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Botanicals exhibit promising impacts on intestinal health, immune-regulation, and growth promotion in weaned pigs. However, these benefits may vary depending on major active components in the final feed additive products. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate two types of botanical blends (BB) that were comprised of 0.3% capsicum oleoresin and 12% garlic extracts from different sources on performance, diarrhea, and health of weaned piglets experimentally infected with a pathogenic Escherichia coli F18. Sixty weanling pigs (7.17 ± 0.97 kg body weight (BW)) blocked by weight and gender were assigned to one of five dietary treatments: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), or dietary supplementation with 100 mg/kg of BB1, 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of BB2. This study lasted 28 d with 7 d before and 21 d after the first E. coli inoculation (day 0). All pigs, except negative control, were orally inoculated with 1010 cfu E. coli F18/3-mL dose for 3 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected periodically to analyze systemic immunity. Intestinal tissues and mucosa were collected on days 5 and 21 PI for analyzing histology and gene expression. All data, except for frequency of diarrhea, were analyzed by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The Chi-square test was used for analyzing frequency of diarrhea. Escherichia coli infection reduced (P < 0.05) growth rate and feed intake and increased (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea of weaned pigs throughout the experiment. Supplementation of 100 mg/kg BB1 or BB2 alleviated (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea of E. coli challenged pigs during the entire experiment. Escherichia coli infection also enhanced (P < 0.05) serum TNF-α and haptoglobin concentrations on day 4 post-inoculation (PI) but reduced (P < 0.05) duodenal villi height and area on day 5 PI, while pigs supplemented with 100 mg/kg BB1 or BB2 had lower (P < 0.05) serum TNF-α than pigs in PC on day 4 PI. Pigs fed with 100 mg/kg BB2 had higher (P < 0.05) jejunal villi height than pigs in PC on day 5 PI. Pigs fed with 100 mg/kg BB2 had reduced (P < 0.05) gene expression of IL1B, PTGS2, and TNFA in ileal mucosa than pigs in PC on day 21 PI. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of botanical blends at 100 mg/kg could enhance disease resistance of weaned pigs infected with E. coli F18 by enhancing intestinal morphology and regulating local and systemic immunity of pigs.

Manure N from cattle contributes to nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide, and ammonia emissions. Measurement of manure N outputs on commercial beef cattle operations is laborious, expensive, and impractical; therefore, models are needed to predict N excreted in urine and feces. Building robust prediction models requires extensive data from animals under different management systems worldwide. Thus, the study objectives were to 1) collate an international dataset of N excretion in feces and urine based on individual observations from beef cattle; 2) determine the suitability of key variables for predicting fecal, urinary, and total manure N excretion; and 3) develop robust and reliable N excretion prediction models based on individual observation from beef cattle consuming various diets. A meta-analysis based on individual beef data from different experiments was carried out from a raw dataset including 1,004 observations from 33 experiments collected from 5 research institutes in Europe (n = 3), North America (n = 1), and South America (n = 1). A sequential approach was taken in developing models of increasing complexity by incrementally adding significant variables that affected fecal, urinary, or total manure N excretion. Nitrogen excretion was predicted by fitting linear mixed models with experiment as a random effect. Simple models including dry matter intake (DMI) were better at predicting fecal N excretion than those using only dietary nutrient composition or body weight (BW). Simple models based on N intake performed better for urinary and total manure N excretion than those based on DMI. A model including DMI and dietary component concentrations led to the most robust prediction of fecal and urinary N excretion, generating root mean square prediction errors as a percentage of the observed mean values of 25.0% for feces and 25.6% for urine. Complex total manure N excretion models based on BW and dietary component concentrations led to the lowest prediction errors of about 14.6%. In conclusion, several models to predict N excretion already exist, but the ones developed in this study are based on individual observations encompassing larger variability than the previous developed models. In addition, models that include information on DMI or N intake are required for accurate prediction of fecal, urinary, and total manure N excretion. In the absence of intake data, equations have poor performance as compared with equations based on intake and dietary component concentrations.

Variation in nutrition is a key determinant of growth, body composition, and the ability of animals to perform to their genetic potential. Depending on the quality of feed available, animals may be able to overcome negative effects of prior nutritional restriction, increasing intake and rates of tissue gain, but full compensation may not occur. A 2 × 3 × 4 factorial serial slaughter study was conducted to examine the effects of prior nutritional restriction, dietary energy density, and supplemental rumen undegradable protein (RUP) on intake, growth, and body composition of lambs. After an initial slaughter (n = 8), 124 4-mo-old Merino cross wethers (28.4 ± 1.8 kg) were assigned to either restricted (LO, 500 g/d) or unrestricted (HI, 1500 g/d) intake of lucerne and oat pellets. After 8 wk, eight lambs/group were slaughtered and tissue weights and chemical composition were measured. Remaining lambs were randomly assigned to a factorial combination of dietary energy density (7.8, 9.2, and 10.7 MJ/kg DM) and supplemental RUP (0, 30, 60, and 90 g/d) and fed ad libitum for a 12- to 13-wk experimental period before slaughter and analysis. By week 3 of the experimental period, lambs fed the same level of energy had similar DMI (g/d) and MEI (MJ/d) (P > 0.05), regardless of prior level of nutrition. Restricted-refed (LO) lambs had higher rates of fat and protein gain than HI lambs (P < 0.05) but had similar visceral masses (P > 0.05). However, LO lambs were lighter and leaner at slaughter, with proportionally larger rumens and livers (P < 0.05). Tissue masses increased with increasing dietary energy density, as did DMI, energy and nitrogen (N) retention (% intake), and rates of protein and fat gain (P < 0.05). The liver increased proportionally with increasing dietary energy density and RUP (P < 0.05), but rumen size decreased relative to the empty body as dietary energy density increased (P < 0.05) and did not respond to RUP (P > 0.05). Fat deposition was greatest in lambs fed 60 g/d supplemental RUP (P < 0.05). However, lambs fed 90 g/d were as lean as lambs that did not receive supplement (P0, P > 0.05), with poorer nitrogen retention and proportionally heavier livers than P0 lambs (P < 0.05). In general, visceral protein was the first tissue to respond to increased intake during refeeding, followed by non-visceral protein and fat, highlighting the influence of differences in tissue response over time on animal performance and body composition.

The goal of this project was to determine if standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine provided at 40% above estimated requirements, with the concomitant increase in protein intake, from days 90 to 110 of gestation would stimulate mammary development in gilts. From day 90 of gestation, Yorkshire × Landrace gilts were fed 2.65 kg of either a conventional diet (CTL, control, n = 19) providing 18.6 g/d of SID Lys or a diet providing 26.0 g/d of SID Lys via additional soybean meal (HILYS, n = 19). Both diets were isoenergetic. Jugular blood samples obtained on days 90 and 110 of gestation were used to measure concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), metabolites, and amino acids (AA). Gilts were necropsied on day 110 ± 1 of gestation to obtain mammary glands for compositional analyses, immunohistochemistry, and analysis of mRNA abundance for AA transporters and markers of cell proliferation and differentiation. The HILYS gilts gained more body weight (P < 0.01) during the experimental period compared with CTL gilts, and had greater fetal weights (1.29 vs. 1.21 ± 0.03 kg, P < 0.05). There was no difference in circulating IGF-1, glucose, or albumin (P > 0.10) between HILYS and CTL gilts on day 110 of gestation, whereas concentrations of urea and free fatty acids were greater (P < 0.01), and those of Trp and Ala were lower (P < 0.05), in HILYS than CTL gilts. The provision of lysine at 40% above estimated requirements increased total mammary parenchymal mass by 44%, as well as total parenchymal fat, protein, DNA, and RNA (P < 0.01). The mRNA abundance of ACACA was greater (P < 0.05) in HILYS than CTL gilts, while only the AA transporter SLC6A14 tended (P < 0.10) to be greater. Results demonstrate that providing dietary Lys above current National Research Council recommendations in late gestation increases mammary development in gilts. Results also indicate that Lys may have been limiting for protein retention. These data suggest that the use of a two-phase feeding strategy during gestation, whereby dietary Lys is increased from day 90, could benefit potential sow milk yield in the subsequent lactation.

Between increasing public concerns over climate change and heightened interest of niche market beef on social media, the demand for grass-fed beef has increased considerably. However, the demand increase for grass-fed beef has raised many producers' and consumers' concerns regarding product quality, economic viability, and environmental impacts that have thus far gone unanswered. Therefore, using a holistic approach, we investigated the performance, carcass quality, financial outcomes, and environmental impacts of four grass-fed and grain-fed beef systems currently being performed by ranchers in California. The treatments included 1) steers stocked on pasture and feedyard finished for 128 d (CON); 2) steers grass-fed for 20 mo (GF20); 3) steers grass-fed for 20 mo with a 45-d grain finish (GR45); and 4) steers grass-fed for 25 mo (GF25). The data were analyzed using a mixed model procedure in R with differences between treatments determined by Tukey HSD. Using carcass and performance data from these systems, a weaning-to-harvest life cycle assessment was developed in the Scalable, Process-based, Agronomically Responsive Cropping Systems model framework, to determine global warming potential (GWP), consumable water use, energy, smog, and land occupation footprints. Final body weight varied significantly between treatments (P < 0.001) with the CON cattle finishing at 632 kg, followed by GF25 at 570 kg, GR45 at 551 kg, and GF20 478 kg. Dressing percentage differed significantly between all treatments (P < 0.001). The DP was 61.8% for CON followed by GR45 at 57.5%, GF25 at 53.4%, and GF20 had the lowest DP of 50.3%. Marbling scores were significantly greater for CON compared to all other treatments (P < 0.001) with CON marbling score averaging 421 (low-choice ≥ 400). Breakeven costs with harvesting and marketing for the CON, GF20, GR45, and GF25 were $6.01, $8.98, $8.02, and $8.33 per kg hot carcass weight (HCW), respectively. The GWP for the CON, GF20, GR45, and GF25 were 4.79, 6.74, 6.65, and 8.31 CO2e/kg HCW, respectively. Water consumptive use for CON, GF20, GR45, and GF25 were 933, 465, 678, and 1,250 L/kg HCW, respectively. Energy use for CON, GF20, GR45, and GF25 were 18.7, 7.65, 13.8, and 8.85 MJ/kg HCW, respectively. Our results indicated that grass-fed beef systems differ in both animal performance and carcass quality resulting in environmental and economic sustainability trade-offs with no system having absolute superiority.

