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Simple Summary: Monitoring the weight of farm pigs is crucial for their well-being. Implementing Cameras and Machine Vision Systems shows promise for automating this process. Traditionally, studies have focused on RGB and depth images for weight prediction, using measurements like volume and body area. However, these methods prove less robust in fluctuating environmental conditions, especially lighting. This study reveals that PointNet, a 3D deep learning architecture trained on point cloud data (3D points), outperforms the conventional approach, and demonstrates stability in varying light conditions due to its ability to learn on spatial information. This finding underscores the potential for PointNet to significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of weight monitoring in farm settings. The selection of animals to be marketed is largely completed by their visual assessment, solely relying on the skill level of the animal caretaker. Real-time monitoring of the weight of farm animals would provide important information for not only marketing, but also for the assessment of health and well-being issues. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a method based on 3D Convolutional Neural Network to predict weight from point clouds. Intel Real Sense D435 stereo depth camera placed at 2.7 m height was used to capture the 3D videos of a single finishing pig freely walking in a holding pen ranging in weight between 20–120 kg. The animal weight and 3D videos were collected from 249 Landrace × Large White pigs in farm facilities of the FZEA-USP (Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo) between 5 August and 9 November 2021. Point clouds were manually extracted from the recorded 3D video and applied for modeling. A total of 1186 point clouds were used for model training and validating using PointNet framework in Python with a 9:1 split and 112 randomly selected point clouds were reserved for testing. The volume between the body surface points and a constant plane resembling the ground was calculated and correlated with weight to make a comparison with results from the PointNet method. The coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.94) was achieved with PointNet regression model on test point clouds compared to the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.76) achieved from the volume of the same animal. The validation RMSE of the model was 6.79 kg with a test RMSE of 6.88 kg. Further, to analyze model performance based on weight range the pigs were divided into three different weight ranges: below 55 kg, between 55 and 90 kg, and above 90 kg. For different weight groups, pigs weighing below 55 kg were best predicted with the model. The results clearly showed that 3D deep learning on point sets has a good potential for accurate weight prediction even with a limited training dataset. Therefore, this study confirms the usability of 3D deep learning on point sets for farm animals' weight prediction, while a larger data set needs to be used to ensure the most accurate predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: With the increasing consumption of pork, pig manure has become an important pollution problem in the pig livestock industry. It is worth noting that the amount of manure from fattening pigs far exceeds that from breeding herds. During the fattening period, the manure's composition may vary depending on the stage of the pig's growth, from nursery to finishing, and on the variety of feed. The treatment of manure by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (L.), (Diptera: Stratiomydiae) is an emerging waste management technology. Although studies have shown that BSFL could be used in swine manure treatment, there is little literature discussing the nutrient discrepancies of swine manure types and their influences on BSFL growth. Thus, this study analyzed the nutrient composition of different fattening pig manure types. Furthermore, the factors that influence larval growth were identified. This could be used in further waste treatment and formulation diets for BSFL. Livestock manure is an important component of agricultural organic waste, and in recent years, with the development of research on the bioconversion of manure, BSFs have been proven to be useful in the treatment of a variety of livestock wastes. In-depth research on the composition of manure and its effect on the development of BSFL is, however, very scarce. The purpose of this study was to identify the parameters that influenced the growth of BSFL that was fed fattening pig manure. The pH, moisture, and nutrients of the fattening manures (namely, nursery, growing, and finishing pig manures) were measured. To examine the influence of manure types on larval growth, 100 larvae were inoculated in 100 g of each type of manure in triplicate. According to the findings, larvae fed finishing pig manure had the lowest dry weight (30.2 ± 6.1 mg) compared to those fed growing (58.2 ± 7.3 mg) or nursery (65.5 ± 6.2 mg) pig manure. The correlation coefficients (r) between the nutrients in the manure and the weight of the larvae were calculated. Hemicellulose had the greatest |r| value (0.9569). Further research revealed that larvae raised on hemicellulase-pretreated finishing pig manure frequently weighed 21–30% (days 2–8) more than larvae raised on control manure. In conclusion, hemicellulose was a significant component that might hinder larval growth. The results of this study could be used to improve the system before it is put into use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine how different doses of phytase in diets with extruded soybean seeds and rapeseed meal affected pigs' growth performance, meat quality, bone mineralization, and fatty acid profiles. Sixty pigs were divided into three treatments by sex and body mass. Pigs were divided into starter (25 days), grower (36 days), and finisher (33 days) periods and fed with mash diets. No phytase was used in the control group diet, whereas in Phy1 and Phy2, 100 g and 400 g of phytase per ton of mixture were used, respectively. The feed conversion ratio and meat color were significantly correlated with phytase. Phytase supplementation had no effect on the growth of pigs, but total phosphorus was significantly increased in the bones and meat of the pigs. The enzyme additive reduced the C22:4 n-6 acid content in the meat, whereas other results were not significantly affected. The data suggest that the addition of phytase at a dosage of 100 g/ton to diets with extruded full-fat soya seeds and rapeseed meal can be valuable, as it reduces the FCR and increases the P content in the meat and bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There are numerous feed additives that can be used to enhance grow–finish pig growth performance and carcass characteristics, which can potentially lead to a higher economic return. Therefore, we collected scientific data to summarize the results of these additives' effects on grow–finish pigs. The feed additive categories chosen were acidifiers, betaine, chromium, conjugated linoleic acid, copper, direct-fed microbials, carbohydrases, proteases, phytases, multi-enzymes, essential oils, L-carnitine, yeasts, and zinc. We found that most of the results for each feed additive showed positive outcomes. For daily gain, direct-fed microbials, copper, L-carnitine, and multi-enzymes showed relatively large (>2.1% improvement) and positive effects. For feed efficiency, acidifiers, betaine, conjugated linoleic acid, multi-enzymes, direct-fed microbials, L-carnitine, and yeasts showed relatively large (>2.5% improvement) and positive effects. For backfat thickness, except for betaine, chromium, conjugated linoleic acid, and L-carnitine, most feed additives showed little effect (<1.7% improvement). This review provides information on the feed additives that have the most evidence in improving the performance of grow–finish pigs for pork producers around the world. Feed additives have shown benefits throughout the literature in improving grow–finish pigs' growth performance and carcass characteristics. However, the results have not been well summarized. Therefore, this review summarizes the available research (402 articles) on 14 feed additive categories fed to grow–finish pigs. The categories were acidifiers, betaine, Cr, conjugated linoleic acids, Cu, direct-fed microbials, carbohydrases, proteases, phytases, multi-enzymes, essential oils, L-carnitine, yeasts, and Zn. Qualified articles were collected and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from online databases. The percentage difference for each response variable between the treatment and control group was calculated and summarized. Most results were positive for each feed additive; however, the magnitude of improvement varied, and most were not statistically significant. For ADG, DFM, Cu, L-carnitine, and multi-enzymes showed relatively large positive effects (>2.1% improvement) across a reasonable number of articles. Acidifiers, betaine, CLA, multi-enzymes, DFM, L-carnitine, and yeasts showed relatively large positive effects (>2.5% improvement) on improving G:F. Moreover, except for betaine, Cr, CLA, and L-carnitine, most feed additives showed little and non-significant effects on BF thickness (<1.7% improvement). This review provides a descriptive analysis for commonly used feed additives in the hope of better understanding feed additives' effects on grow–finish pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of synbiotic-glyconutrients (SB-GLN) additive on growth performance, fatty acid profile, sensory characteristics, and texture profile analysis in finishing pig. Landrace × Yorkshire ♀ × (Duroc ♂) (n = 60) pigs with average body weight of 54.88 ± 1 kg were allocated into one of three dietary treatment groups in a complete randomized block design with four replicates of five pigs (two barrows and three gilts) per pen. The test treatments (TRT) were CON—corn-soybean meal basal diet; TRT 1—CON+ 0.25% SB-GLN; and TRT 2—CON + 0.5% SB-GLN. SB-GLN contains 1 × 107 CFU/g each of: L. plantarum, B. subtilis, and S. Cerevisiae, and 5% yeast cell wall β-Glucans (from S. Cerevisiae), and 14% of glyconutrients (N-acetylglucosamine, D-xylose, and Fucose). Pigs fed SB-GLN supplement showed linearly increased (p < 0.05) body weight, daily gain, and daily feed at the end of week 5, 10, and the overall experimental period. In addition, G:F showed a tendency to decrease (p < 0.1) at the end of week 10 and the overall experimental period. In addition, pigs that received a graded level of SB-GLN showed a tendency to increase (p < 0.1) their longiness muscle area and decreased (p < 0.05) cooking loss. The sensory results of pork belly (tenderness and juiciness) and loin (flavor) meat, and the texture profile analysis parameters of hardness 1, cohesiveness, and gumminess (belly), and hardness 2, chewiness, and springiness (loin) meat were linearly higher (p < 0.05) in the SB-GLN group. The values of fatty acid like butyric acid, caproic acid, undecylic acid, tridecylic acid, myristic acid, pentadecyclic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and lignoceric acid were higher in pork belly fat of the SB-GLN-treated group compared to CON. Moreover, pigs that received SB-GLN exhibited higher crude fat and lauric acid, myristic acid, pentacyclic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, Octadecanoic acid, Oleic acid, linoleic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid FA profiles in belly-lean meat. Also, the FA profile of the SB-GLN-treated group loin-lean meat showed increased lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. The SB-GLN-treated group pork belly fat, belly lean meat, and loin-lean meat showed linearly increased docosahexaenoic acid, nervonic acid, omega 3, omega 6, ω-6: ω-3, Σ saturated FA, Σ un-SFA, Σ mono-USFA, Σ poly-USFA, MUFA/SFA, and PUFA/SFA. Therefore, we infer that the inclusion of 0.5% SB-GLN additive to finishing pig diet would be more beneficial to enhance their performance, and to increase the essential FA profile of pork meat for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess nitrogen excretion, ammonia and odour are environmental pollutants associated with pig production. Reducing dietary crude protein (CP) will lower the amount of nitrogen excreted, reducing the potential for ammonia emissions, if diets are adequately formulated to supply amino acids and production performance is maintained. Crude protein content in diets for finishing pigs has been lowered