β-mannanase supplemented in diets saved 85 to 100 kcal of metabolizable energy/kg, supporting growth performance and improving nutrient digestibility in grower pigs

The effects of β-mannanase supplementation in metabolizable energy (ME)-reduced diets containing xylanase-phytase were investigated on growth performance, fecal score, ultra-sounded backfat thickness and loin depth, blood profile, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), digesta passage rate, and fecal microbiome in grower pigs (n = 40, 26.09 ± 0.96 kg) randomly assigned within 4 treatments: a control diet containing isolated phytase and xylanase valued at 40 kcal of ME/kg (CD0), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 30 kcal of ME/kg) (CD70), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 45 kcal of ME/kg) (CD85), and CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 60 kcal of ME/kg) (CD100). Growth performance was not affected in pigs fed ME-reduced diets containing β-mannanase. Pigs with CD100 had lower serum IL-1β concentration, and higher IL-10 was observed in pigs on CD0 than those fed β-mannanase. Coefficients of ATTD, and ATTD of DM and CP were higher in animals fed CD85 or CD100. Pigs with CD85 had higher alpha diversity richness but lower Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratio. Acidaminococcaceae and Ruminococcaceae were more abundant in pigs fed CD0, but lower for Christensenellaceae NSJ-63 and NSJ-63 sp014384805. Pigs in CD85 showed higher Bacteroidaceae and Prevotella abundance, and lower for Streptococcaceae and Streptococcus. In conclusion, supplementation of β-mannanase in diets containing xylanase-phytase saved 85 to 100 kcal of ME/kg by supporting growth performance and improving nutrient digestibility in grower pigs.

Homeopathic Products as a Complementary Dietary Additive for Pigs in their Growing and Finishing Phases

BACKGROUND

Homeopathic products (HP) have been proposed for the prevention of disease and as a complementary dietary additive in pig farming, with resulting improved performance and quality of life of the animals and with benefits for food safety. The aim of this study was to assess the addition of HP to pig feed and its effects on growth performance, dietary protein utilization, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and economic feasibility.

METHODS

A total of 80 male pigs, body weight 32.8±2.3kg, were allocated in a randomized design, with two treatments of 10 replications and four animals per experimental unit. Treatments were composed of a control diet (CD) or CD+HP (Finalvitaplus+Figotonus, 1.1kg/ton feed of each product). The outcome measures used were growth performance (body weight gain) and feed efficiency (body weight gain per unit of feed consumed), efficiency of dietary protein utilization (blood urea nitrogen), nutrient digestibility (apparent digestibility coefficient and apparent nutrient digestibility), meat quality (including pH, temperature, color, liquid loss by cooking and thawing, intramuscular fat and meat tenderness), and economic feasibility (cost of the diets).

RESULTS

There was no effect (p >0.05) of treatments on growth performance of the pigs, though the group that received HP showed an 8.93% greater feed efficiency than the control group (p=0.077). The animals in the control group had a 14.37% higher blood urea nitrogen concentration in the finishing I phase (70-100kg body weight) compared with those fed HP (p=0.028), indicating lower protein utilization in the controls. There was comparative improvement in digestibility coefficient and in nutrient digestibility in pigs fed HP in the growing-finishing phase (p <0.05). There was no differential effect of treatments on meat quality or economic feasibility (p >0.05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of HP to the diet of growing-finishing pigs produced some improvement in their dietary protein utilization, nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency, though it did not affect their growth performance, meat quality or economic feasibility.

β-mannanase supplementation in diets reduced in 85 kcal metabolizable energy/kg containing xylanase-phytase improves gain to feed ratio, nutrient usage, and backfat thickness in finisher pigs