A proprietary antimicrobial feed additive comprised of essential oils, medium-chain fatty acids, and a toxin-adsorbing mineral showed promising bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects in vitro. This study investigated the impacts of supplementing this blend on growth, gut microbiome, and enteric disease resilience in weaned pigs experimentally challenged with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Thirty-six weanling pigs (6.88 ± 0.30 kg body weight) blocked by weight and gender were assigned to one of three dietary treatments: control or dietary supplementation with 0.25% or 0.50% of the antimicrobial blend. This study lasted 28 d with 7 d before and 21 d after the first ETEC inoculation (day 0). All pigs were orally inoculated with 1010 CFU F18 + ETEC/3-mL dose for 3 consecutive days. Growth performance data and diarrhea scores were recorded throughout the experiment. Fecal samples collected on days -7, 0, 7, and 21 post first inoculation (PI), and ileal digesta and mucosal tissue collected on day 21 PI were further analyzed for gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing. All data, except for frequency of diarrhea and gut microbiome, were analyzed by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The chi-square test was used for analyzing frequency of diarrhea. Gut microbiome data were analyzed using QIIME2 and visualized using the R program. Dietary supplementation of 0.25% or 0.5% of the antimicrobial blend increased (P

The development of technologies that promote environmental stewardship while maintaining or improving the efficiency of food animal production is essential to the sustainability of producing a food supply to meet the demands of a growing population. As such, Elanco (Greenfield, IN) pursued an environmental indication for a selective β-modulator (lubabegron; LUB). LUB was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be fed to feedlot cattle during the last 14 to 91 d of the feeding period for reductions in gas emissions/kg of unshrunk final BW and HCW. A 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with the factors of dose (0.0, 1.38, 5.5, or 22.0 mg·kg-1 DM basis) and sex (steers or heifers). Three 91-d cycles were conducted (112 cattle/cycle) with each dose × sex combination being represented by a single cattle pen enclosure (CPE; 14 cattle/CPE) resulting in a total of 168 steers and 168 heifers (n = 6 replicates/dose). There were no interactions observed between dose and sex for any variable measured in the study (P ≥ 0.063). Five gases were evaluated for all pens based on CPE concentrations relative to ambient air: NH3, CH4, N2O, H2S, and CO2. Cumulative NH3 gas emissions were reduced by feeding cattle 5.5 and 22.0 mg·kg-1 LUB (P ≤ 0.023) and tended (P = 0.076) to be lower for the cattle fed 1.38 mg·kg-1 LUB compared with the negative controls (CON). The cumulative NH3 gas emission reductions of 960 to 1032 g, coupled with HCW increases (P ≤ 0.019) of 15 to 16 kg for all LUB doses vs. CON, led to reductions in NH3 gas emissions/kg HCW for all three LUB treatments (P ≤ 0.004). Similar to HCW, reductions in NH3 gas emissions/kg of unshrunk final BW were observed for all LUB doses (P ≤ 0.009) and were attributable to both decreases in NH3 gas emissions and numerical increases in BW. Dose had no effect on cumulative emissions or emissions standardized by BW or HCW for the other four gases (P ≥ 0.268). LUB is a novel tool to reduce emissions of NH3 gas per kilogram of unshrunk live BW and hot carcass weight.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of substituting corn with ground brown rice on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota in weanling pigs. Seventy-two weanling pigs (28 d old with 6.78 ± 0.94 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments with six pens and six pigs (three barrows and gilts) per pen within a randomized complete block design. The control pigs were fed a typical diet for weanling pigs based on corn and soybean meal diet (control diet: CON), and the other pigs were fed a formulated diet with 100% replacement of corn with ground brown rice for 35d (treatment diet: GBR). Growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota of weanling pigs were measured. The substitution of corn with GBR did not affect growth performance or diarrhea frequency. Additionally, there were no differences in white blood cell number, hematocrit, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels between pigs fed CON or GBR for the first 2 wk after weaning. However, weanling pigs fed GBR had lower (P < 0.05) serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 level than those fed CON. Furthermore, weanling pigs fed GBR had increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus and Streptococcus and decreased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Clostridium and Prevotella in the gut microbiota compared with those fed CON. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in growth performance when corn was replaced with ground brown rice in diets for weanling pigs. Furthermore, the substitution of corn with ground brown rice in weaning diet modulated immune status and gut microbiota of pigs by increasing beneficial microbial communities and reducing harmful microbial communities. Overall, ground brown rice-based diet is a potential alternative to corn-based diet without negative effects on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota changes of weanling pigs.

An N-balance experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that d-Methionine (d-Met) has the same bioavailability and efficacy as l-Methionine (l-Met) when fed to weanling pigs. A Met-deficient basal diet containing 0.24% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Met was formulated. Six additional diets were formulated by adding 0.036%, 0.072%, or 0.108% d-Met or l-Met to the basal diet, and these diets, therefore, contained 77%, 87%, or 97% of the requirement for SID Met. Fifty-six barrows (10.53 ± 1.17 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to the seven diets with eight replicate pigs per diet. Feces and urine were collected quantitatively with 7-d adaptation and 5-d collection periods. Blood and tissue samples from pigs fed the basal diet and pigs fed diets containing 0.108% supplemental Met were collected on the last day. Results indicated that N retention (%) linearly increased (P < 0.01) as supplemental d-Met or l-Met increased in diets. Based on N retention (%) as a response, the linear slope-ratio regression estimated the bioavailability of d-Met relative to l-Met to be 101% (95% confidence interval: 57%-146%). The villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum were not affected by the Met level or Met source. Total antioxidant capacity or thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations in plasma or tissue samples from pigs fed the control diet or diets containing 0.108% supplemental d-Met or l-Met were not different. Abundance of mRNA for some AA transporters analyzed in intestinal mucosa of pigs also did not differ. Therefore, it is concluded that d-Met and l-Met are equally bioavailable for weanling pigs.

With a growing global population and increased environmental concerns around animal agriculture, it is essential to humanely maximize animal performance and reduce environmental emissions. This study aims to determine the efficacy of feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC), an orally active, β 1-adrenergic agonist (β1AA), to feedlot steers in the last 42 d of finishing to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions and improve animal performance. A randomized complete block design was used to allocate 112 Angus and crossbred Angus steers (initial body weight [BW] = 566.0 ± 10.4 kg) to 8 cattle pen enclosures. Pens (n = 4 per treatment, 14 steers per pen, and 56 steers per treatment) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) CON; finishing ration containing no RAC, 2) RAC; finishing ration containing 27.3 g/907 kg dry matter (DM) basis RAC. Steers were weighed on day -1 and 0 before treatment and day 14, 28, and 42 during treatment. Treatment rations were mixed and delivered daily by masked personnel. Measured emissions included NH3, nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The primary response variables assessed were emissions standardized by live weight (LW) and hot carcass weight (HCW). Steers were harvested on day 43 and carcass data were collected on day 43 and 44. Steers fed RAC reduced NH3 emissions by 17.21% from day 0 to 28 (P = 0.032) and tended to reduce NH3 from day 0 to 42 by 11.07% (P = 0.070) vs. CON. When standardized for LW, NH3 was reduced by 23.88% from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.018), 17.80% from day 0 to 28 (P = 0.006), and 12.50% for day 0 to 42 (P = 0.027) in steers fed RAC vs. CON. Steers fed RAC had 14.05% (P = 0.013) lower cumulative NH3 emissions when standardized by HCW vs. CON. Feeding RAC to Steers reduced H2S by 29.49% from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.009) and tended to reduce H2S over day 0 to 28 by 11.14% (P = 0.086) vs. CON. When H2S emissions were standardized for LW, RAC fed steers had a 28.81% reduction from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.008) vs. CON. From day 0 to 42 the RAC fed steers tended to have a 0.24 kg/d greater average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.066) and tended to eat 4.27% less (P = 0.069) on a DM basis vs. CON. The RAC fed steers had a 19.95% greater gain to feed ratio (G:F) compared to CON (P = 0.012). Steers fed RAC had an average of 12.52 kg greater HCW (P = 0.006) and an increase of 1.93 percentage units in dressing percent (DP) (P = 0.004) vs. CON. Ractopamine is an effective medicated feed additive for reducing NH3 and improving end product performance through HCW yields.

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of trace amounts of antibiotic on growth performance, diarrhea, systemic immunity, and intestinal health of weaned pigs experimentally infected with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Weaned pigs (n = 34, 6.88 ± 1.03 kg body weight [BW]) were individually housed in disease containment rooms and randomly allotted to one of the three dietary treatments: nursery basal diet (CON) and two additional diets supplemented with 0.5 or 50 mg/kg carbadox to the nursery basal diet (TRA or REC), respectively. The experiment lasted 18 d with 7 d before and 11 d after the first E. coli inoculation. The E. coli F18 inoculum was orally provided to all pigs with a dose of 1010 colony-forming unit (CFU)/3 mL for three consecutive days. Fecal and blood samples were collected on day 0 before inoculation and days 2, 5, 8, and 11 postinoculation (PI) to test the percentage of β-hemolytic coliforms in total coliforms and complete blood cell count, respectively. Sixteen pigs were euthanized on day 5 PI, whereas the remaining pigs were euthanized at the end of the experiment to collect the jejunal and ileal mucosa and mesenteric lymph node for gene expression and bacterial translocation, respectively. Pigs in REC had greater (P < 0.05) final BW and lower (P < 0.05) overall frequency of diarrhea compared with pigs in the CON and TRA groups. Pigs in TRA had the lowest (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed efficiency from day 0 to 5 PI, highest (P < 0.05) percentage of β-hemolytic coliforms in fecal samples on days 2 and 5 PI, and greatest (P < 0.05) bacterial colonies in mesenteric lymph nodes on day 11 PI compared with pigs in the CON and REC groups. Pigs in TRA had the greatest (P < 0.05) neutrophils on day 5 PI and higher (P < 0.05) white blood cell counts and lymphocytes than other groups on day 11 PI. Pigs in TRA had the greatest (P < 0.05) serum C-reactive protein on days 2 and 5 PI and serum tumor necrosis factor-α on day 5 PI, compared with pigs in the CON and REC groups. Pigs fed REC had increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin (OCDN) and reduced (P < 0.05) interleukin-1 beta (IL1B), interleukin-6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFA) in ileal mucosa on day 5 PI, compared with the CON, whereas TRA upregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of IL1B, IL6, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) in the ileal mucosa on day 11 PI, compared with the REC. In conclusion, trace amounts of antibiotic may exacerbate the detrimental effects of E. coli infection on pig performance by increasing diarrhea and systemic inflammation of weanling pigs.