recently, but the quantitative effect of this reduction on ammonia, odour, and slurry output is not well-established. The relationship between ammonia and odour is equivocal, and the effect on slurry production is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lowering dietary CP on ammonia emission, odour emission and slurry output of finishing pigs. Thirty entire boar pigs were individually housed in groups of six, from 10 weeks of age (30 ± 3.0 kg) and offered standard diets. At 75 kg (±1.5 kg) pigs were assigned to one of three treatment diets; (1) 180 g/kg CP, 11.0 g/kg total lysine (High CP), (2) 150 g/kg CP, 11.1 g/kg total lysine (Medium CP), and (3) 130 g/kg CP, 9.0 g/kg total lysine (Low CP). After three weeks on the experimental diets pigs were moved, six each week, to individual calorimetry chambers to measure ammonia and odour emissions. Pigs were offered treatment diets ad libitum. At the end of the recording period, the pigs were removed from the chamber, weighed and feed disappearance recorded to calculate intake. The slurry in each chamber was collected and analysed. The reduction in CP in the diet from 180 g/kg to 150 g/kg resulted in a 22% reduction in ammonia emissions, and from 180 g/kg to 130 g/kg resulted in a 47% reduction (p < 0.001). Slurry output from pigs offered the 130 g/kg CP diet was reduced by 39% (p < 0.001) and dry matter increased by 35% compared to slurry from pigs offered the 180 g/kg CP diet (p < 0.05). Water usage (p = 0.017), slurry output and nitrogen and phosphate in the slurry (p < 0.05, respectively) were found to decrease linearly with decreasing dietary CP content. There was no significant effect of reducing CP on performance or odour emission but hydrogen sulphide emissions decreased linearly (p < 0.010) with decreasing dietary CP. There was a weak positive relationship between odour emission and ammonia (linear: R2 = 0.25, p = 0.005) with odour emission reduced as ammonia emission reduced. Reducing dietary CP in finishing pig diets could reduce ammonia emissions, water usage and slurry and nutrient output from pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress (HS) negatively affects human health, animal welfare, and livestock production. We analyzed the hepatic proteomes of finishing pigs subjected to chronic heat stress (HS), thermal neutral (TN), and restricted feed intake conditions, identifying differences between direct and indirect (via reduced feed intake) HS. Twenty-four castrated male pigs were randomly allocated to three treatments for three weeks: (1) thermal neutral (TN) (22 °C) with ad libitum feeding; (2) chronic HS (30 °C) with ad libitum feeding; and (3) TN, pair-fed to HS intake (PF). Hepatic proteome analysis was conducted using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Both HS and PF significantly reduced liver weight (p < 0.05). Forty-five hepatic proteins were differentially abundant when comparing HS with TN (37), PF with TN (29), and HS with PF (16). These proteins are involved in heat shock response and immune defense, oxidative stress response, cellular apoptosis, metabolism, signal transduction, and cytoskeleton. We also observed increased abundance of proteins and enzymes associated with heat shock response and immune defense, reduced the redox state, enhanced multiple antioxidant abilities, and increased apoptosis in HS liver. Heat-load, independent of reduced feed intake, induced an innate immune response, while food restriction caused stress and cellular apoptosis. Our results provide novel insights into the effects of chronic HS on liver.

Simple Summary: Farm animal welfare is an important issue for both farmers and the general public. In order to monitor animal welfare on a large population of finishing pig farms in the UK, the "Real Welfare" project developed a methodology for on-farm assessment based on regular measurement of some key animal-based measures, so-called welfare outcomes. This paper presents estimates of the percentage of these different welfare outcomes over the years since the inception of the scheme. Between 2016 and 2019, the mean percentage of pigs in the mainstream herd showing four mandatory welfare outcomes (pigs requiring hospitalization, lame pigs, pigs with severe tail lesions, and pigs with severe body marks) was very low and a decreasing trend was observed for all outcomes except severe tail lesions. These data give good representation of the overall situation in the UK finishing pig population. Farm animal welfare is an increasingly important issue, leading to the need for an efficient methodology to deliver accurate benchmarking. The "Real Welfare" project developed a methodology based on regular recording of a limited number of animal-based measures, so-called welfare outcomes, which allows faster and easier on-farm assessment of finishing pig welfare. The objective of this paper is to estimate, with sufficient robustness and confidence, the prevalence of different mandatory and optional welfare outcomes in the mainstream herd of the finishing farms in the UK based on the "Real Welfare" scheme data and to assess the changes in prevalence over time, inspection visits and seasons. The mean overall prevalence of the four mandatory welfare outcomes (pigs requiring hospitalization, lame pigs, pigs with severe body marks, and pigs with severe tail lesions) was very low (≤0.2%) and a significant decreasing trend was observed for the first three of these mandatory welfare outcomes since the inception of the scheme. This result might reflect either a reduction in factors giving rise to welfare problems in the mainstream herd or increasing awareness about management of compromised pigs. Additional data are required to clarify these possibilities, but both represent improved pig welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we investigated the effects of adding soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS) to growing–finishing pig diets on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and fat deposition. SBOS are considered to be one of the causes of diarrhea in piglets. However, their impact on growing and fattening pigs has not been reported. The results of this study showed that adding 0.8% SBOS to the diet of growing–finishing pigs can increase the average daily weight gain. Hindgut fermentation of SBOS, which alters the composition of short-chain fatty acids, was the mechanism behind the reduction in fat deposition in growing–finishing pigs. One hundred and twenty-eight boars and gilts of the Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire variety with an initial body weight (BW) of 52.49 ± 0.48 kg were used in a randomized complete block design for a 63-day experiment. The four treatment groups were: control diet (CON), CON + 0.2% soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS), CON + 0.4% SBOS, and CON + 0.8% SBOS. The results showed that the average daily weight gain (ADG) was significantly higher in the 0.8% SBOS group than in the CON group on days 0–63 (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, adding 0.8% SBOS to the diet significantly increased the carcass weight, dressing percentage, and carcass lean percentage, but decreased the average backfat depth of growing–finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Adding different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%) of SBOS to the diet can significantly increase the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in feces (p < 0.05). The activities of malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase in the 0.8% group were significantly lower than those in the 0.2% and CON groups (p < 0.05). In summary, 0.8% SBOS supplementation to growing–finishing pigs' diets can reduce lipid deposition and increase ADG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of bedding levels and trailer compartment on internal trailer temperature and relative humidity (RH) during loading and transport of finishing pigs was evaluated in cold and mild weather. Three levels of bedding were used in each experiment: 0.6 m3, 1.2 m3, and 2.4 m3. In mild weather, internal temperatures were lower when 1.2 m3 or 2.4 m3 of bedding were used during loading and transport compared to 0.6 m3 (P < 0.05). Internal trailer temperature increased in a quadratic fashion in the top front compartment when 1.2 m3 was used (P < 0.05), and in a linear fashion in the top rear compartment when 2.4 m3 were used in cold weather (P < 0.05). In mild weather, temperature increased linearly in the top front compartment with heavy bedding levels. Relative humidity increased in a linear fashion in the top front compartment with 0.6 m3, bottom front with 1.2 m3, and top front with 1.2 m3 in cold weather (P < 0.05). In general, temperature and RH increased as bedding levels increased in both cold and mild temperatures. Excess bedding can absorb more moisture, resulting in transport loss and decreased animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The redness of longissimus dorsi can be improved significantly by administrating growing–finishing pigs with glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide; however, it remains unclear if these supplements can have significant impacts on the compositions of gut microbiota and metabolites. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide significantly promoted the growth of iron-acquiring microbiota in feces, reduced the expression of some virulence factor genes of fecal pathogens, and increased the fecal levels of ferric ion, L-proline and some secondary bile acids. The findings of this study provide new ideas for improving meat quality by modulating gut flora and metabolites with feed interventions. The addition of glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pig diets increased the redness of longissimus dorsi; however, it remains unclear how these supplements affect gut microbiota and metabolites. A total of 84 piglets (20.35 ± 2.14 kg) were randomly allotted to groups A (control), B (glycerin-supplemented), C (vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented), and D (glycerin, vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented) during a feeding experiment. Metagenomic and metabolomic technologies were used to analyze the fecal compositions of bile acids, metabolites, and microbiota. The results showed that compared to pigs in group A, pigs in group D had lower virulence factor expressions of lipopolysaccharide (p < 0.05), fatty acid resistance system (p < 0.05), and capsule (p < 0.01); higher fecal levels of ferric ion (p < 0.05), allolithocholic acid (p < 0.01), deoxycholic acid (p < 0.05), tauroursodeoxycholic acid dihydrate (p < 0.01), glycodeoxycholic acid (p < 0.05), L-proline (p < 0.01) and calcitriol (p < 0.01); and higher (p < 0.05) abundances of iron-acquiring microbiota (Methanobrevibacter, Clostridium, Clostridiaceae, Clostridium sp CAG_1000, Faecalibacterium sp CAG_74_58_120, Eubacteriales_Family_XIII_Incertae_Sedis, Alistipes sp CAG_435, Alistipes sp CAG_514 and Methanobrevibacter sp YE315). Supplementation with glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pigs significantly promoted the growth of iron-acquiring microbiota in feces, reduced the expression of some virulence factor genes of fecal pathogens, and increased the fecal levels of ferric ion, L-proline, and some secondary bile acids. The administration of glycerol, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pigs may serve as an effective measure for muscle redness improvement by altering the compositions of fecal microbiota and metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increasing demand and production of ethanol have led to an increase in corn price, which has resulted in increased animal feed cost. Alternative feed ingredients such as copra meal have attracted great attention in the feed and swine industry due to their comparable nutritional values and price compared to conventional swine feed ingredients, such as corn and soybean meal. The current study aims at demonstrating the effect of copra meal inclusion with β-mannanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood urea nitrogen concentrations, and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs. Our result suggested that copra meal could have the potential to be used in the swine diets up to 12% when the diets were supplemented with 800 IU of β-mannanase per kg diet. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of copra meal (CM) inclusion level on the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations, and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing β-mannanase. Eighty crossbred pigs with average body weight (BW) of 27.22 ± 0.09 kg were allotted to five dietary treatments with four pigs per pen and four replicates per treatment based on sex and BW. The dietary treatments were: (1) NC: negative control, corn-soybean meal (SBM) based basal diet, (2) PC: positive control, basal diet + 0.10% β-mannanase (800 IU/ kg diet), (3) CM6: PC diet with 6% CM inclusion, (4) CM12: PC diet with 12% CM inclusion, and (5) CM18: PC diet with 18% CM inclusion in a three-phase feeding program (growing: 0–6 weeks, finishing I: 7–9 weeks, and finishing II: 10–12 weeks). The quadratic responses were observed in the BW at six weeks (p < 0.05), ADG in the growing phase (0–6 weeks; p < 0.05), and ADFI in the finishing phase with a tendency (7–12 weeks; p = 0.06) as the inclusion level of CM increased. However, the BW at 12 weeks (linear, p < 0.05 and quadratic, p = 0.06), the overall ADG (0–12 weeks; linear and quadratic, p < 0.05), and the G:F ratio in the finishing (7–12 weeks; linear, p < 0.05) and overall (0–12 weeks; linear, p < 0.05) phases decreased with increasing levels of CM in the diets. The ATTD of crude protein (linear, p < 0.05), crude fiber (linear, p < 0.05), and ash (linear, p < 0.05) decreased linearly as the inclusion level of CM increased. The BUN concentrations increased linearly with increasing levels of CM in the diets at 12 weeks of the experiment (p < 0.05). As the inclusion level of CM increased, TBARS value at d 3 post-mortem (linear, p = 0.07) tended to increase, whereas initial loin pH at 1 h post-mortem decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) with no difference in ultimate loin pH at 24 h post-mortem. These results indicated that CM inclusion up to 12% in the growing-finishing pig diets with β-mannanase did not affect growth performance, nutrient utilization, and pork quality whereas 18% CM inclusion to the diets could negatively impact nutrient digestibility, BUN concentrations, and thereby growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A sustainable pasture-based production system should provide benefits to the vegetation, soil and animals while providing means of economic support for the household that operates the system. If best management practices are implemented, this would allow the development of resilience for the pasture system and ameliorate the natural resources for present and future generations. Pasture-based pig production represents a production alternative for small scale or limited-resources farmers, offering them the possibility to brand their products. The implementation of best management practices would allow managers to reach productive and conservation goals. This study was conducted to compare the effects of continuous, rotational and strip-grazing stocking methods for growing-finishing pigs on tall fescue pastures. Stocking methods had effect on soil bulk density and some soil nutrients, vegetative ground cover, animal weight gain and feed use efficiency. The rotational and strip grazing stocking methods offer potential to improve the sustainability of pasture-based pig systems. Two alternative stocking methods (rotational and strip-grazing) were compared to continuous stocking at a stocking rate of 47 pigs ha−1 in tall fescue pastures. The research was conducted during two twelve-weeks grazing periods in North Carolina (USA). In total 144 (females and castrated males, 17.5 and 29.1 kg initial body weight) crossbred Yorkshire X Berkshire, Yorkshire/Landrace X Hampshire and Yorkshire/Landrace X Duroc pigs without nose rings were used. Greater soil bulk density and soil concentrations of NO3−, P, K, Mn, Zn and Cu were observed in paddocks managed continuously, while greater final ground cover (+22%) was recorded in paddocks managed with rotational and strip-grazing stocking methods. No differences were detected in botanical composition of the paddocks. Greater weight gains (+8.5%) were registered for rotationally managed pigs. Feed efficiency was better (+8%) for rotationally than for continuously stocked pigs, while strip-grazed pigs presented intermediate values. The results indicated the potential of both alternative stocking methods to be implemented in sustainable pasture-based pig production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A common challenge for most livestock industries is to identify more productive, efficient and sustainable pasture-based production systems that have a positive effect on animal welfare, biodiversity and long-term operation profitability without negatively influencing the environment. Implementing best management practices allows producers to achieve profitability and environmental goals. Maintaining an appropriate ground cover, minimizing the use of external inputs as fertilizers and pesticides and adopting agroecological approaches are key for sustainable pasture management. Pasture-based pig production systems are considered animal welfare and environmentally friendly. However, the number of animals grazing can influence the vegetation ground cover and the amount of nutrients imported to the systems. This study compared the effects of four different pig stocking rates (37, 74, 111 or 148 pigs ha−1) over two 14-week grazing periods, on the vegetation ground cover and soil properties of bermudagrass paddocks. Increasing the number of animals aggravated the damage to the vegetative ground cover and raised the amount of nutrients deposited on the soil. For conservation purposes, the number of pigs grazing bermudagrass should be equal to or less than 37 pigs ha−1. This study compares four stocking rates (37, 74, 111 and 148 pigs ha−1) for growing to finishing pigs (18.4 ± 0.5 kg and 118.5 ± 2.0 kg and 35.7 ± 2.1 kg and 125.7 ± 2.3 kg initial and final BW for grazing periods 1 and 2, respectively) and their effect on ground cover and soil traits in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers) pastures, over two 14-week grazing periods (July–September and May–August). The study was conducted at the Center for Environmental Farming systems at the Cherry Research Station, Goldsboro North Carolina. A continuous stocking method was implemented to manage the pasture. The percent ground cover was estimated with a modified step point technique. Soil samples were collected in three sampling positions (center, inner and outer areas of the paddocks) and two soil sampling depths (0–30 and 30–90 cm). The experimental design was a completely randomized block with three field replicates. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS/STAT ® Version 9.4. Greater ground cover and lesser soil nutrient concentrations were registered in bermudagrass paddocks managed with 37 pigs ha−1. The results of this study also validated the existence of a spatial pattern of soil properties, which differed among sampling positions and depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increasing interest in phytogenics for use with livestock, especially swine and poultry, is mainly due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, growth-promoting, and gut microbiome modulation properties, which makes them ideal candidates to mitigate the negative effects of the ban on antibiotic growth promoters in the European Union. We tested the ability of Allium spp. extract (containing garlic and onion), one of the best-known phytogenics, used in pig feed, to improve growth performance through modulation of the microbiome and changes in the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids in the gut tract. The promising results obtained in the present study suggested that Allium spp. extracts had the potential to be used in feeding pigs to improve growth performances by modulating the microbiota and metabolism of short-chain fatty acids. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether an Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, such as propyl thiosulfonate (PTSO), added to the feed of growing-finishing pigs at 5 g/kg enhances growth performance or affects the fecal microbiome, the levels of short-chain fatty acids, or the antioxidant capacity of the animals. Fifty male growing pigs (large white) of 23.07 ± 2.87 kg average body weight were randomly allotted to two treatments in a 103-day trial. The trial was divided into two periods, an initial growing phase (56-days) and a finishing phase (47-days). Two dietary treatments for each phase (growing and finishing) were used: a control diet (CON) and an experimental diet consisting of the control diet to which 5 g/kg of Allium spp. extract was added to substitute sepiolite (GAR). Throughout the study, body weight, average daily gain (kg/day, ADG), feed intake (kg/day), and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg) were measured, while the backfat thickness and muscle depth were determined at the end of the study. Besides, feces samples were taken for bacterial counts by means of real-time PCR and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile determination, and the antioxidant capacity was assessed in serum and saliva. In the animals receiving Allium spp. extract (5 g/kg) in the feed, ADG increased (p < 0.05) throughout the trial, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium spp. counts in feces had decreased (p < 0.05) when measured on day 56, and, by day 103, Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., and Enterobacteriaceae counts had decreased (p < 0.05) and Lactobacillus spp. counts had increased (p < 0.01) in feces. Regarding the SCFA profile in feces and antioxidant capacity measured in serum and saliva, supplementation with Allium spp. extract significantly increased the levels of propionic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids and the percentage of total branched fatty acids, while the c2/c3 and (c2 + c4)/c3 ratios were lower (p < 0.05) in feces; the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity levels in serum were significantly higher in the same pigs on day 103 than on day 0. Consequently, based on the current results, Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, added to the diet at 5 g/kg, had a beneficial effect on the microbiota and would seem to be a possible alternative for increasing the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. However, further studies on the effects of Allium spp. supplementation on carcass quality are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape pomace is a winery byproduct that is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the effect of 0, 5, and 10% inclusion of dehydrated grape pomace (DGP) in finishing pig diets on the growth performance, carcass traits, fatty acid profile, fresh meat quality, and fat stability of a local pig genotype. A total of 36 pigs, 18 barrows, and 18 gilts (83.23 ± 6.03 kg and 132.1 ± 5.6 days old) were allotted in a randomized block design considering the initial weight (block) within sex, with six replicates of each sex per treatment. Including DGP in the diets did not affect daily weight gain or the feed-to-gain ratio; however, daily feed intake increased linearly (p < 0.05) and backfat thickness at the last rib, backfat thickness at the first sacral vertebrae, P2 backfat thickness, fat area, and the percentage of lean meat decreased linearly (p < 0.05) in pigs. The inclusion of DGP in pig diets did not affect the antioxidant potential evaluated by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in mini hamburgers or the quality characteristics of fresh meat, except for intramuscular fat (EE). The dietary inclusion of DGP linearly increased (p < 0.05) EE, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and Σω-3 and reduced the ω-6:ω-3 ratio in a linear way (p < 0.05) in the loin of pigs. We concluded that it is feasible to include up to 10% of DGP in pig diets without affecting growth performance, but carcass quality may be impaired due to increased adiposity. Furthermore, meat quality can be improved by increasing intramuscular fat and ω-3 fatty acid content, but fat stability is not affected when DGP is included at up to 10% of the diet for 49 days prior to slaughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose an intelligent drinking water controller based on programmable logic controller (PLC) specifically designed for pig breeding, which significantly reduces the water waste caused by the use of traditional drinking bowls by regulating the frequency and flow of water release. In addition, the drinking water system has a tracking and recording function, which can record the frequency and duration with which fattening pigs drink water in each