This study aimed to assess the effects of β-mannanase supplementation in metabolizable energy (ME)-reduced diets containing xylanase-phytase on performance, fecal score, blood biochemical and immunological profile, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), digesta passage rate, fecal microbiome, carcass traits and meat quality in finisher pigs (n = 40 entire male hybrid, 26.0 ± 0.9 kg) randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: a control diet containing isolated phytase and xylanase valued at 40 kcal of ME/kg (CD0), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 30 kcal of ME/kg) (CD70), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 45 kcal of ME/kg) (CD85), and CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 60 kcal of ME/kg) (CD100), with 10 pen replicates. Pigs fed CD0 diet showed (P = 0.002) greater ADFI. However, pigs fed CD0 diet showed (P = 0.009) lower G:F than those provided CD70 or CD85 diets. A greater (P &lt; 0.001) superoxide dismutase concentration was observed in pigs fed CD70 diet. Pigs fed CD85 diet showed (P = 0.002) greater digestible protein than pigs fed CD0 or CD100 diets. Pigs fed CD70 diet showed an increase of 11.3% in digestible protein than those fed CD0 diet. In addition, greater (P &lt; 0.001) digestible energy was observed in pigs fed CD85 diet. Pigs fed CD0 or CD100 diets showed greater (P &lt; 0.05) Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratio than those fed CD85 diet. The Muribaculaceae was more abundant (P = 0.030) in pigs fed CD70 diet than in those fed CD0 diet. The Prevotella was more abundant (P = 0.045) in pigs fed CD85 diet than in those fed CD100 diet. In conclusion, β-mannanase supplementation in diets containing xylanase-phytase allows reducing 85 kcal of ME/kg because it improves gain to feed ratio, energy and protein usage, and backfat thickness without metabolic and intestinal ecosystem disorders in finisher pigs.

Determinant production factors to the in vitro organic matter digestibility and protein oxidation of poultry by-product meal

The quality of poultry by-product meal (PBM) is not standardized in the industry. Several factors are detrimental to PBM and compromise its nutritional value and shelf life. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the main PBM production factors that directly affect its in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVDOM) and protein oxidation (POX). Data on the processing of PBM samples (n = 100) were recorded in a rendering plant. Two types of PBM were used: 1) Low ash (LA, n = 66) with mineral matter (MM) content of 11% and 2) High ash (HA, n = 34) with MM above 11%. Processing traits and chemical composition of PBM were considered independent variables. The IVDOM and POX were determined in each sample and considered dependent variables. Data on independent variables were submitted to factorial and principal components (PC) analyses. In vitro organic matter digestibility data were clustered (P = 0.001) in low (778.92 g/kg), average (822.85 g/kg), and high (890.06 g/kg). The best arrangement was composed of six independent variables distributed in two PC, which explained 82.10% of the total variation. The ash concentration, oil to raw material ratio, collagen, and crude protein comprised PC1 with greater relevance and explained 58.46% of the total variance. The PC2 was composed of the processing time and temperature and explained 23.64% of the total variance. Protein oxidation data were clustered (P < 0.001) in low (265.19 nmol/mg CP), average (393.07 nmol/mg CP), and high (524.40 nmol/mg CP). Based on our results, the composition of the raw material from the slaughterhouse holds most of the information on PBM composition and digestibility. Developing improvements in the slaughtering or in the screening of the raw material that will be used by the rendering process is important to obtain a more nutritionally standardized ingredient.

Blend of essential oils can reduce diarrheal disorders and improve liver antioxidant status in weaning piglets

OBJECTIVE

This study was to assess the effects of different doses of an essential oil blend (EOB) on growth performance, diarrhea occurrence (DO), hematological and blood biochemical profile, intestinal morphometry, morphology and microbiology, relative weight and length of organs, digestive content pH, and liver antioxidant status in weaning piglets.

METHODS

A total of 135 barrows (7.09±0.29 kg body weight) were allotted randomly in a randomized complete block design based on body weight with nine replications and three animals per pen. Dietary treatments were a negative control (NC): basal diet; positive control (PC): NC plus 125 mg performance-enhancing antibiotic (enramycin 8%)/kg diet; NC plus 100 mg EOB/kg diet (EO100); NC plus 200 mg EOB/kg diet (EO200); and NC plus 400 mg EOB/kg diet (EO400). Diarrhea occurrence was monitored daily, and performance at the end of each phase.

RESULTS

Gain to feed ratio was greater (p<0.05) in starter II pigs fed EO400 and EO200 than in those fed EO100. Pigs fed EO400 had lower (p<0.05) DO than those fed NC and EO100 in the total period. Pre-starter II pigs fed NC had (p<0.05) lower serum total protein and plasma protein than pigs fed PC. Pigs fed EO100 showed smaller (p<0.05) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) than pigs fed EO400. Starter II pigs fed EO400 had (p<0.05) greater MCV and lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin and erythrocytes than those fed EO100. There was a greater concentration (p<0.05) of band cells for PC, similar to EO400 and EO200. Performance-enhancing antibiotic and EOB to diets increased (p<0.05) liver superoxide dismutase activity.