Feedlots have a crucial role in meeting the increasing global demand for meat. Despite ongoing efforts to improve feed efficiency in finishing diets, cattle in feedlots may experience methane (CH4) losses ranging from 2 to 12% of dietary gross energy (GE). Identifying strategies to mitigate energy losses in finishing diets is imperative for ensuring the sustainability of beef production. Anacardic acid, contained in the cashew nutshell extract (CNSE) has shown promising results in reducing CH4 emissions in forage-based diets; however, its impact on high-grain diets remains to be analyzed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate CNSE addition (5 g steer-1 d-1) in a finishing diet (85:15% grain: forage) on in vivo enteric CH4 emissions, apparent total tract digestibility, and feeding behavior. It was hypothesized that CNSE addition to a finishing diet would reduce enteric CH4 emissions without reducing feed intake or nutrient digestibility. To this aim, Angus crossbred steers (n = 16; 599 ± 40 kg) were used in a crossover design with two periods of 56 d each. Steers were adapted (14 d) to the finishing diet and assigned to receive CNSE or no additive (CON). The diet was offered twice daily as a total mixed ration (TMR) in the feed bunk, while CNSE was independently delivered through the Super Smart Feed system (C-Lock, Inc, Rapid City, SD) using ground corn gluten feed as a carrier. In vivo CH4 emissions, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, and feeding behavior were analyzed. Data were recorded during 35 d after the adaptation, followed by 7 d of washout, and analyzed as a crossover design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Compared with CON, the addition of CNSE increased meal duration (P = 0.03), bunk visit duration (P < 0.01), and dry matter intake (DMI) of TMR (P = 0.03) by 25, 23, and 7%, respectively. Dry matter digestibility was increased (P = 0.02) by CNSE addition. Steers receiving CNSE, had a reduction in enteric CH4 emission rate (g/d; P < 0.001), yield (g/kg of DMI; P < 0.001), and intensity (g/kg of average daily gain; P < 0.01) in 29, 32, and 39% respectively. The loss of dietary GE as CH4 was reduced in CNSE (3.2 vs. 4.7%) compared with CON (P < 0.01). This study showed that CNSE at the evaluated inclusion rate, reduced CH4 yield and emission intensity by more than 31% in beef steers receiving a finishing diet. Moreover, given that CNSE addition promoted a longer feed bunk occupancy and a greater TMR intake, it could be suggested that the observed CH4 mitigation may be linked to shifts in ruminal fermentation rather than changes in DMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives were to determine the effects of reducing dietary nutrient density after the second dose of GnRF immunization (Improvest; Zoetis Inc.) on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs (n = 1,008) were fed in five diet phases during the 102-d grow-finish period. Diets were formulated to meet 100% of recommended SID Lys to net energy established by PIC (2021) for physically castrated (PC) barrows/ non-immunized gilts (regular diet), while diets for GnRF-immunized pigs were formulated with 120% SID lysine than PC barrows/ non-immunized gilts (nutrient-dense diet). During diet phase-4 (2 d after the second GnRF analogue dose), SID lysine and vitamins/ trace minerals for the nutrient-dense diet were either maintained at 100% or reduced to 95% or 90%. During diet phase-5 (18 d after second GnRF analogue dose), SID lysine and vitamins/trace minerals nutrientdense diet were either maintained at 100% or reduced to 90% or 80%. The study consisted of six pen replications (21 pigs/pen) of the following eight treatments: CON-NEG: traditional mixed-sex pigs (PC barrows and non-immunized gilts) that received the regular diet; CON-POS: traditional mixed-sex pigs that received the nutrient-dense diet; I-MALE-100: immunized males (I-MALES) that received the nutrient-dense diet with 100% density; I-MALE-95/90: I-MALES that received the nutrient-dense diet with 95% density during diet phase-4 and 90% density during diet phase- 5; I-MALE-90/80 I-MALES that received the nutrientdense diet with 90% density during diet phase-4 and 80% density during diet phase-5; I-FEM-100: immunized females (I-FEM) that received the nutrient-dense diet with 100% density; I-FEM-95/90: I-FEM that received the nutrient-dense diet with 95% density during diet phase-4 and 90% density during diet phase-5; I-FEM-90/80: I-FEM that received the nutrient-dense diet with 90% density during diet phase-4 and 80% density during diet phase-5. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED of SAS, with pen serving as the experimental unit. In addition, linear effects of diet dilution for I-MALE and I-FEM pigs were tested using contrast statements. There were not significant linear effects of diet dilution for gain:feed or hot carcass weight in either the I-MALE (P > 0.28) or I-FEM (P > 0.78) pigs. For the overall period, gain:feed was improved by 7.4% for I-MALE pigs compared with the CONNEG pigs and was improved by 1.6% for the I-FEM pigs compared with the CON-NEG pigs. Hot carcass weight was 3.6 kg greater for the I-MALE pigs compared with the CON-NEG pigs and 1.6 kg greater for the I-FEM pigs compared with the CON-NEG pigs. The results would suggest that removing nutrients during the post-second dose period of GnRF immunization does not negatively affect growth performance or carcass characteristics, while both I-MALE and I-FEM pigs are more efficient and heavier when compared with traditional mixed sex pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From April to June 2023, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of Total Equine containing Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed and chelated minerals on the continued recovery and reconditioning of 10 horses. Horses were used on a preceding 8-wk study and given a 21-d, 24-h turnout, with ad libitum access to Bermuda hay washout period between trials. Once the washout was complete horses were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Control (Ctrl) - a commercial grain product and Bermuda hay (n = 3); Treatment (Trt) - Total Equine and Bermuda hay (n = 4); and Grain only (Grn) - Total Equine without Bermuda hay (n = 3); for 8 wk with ad libitum access to water. For Ctrl and Trt diets we offered hay twice a day in port-a-gazer tubs to control waste, adjusted daily for a 3% refusal rate, and orts were collected twice a day. Individuals were weighed weekly, and their body condition score (BCS) was evaluated during the standardization period, wk 4 and wk 8. Grain was offered at a rate of 0.005% BW + 227 kg and divided into 2 equal feedings for Ctrl and Trt diets, while for the Grn diet horses were offered up to 9.07 kg of grain divided into 3 daily feedings, with grain amounts adjusted weekly based on BW. For physical reconditioning, horses were exercised 5 d/wk with a Priefert hot walker, increased in duration and intensity from wk 1 to 8. We collected samples of grain, hay, and orts for DM, NDF, ADF, EE, CP, and ash analysis. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 4, and 8 for analysis. Baseline health parameters as rectal temperature, heart, and respiratory rate were measured weekly throughout the study to evaluate possible detrimental effects of the trial. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed procedures in SAS. Investigation into Dry matter intake (DMI) between the Ctrl and Trt cohorts revealed no significant difference. However, significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in Overall DMI (grain + hay) among Grn and other diet pairs. Significant average daily gain (ADG) and Efficiency (EFF) observations in wk 1, 4, and 6 (P ≤ 0.05) suggest that Total Equine grain had better overall performance in both groups during the first 6 wk of the trial compared with the Ctrl grain. Our results demonstrate the successful outcome of a modified, grain-based protocol in nutritional and physical reconditioning of a cohort of malnourished horses. Further evaluation of larger populations is still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination has the potential to naturally enhance the nutritional value of grains, enabling its inclusion in raw diets without compromising their raw status. Germinated sorghum may offer additional value compared with other grains as a sustainable, gluten-free and non-genetically modified option. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating two forms of germinated sorghum, sprouted and microgreens, into raw diets on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients and energy, and fecal characteristics of adult cats. Four complete and balanced raw diets were formulated based on a basal ration (70%), comprised of whole raw chicken, vitamins and minerals, with the addition of sorghum (30%) in four different forms: raw (SR), cooked (boiled; SC), sprouted (SS), and microgreens (SM). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonutritive; however, they were found to be slightly different in energy and protein content due to changes in nutrient composition during processing of the sorghum grain. Healthy adult shorthair cats [n = 11; 5.1 ± 1.0 kg, average body weight (BW)] were enrolled in an incomplete 4×4 Latin square design. Each experimental period consisted of a 5-d adaptation phase followed by a 5-d collection phase, during which total fecal collection and assessment of fecal score were performed. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with diet as fixed effect, and cat(square), square and period as random effects. One cat was removed from the study due to reasons unrelated to the treatments, while two cats refused to eat the SM diet. Cats fed the SM and SC diets exhibited less (P < 0.05) wet fecal output compared to those fed the SS and SR. Fecal score was affected by diet (P < 0.05), with loose stools (16.37%) observed in cats fed SS and both diarrhea (11.6%) and loose stools (20%) observed in those fed SR, which were absent in those fed the other treatments. Protein ATTD (average 90%) did not differ (P > 0.05) among dietary treatments. Dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy ATTD were 3 to 6% greater (P < 0.05) in cats fed the SC diet compared with those fed the other treatments; but digestibility coefficients remained within acceptable ranges (> 80%). Fat ATTD was affected P < 0.05) by diet, with cats fed SS having the greatest value and those fed the SC the least; however, the numerical differences (< 2%) were unlikely to have biological relevance. In conclusion, the inclusion of microgreen and sprouted sorghum at 30% in raw meat cat diets did not improve the ATTD of energy and macronutrients compared with when sorghum was added in its raw form. Nevertheless, microgreen sorghum led to an improvement in fecal quality in cats compared with when sorghum was provided in its raw form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study determined the effects of supplementing corn-based diets for weaned pigs with multi-enzymes on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, fecal score, and fecal microbial composition. A total of 132 pigs (initial body weight = 7.23 kg) that had been weaned at 21 d of age and fed a drug-free nursery diet for 7 d were housed in 33 pens of 4 barrows or gilts, blocked by body weight and gender, and fed 3 experimental diets at 11 pens per diet. The diets were corn-based diet without or with multi-enzyme A or B. Multi-enzyme A supplied 4,000 U of xylanase, 150 U of β-glucanase, 3,500 U of protease, and 1,500 U of amylase per kilogram of diet. Multi-enzyme B was the same as multi-enzyme A except that it supplied amylase at 150 U/kg, and that its source of amylase was different from that of multi-enzyme A. All diets contained phytase at 1,000 U/kg. The diets were fed for 35 d in 2 phases; phase 1 for the first 14 d and phase 2 for the last 21 d of the trial. Fecal score was determined daily during the first 7 d of the trial. Fecal samples were collected from rectum of 1 pig per pen on days 2, 7, 14, and 35 of the trial for determining bacterial composition. Also, fresh fecal samples were collected from each pen on days 41 and 42 to determine ATTD of nutrients. Multi-enzyme B increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) for phases 1 and 2. For the overall study period, multi-enzyme B increased (P < 0.05) ADG from 262 to 313 g, and average daily feed intake (ADFI) from 419 to 504 g. Multi-enzyme A increased (P < 0.05) overall ADG from 262 to 290 g, but did not affect ADFI. Multi-enzyme A or B did not affect ATTD of gross energy, but increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of ether extract from 30% to 36% or 37%, respectively. Multi-enzyme A did not affect fecal score; however, multi-enzyme B tended to decrease (P = 0.09) fecal score, implying that it tended to decrease diarrhea. Firmicutes were the most abundant phylum of fecal bacteria (its relative abundance ranged from 58% to 72%). Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were the 2nd and 3rd most abundant phyla of fecal bacteria. Neither multi-enzyme affected fecal bacterial composition. In conclusion, the addition of multi-enzyme A or B to phytase-supplemented corn-based diet for weaned pigs can improve their growth performance and fat digestibility. However, multi-enzyme B was more effective than multi-enzyme A in terms of improving the growth performance of weaned pigs fed corn-based diet.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of protease supplementation on degradation of soybean meal (SBM) allergenic proteins (glycinin and β-conglycinin) and gut health of weaned pigs fed soybean meal-based diets. In experiment 1, 2 SBM samples from 2 different sources were subjected to porcine in vitro gastric degradation to determine the effects of protease (at 15,000 U/kg of feedstuff) on degradation of the soybean allergenic proteins. In experiment 2, 48 weaned pigs (body weight = 6.66 kg) were obtained in 2 batches of 24 pigs each. Pigs were individually housed in metabolic crates and fed 4 diets (12 pigs/diet). The diets were corn-based diet with SBM 1 or SBM 2 without or with protease at 15,000 U/kg of diet in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were fed for 10 d and pigs were sacrificed on day 10 for measurement of small intestinal histomorphology, permeability of small intestine mounted in Ussing chambers, and serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Two SBM sources (SBM 1 and SBM 2) contained 46.9% or 47.7% CP, 14.0% or 14.6% glycinin, and 9.90% or 10.3% β-conglycinin, respectively. Protease and SBM source did not interact on any of the response criteria measured in the current study. Protease supplementation tended to increase (P = 0.069) the in vitro gastric degradation of glycinin. Protease supplementation tended to reduce (P = 0.099) fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran 4,000 Da (which is a marker probe for intestinal permeability) flow in jejunum, and reduced (P = 0.037) serum TNF-α concentration. Protease did not affect small intestinal histomorphology. In conclusion, protease tended to increase gastric degradation of glycinin and reduce gut permeability, and serum concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating that the protease used in the current study can be added to SBM-based diets for weanling pigs to improve gut health.