pen in detail, thus providing farmers with a wealth of pig health and behavior data to help optimize breeding management decisions. In order to deeply analyze the effects of the intelligent drinking water controller on the growth, resources environment and economic benefits of fattening pigs under the condition of large-scale breeding, a single factor comparison experiment was designed.In this experiment, 84 fattening pigs were selected and distributed in 12 pens. Among them, six pens were randomly designated as the control group;the pig in this group used ordinary drinking water bowls for the water supply. The other six pens were designated as the experimental group;the pigs in this group used the intelligent drinking water controller. The experimental results showed that in the experimental group with the intelligent drinking water controller, the average daily water waste per finishing pig was only 0.186 L (p < 0.05), accounting for only 25.98% of the average daily water waste per pig in the control group (p < 0.05). In terms of water quality, the intelligent drinking water controller also showed better performance, and the performance indicators were effectively reduced, with the highest reduction reaching 39.86%, which greatly reduced water pollution. Compared with the traditional drinking bowl, the average daily weight increment of fattening pigs in the pen using the intelligent drinking water controller was increased by 0.02 kg. In terms of long-term benefits, the PLC-based intelligent drinking water controller significantly improves the economic returns of the farm and has a positive impact on pig health. The high frequency data collection of the pigs' drinking habits through the intelligent drinking water controller can also provide data support for the subsequent establishment of a pig water-drinking behavior analysis model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Besides the well—known adverse effects of antibiotic usage such as drug resistance, residue, and immune system suppression, there is emerging evidence suggesting their potential to induce fat accumulation in the body, which can affect human health and the quality of animal products. Kitasamycin (KM) is widely used to treat various conditions like upper respiratory tract diseases, dysentery, and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of KM on lipid metabolism using pigs as models. The pigs were fed diets containing varying levels of KM: none, subtherapeutic, and therapeutic doses. The findings revealed that the subtherapeutic KM diet resulted in fat accumulation in back fat thickness, plasma, and longissimus dorsi muscle accompanied by alterations in both cecal microflora and concentrations of short—chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Interestingly, the therapeutic KM diet had decreased intestinal weight and density accompanied by improved apparent digestibility of nutrients. Overall, this study underscores the dose-dependent impact of KM on intramuscular fat deposition and underscores concerns regarding the potential risks associated with subtherapeutic and therapeutic KM doses in both human and animal disease treatment. Kitasamycin (KM), a broad—spectrum macrolide antibiotic, has implications for growth performance and residue in animals and humans. This study aimed to explore the effects of different KM doses on intramuscular fat accumulation, cecal microflora, and short—chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using a growing–finishing pig model. Forty—two pigs were divided into three groups: control, subtherapeutic KM (50 mg/kg, KM50), and therapeutic KM (200 mg/kg, KM200) diets over 8 weeks. KM50 led to increased back fat thickness, fat content in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM), and elevated plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels (p < 0.05), supported by upregulated lipid synthesis gene expression (Acc1, Fas, Scd1) (p < 0.05) in the LM. KM50 altered cecal microflora, reducing Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. abundance, while increasing SCFA concentrations (acetic acid, propionic acid, total SCFAs) (p < 0.05). KM200 had minimal effects on intestinal weight and density, with increased apparent digestibility of nutrients. These findings highlight the dose-dependent impact of KM on intramuscular fat deposition. Subtherapeutic KM induced ectopic fat deposition, emphasizing potential risks in disease treatment for humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated 26 malodorous substances emitted from a swine farm on Jeju Island, South Korea, to discern their specific emission characteristics and potential implications for workers' health and environmental management. A detailed analysis of emissions from livestock buildings, the compost facility, and the manure storage tank was conducted. Accurate quantification involved rigorous collection methods measuring concentrations of NH3, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), trimethylamine (TMA), aldehyde compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), p-cresol, indole, and skatole. High concentrations of NH3 and H2S, particularly in the manure storage tank, raised concerns about the health of workers. TMA levels were notably elevated in the livestock building, whereas aldehydes and VOCs remained within limits. VFAs were prevalent in the livestock building, with p-cresol, indole, and skatole in the manure storage tank. Distinct emission profiles across farm facilities highlight the need for tailored odor management strategies, ensuring worker well-being and effective environmental practices. These findings offer valuable insights for implementing targeted mitigation measures in similar agricultural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excretion and lying are key behavioral factors that cause pen fouling, thereby affecting pig welfare, pathogen fecal–oral transmission, and air quality in pig housing. This study investigated the effect of space allowance and toy provision on the spatiotemporal distribution of pigs' excreting and lying behavior, as well as the score of floor cleanliness in finishing pig pens. A total of 144 Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc hybrid fattening pigs were randomly assigned to 12 part-slatted pens at stocking densities of 0.75, 1.05, and 1.35 m2/pig with 12 pigs per pen, and 2 pens at each density level were provided with hanging chains and rubber stars as toys. The results showed that for the average daily gain (ADG) of the pigs, the main effect of space allowance was significant (p < 0.05). The ADG at the stocking density level of 1.35 m2/pig was significantly higher than 0.75 and 1.05 m2/pig (p < 0.05). The ADG of the pigs at a density of 0.75 m2/pig in the toys group was significantly higher than the no toys group (p < 0.05). When occupied space was limited, the provision of toys was beneficial to the growth performance of the pigs. Space allowance and toy provision did not affect the time-varying regularity of the pigs but had a certain impact on the areas where the two behaviors occurred. At a density of 1.35 m2/pig, the excreting rate in the corner areas of the slatted floor and the lying rate in the middle area of the solid floor were significantly higher than at a density of 0.75 and 1.05 m2/pig (p < 0.05). Under the conditions of this study, when the stocking density was 1.35 m2/pig and toys were provided, the average daily gain of the pigs was the highest, and the pigs excreted more in the defined excretion area, lay more in the lying area, and the cleanliness of the lying area was also higher. In the case of space constraints, the provision of toys can offset some of the adverse effects of space constraints on pig growth and pen cleanliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As nano-zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO), a new type of nanomaterial, has antioxidant and intestinal protection effects, we hypothesized that dietary Nano-ZnO could modulate poor meat quality, oxidative stress and disturbed gut microbiota in the finishing pig model of naturally occurring intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). A total of 6 normal-born weight (NBW) and 12 IUGR piglets were selected based on birth weight. The pigs in the NBW group received a basal diet, and IUGR pigs were randomly divided into two groups and treated with basal diet and 600 mg/kg Nano-ZnO-supplemented diet. Dietary Nano-ZnO ameliorated IUGR-associated declined meat quality by lowering the drip loss48h, cooking loss, shearing force and MyHc IIx mRNA expression, and raising the redness (a*), peak area ratio of immobilized water (P22), sarcomere length and MyHc Ia mRNA expression. Nano-ZnO activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-glutamyl cysteine ligase (Nrf2-GCL) signaling pathway by promoting the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, increasing the GCL activities, and mRNA and protein expression of its catalytic/modify subunit (GCLC/GCLM), thereby attenuating the IUGR-associated muscle oxidative injury. Additionally, the composition of IUGR pigs' cecal microbiota was altered by Nano-ZnO, as seen by changes in Shannon and Simpson indexes, the enhanced UCG-005, hoa5-07d05 gut group and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group abundance. The UCG-005 and hoa5-07d05 gut group abundance were correlated with indicators that reflected the meat quality traits and antioxidant properties. In conclusion, Nano-ZnO improved the IUGR-impaired meat quality by altering water holding capacity, water distribution and the ultrastructure of muscle, activating the Nrf2-GCL signaling pathway to alleviate oxidative status and regulating the cecal microbial composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is one of the commonly used feed ingredients in pig production and is usually characterized by high crude fat and high unsaturated fatty acids. However, the effect of adding high levels of DDGS to the diet on the lipid profile of muscle in finishing pigs is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding DDGS on the meat quality, chemical composition, fatty acid composition, and lipidomics profiling in the longissimus thoracis (LT) of finishing pigs. The results show that feeding DDGS affects meat quality and fatty acid composition, and alters lipid deposition in muscle by affecting lipid metabolism in finishing pigs. This study investigated the effects of adding corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to the diet on the meat quality, chemical composition, fatty acid composition, and lipidomics profiling in the longissimus thoracis (LT) of finishing pigs. Twenty-four healthy crossbred pigs (average body weight 61.23 ± 3.25 kg) were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates per group and four pigs per pen. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet, and the DDGS group was fed an experimental diet with 30% DDGS. The results show that adding DDGS to the diet increases the yellowness (b*), chroma (C*), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) percentages, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) percentages and iodine value of LT (p < 0.05). Based on LC–ESI–MS/MS, 1456 lipids from 6 classes or 44 subclasses in LT were analyzed, and 50 differential lipids were observed. Triglyceride (TG) with C18:2n-6 side chains and ceramide alpha-hydroxy fatty acid-sphingosine (Cer–AS) contents increased significantly, and the decrease in multiple glycerophospholipids (GPs) content may be related to differences in the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway. Correlation analysis suggests that triglycerides with C18:2n-6 side chains may be one of the reasons for the changes in b* and C* values in the LT. In conclusion, feeding DDGS affects the meat quality and fatty acid composition and may affect the lipid profile in the LT of finishing pigs by regulating lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effect of finishing diet supplementation with herbal probiotic preparation, ascorbic acid, and allicin on mortality rates of pigs, and longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscle quality, including the levels of cholesterol, macroelements and microelements. The experiment was carried out on 3614 hybrid pigs (equal share of gilts and barrows), of the offspring of PIC410 boars and DanBred sows (Landrace-Yorkshire), divided into two groups. The experimental group of pigs received Fermented Herbs Extract (Multikraft, Austria) enriched with probiotics (S. cerevisiae, L. casei, L. plantarum) in addition to ascorbic acid (E300) and allicin during the finishing period (95 days), while the control group was fed a typical finishing diet containing levels of antibiotics consistent with those used in commercial pig production. Our results showed a positive effect of supplementation with herbal probiotics, allicin and ascorbic acid in lowering finishing pig mortality and increasing pork quality as evidenced by higher pH (40 min post mortem in the SM muscle; 24 h and 48 h in the LL muscle), lower thaw loss, higher dry matter and intramuscular fat (IMF), and higher yellowness (b*) and chroma (C*) while maintaining similar carcass lean/fat content. However, results showed no effect of the supplements on the levels of cholesterol, macroelements, and microelements in the LL muscle, except for Mn, whose concentration was higher in the control group. Compared to barrows, the carcasses of gilts were characterized by a greater share of lean meat and lower backfat thickness, with similar physicochemical and functional characteristics of meat. The results also showed interactions between the groups of pigs (control and supplementation) and their sex in shaping L* and the content of ash, potassium and phosphorus in the muscles. In summary, from the point of view of production economics, the use of the analyzed supplements in the finishing feed and through fogging resulted in better health (no need for the use of antibiotics) and lower mortality of pigs, which ultimately resulted in better financial results. In addition, the use of these additives in pig fattening had a beneficial effect on meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pelleting of animal feeds has been practiced for decades, to denature protein, increase starch gelatinization, decrease anti-nutrient factor content, and improve the nutritional value of feed ingredients. Long-term high-temperature stabilization after pelleting has been employed by feed manufacturers to control the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, especially African swine fever through feed. However, pelleting is an aggressive process against vitamins, and prolonged high temperatures may further damage the vitamins' structure. Our results showed that the recovery of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6 significantly decreased after pelleting and long-term high-temperature stabilization, and the high-temperature stabilization process has the most significant influence. The objective of this study was to study the effect of pelleting and long-term high-temperature stabilization on the retention of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6 in swine feed. Piglet diets (diet 1 and 3) were pelleted after conditioning at 83 °C for 120 s, and were high-temperature stabilized at 90 °C for 8.5 min after pelleting; the finishing pig diets (diet 2, 4, and 5) were pelleted after conditioning at 82 °C for 90 s, and were high-temperature stabilized at 85 °C for 9 min after pelleting; the samples were obtained before condition, after condition, after pelleting, and after cooling. The contents of vitamin A and vitamin E in diets 1–5 and vitamin B2, and vitamin B6 in diets 3–5 were detected. The results showed that: (1) the conditioning process had no significant effect on the retention of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6 in all experimental diets (p > 0.05); (2) the pelleting process and high-temperature stabilization process after pelleting had different degrees of influence on vitamins, among which the stabilization process had a more significant effect on the retention of vitamins. After pelleting and long-term high-temperature stabilization, the retention of vitamin A, vitamin E, and B2, and vitamin B6 were 68.8–77.3%, 56.9–90.1%, 63.8–70.3%, and 60.1–67.0%, respectively. In the process of pelleting and long-term high-temperature stabilization, the retention of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6 in the feed were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Therefore, vitamin loss during high temperature and over a long period of time is worth considering, and vitamins must be over-supplemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weight of live pigs is directly related to their health, nutrition management, disease prevention and control, and the overall economic benefits to livestock enterprises. Direct weighing can induce stress responses in pigs, leading to decreased productivity. Therefore, modern livestock industries are increasingly turning to non-contact techniques for estimating pig weight, such as automated monitoring systems based on computer vision. These technologies provide continuous, real-time weight-monitoring data without disrupting the pigs' normal activities or causing stress, thereby enhancing breeding efficiency and management levels. Two methods of pig weight estimation based on image and point cloud data are comprehensively analyzed in this paper. We first analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods and then discuss the main problems and challenges in the field of pig weight estimation technology. Finally, we predict the key research areas and development directions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional antibiotic and multidrug treatments are becoming less and less effective and the discovery of new effective and safe antibacterial agents is becoming a global priority. Returning to a natural antibacterial product is a relatively new current trend. Terrestrial biota is a rich source of biologically active substances whose antibacterial potential has not been fully utilized. The aim of this review is to present the current state-of-the-art terrestrial biota-derived antibacterial agents inspired by natural treatments. It summarizes the most important sources and newly identified or modified antibacterial agents and treatments from the last five years. It focuses on the significance of plant- animal- and bacteria-derived biologically active agents as powerful alternatives to antibiotics, as well as the advantages of utilizing natural antibacterial molecules alone or in combination with antibiotics. The main conclusion is that terrestrial biota-derived antibacterial products and substances open a variety of new ways for modern improved therapeutic strategies. New terrestrial sources of known antibacterial agents and new antibacterial agents from terrestrial biota were discovered during the last 5 years, which are under investigation together with some long-ago known but now experiencing their renaissance for the development of new medical treatments. The use of natural antibacterial peptides as well as combinational therapy by commercial antibiotics and natural products is outlined as the most promising method for treating bacterial infections. In vivo testing and clinical trials are necessary to reach clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study focuses on improving how we feed pigs to reduce costs and be more environmentally friendly. Traditionally, pigs are fed in phases with their diet changing at set growth stages. This often leads to overfeeding and waste. A new method called the daily fit model (DFM), which adjusts the diet daily based on the pigs' needs, was explored. By comparing this new approach with the traditional method, it was found that the DFM significantly reduces the intake of key nutrients like protein and phosphorus without affecting the pigs' growth. This means lower costs for farmers and less environmental impact from pig farming. The simplified approach makes it easier for farmers to adopt precision feeding without advanced technology or extensive training. This method can help farmers save money, reduce waste, and promote sustainable farming practices. Precision feeding is an excellent alternative to conventional phase feeding systems for growing-finishing pigs, especially with increasing feeding costs and environmental sustainability concerns. However, precision feeding strategies sometimes require advanced technologies such as electronic devices and the modernization of pig facilities. In addition to hardware implementation, precision feeding is frequently related to mathematical difficulties due to a lack of professionals trained in decision making. Therefore, this study compares a conventional phase feeding model (CON) and a daily fit model (DFM) with a simplified approach to the conscious use of nutrients for pig production. A simulation study was conducted using growth curves of barrow pigs, following three nutritional recommendations for conventional phase feeding. Once the nutrient requirements for CON were determined, these diets were used for the DFM by anticipating a proportional percentage of the next phase diet in the current diet. This simple adjustment does not impair the growth performance of pigs. However, in this study, the DFM showed promise during the growing-finishing phases to reduce pigs' costs and nutrient intakes, such as crude protein, lysine, and digestible phosphorus, up to 5.58, 7.11 and 9.13%, respectively. In conclusion, the DFM can effectively reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and promote sustainable practices. Also, this industry-wide adoption of this simplified precision feeding strategy could play a vital role in swine farmers' challenges, fostering broader environmental benefits and improved resource efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteomyelitis is a significant cause of total carcass condemnation in pigs at the slaughterhouse. The decision for total condemnation of a pig carcass for osteomyelitis is often based on traditional perceptions of the risk of pyaemia, leading to controversy among Official Veterinarians (OV) in the industry. This review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the etiopathogenesis of osteomyelitis in pigs, the microorganisms involved, and the risk factors. It also highlights the urgent need for a more uniform method to evaluate osteomyelitis cases, which could significantly reduce economic losses in the industry. Lesions originating from tail-biting, tail docking, castration, teeth resection, and raw management are described as risk factors for osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is caused by the entry of pathogens into the animal's bloodstream through an open wound. Trueperella monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. are the most described pathogens. At slaughter, OVs condemn carcasses with osteomyelitis due to pyaemia. Signs of acute disease are essential to identify pyaemia cases. In chronic cases, total carcass condemnation can be avoided depending on the number of lesions and vertebrae affected. A clear overall image of the problem would help authorities in various countries adopt a more homogenous approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study reports the results of two studies aiming to determine, under commercial farm conditions, the effects of electronic sow feeders on the production and economic yields of lactating sows. The results indicate remarkable technical and economic outputs compared with traditional feeders due to the weaning of heavier piglets with a lower amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet. Adequate nutritional management in maternities is one of the most challenging aspects of swine production. This study reports the results of two studies aiming to determine, under commercial farm conditions, the effects of precision feeding (electronic sow feeders, ESFs) on the production and economic yields of lactating sows and possible nutritional and metabolic differences when compared to a control group fed with traditional feeders. The first trial showed that sows fed with ESFs weaned heavier piglets than sows fed with traditional feeders. Feed intake during the lactation period was similar in the sows of both groups; consequently, the amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet was lower in the sows fed with ESFs, which is a remarkable economic output. The second trial confirmed these findings and showed that, despite similar feed intakes, the sows fed with ESFs had lower bodyweight losses during the lactation period, but there were no major differences in milk composition or metabolic traits of sows and piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of oil quality and trace mineral source on the growth performance, antioxidant activity, and meat quality of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large White [64.4 ± 1.95]) were randomly allocated five dietary treatments based on body weight (BW) and sex in a 30 