average daily gain, and gain:feed ratio (G:F) compared with in LED, and FSE0 diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 and HED diets had higher energy (E) digestibility than the FSE0 and LED diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 diet increased serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), and reduced total cholesterol (TC) concentration than the FSE0 diet (P < 0.05). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) gas emission in FSE0.2 diet were lower than that in FSE0 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results indicated that dietary supplementation of FSE improved growth performance, digestibility, serum IgG, reduced serum TC, and noxious gas emission in growing pigs.

Effects of levan-type fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, diarrhoea scores, faecal shedding of total lactic acid bacteria and coliform bacteria, and faecal gas emission in weaning pigs

BACKGROUND

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in feed has been fully or partially banned in several countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of levan-type fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal shedding of lactic acid bacteria and coliform bacteria, diarrhoea scores, and faecal gas emission in weaning pigs. A total of 144 weaning pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] were randomly allocated to four diets: corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 g kg^-1 levan-type fructan during this 42-day experiment.

RESULTS

During days 0 to 21 and 0 to 42, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing dietary levan-type fructan inclusion. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were linearly increased (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary levan-type fructan content. With increasing levels of levan-type fructan, faecal lactic acid bacteria counts were linearly increased (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that dietary supplementation with increasing levan-type fructan enhanced growth performance, improved nutrient digestibility, and increased faecal lactic acid bacteria counts in weaning pigs linearly. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chicory fructans in pig diet reduce skatole in back fat of entire male pigs

Androstenone, skatole and indole are main compounds responsible for boar taint, an off-odour in meat of some entire male pigs. Several feed ingredients derived from chicory have been reported to reduce fat skatole levels, while results for indole are more contradictory. The skatole-reducing effect is probably based on the prebiotic effects described for fructan compounds. Inulin and oligofructose have a high and low degree of polymerization, respectively. The fermentation rate decreases with an increasing degree of polymerization, which may result in differing effects of the compounds on skatole and/or indole levels. In this study we evaluated the effect of the inclusion of 5% inulin or 5% oligofructose during the last 3weeks before slaughter on carcass quality, concentration of skatole and indole in back fat as well as on the olfactory evaluation of boar taint in fat. Carcass weight did not differ between treatment groups but lean meat percentage increased when feeding oligofructose (P=0.019) compared to the control group, which is relevant for further research. Inclusion of 5% inulin or 5% oligofructose in the finisher diet of entire male pigs significantly reduced the back fat skatole concentration, without influence on indole. Olfactory score for boar taint tended to decrease when oligofructose was added to the diet.

Supplementation of protease, alone and in combination with fructooligosaccharide to low protein diet for finishing pigs

Effects of adding protease with or without fructooligosaccharide (FOS) to low protein diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and fecal noxious gas emission were evaluated in 160 finishing pigs (57.70 ± 1.16 kg) in a 9-week study. Pigs were randomly divided into four dietary treatments, PC: positive control diet (15.97% crude protein (CP)); NC: negative control diet (12.94% CP); PRO: NC supplemented with 0.05% protease; PROFOS: NC supplemented with 0.05% protease and 0.1% FOS. During weeks 4-9 and weeks 0-9, gain : feed ratio was impaired (P < 0.05) in pigs fed NC diet compared with those fed PC, PRO and PROFOS diets. Pigs fed PC, PRO and PROFOS diets had higher (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of CP than pigs fed NC diet. Pigs fed PROFOS diet had reduced (P < 0.05) ammonia emissions compared to pigs fed NC and PRO diets. These data indicate that reducing dietary CP concentrations impaired growth performance, decreased ATTD of CP and reduced ammonia emissions. Supplementation of protease in low CP diet improved growth performance and increased ATTD of CP. Dietary supplementation with protease and FOS in low CP diet improved growth performance, increased ATTD of CP and decreased fecal ammonia emission.

Gut Health of Pigs: Challenge Models and Response Criteria with a Critical Analysis of the Effectiveness of Selected Feed Additives - A Review

The gut is the largest organ that helps with the immune function. Gut health, especially in young pigs has a significant benefit to health and performance. In an attempt to maintain and enhance intestinal health in pigs and improve productivity in the absence of in-feed antibiotics, researchers have evaluated a wide range of feed additives. Some of these additives such as zinc oxide, copper sulphate, egg yolk antibodies, mannan-oligosaccharides and spray dried porcine plasma and their effectiveness are discussed in this review. One approach to evaluate the effectiveness of these additives in vivo is to use an appropriate disease challenge model. Over the years, researchers have used a number of challenge models which include the use of specific strains of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, bacteria lipopolysaccharide challenge, oral challenge with Salmonella enteric serotype Typhimurium, sanitation challenge, and Lawsonia intercellularis challenge. These challenge models together with the criteria used to evaluate the responses of the animals to them are also discussed in this review.