Comparing heat production after ad libitum (ADLIB) and restricted (RESTRICT) feeding periods may offer insight into how residual feed intake (RFI) groups change their energy requirements based on previous feeding levels. In this study, the authors sought to explain the efficiency changes of high- and low-RFI steers after feed restriction. To determine RFI classification, 56 Angus-cross steers with initial body weight (BW) of 350 ± 28.7 kg were individually housed, offered ad libitum access to a total mixed ration, and daily intakes were recorded for 56 d. RFI was defined as the residual of the regression of dry matter intake on mid-test BW0.75 and average daily gain. High- and low-RFI groups were defined as >0.5 SD above or below the mean of zero, respectively. Fourteen steers from each high and low groups (n = 28) were selected for the subsequent 56-d RESTRICT period. During the RESTRICT period, intake was restricted to 75% of previous ad libitum intake on a BW0.75 basis, and all other conditions remained constant. After the RESTRICT period, both RFI groups had decreased maintenance energy requirements. However, the low-RFI group decreased maintenance energy requirements by 32% on a BW0.75 basis, more (P < 0.05) than the high-RFI group decreased maintenance requirements (18%). Thus, the low-RFI steers remained more efficient after a period of feed restriction. We conclude that feed restriction decreases maintenance energy requirement in both high- and low-RFI groups that are restricted to the same degree.

The study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a probiotic Bacillus subtilis strain on growth performance, diarrhea, systemic immunity, and intestinal health of weaned pigs experimentally infected with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and to compare the efficacy of B. subtilis with that of carbadox. Weaned pigs (n = 48, 6.17 ± 0.36 kg body weight [BW]) were individually housed in disease containment rooms and randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments: negative control (NC, control diet without E. coli challenge), positive control (PC, control diet with E. coli challenge), and supplementation of 50 mg/kg of carbadox (antibiotic growth promotor [AGP]) or 2.56 × 109 CFU/kg of B. subtilis probiotics (PRO). The experiment lasted for 28 d with 7 d before and 21 d after the first E. coli inoculation. Fecal and blood samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 post inoculation (PI) to analyze β-hemolytic coliforms and complete blood cell count, respectively. Diarrhea score was recorded daily for each pig to calculate the frequency of diarrhea. All pigs were euthanized at day 21 PI to collect jejunal and ileal mucosa for gene expression analysis. Pigs in AGP had greater (P < 0.05) BW on days 7, 14, and 21 PI than pigs in PC and PRO groups. Supplementation of PRO enhanced pigs' BW on day 21 PI compared with the PC. Escherichia coli F18 challenge reduced (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency from day 0 to 21 PI, while supplementation of carbadox or PRO enhanced ADG and feed efficiency in E. coli F18-challenged pigs from day 0 to 21 PI. Pigs in AGP and PRO groups had reduced (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea throughout the experiment and fecal β-hemolytic coliforms on day 7 PI than pigs in the PC. Pigs in PRO had greater (P < 0.05) gene expression of CLDN1 in jejunal mucosa than pigs in the PC. Supplementation of carbadox or PRO reduced (P < 0.05) the gene expression of IL6 and PTGS2 in ileal mucosa of E. coli-infected pigs compared with pigs in the PC. Pigs in the PRO group had lower (P < 0.05) white blood cell number and neutrophil count, and serum haptoglobin concentration on day 7 PI, and less (P < 0.05) monocyte count on day 14 PI, compared with PC. In conclusion, supplementation of probiotic B. subtilis could enhance disease resistance and promote the growth performance of weaned pigs under disease challenge conditions. The potential mechanisms include but not limited to enhanced gut barrier integrity and local and systemic immune responses of weaned pigs.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary grape seed polyphenols (GSP) supplementation during the late gestation and lactation period on reproductive performance, antioxidative status in serum, nutrient composition, and Ig content in colostrum of multiparous sows. On day 80 of gestation, a total of 64 sows with similar body condition were allocated to a completely randomized block design with 4 dietary treatments (n = 16 sows per treatment): 1) basal diet (CON, control group); 2) basal diet supplemented with 200 IU/kg vitamin E (200VE, positive control group); 3) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg GSP (200GSP); and 4) basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg GSP (300GSP). The trial lasted 56 d until the piglets were weaned on day 21 of lactation. Reproductive performance, parameters of antioxidative status, and levels of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) in serum, nutrient composition, and Ig content in colostrum of sows were determined. The number of dead fetuses was reduced, and farrowing survival was significantly improved in the litters from 300GSP-fed (P < 0.05). Preweaning survivability significantly increased in the litters from sows fed 200GSP and 200VE (P < 0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum was significantly increased in sows fed 200GSP and 300GSP (P < 0.05). The activity of GSH-Px in the serum also significantly increased in sows fed 200VE (P < 0.05). Sows fed 300GSP had the greatest levels of P4 and E2 in the serum, which was significantly greater than sows fed 200VE and CON (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among treatments for the content of solids-not-fat, fat, protein, and lactose in colostrum (P > 0.05). However, sows fed GSP had greater IgM and IgG content in colostrum compared with sows fed 200VE and CON (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary GSP supplementation during late gestation and lactation improved the farrowing survival and preweaning survivability, enhanced the antioxidant status and hormone levels in serum, and increased the IgM and IgG content in colostrum of sows.

In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal's nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog.

In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal's nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog.

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that productivity of sows fed diets containing canola meal produced from high-protein or conventional varieties of canola seeds is not different from that of sows fed corn-soybean meal (SBM) diets. A total of 180 sows (initial BW: 207.8 ± 29.11 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 diets with 36 to 40 sows per diet. A 2-phase feeding program was used with gestation diets fed from day 7 of gestation to farrowing and lactation diets fed during the lactation period and from weaning to first estrus. The 5 diets within each phase consisted of a control diet based on corn and SBM, 2 diets were based on corn and high-protein canola meal (CM-HP) that was included to replace 50 or 100% of the SBM in the control diet, and 2 diets contained conventional canola meal (CM-CV) included to replace 50 or 100% of the SBM in the control diet. Soybean hulls were included in diets fed during gestation to standardize the concentration of NDF to approximately 13% in all diets. However, no soybean hulls were used in lactation diets resulting in increased concentrations of NDF as the dietary concentration of CM-HP or CM-CV increased. Results of the experiment indicated that there were no differences in sow BW changes during gestation, in sow BW on day 1 post-farrowing, or at weaning due to dietary treatments. No differences were observed among diets in ADFI during gestation or lactation or in the number of total pigs born, pigs born alive, still-born pigs, or weaned pigs per litter. Likewise, no differences were observed among diets in litter birth weight, live litter birth weight, litter BW at weaning, or litter ADG. As the inclusion level of CM-HP or CM-CV increased, the percentage of pigs surviving during the lactation period increased (linear, P < 0.05), but the wean to first estrus interval also increased as the dietary concentration of CM-CV increased (linear, P < 0.05). Average pig BW at weaning and pig ADG decreased (linear, P < 0.05) as the inclusion level of CM-HP increased. No differences were observed between CM-HP and CM-CV with the exception that pigs born from sows fed CM-CV during gestation had greater (P < 0.05) average live pig birth weight compared with pigs born from sows fed CM-HP during gestation. Results of this experiment indicate that CM-HP or CM-CV may replace all SBM in diets fed to sows during gestation and lactation.