d trial. Pigs were fed five diets: (i) fresh soy oil + inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) + inorganic selenium (FISI), (ii) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + inorganic selenium (OISI), (iii) fresh soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (FISY), (iv) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (OISY), and (v) oxidized soy oil + organic trace minerals (OTMs) + selenium yeast (OOSY). Each dietary treatment included six replicates and six pigs per replicate (three barrows and three gilts). Feeding OISI resulted in lower average daily gain (ADG) and dressing percentage (p < 0.05). The OOSY group had a higher dressing percentage and activities of serum CAT and GSH-Px in growing–finishing pigs (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative abundance of Campylobacterota in the colonic digesta varied with the quality of soy oil and source of trace minerals (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in short-chain fatty acid concentrations were observed among all dietary groups. In conclusion, adding oxidized soy oil to the diet negatively impacted the ADG and dressing percentage of growing–finishing pigs, and replacing ITMs with OTMs and SY alleviated these negative impacts. A combination of OTMs and SY can support antioxidant capacity to mitigate the negative impacts of oxidized oil on the growth performance and dressing percentage of growing–finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of feeding type on selected quality parameters and the nutritional characteristics of pork fat. Fats were extracted by using the modified Folch method from the groin, jowl and trimming shoulder of pigs fed two types of diets: liquid and dry. The peroxide values and fatty acid profiles, as well as their distribution, in the triacylglycerol molecules were determined. Additionally, nutritional indexes and thermal properties, including the oxidative stability of pork fat, were assessed. Among the tested fats, the groin fat was characterized by the best oxidative stability which did not depend on the diet type used. In the case of jowl and trimming shoulder, a higher share of monounsaturated fatty acids was determined in fats of pigs fed a liquid diet, whereas in the groin, jowl and trimming shoulder fats of pigs fed dry feed, a higher share of polyunsaturated fatty acids was found. Fats extracted from the groin, jowl and trimming shoulder of pigs fed a liquid diet showed a more favorable ratio of n-6 to n-3 acids. Despite the different feeding systems used, tested fats were characterized by a similar distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerol molecules with a positive effect on fat digestibility. It is worth emphasizing that especially in the case of trimming shoulder fat, the influence of a diet used in pigs' nutrition on quality parameters was noticeable. The trimming shoulder fat of pigs fed a liquid diet was characterized by a longer induction time of oxidation, contained less saturated fatty acids and presented a more favorable fatty acid profile with a beneficial distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerol molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Prolonged stress negatively affects pig health, welfare, and productivity. Herein, we used a porcine model of stress during the growing period, divided into stressed and control groups. Stressed pigs experienced reduced space and were mixed twice, leading to decreased body weight and feed efficiency. Differences in feeding behavior were also observed; stressed pigs visited feeders less frequently and spent more time per meal. The microbiota of stressed pigs showed an increase in opportunistic bacteria, while control pigs had a higher abundance of beneficial butyrate- and propionate-producing bacteria. This study highlights the potential of using specific fecal microorganisms as non-invasive biomarkers to assess stress and well-being in pigs, with implications for improving both animal welfare and research applied to the human gut-brain axis. Stress significantly affects the health, welfare, and productivity of farm animals. We performed a longitudinal study to evaluate stress's effects on pig performance, feeding behavior, and fecal microbiota composition. This study involved 64 Duroc pigs during the fattening period, divided into two experimental groups: a stress group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). Stressed groups had less space and were mixed twice during the experiment. We monitored body weight, feed efficiency, feeding behavior, and fecal microbiota composition. Compared to the control group, the stressed pigs exhibited reduced body weight, feed efficiency, fewer feeder visits, and longer meal durations. In the fecal microbiota, resilience was observed, with greater differences between groups when sampling was closer to the stressful stimulus. Stressed pigs showed an increase in opportunistic bacteria, such as Streptococcus, Treponema and members of the Erysipelotrichaceae family, while control pigs had more butyrate- and propionate-producing genera like Anaerobutyricum, Coprococcus and HUN007. Our findings confirm that prolonged stress negatively impacts porcine welfare, behavior, and performance, and alters their gut microbiota. Specific microorganisms identified could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for stress, potentially informing both animal welfare and similar gut-brain axis mechanisms relevant to human research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Knowledge of grassland system characteristics is of primary importance in livestock feeding to apply proper management strategies and maintain specific territories and their biodiversity. This study aims to test the application of discriminant analysis based on principal components to near-infrared spectra derived from intact fresh herbage. Samples were collected from recently sown (pure and mixed) grasslands and old meadows that were naturalized from the previously sown north-central Apennine (Italy). Classification achieved an overall assignment success rate of 77%, and the discrimination seemed to be applicable with success (up to 80%) for pure alfalfa crops and old permanent meadows derived from the same. Grass–legume mixtures and permanent meadows originating from old grass–legume mixtures achieved lower assignment success and seemed more similar. The application of discriminant analysis combined with near-infrared spectra is promising for grassland types, which differ in their botanical and chemical characteristics, for quick assessment of pasture qualitative levels, considering that it can be performed without drying and milling. This study aims to classify plant communities by applying discriminant analysis based on principal components (DAPC) on near-infrared spectra (FT-NIRS) starting from fresh herbage samples. Grassland samples (n~156) belonged to (i) recent alfalfa pure crops (CAA), (ii) recent grass–legume mixtures (GLM), (iii) permanent meadows derived from old alfalfa stands that were re-colonized (PMA), and iv) permanent meadows originated from old grass–legume mixtures (PLM). Samples were scanned using FT-NIRS, and a multivariate exploration of the original spectra was performed using DAPC. The following two scenarios were proposed: (i) cross-validation, where all data were used for model training, and (ii) semi-external validation, where the group assignment was performed without samples of the training set. The first two components explained 98% of the total variability. The DAPC model resulted in an overall assignment success rate of 77%, and, from cross-validation, it emerged that it was possible to assign the CAA and PMA to their group with more than of 80% of success, which were different in botanical and chemical composition. In comparison, GLM and PLM obtained lower success of assignment (~52%). External validation suggested similarity between PLM and GLM groups (93%) and between GLM and PLM (77%). However, a dataset increase could improve group differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) treatment offers a promising avenue for manure valorization. However, there is a lack of larval density studies and ton-scale exploration in swine manure bioconversion. This study delves into the efficiency of larval fatty acid (FA) bioconversion, examining the impact of larval density on a kilogram scale and extending the analysis to a ton scale. Across a range of 50 to 600 larvae/kg, the larval FA content decreased from 15.3% to 7.85%. The peak larval FA yield, at 3.04% (based on manure dry matter), occurred at a density of 200 larvae/kg. Both low (50 larvae/kg) and high (600 larvae/kg) densities adversely affected BSFL bioconversion performance. Dominant larval FAs included C12:0 (39.7%), C16:1 (24.2%), C18:1 (17.5%), and C16:0 (8.3%). The scaling-up process maintained a consistent larval FA content and composition but resulted in decreased larvae FA yield due to increased larval mortality. Ultimately, each ton of swine manure yielded 12.4 kg of fresh larvae or 0.71 kg of larval FA components, corresponding to a 1.14% larval FA yield. This study underscores the feasibility of upscaling swine manure treatment using BSFL for FA bioconversion and emphasizes the necessity for large-scale studies to enhance larval survivorship and bioconversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recently, Livestock industries use many herbs and spices as feed additives for various purposes. In addition, herbal extracts can be efficiently used as growth promoters, anti-stress agents, Immune boosters, and antimicrobials. However, limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of black pepper extract (BPE) in swine diets. So, in this study, we use different doses of BPE (piperine) as supplemental additives to evaluate the growth performance of finishing pigs. The findings suggested that the graded level of BPE supplementation in pigs diet had a positive effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality. The results of this research will provide a new perception on the applications of BPE as a feed additive in livestock feed industry. The study was conducted to assess the effect of black pepper extract (BPE) supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] finishing pigs with average initial body weight (BW) of 53.7 ± 1.42 kg were used in 10-week trial and allotted to 6 dietary treatments (6 replications pens/treatment with 5 pigs per pen). The dietary treatments were: CON (basal diet), TRT1-CON + 0.025% BPE, TRT2-CON + 0.05% BPE, TRT3-CON + 0.1% BPE, TRT4-CON + 0.2% BPE, TRT5-CON + 0.4% BPE. Linear increase in body weight gain (BWG) (p = 0.038, 0.006) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed (p = 0.035, 0.007,and 0.006 respectively), during the overall trial in pigs fed increasing levels of BPE in supplemented diet compared to control. The dietary supplementation of BPE showed a linear increase (p = 0.007) in gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) at week 10. However, there were no significant results observed on average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the overall experiment. The total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM) was linearly improved (p = 0.053) with graded levels of BPE. In addition, BPE diet supplementation had linearly increased fecal Lactobacillus counts (p = 0.048) and decreased Escherichia coli counts (p = 0.031) in pigs at week 10. Furthermore, NH3, methyl mercaptans, and acetic acid was linearly decreased (p = 0.023, 0.056, 0.054) in pigs fed graded level of BPE supplementation. The inclusion of BPE in pigs' diet had linearly increased (p = 0.015) backfat thickness at week 10. Thus, we concluded that BPE supplementation had positively enhanced the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal gas emission, and meat quality of finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the recent years, the use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feed has been considered to reduce costs coming from the disposing of processing wastes and from the feeding for the animal breeding. The aim of this study was to assess the inclusion of two different levels of olive cake in 72 Pietrain pigs, during the finishing period; animals fed three dietary treatments contained increasing levels of olive cake: 0% (Ctrl), 5% (Low), and 10% (High) as partial substitution of wheat middling and soybean oil. Our hypothesis was that the inclusion of olive cake could be a possible strategy for the following: (i) finding unconventional ingredients of a