CONCLUSION

Adding 200 and 400 mg EOB/kg diet decreased DO and was advantageous to hematological and blood biochemical profile and liver antioxidant status without being detrimental to growth performance and gastrointestinal health in nursery pigs.

Characterization of the variations in the industrial processing and nutritional variables of poultry by-product meal

The study aimed to measure variations in industrial process and nutritional variables of poultry by-product meal (PBM) in rendering plants from batch cookers. A total of 200 samples of low ash PBM with mineral matter (MM) content of 11% (LA, n = 104) or high ash with MM above 11% (HA, n = 96) were collected from 5 industrial processing plants. The highest coefficients of variation in chemical composition were for MM (LA - 19.70%; HA - 19.59%), ether extract (LA - 20.72%; HA - 14.86%), collagen (LA - 21.16%; HA - 30.00%) and water activity (LA - 24.54%; HA - 25.89%). However, the crude protein (LA - 5.07%; HA - 7.39%), dry matter (LA - 1.75%; HA - 2.90%) and organic matter digestibility (LA - 4.81%; HA - 6.78%) were lower. The variability of the data related to the process of PBM was: maximum process temperature (LA - 3.91%; HA - 3.56%), average process temperature (LA - 3.73%; HA - 4.71%), and processing time (LA - 27.37%; HA - 37.59%). This study evidenced that the corrective measures by limiting the amount of bones in the raw material, optimizing the pressing step for the poultry fat extraction, and also controlling the processing time of PBM may favor the production of more standardized PBM in terms of chemical composition and quality.

Effects of vitamin A on carcass and meat quality of broilers

This study evaluated the level and length of time of vitamin A supplementation and its effects on carcass and cuts yield, meat quality, and myopathies in 42-day-old broilers. A total of 1,920 birds were divided into 6 groups, and each group received a different level of vitamin A: 0; 6,000; 16,000; 26,000; 36,000 and 46,000 IU/ kg. From d 1 to 21, the treatments were distributed among 16 replicates with 20 birds. From the 22nd d on, 8 repetitions remained with the initial treatment and the others received diets with no vitamin A supplementation. Twelve birds were slaughtered per treatment to evaluate carcass and cuts yield, shear force, cooking loss, water holding capacity, and the presence of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid. The remaining birds were slaughtered and evaluated in loco for Wooden Breast (WB) and White Striping (WS). Wings weight was affected by vitamin A levels. The duration of the vitamin A supplementation process had effects on the weight of breast, legs with a dorsal portion, and meat color in the yellow intensity (b*). Incidence of WB had higher scores in birds supplemented until 42 d of age. WS showed a quadratic response and a lower response with supplementation of 29,700 IU/ kg. Even for WS, a higher occurrence of the normal score was found in birds supplemented until 21 d of age. Minimal quadratic responses were obtained for normal, moderate, and severe scores, in supplementations of 29,301; 29,959, and 29,827 IU/ kg, respectively. WB had lower occurrence rates in birds supplemented until 21 d of age. Consequently, the severe score was more frequent when supplementation was provided until 42 d of age. The level of vitamin A and the length of time during which this supplementation was provided had influence on cuts yield, meat color and the incidence of WB and WS of the 42-day-old birds.

Calcitic seaweed (Lithothamnion calcareum) as an organic source of calcium in piglet feeding

Context Lithothamnion calcareum is a calcitic seaweed (CS), rich in calcium (Ca) and other minerals, with potential for use in piglet feeding. Aim The aims were to compare L. Calcareum (CS) with calcitic limestone (CL) as a source of Ca for use in piglet feeding for effects on total tract digestibility and daily balance of Ca, growth performance and serum variables, and to assess solubility of Ca sources through in vitro testing. Methods In Expt 1, an availability assay was performed on 24 crossbred male piglets with initial average body weight (BW) of 15.17 ± 0.70 kg in a randomised complete block design with six replicates of four treatments and one piglet per experimental unit. The starter dietary treatments were: basal diet with minimal amount of Ca (0.068%); diet with low Ca (0.018%); and two diets containing either CL or CS to provide 0.82% total Ca. In Expt 2 (growth performance), 96 crossbred male piglets, with initial average BW of 6.01 ± 0.70 kg were assigned in a randomised complete block design with eight replicates of three treatments (CL, CL + CS, or CS) and four piglets per experimental unit, assessed over pre-starter phases I and II and the starter phase. Key results In Expt 1, Ca source did not influence (P &gt; 0.05) apparent and true digestibility or daily balance and concentration of Ca in the piglets. In Expt 2, no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) existed for growth performance during the pre-starter I and II phases, although a trend (P ≤ 0.1) was evident for final BW, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the pre-starter II phase. Piglets fed CL showed a reduction in FCR during the starter phase (P = 0.02) and for the total period (P = 0.007). Final BW and daily weight gain did not differ between CL and CS diets during the starter phase or for the total period. No effect (P &gt; 0.05) was observed of Ca source on Ca and phosphorus concentrations in serum. CS had a solubility 1.9 times higher than CL. Conclusion Piglet performance parameters were generally similar for diets including CS and CL as a source of Ca. Implications Based on the evaluation criteria used in these experiments, L. calcareum has potential to replace calcitic limestone as an alternative source of Ca.