Eighty-four Angus crossbred heifers (13 ± 1 mo of age, 329.5 ± 61.92 kg of body weight [BW]) were used in a generalized randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors evaluated were: 1) diet type (whole plant sorghum silage [ SS ] vs. byproducts-based [ BP ]), and 2) feed additive: Aspergillus oryzae prebiotic (AOP; 2 g/d) vs. Negative control (CTL; 0 g/d), resulting in four treatments: sorghum silage-control (SC), sorghum silage-AOP (SA), byproducts-control (BC), and byproducts-AOP (BA). Heifers were stratified by body weight (BW), randomly assigned to treatments (21 heifers per treatment) and housed in 12 pens equipped with two GrowSafe feed bunks each to measure individual dry matter intake (DMI). After a 14-d adaptation, BW was measured every 14 d for 56 d. Chewing activity was monitored through collar-mounted HR-Tags (heat-related tags). Following the performance period, apparent total tract digestibility was measured in 40 heifers, using indigestible neutral detergent fiber as a marker. Heifers fed with the BP diets had greater DMI (2.92% vs. 2.59% of BW, P < 0.01) and average daily gain (ADG ; 1.16 vs. 0.68 kg, P ≤ 0.01) than heifers fed with SS diets. Compared with BP-fed animals, heifers consuming the SS diets had 23 more visits/d to the feed bunks (P ≤ 0.01), consumed 53% less dry matter on each visit (P ≤ 0.01), and spent 39% more min chewing/d and 63% more min chewing/kg of DMI (P ≤ 0.01). However, chewing measured in min/kg of neutral detergent fiber intake was not affected by treatment (average 111.3 min/kg of NDF intake). Feeding AOP improved gain:feed (GF) by 15% in BP-fed heifers (0.120 vs. 0.104 kg/kg; P < 0.05). Inclusion of AOP increased organic matter digestibility (OMD) in SS diets (55.88% vs. 49.83%; P < 0.01), whereas it decreased OMD in BP diets (61.67% vs. 65.77%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, ADG and GF of BP-fed heifers was greater than SS-fed heifers, and GF was greater with AOP supplementation in BP-fed heifers. Improvement in GF in BP-fed heifers was likely not related to differences in nutrient digestibility as AOP inclusion did not enhance digestibility in the BP diet. Additionally, the effects of the AOP inclusion appear to be diet-dependent, where the 15% improvement in GF by AOP occurred in heifers fed with the more fermentable diet. Therefore, further research should explore the mechanisms responsible for the observed improvements in growth performance when feeding AOP to BP-fed heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five ruminally and duodenally cannulated red angus steers (n = 5; initial body weight [ BW ] = 542 kg, SD = 40 kg) were used in a three-period Youden square design consisting of three 21-d periods, three treatments, and five steers (one or two steers per treatment within each period) to evaluate the effect of feeding hempseed cake on ruminal fermentation parameters, organic matter (OM) intake, total tract nutrient digestion, and nitrogen (N) balance in steers fed finishing diets. The control (CON) diet contained 75% dry-rolled corn, 20% corn silage, and 5% supplement (DM basis). The dried corn distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) and hempseed cake (HEMP) diets contained 55% dry-rolled corn, 20% corn silage, 20% dried corn distillers grains plus solubles or hempseed cake, and 5% supplement (DM basis). Total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration was greater (P < 0.01) in steers fed the HEMP diet than in steers fed the DDGS or CON diets. Ruminal fluid pH was not influenced (P = 0.93) by treatment. Organic matter intake tended (P = 0.07) to be greater and OM total tract digestibility was less (P = 0.03) in steers fed the HEMP diet compared with steers fed the DDGS or CON diets. Ruminal true and total tract apparent N digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) in steers fed the HEMP diet than steers fed the DDGS or CON diets. Duodenal flow of essential, nonessential, and total amino acids was not influenced (P ≥ 0.37) by dietary treatment, but the lack of response was likely because ruminally degradable protein (RDP) supply exceeded the RDP requirement. Steers fed the HEMP diet had greater (P < 0.01) N retention (g/d) than steers fed the DDGS diet, which was greater (P < 0.01) than steers fed the CON diet, suggesting that feeding hempseed cake improved utilization of N. Although inclusion of hempseed cake decreased total tract OM digestibility compared with dried corn distillers grains or corn, improvements in N utilization suggest that hempseed cake could be a useful alternative feed ingredient for finishing cattle diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of limestone solubility on the capacity of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) to improve phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) digestibility, retention, and utilization in low-Ca broiler diets containing no added inorganic phosphate (Pi). Male Ross 308 broilers (n = 1,152) were fed one of 16 experimental diets from 11 to 21 d of age in a randomized complete design (12 birds/cage, 6 cages/treatment). Diets comprised three positive controls (PC3, PC2, and PC1) containing 1.8, 1.2, or 0.6 g/kg MCP-P and 7.7, 7.0, or 6.2 g/kg Ca, respectively, and a negative control (NC) containing no added Pi (4.4 g/kg P; 2.8 g/kg phytate-P) and 5.5 g/kg Ca from either low or high solubility limestone (LSL or HSL, respectively, [with 42% and 97% solubility after 5 min at pH 3.0]), supplemented with 0, 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FTU/kg of PhyG. Fecal samples collected on days 18 to 20 and ileal digesta collected on day 21 were analyzed for titanium dioxide, Ca, P, and phytate (IP6, inositol hexakisphosphate). Tibias (day 21) were analyzed for ash content. Data were analyzed by factorial analysis (2 limestone solubilities × 4 MCP-P levels and 2 limestone solubilities × 5 phytase dose levels) and exponential regression. Increasing dose levels of PhyG resulted in an exponential increase (P < 0.01) in the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of P, ileal digestible P content of the diet, ileal IP6 content, and IP6 disappearance in birds fed either HSL or LSL diets, but AID Ca and ileal digestible Ca were exponentially increased by the phytase only in HSL diets (P < 0.01). Relative to HSL, the LSL increased AID P, ileal digestible P, and IP6 disappearance (P < 0.05) but reduced AID Ca, ileal digestible Ca, and retainable Ca (P < 0.05), resulting in reduced retainable P and tibia ash. Phytase exponentially increased the apparent total tract digestibility of P, retainable P, and tibia ash in HSL and LSL diets, but at or above 500 FTU/kg values were higher in HSL than LSL (interaction P < 0.05). The findings highlight that phytase dose–response effects on mineral digestibility and utilization are different for high- and low-solubility limestones, and it is therefore recommended to use digestible rather than total Ca content during diet formulation to ensure an optimal balance of Ca and P, especially in low-Ca diets. In diets containing HSL, higher phytase dose levels may be needed to compensate for the low digestible P content of the basal diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of a Torula yeast (TY) on diet processing, palatability, and total tract nutrient digestibility in extruded feline diets. Four dietary treatments were compared, differing by protein source: TY, pea protein concentrate (PP), soybean meal (SM), and chicken meal (CM). Diets were produced using a single-screw extruder under similar processing conditions. Palatability assessment was conducted as a split plate design where both first choice and intake ratio (IR) were determined. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients was estimated using Titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. During diet production, specific mechanical energy of TY and SM (average of 187 kJ/kg) was greater (P < 0.05) than for PP (138 kJ/kg); however, CM was similar to all treatments (167 kJ/kg). Kibble diameter, piece volume, and sectional expansion ratio were greatest for TY (P < 0.05). Additionally, both bulk and piece density were lowest (P < 0.05) for TY. Kibble hardness was lower for TY and SM (P < 0.05; average of 2.10 Newtons) compared to CM and PP (average of 2.90 Newtons). During the palatability trial, TY was chosen first a greater number of times than CM (P < 0.05; 36 vs. 4, respectively), but differences were not found between TY and PP (25 vs. 15, respectively) or TY and SM (24 vs. 16, respectively). Cats had a greater IR (P < 0.05) of TY compared to CM and PP (0.88 and 0.73, respectively). However, there was no difference in preference between TY and SM. ATTD of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) was greater (P < 0.05) for CM (87.43% and 91.34%, respectively) than other treatments. Both DM and OM ATTD of TY were similar (P < 0.05) to PP and SM (average of 86.20% and average of 89.76%, respectively). Ash ATTD was greater (P < 0.05) for cats fed TY and SM (average of 37.42%), intermediate for PP (32.79%), and lowest for CM (23.97%). Crude protein (CP) ATTD of TY was similar to all other treatments (average of 89.97%), but fat ATTD was lower (P < 0.05; 92.52%) than other treatments (93.76% to 94.82%). Gross energy ATTD was greater (P < 0.05) for CM than TY (90.97% vs. 90.18%, respectively); however, TY was similar to PP and SM (average of 90.22%). Total dietary fiber ATTD was similar between TY and CM (average of 66.20%) and greater (P < 0.05) than PP and SM (average of 58.70%). The TY used in this study facilitated diet formation, increased diet preference, and was highly digestible when fed to cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the impact of three different non-forage fiber sources (NFFS); soy hulls (SH), cottonseed hulls (CSH), and beet pulp (BP) on methane (CH4) production and rumen fermentation using a 24-h batch culture system. These NFFS were incorporated partially into a conventional total mixed ration (TMR) diet consisting of alfalfa (40%), cracked corn (30%), soybean meal (10%), and an individual NFFS (20%; DM basis). Methane production, total gas production, volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration, and dry matter (DM) digestibility were measured at the end of the incubation period. One way ANOVA test was used to analyze the means and significance was declared at P < 0.05. The results of the study indicated a significant 5% reduction (P < 0.05) in CH4 production with the BP diet compared with the other treatments. However, DM digestibility was found to be significantly less (P < 0.05) with the BP diet compared with the other diets. Total gas and VFA production were greater (P < 0.05) with the BP diet compared with the other diets. Additionally, the molar proportions of acetate and propionate were greater (P < 0.05) with the BP diet and least with the SH diet. No significant differences were recorded for the ratio of acetate to propionate (C2:C3) between treatment diets. Results from this study suggest that BP is a more effective non-forage fiber source in the TMR due to its favorable effects on rumen CH4 production and rumen fermentation. However, it is important to consider the trade-off with decreased DM digestibility when selecting BP as an NFFS in TMR diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to compare intake, gain, and feed efficiency of steers fed rumen protected lysine and/or methionine in 10% crude protein diet relative to performance of steers fed a diet with 13% crude protein without added amino acids. Beef steers [n = 161; body weight (BW) = 429.7 ± 44.5kg] were used in this experiment. Calves were randomly assigned to treatments consisting of 1) positive control diet (POS), formulated to contain 13.0 to 13.5% CP, 2) negative control (NEG) diet containing 10.2% CP, which also forms the basal diet for the remaining treatments, 3) rumen protected methionine (RPMet) 10.2% CP basal diet and 7.2 g/d supplemental methionine, 4) rumen protected lysine (RPLys) 10.2% CP basal diet and 18.5 g/d supplemental lysine, and 5) the combination of rumen protected lysine and methionine (RPMet+Lys) 10.2% basal diet with 7.2 and 18.5 g/d supplemental methionine and lysine, respectively. Initial and final BW were unaffected by treatment (P ≥ 0.24). Average daily gain for POS (1.93 kg/d P ≤ 0.02) was greater than those of NEG, RPLYS, and RPMET+LYS, but was similar to RPMET (1.86 kg/d; P = 0.17). Dry matter intake was greater in RPMET (12.1kg/d; P ≤ 0.10) compared with all other treatments. Gain-to-feed ratio was greatest in POS (0.170 kg gain:kg DMI; P ≤ 0.04). The impacts of rumen-protected amino acids on performance (intake, gain, and efficiency) of beef steers fed high-concentrate diets were inconsistent. Evaluating both lysine and methionine supplied independent of each other in various concentrations is critical before moving forward with recommendations for beef cattle. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) on methane production in steers fed a finishing diet. The study found that supplementing SCFP did not lead to greater methane production, but instead showed a trend toward reduced methane emission per kilogram of dry matter intake (DMI). The results suggest that SCFP may have a potential role in mitigating methane emissions in cattle, but further research using larger experimental units is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of two commonly available low non-structural carbohydrate equine diets on growth parameters and economic factors in young growing horses. To do this, young stock type horses n = 11; 6 fillies, 5 colts; body weight (BW) = 380.3 ± 15 kg] were separated into two groups that were balanced by age, sex, and BW. All horses were backgrounded for 14 d on a hay-only diet prior to the beginning of the study. Additionally, each group was assigned to one of two dietary treatments fed at 0.75% BW/d (as fed) twice daily in 12 h intervals for 56 d. Dietary treatments consisted of a leading national brand feed (n = 5) and Thomas Moore Calm and Safe (n = 6). Horses were allowed ad libitum access to Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay and fresh water. For the 56-d period, horses were exercised at a light workload for 30 min/d and 4 d/wk. For all growth measurements, a baseline measurement was recorded per horse. Growth measurements were then recorded at 7 d intervals. Data from these growth measurements were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS v9.4 with the fixed effects of day and diet. Growth metrics increased on all horses throughout the length of the trial regardless of dietary treatment (P ≤ 0.01), which is expected from young growing horses. A Diet x Day trend towards significance (P = 0.075) was observed for BW, as the leading national brand feed dietary treatment group tended to have heavier BW than the Thomas Moore Calm and Safe during the duration of the study. Additionally, body fat percentage was greater (P = 0.04) in the national leading brand feed group compared with the Thomas Moore group. None of the remaining growth metrics had any statistical difference across diets. Furthermore, there was no difference in dietary intake between dietary groups (P > 0.5). These results suggest that the Thomas Moore Calm and Safe concentrate serves as a good alternative and economically friendly for young growing horses when compared with more traditional feeds currently on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef cattle during the stocker phase when fed different concentrations of cotton gin byproduct (CGB). Angus steers [n = 50; initial body weight (BW) = 349 ± 66 kg) were stratified by BW and grouped in slatted floor pens (10 steers/pen). Steers were assigned randomly within pen (2 per pen) to one of five diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB (dry matter basis). Diets were balanced for protein and energy, and the steers were fed for 84 d. Steers were weighed on d -1, 0, 28, 56, 83, and 84 for the stocker phase with d -1 and 0, 83 and 84 averaged to give start and end BW. Following the growing period, steers were switched to the same finishing diet and fed for an additional 55 d prior to being transported to PA for harvest and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using procMIXED of SASv9.4 to determine the significance of linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic trends. During the growing phase, dry matter intake increased linearly (P = 0.0017) with 10.16, 11.23, 11.59, 11.86, and 11.96 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Average daily gain tended to increase (P = 0.0631) with a cubic trend, increasing with the first addition of CGB, declining at the intermediate levels, and then increasing again at the 40% level (1.34, 1.54, 1.36, 1.39, and 1.52 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively). Feed efficiency showed a similar cubic trend (P = 0.10) with 0.133, 0.138, 0.119, 0.117, and 0.128 for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Within the finishing phase, average daily gain was significant (P = 0.026) as a quadratic trend with 1.54, 1.25, 1.18, 1.20, and 1.33 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Diets did not differ (P > 0.10) for dry matter intake (10.08 kg/d), feed conversion (8.31), or feed efficiency (0.130). Treatment did not influence (P > 0.10) marbling or other carcass measurements. Data suggest CGB supported good animal gains with only minor impact on feed intake and feed efficiency for stocker steers up to an inclusion rate of 40%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bull fertility is a major component of reproductive efficiency. One of the many factors influencing reproductive efficiency in bulls is nutrition. Improper nutrition influences physiological features, such as body weight (BW) and body condition scores (BCS), but also increases stress, which can alter the molecular composition of ejaculate. Following a breeding soundness exam and a 21-d dietary adjustment period, mature Angus bulls (n = 6) were randomly assigned to one of two nutritional planes for a 119-d period: 1) restriction (RES; targeted a 1.36 kg/d decrease in BW) or 2) maintenance (MNT; targeted to maintain BW). Body weight and BCS were evaluated every 14 d and feed amounts were adjusted to meet BW targets. On d 73 and 93, scrotal circumference and blood samples were collected for analysis. Serum samples were evaluated for an immunity score using the Nano Discovery D2Dx Immunity Test, that assesses samples for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, cytokines, and complement. Statistical analyses were conducted using R Studio to determine the effects of day, nutritional plane, and the interaction of day Î nutritional plane on BW, BCS, scrotal circumference, and systemic immunity score. At the onset of treatments, all bulls had a greater (P = 0.008) BW (845.5 ± 17.0 kg) and BCS (6.3 ± 0.15) than on d 73 (BW = 757.2 ± 17.0 kg; BCS = 5.5 ± 0.15, respectively) or 93 (BW = 749.6 ± 17.0 kg; BCS = 5.3 ± 0.15, respectively). According to the experimental model design, the MNT bulls had a greater (P = 0.001) BCS (6.1 ± 0.12) compared with the RES bulls (5.3 ± 0.12) throughout treatment. Body weights were also influenced by treatment with MNT bulls (845.7 ± 13.9 kg) having a greater BW (P > 0.001) compared with RES bulls (714.6 ± 13.9). Immunity scores were greater in the RES bulls (0.03 ± 0.003) compared with MNT bulls (0.003 ± 0.003). However, there was no effect of day or the interaction effect (P > 0.05) on the systemic immunity score. There was also no effect of day, nutritional plane, or interaction on scrotal circumference (P > 0.23). In conclusion, we observed nutritional planes to result in divergent BW and BCS and were influential on systemic immunity scores, which may lead to different seminal plasma compositions and reproductive outcomes. Further analyses are needed to elucidate the effects of paternal nutritional stress on the female uterine response after mating and reproductive efficiency. The authors would like to thank USDA-NIFA-AFRI (#2023-67015-39453) and USDA-NIFA Multi-State Project No. 1019048 for providing funding and support for this research. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