Effect of fermented medicinal plants on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emissions, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics used as growth promoters in livestock have been banned in the European Union since 2006. Alternatives of antibiotics have focused on phytogenic plants, such as herbs and medicinal plants. No studies have evaluated the use of fermented medicinal plants (FMP) made up of Gynura procumbens, Rehmannia glutinosa and Scutellaria baicalensis in weanling pigs. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of FMP on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emissions and diarrhea score in weanling pigs.

RESULTS

FMP supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain:feed, apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy compared with NC treatment, while a linear effect (P < 0.05) was observed on those criteria. Ammonia, total mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) by the supplementation of FMP compared with NC. Additionally, diarrhea score was lower (P < 0.05) by FMP addition compared with NC during days 0-7 and days 8-14.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that FMP could be used as an alternative to antibiotics by enhancing growth performance and nutrient digestibility, and decreasing fecal noxious gas emission and early diarrhea score of weanling pigs.

Dietary fenugreek seed extract improves performance and reduces fecal E. coli counts and fecal gas emission in lactating sows and suckling piglets

Hossain, M. M., Begum, M., Nyachoti, C. M., Hancock, J. D. and Kim, I. H. 2015. Dietary fenugreek seed extract improves performance and reduces fecal E. coli counts and fecal gas emission in lactating sows and suckling piglets. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 561–568. This study evaluated the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in sows and suckling piglets. The trial was conducted with 78 multiparous sows and their litters in a 28-d feeding trial, and one of three diets: CON (control, basal diet); FSE1 (basal diet+0.1% FSE), and FSE2 (basal diet+0.2% FSE). Piglets suckling sows fed the FSE1 and FSE2 diets had higher average daily gain compared with those suckling sows fed the CON from week 2 to weaning (linear, P<0.05). At weaning, sows fed the FSE1 and FSE2 diets had higher immunoglobulin G and lower low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol concentrations compared with those fed the CON diet (linear, P<0.05). Sows fed the FSE2 diet linearly reduced total cholesterol concentrations at weaning (P<0.05). Piglets suckling sows fed the FSE2 diet had higher immunoglobulin G and red blood cell concentrations compared with those suckling sows fed the CON diet (linear, P<0.05). Sows fed the FSE2 diet had higher apparent total tract digestibility of N and gross energy and reduced fecal E. coli counts and ammonia gas emission compared with those fed the CON diet at weaning (linear, P<0.05). In conclusion, results indicate that feeding sows a diet supplemented with FSE in late gestation and lactation improved performance in sows and suckling piglets.

Effects of L-tryptophan, Fructan, and Casein on Reducing Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Skatole in Fermented Swine Manure

The effects of daily dietary Bacillus subtilis (Bs), and adding L-tryptophan, fructan, or casein to fecal fermentation broths were investigated as means to reduce the production of noxious gas during manure fermentation caused by ammonia, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and 3-methylindole (skatole). Eighty swine (50.0±0.5 kg) were equally apportioned to an experimental group given Bs in daily feed, or a control group without Bs. After 6 weeks, fresh manure was collected from both groups for fermentation studies using a 3×3 orthogonal array, in which tryptophan, casein, and fructan were added at various concentrations. After fermentation, the ammonia, H2S, L-tryptophan, skatole, and microflora were measured. In both groups, L-tryptophan was the principle additive increasing skatole production, with significant correlation (r = 0.9992). L-tryptophan had no effect on the production of ammonia, H2S, or skatole in animals fed Bs. In both groups, fructan was the principle additive that reduced H2S production (r = 0.9981). Fructan and Bs significantly interacted in H2S production (p = 0.014). Casein was the principle additive affecting the concentration of ammonia, only in the control group. Casein and Bs significantly interacted in ammonia production (p = 0.039). The predominant bacteria were Bacillus spp. CWBI B1434 (26%) in the control group, and Streptococcus alactolyticus AF201899 (36%) in the experimental group. In summary, daily dietary Bs reduced ammonia production during fecal fermentation. Lessening L-tryptophan and increasing fructan in the fermentation broth reduced skatole and H2S.