Effect of endoparasites occurrence in sows from intensive production system

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of farm size (FS) and farrowing order (FO) on the occurrence of endoparasites eggs in commercial sows housed in maternity and gestation areas during the period from May to July 2014. Forty-three piglet production units were classified by FS: small (100 to 250 sows), medium (251 to 510 sows), large (511 to 1,000 sows) and very large (more than 1,000 sows). Sows were classified by FO: up to two, three to five or more than five parturitions. Faecal samples were processed using the simple flotation technique in a hypersaturated salt solution (30-35% NaCl). The results revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal endoparasites obtained in this study was 12.47%, in that 4.64% were positive for Ascaris suum, 0.56% for Trichuris suis and 8.27% for coccidia oocysts. The prevalence of endoparasites obtained for small and medium size farm, and for large and very large farm was 34.58% and 15.52%, respectively. In conclusion, the study shows that more than half of the farms were positive for A. suum and coccidia oocysts, but mainly for younger females. In general, sows with up to two parturitions and small farms showed a higher endoparasites percentage.

Partial replacement of soybean meal with different protein sources in piglet feed during the nursery phase

Objective

Evaluate the partial replacement of soybean meal with different protein sources in piglet feed during the nursery phase in terms of digestibility of feed, nitrogen balance, growth performance and blood parameters.

Methods

Experiment I involved 24 crossbred entire male pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 18.28±0.7 kg and used a randomized complete block design consisting of 3 treatments (fish meal, FM; soybean protein concentrate, SPC; and soybean meal, SBM) and 8 replicates, with 1 pig per experimental unit. Experiment II involved 1,843 crossbred male and female pigs with an initial BW of 6.79±0.90 kg and was based on a completely randomized design with a 2×3 factorial arrangement (2 sexes and 3 protein sources) and 13 replicates.

Results

The results of Exp. I indicate effects (p<0.05) of dietary protein sources on digestible protein (FM, 17.84%; SPC, 16.72%, and SBM, 18.13%) and on total nitrogen excretion (TNE, g/kg BW^0.75/d) in which pigs fed with SBM-based feed had TNE values that were 5.36% and 3.72% greater than SPC and FM, respectively. In the Exp. II, there was difference (p<0.01) between sexes in the pre-starter I and starter phases, and total period in average daily feed intake (ADFI), which were greater in females, and between the protein sources, ADFI, final weight and daily weight gain. For urea in the pre-starter II and starter phases and glucose in the pre-starter II phase, there was a difference (p<0.05) between protein sources and between sexes, in starter phase in urea concentrations (females: 57.11 mg/dL and males: 50.60 mg/dL).

Conclusion

The use of SBM as only protein source influences larger TNE (g/kg BW^0.75/d), reduces the growth performance of piglets and increases plasma urea concentrations in pre-starter II phase.

Supplementation of pig diets in the growth and termination phases with different calcium sources

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of pig diets in the growth and termination phases with different calcium sources. In experiment I, 36 whole males were distributed in randomized blocks in six groups, with six replications. A basal diet was formulated to meet the animals' nutritional requirements except for calcium (0.09%), and the sources evaluated (calcitic limestone, monodicalcium phosphate, calcinated bone flour, and oyster flour) replaced the basal diet to provide 0.59% of total calcium. To determine the endogenous calcium, a diet containing low calcium (0.019%) was given simultaneously to another group of animals. Feces and urine were collected for determination the coefficients of apparent and true digestibility. In experiment II, 160 piglets were distributed in randomized blocks in four treatments, with five replications and four animals per experimental unit. Carcass and performance parameters, calcium concentration in bone and serum, and bone parameters were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and factorial. The calcium source did not influence the digestibility coefficients determined by total collection (P > 0.05). The digestibility of Ca from oyster flour estimated by collection with an indicator was higher than that from the other sources (P < 0.05). Calcium sources did not interfere in the evaluated parameters (P > 0.05). The sources studied in this work can be used to supplement growing pigs' diets.