study assessed the effects of supplemental Zn on cattle feeding behavior after varying transit duration. Angus crossbred steers (80; 265 ± 18 kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Steers were assigned to a dietary Zn treatment (DIET) and transit duration (DUR; d 0): Zn0 (no supplemental Zn) or Zn100 (100 mg Zn/kg DM; supplemented as ZnSO4, starting d -42 relative to transit) and short duration (8H; 8 h transit; 707 km) or long duration (18H; 18 h transit; 1608 km). Steers were fed ad libitum via GrowSafe bunks (GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, AB, Canada), and steer was experimental unit (n = 1 bunk/pen; n = 5 steers/pen). On d 0, steers were stratified to trailer compartments across diets. The 8H and 18H groups departed at 1000 and 1300 h and returned at 1800 and 0700 h to pre-transit pens, respectively. Following transit, all steers received Zn100. Utilizing GrowSafe Behavior module, a feed event was characterized as a reading with < 300 s interruption with head down (FE-HD; recorded in seconds) and count (number of HD events). Intake rate (g/s) was feed consumed per FE-HD divided by FE-HD duration. Data for the 6-d post transit were analyzed as a complete randomized design utilizing PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with fixed effects DIET, DUR, and DAY as repeated. Pre-transit values served as a covariate. During the week prior to transit, there was a DUR effect for FE-HD average and intake rate (P ≤ 0.03) where 8H had longer FE-HD but reduced intake rate than 18H. There was also a tendency for Zn100 to consume more feed per FE pre-transit (P = 0.07). Post-transit, both average intake and FE-HD average increased with days post-transit (DAY; P ≤ 0.01). Additionally, a DIET × DUR effect was observed for FE-HD count (P = 0.01) where 100 was greater than 0 within 18H and 0 was greater than 100 in 8H. A tendency for a TRT × DAY effect was noted for FE-HD count (P = 0.07) driven by Zn0 decreasing from d 3 to 4. A DUR × DAY effect (P = 0.02) was also noted for FE-HD count where 18H was greater on d 2, 4, and 5. A DUR × DAY effect was observed for FE-HD average (P = 0.01) driven by a d 3 difference where 8H was greater than 18H. Conversely, a DUR × DAY effect was observed for intake rate (P = 0.01) where 18H was greater on d 2, 3, and 6. These data indicate both transit duration and dietary Zn concentration influenced animal behavior post-transit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

objective of this study was to determine the effect of limit feeding yearling beef steers for 56 or 86 d before offering ad libitum feed for the remainder of the 140-d finishing period on growth performance and carcass traits. Black Angus steers [n = 194; initial body weight (SBW) = 410 ± 17.9 kg] were allocated into 24 pens (8 steers/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments in a randomized complete block design; feed offered ad libitum for the entire finishing period (ADLIB), feed offered at 92% of ad libitum for 56 d then ad libitum for the remainder of the finishing period (RES56), and feed offered at 92% of ad libitum for 86 d then ad libitum for the remainder of the finishing period (RES86). Feed restrictions began on d 22 after diet adaptation with RES56 and RES86 pens being offered 92% of the ADLIB pen within the daily feed offering of their block. Bunks were evaluated daily, and refusals were weighed weekly. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with treatment and block as the fixed and random effects, respectively. From d 1 to 21 RES56 had lesser average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (gain to feed; G:F), and a lighter SBW than ADLIB and RES86 (P ≤ 0.02), but DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.31). From d 22 to 107, G:F was similar (P = 0.45), but ADLIB had a greater SBW, ADG, and DMI than RES56 and RES86 (P < 0.01). From d 78 to 107 RES56 were allowed ad libitum feed intake while RES86 was still restricted. The d 108 SBW tended to be greatest in the ADLIB and least in the RES86 group (P = 0.07), and DMI was least in the RES86 group (P < 0.01). RES56 had the greatest ADG, RES86 the least, and ADLIB were intermediate (P < 0.01). RES56 and RES86 also had increased G:F than ADLIB during this period (P < 0.01). From d 108 to 140 all cattle had ad libitum access to feed, and DMI did not differ (P = 0.31). RES86 had greater ADG and G:F than ADLIB and RES56 during this period (P ≥ 0.31). Cumulatively, final SBW, ADG, and G:F did not differ between the treatments (P ≥ 0.13), but the ADLIB group had increased DMI (P < 0.01). Ribeye area and hot carcass weight (HCW) did not differ (P ≥ 0.12), but rib fat thickness (P = 0.05) and marbling were greater for ADLIB (P = 0.03). Limit feeding yearling beef steers for a portion of the finishing period before resuming ad libitum feed intake resulted in less cumulative DMI without affecting ADG, G:F, final shrunk BW, or HCW; but decreased fat and marbling scores [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat and dairy will continue to be an essential part of diets around the world, but as demand increases so does pressure to reduce the environmental impact of farming. There is no single solution that will allow the global community to meet demand and improve sustainability in our food system. We will need a toolkit of solutions to meet the needs of producers in various regions and production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine microbiome research has rapidly moved from a fledgling field to a thriving and productive area of research. Impacts to the equine gastrointestinal microbiome have been examined related to travel, antibiotic administration, meal size, fiber type, breed, sex and nutrient level. Although advances in this field are exciting, data related to the dermal microbiota are sorely lacking. Conducting equine microbiome research presents unique challenges and opportunities. Coordination for data collection in conjunction with other studies will be reviewed. Diet is widely recognized as a significant modulating factor to the microbiome and will be reviewed as a potential consideration in equine dermal microbiome research. This presentation will highlight the limited data available on equine dermal microbiota and identify potential areas for further examination. Studies reporting the characteristics of equine dermal measures will be discussed and gaps in current understanding will be identified. Specific conditions including equine pastern dermatitis as well as wound dressing methods will be examined, and a discussion of future works will be included. Dermatological studies of the microbiome in humans and canines will be examined as a potential map for the future of equine dermal microbiome research. As microbiome research continues to evolve, its impact on equine health has become increasingly apparent. The skin functions as a protective organ and is the first line of defense against pathogenic invasion and immune function support. It is home to bacteria, fungi and viruses with many roles similar to those of the gastrointestinal microbiome. This presentation will highlight the critical need for increased understanding of the dermal microbiome in conjunction with current equine gastrointestinal microbiome studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cats are obligate carnivores; however, we feed them a variety of different diet formats without a clear understanding of feeding behavior and metabolism among diet formats. Whole-prey or raw diets may mimic a more natural diet and require more energy to consume. However, there is currently a dearth of literature examining feline energy expenditure (EE) during the consumption of and immediate postprandial period when fed different diet formats. The present study aimed to investigate differences in the energetics of adult cats consuming four different diet formats in isocaloric offerings: raw intact mice, commercial raw, canned wet, and kibble diets. Adult neutered male cats [n = 12; body weight (BW) = 4.82 ± 0.164 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 replicated Latin square design and adapted to consuming each diet format before the initiation of the study. Following a 2-d adaptation period, cats were fed 25% of their daily caloric requirement (50.77 ± 1.549 kcal) in indirect calorimetry chambers in which VO2 and VCO2 exchange were measured. Energy expenditure (kcal/BW0.67 kg) was calculated for the consumption period, 15 min immediately post-prandial and 2 h post-prandial. Respiratory gases were measured for one fasted reading, followed by the first feeding. During each feeding, measurements were taken during the consumption period and 15 min post-prandial. For the following 2 h, respiratory gases were measured every 25 min for an additional 4 measures of respiratory gases. All data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model considering the effects of treatment, time and their interaction as fixed, and the effects of cat and period as random. A spatial power covariance structure was used to model repeated measures. Significance was considered at P < 0.05 and Tukey’s post-hoc test was performed to separate means. Energy expenditure during consumption and 15 min post-prandial was similar among treatments, and EE for 15 min post-prandial was greater than EE during consumption (P < 0.001). During the 2 h post-prandial, EE for the mice diet was greater than the kibble and canned wet diets (P < 0.001), while EE for the raw diet was only greater than the kibble diet (P < 0.001). Energy expenditure was similar between the kibble and canned wet diets (P = 0.919) and between the mice and raw diets (P = 0.598). Among all treatments and time periods, the mouse diet had the greatest mean EE. An increase in EE during the feeding period and post-prandial could benefit sedentary indoor cats who may be in positive energy balance. Feeding cats a naturalistic diet, such as intact mice or a raw diet, may increase activity levels and EE, but the longer-term effects of these feeding formats on energy balance need to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is clear that diet is linked with health outcomes, yet we are still far from fully understanding the impact of diet on systemic metabolic health. In the new era of ‘omics’ technology, the ability to optimize nutrition across the lifespan of companion animals is within reach. We have been using ‘omics’ technologies to understand how changes in diet composition impact metabolism using a neonatal piglet model. By measuring the composition of sow milk over the first week of lactation, we created an optimized pig milk replacer, and studied the impact of varying the whey protein composition of the milk replacer using a combination of metabolomics on blood, urine, liver, and brain tissue, as well as transcriptomics of intestinal, liver and brain tissue. Our results revealed a substantial impact of the type of whey protein on piglet metabolism that included differences in cortisol, blood and tissue amino acid profiles, and immunity. This work paves the way for additional studies to optimize animal nutrition in the neonatal period and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work was conducted to test the hypothesis that the nutritional composition of bakery meal varies depending on where in the United States the meal is produced due to different raw materials being used in the production of the meals. Forty-six samples of bakery meal were collected from feed mills located in the swine producing states in the United States. Based on the state where samples were collected, they were grouped into 5 regions: 1) AL, DE, GA, NC, PA, and VA (10 samples); 2) CO, MO, OK, and TX (10 samples); 3) IN, KY, OH, and TN (8 samples); 4) IA (11 samples); and 5) MN (7 samples). All samples were analyzed for proximate components, GE, AA, carbohydrates, and minerals, and IVDMD and in vitro energy digestibility (IVGED) were also determined. Results indicated that the average concentration of DM was (91.84 ± 1.29%) and there was no difference among regions. The concentration of ash in bakery meal from MN was greater (P < 0.05) than in meals from other regions, but for all other proximate components, no differences among sources were observed. The average concentration (DM basis) of CP (12.20 ± 2.16%), acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE, 9.38 ± 1.95%), starch (44.61 ± 5.47%), and NDF (13.77 ± 4.23%) indicated that bakery meal consists of a mixture of food ingredients originating from flour or whole cereal grains and with some high-fiber ingredients such as brans or canola coproducts also included. It also appears that oil or fats were added during production. With the exception of His, no differences among regions were observed for indispensable AA and the average concentrations (DM basis) of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp were 0.35 ± 0.08%, 0.19 ± 0.03%, 0.38 ± 0.06%, and 0.13 ± 0.03%, respectively. The bakery meals from MN contained more (P < 0.05) Ca than bakery meals from other regions, indicating that limestone may have been added to bakery meal from MN to improve flowability. However, bakery meals from MN and IA contained less (P < 0.05) total P, phytate, and phytate-bound P than bakery meals produced in the states east of the Mississippi River. There were, however, no differences in IVDMD (79.06 ± 6.62%) or of IVGED (74.84 ± 8.20%) of bakery meals among regions. The present results indicate that variations in the chemical composition of bakery meal obtained from different regions in the United States are relatively small and likely without great impact on the nutritional value of the meals, but in vivo digestibility experiments are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