commercial complete feed, and (ii) improving in vivo and postmortem performances, with particular attention on the acidic profile. The present study demonstrated that feeding olive cake improved animal performances and influenced some qualitative parameters, reducing the deposition of intramuscular fat and modifying the fatty acid composition in the intramuscular fat and backfat, where the concentration of MUFA and PUFA were increased and the quality indices (AI and IT) were improved. Obviously, the inclusion of unconventional ingredients in animal feed should not negatively affect the meat organoleptic characteristics. The aim of the study was to assess the inclusion of different levels of olive cake in pigs' diet as a strategy to replace conventional ingredients and to improve meat quality traits. Seventy-two Pietrain pigs, during the growing–finishing period (50–120 kg BW), were fed with three dietary treatments that contained or did not contain olive cake: 0% (Ctrl), 5% (Low), and 10% (High). The trial lasted 90 days. Weekly, individual body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were recorded to calculate average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). At slaughter, the dressing percentage was calculated and carcass weight and backfat thickness were measured. On a section of Longissimus thoracis muscle (LT), pH, color, chemical, and fatty acid composition were determined. Fatty acid profile was also determined in backfat. The statistical model included the effects of diet (Ctrl, Low, and High). The inclusion of 5% of olive cake in the diet improved significantly (p < 0.05) BW and FCR. Both levels of inclusion (5% and 10%) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) backfat thickness and intramuscular fat and modified their fatty acid composition, increasing (p < 0.05) the concentration of MUFA and PUFA and improving (p < 0.05) quality indices. Results suggest that olive cake did not negatively affect the productive performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pig production leads to high levels of ammonia emissions, which in turn causes environmental pollution. This paper, therefore, looks at the possibilities for reducing ammonia emissions. Reducing ammonia precursors in diets and acidifying the urine and manure pH by acidifying diets make it possible to reduce the ammonia emissions from pig production facilities. The present study tested the impact of decreased crude protein or acidifying diets on urine and manure composition and ammonia emissions from growing and finishing pig houses. We found that decreasing dietary crude protein levels reduced the ammonia emissions from the floor as well as from the pig houses, whereas acidifying diets failed to reduce ammonia emissions from the floor and the pig houses. Reducing dietary crude protein is, therefore, a positive solution to reduce ammonia emissions from pig houses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of decreased crude protein (CP) levels (by 2% units) or acidifying diets (by adding 10 g benzoic acid/kg diet in combination with replacing a part of CaCO3 by about 10 g Ca-formate/kg diet) on urine, feces and manure composition and ammonia emissions from growing and finishing pig houses. Yorkshire x F1(Landrace x Yorkshire) pigs (n = 576) with an initial body weight of 24.9 ± 3.4 kg were randomly allocated to four treatments of (i) a control diet with normal protein content and no acidifying components added; (ii) a diet with 2% units CP reduction; (iii) a diet with an acidifying effect on the manure; (iv) or a diet consisting of a combination of diet (ii) and (iii). Pigs were housed in four mechanically ventilated and temperature-controlled rooms. Results showed that decreasing the dietary CP levels by 2% units reduced the ammonia emission from the floor by 46% (p = 0.06) and from the pig house by 31% (p = 0.08). Decreased CP diets reduced the total N in feces and in manure and NH4-N in the manure, as well as the ammonia concentration at 1 cm and 10 cm above the manure surface (p < 0.05). However, acidifying diets failed to reduce ammonia emissions from the floor and the pig house (p > 0.05). Reducing dietary crude protein is, therefore, a solution to reducing ammonia emissions from pig houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study of feeding behaviour habits (FBHs) of growing-finishing pigs is of interest due to its influence on growth performance and carcass quality. The present review collates the available scientific data regarding the internal and external factors affecting the FBHs and its influence on growth performance and carcass quality. Factors explored were age, sex, breed, space allowance, feeder design, feed form, diet composition, and environmental conditions. The reviewed data indicate that the factors explored affect the FBHs of growing-finishing pigs. Moreover, meal size and feeding rate were the two FBHs most related with performance, being positively correlated with average daily feed intake, growth rate, and final body weight, but with no clear effect on feed efficiency, whereas the few studies regarding the influence of FBHs on carcass traits indicate a positive correlation between meal size and feeding rate with backfat thickness. Therefore, the available data provide evidence that modifying FBHs may improve the performance of grow-ing-finishing pigs, but not necessarily feed efficiency. Based on the available data of feeding behaviour habits (FBHs), this work aimed to discuss which type of pig, according to its FBHs, performs better and is more efficient. As pigs grow, average daily feed intake, meal size, and feeding rate increase, whereas small variations or even decreases in time spent eating and daily feeder visits have been reported. Moreover, the sex, breed, space allowance, feeder design, feed form, diet composition, and environmental conditions modify FBHs. On the other hand, the literature indicates the existence of four types of pigs: pigs that eat their daily feed intake in many short meals (nibblers) or in few large meals (meal eaters) combined with eating fast (faster eaters) or slow (slow eaters). The available scientific literature about ad libitum fed pigs suggests that pigs eating faster with bigger meals eat more, gain more weight, and are fatter than pigs eating less, slower, and with smaller meals. However, the feeding rate and the meal size do not influence feed efficiency. In conclusion, studies comparing growing-finishing pigs with similar feed intake, but different feeding rate and meal size are needed to better understand the influence of FBHs on feed efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing environmental pollution, including air pollution, contributes to improving people's health and quality of life, which is one of the goals of sustainable development. One of the important air pollutants is ammonia, which is mainly emitted from the agriculture sector. This sector is responsible for over 81% of global ammonia emissions. The aim of this research was a preliminary assessment of the implementation status of methods for reducing ammonia emissions on farms and to learn the views and awareness of agricultural producers on reducing emissions of pollutants into the air. The research was conducted using a survey questionnaire that was made available to farmers in various ways. Based on the results, it can be concluded that farmers have knowledge of environmental protection and agree that people have an impact on the environment. Low-emission practices to reduce ammonia emissions from agricultural sources are not widely used. The best situation is considering reduction practices in the storage of natural fertilizers and the use of low-emission fertilizer application techniques. The results of this type of monitoring research may be useful in determining the level of ammonia emission reduction. In the future, the data may be used during air pollution inventories conducted by state institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pig production has environmental impacts such as global warming and eutrophication. This is closely linked to the feed efficiency of production, i.e., how much feed is required to produce a given quantity of pig meat; this depends on traits such as growth rate, feed intake, and litter size. Commercial pig breeding creates genetic improvement in those traits, and this should reduce the environmental impact. We applied two life cycle assessment (LCA) studies to quantify this reduction. In the first LCA, we compared the environmental impact of pigs in 2021 to the predicted impact for 2030, and we found a 7–9% improvement over those 9 years. In the second LCA, we compared the impact of pigs from a particular breeding company to the North American pig industry average, and we found that those pigs have a 7–8% lower impact. We conclude that commercial pig breeding delivers positive environmental outcomes as a result of its selection for production and reproduction traits. Lifecycle assessment (LCA) quantified changes in environmental impact categories (global warming, eutrophication, etc.) from 2021 to 2030 due to genetic trends in (re)production traits in pig lines of the breeding company Genus-PIC. The 2030 levels were projected with selection index theory based on weightings of traits in the breeding goals and genetic covariances among them. The projected improvement was 0.9% annually for most impact categories. Another LCA compared the impacts of 2021 North American pig production based on PIC genetics versus the industry average. Software openLCA converted material and energy flows to impact categories of frameworks ReCiPe-2016, PEF-3.1, and IPCC-2021. Flows came from data recorded by customers (1.1/4.7 million sows/finishing pigs) and by subscribers to a third-party data aggregator (1.3/9.1 million). PIC genetics have a 7–8% better impact than industry average for 13/18 categories of ReCiPe-2016, 19/25 of PEF-3.1, and all categories of IPCC-2001. Pig breeding delivers positive environmental outcomes as correlated responses to selection for profitability-oriented breeding goals. This trend is additive; technology development will increase it. Different investment levels in breeding population structure and technology and different operational efficiencies of breeding companies cause substantial differences in the environmental impact of pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary fiber (DF) is an important nutrient component in pig's diet that remarkably influences their growth and slaughter performance. The ability of pigs to digest DF depends on the microbial composition of the intestinal tract, particularly in the hindgut. However, studies on how DF alters the growth and slaughter performance of pigs by shaping the gut microbial composition and metabolites are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of DF on microbial composition, functions, and metabolites, ultimately altering host growth and slaughter performance using Durco × Bamei crossbred pigs supplemented with 0%, 10%, 17%, and 24% broad bean silage in the basic diet. We found that the final weight, average daily gain, fat, and lean meat weight significantly decreased with increasing DF. Pigs with the lowest slaughter rate and fat weight were observed in the 24% fiber-supplemented group. Gut microbial communities with the highest alpha diversity were formed in the 17% fiber group. The relative abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria, bile acid, and succinate-producing bacteria, including Prevotella sp., Bacteroides sp., Ruminococcus sp., and Parabacteroides sp., and functional pathways, including the butanoate metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid [TCA] cycle, significantly increased in the high-fiber groups. The concentrations of several bile acids significantly decreased in the fiber-supplemented groups, whereas the concentrations of succinate and long-chain fatty acids increased. Our results indicate that a high-fiber diet may alter the growth and slaughter performance of Durco × Bamei crossbred pigs by modulating the composition of Prevotella sp., Bacteroides sp., Ruminococcus sp., Parabacteroides sp., and metabolite pathways of bile acids and succinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Metabolites of intestinal microorganisms play an important role in the growth process of animals, and there are differences in the feeding behavior of animals of different sexes. The aim of this study was to reveal the sex differences in intestinal microbial metabolites of Hainan special wild boars. This study shows