Farelo de algodão na alimentação de suínos (30 - 90 kg)

Foi conduzido um estudo com objetivo de avaliar o uso do farelo de algodão (FA42) na alimentação de suínos, nas fases de crescimento e terminação, seus efeitos sobre o desempenho zootécnico, características de carcaça e viabilidade econômica. Foram utilizados 40 suínos mestiço com peso de 29,7 ± 1,6 aos 52,2 ± 3,6kg para o crescimento e 52,7 ± 2,9 aos 86,9 ± 5,0kg para a terminação. Para cada fase foram formuladas três rações (5, 10 e 15% de FA42). Adicionalmente foi formulada uma ração sem a inclusão de FA42 (0%). Os suínos foram distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos ao acaso com quatro tratamentos e quatro blocos, com quatro repetições por tratamento. Não foram observados efeitos da inclusão de FA42 para as variáveis de desempenho na fase de crescimento, entretanto para a fase de terminação, houve efeito linear crescente dos níveis de inclusão sobre o consumo e conversão alimentar. As características de carcaça e o nitrogênio da uréia plasmática não foram influenciados. Os resultados sugerem que o FA42 pode ser utilizado nas rações de suínos em crescimento em até 15% e em até 10% na terminação ou em substituição próxima de 50% da proteína do farelo de soja, sem prejuízos ao desempenho. Entretanto, o nível de 5% de inclusão do FA42 foi o que apresentou a melhor eficiência econômica.

Semi purified glycerins in growing and finishing pigs feeding (30-90 kg)

Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value and to evaluate the performance and carcass traits in the growing-finishing pigs fed on two types of semipurified glycerin, which were made from vegetable oil (SPGV) and mixed of animal + vegetable oil (SPGM). In the digestibility trial (experiment I) 32 crossbreed barrows were used with initial body weight of 45.08 ± 4.11kg. It were used three levels of inclusion (6, 12 e 18%) of semipurified glycerin (SPGV and SPGM) in the basal diet. The metabolizable energy (ME) value of glycerin were estimated by regression of ME (kcal/kg) intake associated with glycerin vs. glycerin intake (kg). The values of ME (kcal/kg) obtained were: 2,731 for SPGV and 2,210 for SPGM. In experiment II, 72 pigs (30.08 ± 1.65 to 60.58 ± 3.57) in growing and (60.83 ± 2.63 to 93.79 ± 5.72) in finishing phase, were allotted in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 4 + 1 factorial scheme, with two types of semipurified glycerin (SPGV and SPGA), four inclusion levels (4; 8; 12 and 16%), eight experimental unit and a control diet containing no glycerin (0%). All pigs were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass traits. The performance results suggest that it is feasible to use up to 16% of both semipurified glycerins on growing and finishing pigs feeding, without impairing performance and carcass traits.

Digestibility and bioavailability of phosphorus from spray-dried yeasts in the diet of starting pigs (15-30 kg)

Two experiments were carried out to determine the bioavailability of phosphorus in two spray-dried yeasts - sugarcane yeast (SCY), and sugarcane yeast + brewer's yeast (SCBY) - in starting pigs, by comparing different methods (Apparent Digestibility Coefficient of Phosphorus - ADCP; True Digestibility Coefficient of Phosphorus - TDCP; slope ratio; and standard curve). In experiment I, a digestibility assay were carried out using 30 cross breed pig with initial weigh of 22.69 ± 4.24kg, allotted in a completely randomized design. The mean ADCP and TDCP values were 62.68 and 64.15% for SCY and 77.01 and 79.33% for SCBY. ADCP and TDCP for SCBY were higher (P<0.05) than the values for SCY. In Experiment II, a growth test was conducted, 56 crossbred piglets, were utilized, with initial live weight of 15.11 ± 3.43kg, allotted in a completely randomized design, with seven treatments, four replications, and two pigs per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a basal diet without supplementation with P and the same diet including supplementation with two levels of P (0.053% and 0.105%) from dicalcium phosphate, SCY and SCBY. The relative bioavailability mean value of 57.23% for SCY and 91.96% for SCBY, corresponding to 0.30% and 0.40% of available phosphorus, respectively.