An ongoing study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (which included 14 batches of gilts; n = 90 gilts/batch) demonstrated that energy restriction during the developmental period of a gilt increases longevity and may also have beneficial effects on progeny health and growth, particularly, parity 1 progeny. Therefore, we hypothesized that energy restriction during gilt development may affect milk nutrient profile, milk oligosaccharides (OS), and postnatal progeny biomarkers. During the development period, batch 14 gilts (n = 128, 8 gilts/pen) were fed 3 dietary treatments including the following: 1) Control diet formulated to NRC (2012) specifications (CTL); 2) Restricted (20% energy restriction via addition of 40% soy hulls; RESTR); and 3) CTL diet plus addition of crystalline amino acids equivalent to the SID Lys:ME of the RESTR diet (CTL+). All diets were fed ad libitum and applied in a 3-phase feeding regimen during gilt development (days 123 to 230 of age). Average daily feed intake was used to estimate daily metabolizable energy intake (Mcal/d) during each phase (Phase 1: 10.13, 6.97, 9.95; Phase 2: 11.25, 8.05, 10.94; and Phase 3: 9.47, 7.95,11.07) for CTL, RESTR, and CTL+, respectively. After 230 d of age, gilts were bred and fed a common diet. Milk samples were collected from batch 14 gilts (n = 7 per treatment) on days 0 and 14 postfarrowing for compositional analysis of N, CP, dry matter (DM), GE, insulin, and OS. Piglet blood samples (n = 6 piglets/gilt) were obtained on days 1 and 15 postfarrowing for quantification of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) and insulin. No effects of developmental diet were observed for milk N, CP, DM, or GE; however, N, CP, DM, and insulin were increased (P < 0.05) on day 1 compared with day 14. A total of 61 different milk OS were identified. Milk OS profile was significantly different for neutral and acidic OS (P < 0.05) on day 0, but there were no significant differences on day 14. For piglet GLP-2, a treatment by day interaction was observed (P < 0.009); specifically, on day 1 GLP concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in CTL+ compared with RESTR (6.73 vs. 1.21 ng/mL). For serum insulin, a treatment by day interaction was observed (P < 0.01); specifically, insulin in RESTR progeny was greater (P < 0.03) than CTL on day 1. In conclusion, nutritional management of the developing gilt may affect milk nutrient composition, milk OS profile, and piglet serum biomarkers.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the changes in blood metabolites, AA profile, and oxidative stress markers in American Foxhound dogs fed a nutrient-fortified endurance diet while undergoing unstructured endurance exercise over several months. Thirty-six adult American Foxhound dogs (mean age: 4.5, range 2 to 10 yr and mean BW: 34.7, range: 23.1 to 46.9 kg) were selected to participate in the study. Prior to the study, all dogs consumed a commercial diet for 16 wk. After collecting baseline blood samples, dogs were assigned to a standard commercial performance diet (control) or a nutrient-fortified dog food (test). Dogs were balanced by gender, age, body weight, and athletic performance between diets. During the study, dogs underwent 78 bouts of exercise, with approximately 22 km/bout. Blood samples were collected after 40, 75, 138, and 201 d on study (October 2012 to March 2013). All blood metabolites were similar at baseline and serum chemistry profile remained within normal ranges throughout the study. Over time, plasma taurine and vitamin E concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the control diet but were maintained or increased (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the treatment diet. Also, plasma creatinine and triglycerides were lower (P < 0.05) and blood phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were higher (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the treatment diet. Vitamin E and taurine status of dogs appear to be affected by extended endurance exercise. These data suggest dogs undergoing endurance exercise may benefit from supplementation of vitamin E and taurine to minimize oxidation and maintain taurine status.