that the highest number of differential metabolites was found between entire males and females, the differential metabolites were enriched in more metabolic pathways, and castration reduced this difference. This study provides a certain metabolite database for future precision feeding of Hainan special wild boars and other pig breeds of different sexes. The intestinal microbiota and its metabolites are essential for the health and growth development of animals. Current research indicates that sex has a certain impact on the structure and function of the intestinal microbiota, but there are few reports on sex differences in intestinal microbiota metabolites, including those of castrated male animals. This study aimed to explore the impact of sex on the intestinal microbial metabolites of Hainan special wild boars (10 entire male pigs, 10 female pigs, and 10 castrated male pigs, denoted EM, FE, and CM, respectively) by employing non-targeted metabolomics and gas chromatography. A total of 1086 metabolites were detected, with the greatest number of differential metabolites observed between EM and FE (54 differential metabolites, including 18 upregulated and 36 downregulated metabolites), the fewest between CM and FE (7 differential metabolites, including 1 upregulated and 6 downregulated metabolites), and an intermediate number between CM and EM (47 differential metabolites, including 35 upregulated and 12 downregulated metabolites). Differential metabolites were involved in more pathways between EM and FE and between CM and EM, including amino acid metabolism and digestive system pathways, whereas differential metabolites were involved in the fewest pathways between CM and FE. Correlation analysis showed Ruminococcaceae UCG-009, uncultured_bacterium_o_SAR324_cladeMarine_group_B, and Candidatus Saccharimonas contributed to the production of metabolites such as trehalose, docosatrienoic acid, D(−)-beta-hydroxy butyric acid, and acetyl-DL-leucine. The levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid were significantly higher in EM than in FE, with CM falling between the two. Streptococcus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group showed a significant positive correlation with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group, uncultured_bacterium_f_p–251–o5 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG–005 showed a significant negative correlation with the generation of SCFAs. This study provides foundational data and significant insights into precision feeding strategies for Hainan special wild boars of different sexes, as well as the study of sex differences in intestinal microbial metabolites in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Currently, there is an urgent need to develop novel protein feeds to replace traditional soybean meal from the point of view of feed source, nutrition and cost. Palm kernel meal (PKM) is a potential alternative to traditional soybean meal. The present study evaluated the effect of PKM supplementation in traditional diets of Tibetan sheep on the flavor and fatty acid profile of different parts of adipose tissue of Tibetan sheep. The results showed that the addition of PKM resulted in the deposition of favorable volatile flavor compounds in Tibetan sheep fat, which effectively improved the fat flavor of Tibetan sheep. This finding provides a basis for the improvement of fat flavor in Tibetan sheep and the rational development of PKM feed. Substituting traditional protein feed with palm kernel meal (PKM) in the diet of Tibetan sheep can be a cost-effective feeding strategy. To determine the impact of PKM on flavor development in different adipose tissues of Tibetan sheep, subjects were fed with 15% and 18% of PKM, while the control group received no PKM. The fatty acids and volatile compounds in the samples were then analyzed by GC-MS and HS-GC-IMS. Adding PKM to the diet significantly increased the C12:0, C14:0, C16:0 and C18:1N9 content in adipose tissues compared with the control, and most of these were associated with flavor formation (p < 0.05). The flavor compounds in the adipose tissues predominantly consisted of alcohols, ketones, acids and aldehydes. In particular, including PKM in the diet increased the proportion of ketones but decreased the proportion of alcohols, acids and aldehydes in subcutaneous and tail fat. Specifically, the proportion of acetone, acetoin monomer, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanone monomer, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol and methyl acetate increased significantly in the subcutaneous and tail fat (p < 0.05), while that of ethanol, 1-propanol monomer, butanol monomer, acetic acid monomer and acetic acid monomer decreased. Intermuscular fat exhibited variable results, mainly because the addition of PKM resulted in higher proportions of alcohols, including ethanol, 1-propanol and butanol monomer, especially at 15% PKM. In summary, the addition of PKM improved the flavor of Tibetan sheep fat and increased the amount of favorable volatile flavor compounds. This study can serve as reference for understanding the effects of dietary PKM on the adipose tissue flavor profile of Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phytase has been utilized extensively to free dietary phytate P and reduce environmental pollution. In commercial broiler production, phytase has been demonstrated to provide several benefits, including improved growth performance and the bioavailability of nutrients while enhancing their utilization. Yet, the multifaceted factors facilitating phytase's pronounced effects still need to be fully explored. Therefore, this study sought to summarize the impact of supplemental phytase in P- and Ca-deficient diets on broiler growth performance, bone strength, and mineralization, and explore the factors contributing to the variation across studies. The meta-analysis revealed that phytase supplementation in P- and Ca-deficient diets improves average daily feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, tibia ash, P and Ca, and bone strength in broilers across the growth phases. However, the effects were more pronounced in starter birds. In terms of improvement, the magnitude of the outcomes in P- and Ca-deficient diet supplementation with phytase was substantially associated with age, broiler strain, dietary P source, and duration of supplementation. In conclusion, phytase enzyme supplementation over a long period ameliorates the adverse effects of P- and Ca-deficient diets to improve growth performance, mineralization, and strength of the bones. The inclusion of exogenous phytase in P- and Ca-deficient diets of broilers to address the growing concern about excessive P excretion into the environment over the years has been remarkably documented. However, responses among these studies have been inconsistent because of the several factors affecting P utilization. For this reason, a systematic review with a meta-analysis of results from forty-one studies published from 2000 to February 2024 was evaluated to achieve the following: (1) quantitatively summarize the size of phytase effect on growth performance, bone strength and mineralization in broilers fed diets deficient in P and Ca and (2) estimate and explore the heterogeneity in the effect size of outcomes using subgroup and meta-regression analyses. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's SYRCLE risk of bias checklists for animal studies. Applying the random effects models, Hedges' g effect size of supplemented phytase was calculated using the R software (version 4.3.3, Angel Food Cake) to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to further explore the effect size heterogeneity (PSMD ≤ 0.05, I2 > 50%, n ≥ 10). The meta-analysis showed that supplemental phytase increases ADFI and BWG and improves FCR at each time point of growth (p < 0.0001). Additionally, phytase supplementation consistently increased tibia ash, P and Ca, and bone strength (p < 0.0001) of broilers fed P- and Ca-deficient diets. The results of the subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that the age and strain of broiler, dietary P source, and the duration of phytase exposure significantly influence the effect size of phytase on growth and bone parameters. In conclusion, phytase can attenuate the effect of reducing dietary-available phosphorus and calcium and improve ADFI, BWG, and FCR, especially when added to starter diets. It further enhances bone ash, bone mineralization, and the bone-breaking strength of broilers, even though the effects of bone ash and strength can be maximized in the starter phase of growth. However, the effect sizes of phytase were related to the age and strain of the broiler, dietary P source, and the duration of phytase exposure rather than the dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tunchang pigs are known for their good performance on roughage tolerance, which may alleviate the conflict between humans and livestock for grain resources. This study observed that Tunchang pigs can adapt to a high-fiber diet containing 5% crude fiber. The adaptive alterations in intestinal microbiota and the regulation of genes collectively facilitated the digestion of high-fiber diets in the host. These findings provide insight into the roughage tolerance of Tunchang pigs, and contribute to further exploration of host–microbiota interactions. Although studies have revealed the significant impact of dietary fiber on growth performance and nutrient digestibility, the specific characteristics of the intestinal microbiota and gene regulation in pigs capable of digesting high-fiber diets remained unclear. To investigate the traits associated with roughage tolerance in the Chinese indigenous pig breed, we conducted comparative analysis of growth performance, apparent fiber digestibility, intestinal microbiota, SCFA concentrations and intestinal transcriptome in Tunchang pigs, feeding them diets with different wheat bran levels. The results indicated that the growth performance of Tunchang pigs was not significantly impacted, and the apparent total tract digestibility of crude fiber was significantly improved with increasing dietary fiber content. High-fiber diets altered the diversity of intestinal microbiota, and increased the relative abundance of Prevotella, CF231, as well as the concentrations of isobutyrate, valerate and isovalerate. The LDA analysis identified potential microbial biomarkers that could be associated with roughage tolerance, such as Prevotella stercorea, and Eubacterium biforme. In addition, appropriate high-fiber diets containing 4.34% crude fiber upregulated the mRNA expressions of PYY, AQP8, and SLC5A8, while downregulating the mRNA expressions of CKM and CNN1.This indicated that appropriate high-fiber diets may inhibit intestine motility and increase the absorption of water and SCFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle metabolism has implications for swine feed efficiency (FE); however, it remains unclear if the metabolic profile of skeletal muscle changes during postnatal growth. To assess the metabolic changes, samples were collected from the longissimus dorsi (LD, glycolytic muscle), latissimus dorsi (LAT, mixed muscle), and masseter (MS, oxidative muscle) at 20, 53, 87, 120, and 180 days of age from barrows. Muscles were assessed to determine the abundance of several metabolic enzymes. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDHα) decreased in all muscles from 20 to 87 d (p < 0.01), which may be attributed to the muscles being more glycolytic at weaning from a milk-based diet. Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) increased in all muscles at 53 d compared to the other time points (p < 0.01), while pyruvate dehydrogenase α 1 (PDHα1) increased at 87 and 180 d in MS compared to LD (p < 0.05), indicating that potential changes occur in pyruvate entry into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle during growth. Isolated mitochondria from each muscle were incubated with 13C-labeled metabolites to assess isotopomer enrichment patterns of TCA intermediates. Citrate M + 2 and M + 4 derived from [13C3]-pyruvate increased at 87 d in LAT and MS mitochondria compared to LD mitochondria (p < 0.05). Regardless of the muscle, citrate M+3 increased at 87 d compared to 20, 53, and 120 d, while 180 d showed intermediate values (p < 0.01). These data support the notion that pyruvate metabolism is dynamic during growth. Our findings establish a metabolic fingerprint associated with postnatal muscle hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]