The ability of a diet or an ingredient to satisfy the indispensable amino acid (IAA) requirements of an individual is a reflection of protein quality (PQ). The concept of PQ is gaining recognition in the pet food industry as a way to identify candidate ingredients for diet formulation. The objective of this report was to use IAA digestibility data from swine and cecectomized rooster assays to generate digestible IAA scores (defined herein as DIAAS -like values) to predict the PQ of ingredients used in dog diets. However, as PQ equation development relies on a reference IAA profile, which is intended to be based on the physiological requirements of a specific population, we sought to generate DIAAS-like values using IAA requirements established by the National Research Council (NRC) as well as practical IAA recommendations presented by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), to assess how these profiles may affect PQ. In total, 30 animal (75 unique inputs) and 27 plant ingredients (94 unique inputs) satisfied all inclusion criteria to be used in the final data set. Ingredients were initially categorized as animal or plant, and further categorized based on AAFCO Official Common and Usual Names and Definitions of Feed Ingredients to allow for additional, more distinct comparisons to be made. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS, with ingredient reference as a random effect, and ingredient category, regulatory body, and life stage as fixed effects. As expected, differences were observed in DIAAS-like values for nearly all ingredients and ingredient categories when determined using NRC, AAFCO, or FEDIAF IAA requirements or recommendations as the reference pattern. Moreover, applying reference patterns based on NRC adult maintenance IAA requirements consistently produced the lowest DIAAS-like values. Ultimately, while future studies assessing PQ should utilize NRC minimal requirements, individual ingredient and ingredient category differences in DIAAS-like values when using AAFCO and FEDIAF recommendations underpin the different regulatory approaches to establishing dietary nutrient recommendations that exist globally and support the need for harmonization of dietary recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although mammary gland growth and development in females is a lifelong process, it builds on isometric and allometric phases of mammary growth to establish a complex ductal network before and during puberty. Only then can other phases of branching and alveologenesis, differentiation, lactation, and involution proceed. Although the ductal network of various species differs in its histomorphology, all glands undergo a common phase of allometric growth when the mammary ducts penetrate into the supporting stromal microenvironment. Perhaps not surprisingly, different aspects of diet and nutrition can influence this allometric growth, either directly or indirectly. In this review, we outline some of the fundamental aspects of how allometric ductal growth in the mammary glands of various species is influenced by diet and nutrition and identify opportunities and questions for future investigation.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of diet energy density on ranking for dry matter intake (DMI), residual feed intake (RFI), and greenhouse gas emissions. Forty-two mature, gestating Angus cows (600 ± 69 kg body weight [ BW ]; body condition score [ BCS ] 5.3 ± 1.1) with a wide range in DMI expected progeny difference (−1.38 to 2.91) were randomly assigned to two diet sequences; forage then concentrate (FC) or concentrate then forage (CF). The forage diet consisted of long-stem native grass hay plus protein supplement (HAY; 1.96 Mcal ME/kg DM). The concentrate diet consisted of 35% chopped grass hay and 65% concentrate feeds on a dry matter basis (MIX; 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM). The GreenFeed Emission Monitoring system was used to determine carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), oxygen (O 2 ), and methane (CH 4 ) flux. Cow performance traits, ultrasound back fat and rump fat, feed DMI, and gas flux data were analyzed in a crossover design using a mixed model including diet, period, and sequence as fixed effects and pen and cow within sequence as random effects. For all measured traits excluding DMI, there was a diet × sequence interaction (P < 0.05). The correlation between MIX and HAY DMI was 0.41 (P = 0.067) and 0.47 (P = 0.03) for FC and CF sequences, respectively. There was no relationship (P > 0.66) between HAY and MIX average daily gain (ADG), regardless of sequence. Fifty-seven percent of the variation in DMI was explained by metabolic BW, ADG, and BCS for both diets during the first period. During the second period, the same three explanatory variables accounted for 38% and 37% of the variation in DMI for MIX and HAY diets, respectively. The negative relationship between BCS and DMI was more pronounced when cows consumed the MIX diet. There was no relationship between MIX and HAY RFI, regardless of sequence (P > 0.18). During the first period, correlations for CO2, CH4, and O2 with MIX DMI were 0.69, 0.81, and 0.56 (P ≤ 0.015), respectively, and 0.76, 0.74, and 0.64 (P < 0.01) with HAY DMI. During the second period, correlations for CO2, CH4, and O2 with MIX DMI were 0.62, 0.47, and 0.56 (P ≤ 0.11), respectively. However, HAY DMI during the second period was not related to gas flux (P > 0.47). Results from this experiment indicate that feed intake of two energy-diverse diets is moderately correlated while ADG while consuming the two diets is not related. Further experimentation is necessary to determine if gas flux data can be used to predict feed intake in beef cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Ile:Lys requirement in finishing diets containing 20% DDGS, a 56-d study was conducted utilizing 2,268 pigs (DNA 600 x Topigs Norsvin 70, initially 82.3 kg). A total of six dietary treatments were fed, including a standard corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet and five diets containing 20% DDGS with SID Ile:Lys ratios of 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75%. Dietary treatments were assigned to pens, incompletely balancing for previous treatment, with each treatment being replicated 14 times. Pair-wise comparisons were used to evaluate the impact of dietary treatment on performance and carcass traits, whereas single degree of freedom orthogonal polynomials were used to evaluate dose response of SID Ile:Lys in 20% DDGS diets. Increasing the SID Ile:Lys ratio in diets containing 20% DDGS did not impact pig growth performance criteria in a quadratic or linear fashion (P ≥ 0.18). However, increasing the SID Ile:Lys ratio in 20% DDGS diets resulted in decreased back fat (BF; Quadratic, P = 0.01), increased loin depth (Quadratic, P = 0.03), and tended to increase percent lean (Quadratic, P = 0.07) with optimal carcass parameters occurring when 65% SID Ile:Lys was supplied in 20% DDGS diets. Pigs fed the corn-SBM diet had a similar final body weight (BW; P = 0.26) and cumulative average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.12) compared to pigs fed a 20% DDGS diet containing 70% SID Ile:Lys ratio and 3% greater cumulative average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to pigs receiving diets with SID Ile:Lys ratios of 65% and 75% (P ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, these results suggest that when feeding 20% DDGS in late finishing swine diets, a SID Ile:Lys ratio of 70% should be utilized when attempting to achieve similar overall growth performance relative to a corn-SBM diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the impacts of feeding a high-energy finishing diet during both the receiving and finishing period compared with a lower-energy receiving diet with adaptation to the finishing diet on health, performance, serum chemistry, ruminal pH, rumination, and carcass characteristics of high-risk feedlot cattle. Five truck-load blocks of steers (n = 101) and bulls (n = 299) were used in a generalized complete block design and randomly assigned to receive: 1) finishing diet for the entire feeding period (FIN) or 2) receiving diet for the first 56 d, followed by a transition to the finishing diet (REC). All cattle were fed ad libitum and consumed the same diet by day 74. A subset of cattle (n = 48) was randomly selected to quantify ruminal pH, temperature, and rumination time. Ultrasound images were collected on days 0, 74, and 146 to determine fat thickness over the 12th rib and rump, and carcass characteristics were determined after slaughter. Cattle fed FIN had less (P < 0.01) dry matter intake (DMI) from days 0 to 74, but DMI did not differ (P = 0.80) after day 74. From days 0 to final, DMI was 0.26 kg less for FIN compared with REC (P = 0.01). However, calculated metabolizable energy intake was not different from days 0 to 74 (P = 0.19), days 74 to final (P = 0.80), or overall (P = 0.78). Body weight (BW) on day 74 was greater (P < 0.01) and final BW tended to be greater (P = 0.10) for FIN compared with REC. Cattle consuming FIN had greater (P < 0.01) average daily gain and increased (P < 0.01) gain:feed from days 0 to 74. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.31) in health outcomes. On day 74, FIN had greater (P = 0.04) fat thickness over the rump and rib but did not differ (P ≥ 0.52) on day 146. Carcasses of FIN had greater (P = 0.04) hot carcass weight with no difference (P ≥ 0.11) in ribeye area, 12th rib fat thickness, yield grade, or quality grade. There was no difference (P = 0.18) in liver abscess rate. There was a diet × day interaction for blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.02) such that concentration decreased from days 0 to 28 in both treatments, but was less on day 28 for FIN. Ruminal pH was greater on days 2 and 61 and rumination time was less from days 0 to 28 for FIN (diet × day interaction; P < 0.01). Overall, these results suggest that providing a finishing diet fed ad libitum to high-risk calves upon arrival may be a viable alternative to a low-energy receiving diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) mixtures on beef cattle ruminal degrad-ability were evaluated. Six ruminally cannulated beef steers (BW = 520 ± 30 kg) were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design and offered a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum intake during three, 28-d periods. Treatments were: 1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); 2) Treat-A (L. animalis, P. freudenreichii; B. subtilis; and B. licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 x 109 CFU (50 mg)/animal-daily minimum; and 3) Treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were approximately 30% greater than the minimum expected. Pre-dehydrated (55°C for 72 h) diets and forage substrates were ground (2 mm) and placed into 10 x 20 cm (28 µm) nylon bags (8 and 5 g, as-is respectively). The diet-substrate included a mixture of (DM basis) steam-flaked corn (70%), alfalfa hay (10%), and wet corn gluten feed (20%). The forage-substrate was represented by 'WW-B Dahl' Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii). Substrate in-situ bags were placed within a nylon mesh (with weights) at the ruminal ventral sac, and reversely removed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 20, 32, 48, 64, 72, and 96 h after feeding. Samples were removed, rinsed, and dehydrated for 72 h at 55°C. Residues were composited within period, steer, incubation-time, corrected for residual moisture and were used to fit a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS (animal = experimental unit). Steers offered Treat-A tended to show an increase on the rate of degradation of NDF (P = 0.15) and ADF (P = 0.10) fractions; increased (P < 0.01) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B); and increased (P = 0.02) the effective degradable fraction of NDF (tendency for ADF, P = 0.08) at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% of the diet-substrate compared with Control, while tending to have a reduced rate of degradation for the overall DM (P = 0.06) and OM (P = 0.08) fractions. When the in-situ bags containing the forage-substrate were incubated, steers offered Treat-A showed an increased (P < 0.01) lag time (T0) for hemi-cellulose compared with Control, while those offered Treat-B had a decreased (P = 0.02) hemicellulose potentially degradable fraction (B) compared with Control. The effective degradable fraction for hemicellulose at pre-established rate of passages of 4, 5, and 6% tended (P = 0.09) to numerically increase for steers offered Treat-A compared with Control. The combination of bacteria in Treat-A enhanced the ruminal degradation of high-quality fiber components, as indicated by the improvements observed within the more degradable fractions from ingredients used in the diet and the forage substrates. Further assessment is warranted to investigate post-ruminal nutrient disappearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-weaning strategies, such as artificially raising on milk replacer, can impact lamb quality. Limited studies have examined the influence of artificial raising on color attributes of lamb. The aim of this study was to evaluate how artificially raising on milk replacer affects the color and oxidative stability of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle from ram lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet. For a 60-day pre-weaning period, Polypay ram lambs were reared either conventionally with ewes (CR; n = 5) or artificially on milk replacer (MR; n = 5). After 60 days, the lambs were finished on a high concentrate diet (85:15 concentrate: forage) containing 78% cracked corn and 22% pre-mixed protein pellet as the concentrate source as well as 15% orchard grass pellet as the forage source. The lambs were fed ad libitum high-concentrate diet until the target body weight of 59 kg. The lambs were harvested, and the LL muscles from both sides of the carcasses (24 h post-mortem) were fabricated into 2.5-cm thick chops. Carcass characteristics were recorded during harvesting and fabricating. The chops were placed on polystyrene trays, overwrapped with oxygen-permeable polyvinyl chloride film, and stored at 2°C in the darkness for 0, 3, and 6 d. Instrumental color, color stability (R630/580), pH, lipid oxidation, and myoglobin reducing activity of the chops were evaluated on the storage days. A split-plot design was employed to analyze the data. Pre-weaning management was the main plot, while the storage time was considered as the sub-plot. The LL muscles from each lamb carcass were considered as the experimental unit, whereas the sub-plot experimental units were the chops allocated for 0, 3, or 6 d storage. The data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX. The least square means were separated utilizing the PDIFF option and adjusted with the Tukey-Kramer method. The differences among means were detected at a 5% level. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of pre-weaning management on carcass characteristics, surface redness (a* value), lightness (L* value), yellowness (b* value), color stability (R630/580), pH, or metmyoglobin reducing activity of LL chops. Color stability (R630/580) and metmyoglobin reducing activity declined (P < 0.05) during storage in both CR and MR chops. In contrast, lipid oxidation, lightness (L* value), yellowness (b* value), and hue value of the chops increased (P < 0.05) in both treatments during storage. Artificial raising on milk replacer for 60 d pre-weaning period did not influence color and oxidative stability of lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet. Carcass characteristics, color stability, and lipid oxidation were comparable in lambs raised through conventional method and those raised artificially on milk-replacer. These findings indicate that milk-replacer could be employed as a practical approach for artificial rearing in lamb production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to determine the impact of various combinations of yeast-based direct fed microbials (DFM) in diets fed to nursery pigs weaned from sows fed lactation diets with or without yeast additives. In Exp. 1, 340 weaned pigs, initially 5.1 kg ± 0.02, were used to evaluate previous sow treatment (control vs. yeast additives) and nursery diets with or without added yeast-based DFM on growth performance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of fecal Escherichia coli. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of sow treatment (control vs. yeast-based pre- and probiotic diet; 0.10% ActiSaf Sc 47 HR+ and 0.025% SafMannan, Phileo by Lesaffre, Milwaukee, WI) and nursery treatment (control vs. yeast-based pre- and probiotic diet; 0.10% ActiSaf Sc 47 HR+, 0.05% SafMannan, and 0.05% NucleoSaf from days 0 to 7, then concentrations were decreased by 50% from days 7 to 24) with 5 pigs per pen and 17 replications per treatment. Progeny from sows fed yeast additives had increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) from days 0 to 24 and days 0 to 45. However, pigs that were fed yeast additives for the first 24 d in the nursery tended to have decreased days 0 to 45 ADG (P = 0.079). Fecal E. coli isolated from pigs from the sows fed yeast group had increased (P = 0.034) resistance to nalidixic acid and a tendency for increased resistance to ciprofloxacin (P = 0.065) and gentamicin (P = 0.054). Yet, when yeast additives were added in the nursery, there was reduced (P < 0.05) fecal E. coli resistance to azithromycin and chloramphenicol. In Exp. 2, 330 weaned pigs, initially 5.8 kg ± 0.03, were used to evaluate diets with two different combinations of DFM on growth performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of sow treatment (same as described in Exp. 1) and nursery treatment (control; YCW, 0.05% of SafMannan from days 0 to 38 and NucleoSaf at 0.05% from days 0 to 10 and 0.025% from days 10 to 24; or DFM, 0.10% MicroSaf-S from days 0 to 38 and NucleoSaf at 0.05% from days 0 to 10 and 0.025% from days 10 to 24) with 6 pigs per pen and 8 to 10 replications per treatment. From days 0 to 10 post-weaning, progeny of sows fed yeast additives had increased (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F. In conclusion, feeding sows yeast through lactation improved offspring growth performance in the nursery. Although feeding live yeast and yeast extracts reduced nursery pig performance in Exp. 1, feeding DFM improved growth later in the nursery period in Exp. 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]