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The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of betaine and superdosed phytase on boar reproduction during mild heat stress. Twenty-seven mature (36 wk old), crossbred boars [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] were randomly allocated to treatment and were fed 2.6 kg/d of 1 of 3 corn, soybean meal diets: control (CNT; 250 phytase units/kg Escherichia coli phytase; n = 9), betaine (BET; 250 phytase units/kg E. coli phytase and 0.6% betaine; n = 9), and betaine and superdosed phytase (BP; 2,500 phytase units/kg E. coli phytase and 0.6% betaine; n = 9). The experiment was split into 4 environmental phases (4 wk/phase) consisting of pre-heat stress (26°C), heat stress (30.2°C), post-heat stress 1 (16.7°C), and post-heat stress 2 (17.5°C). Semen was collected weekly from each boar and was evaluated for semen quantity and quality parameters. Total motility, progressive motility and percentage of morphologically normal sperm were reduced in the heat stress period (P

The objectives of this research were to use currently available models of nutrient requirements to estimate heat production of lactating sows and to characterize potential sources of variation. Heat production was estimated using NRC (2012) . Sow BW, mean daily litter weight gain ( Cabezon et al., 2016a ), and daily feed intake data ( Cabezon et al., 2016b ) from 317 sows of 2 genetic lines (164 and 153 sows) were used to predict the heat production (watts) for each day of lactation. Data were sorted in 4 parity groups: parity 1 (n = 80, P1), parity 2 (n = 57, P2), parities 3 to 5 (n = 142, P3–5), and parity 6 and greater sows (n = 38, P6+). No genetic line differences were observed for the predicted daily heat production (PDHP). The PDHP were 459, 507, 541, and 555 W for P1, P2, P3–5, and P6+ sows, respectively. Parity 1 sows had less PDHP than sows with greater parities (P

This study was conducted to evaluate the underlying physiological changes during heat stress and the effect of betaine supplementation in lactating sows. Twenty sows were housed in 2 rooms (each with 10 sows) to simulate heat stress (HS: 31°C from 0800 to 1600 h and 26°C for the rest of the day) or thermoneutral (TN: 22°C during the entire trial) conditions. Treatments were randomly allotted to each sow to receive 0.00% or 0.22% of a betaine supplement in their diets. Sows were blocked by parity as they entered the farrowing rooms at d 110 to 112 of gestation. Sows housed in the HS condition had ad libitum access to feed. Sows housed in the TN condition were pair fed with sows in the HS room. Follicle size was measured every 12 h with a real time ultrasound from weaning to ovulation. Betaine supplemented sows had 0.23°C lower rectal temperature than control sows (P = 0.048). Respiration rates and rectal and skin temperatures were 36 breaths/min and 0.44 and 3.55°C greater under HS than TN conditions, respectively (P 0.44) or environments (P > 0.25). The mean follicle diameter was smaller under HS than TN conditions (P = 0.003). Betaine supplemented sows had greater follicle diameter than control sows (P = 0.043). The time to ovulation from weaning was 2.1 d longer in HS sows than TN sows (P = 0.005).

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of betaine supplementation during lactation in hot summer months on piglet growth and sow subsequent reproductive performance. The betaine feeding portion of the experiment was conducted between December 2014 and March 2015 with subsequent litter data completed by July 2015 in Rancagua, Chile. Dietary treatments were allotted randomly to concurrent farrowing rooms of sows. Sows were fed diets supplemented with either 0% (n = 193) or 0.3% (n = 175 sows) of betaine-HCl (70.7% betaine) from 2 d before their farrowing due date until weaning (average lactation length = 21.0 d). Betaine supplemented sows had 3.90% greater ADFI during lactation than control sows (P = 0.005). Treatments by parity interactions were significant for ADFI and sow BW loss (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005, respectively). Parity 2 sows that received betaine supplementation had greater ADFI (6.89 versus 6.17 kg/d) and 6.70 kg less BW loss than parity 2 control sows (P

Daily feed intakes (DFI) of 565 lactation records were evaluated for sows of 2 genetic lines, PIC C-22 and L-42. Sows were fed ad libitum during the entire 21-d lactation period with a diet supplemented with either 0 or 0.3% betaine-HCl. Sows were fed corn–soybean based diets (3.32 Mcal of ME/kg). The DFI data were fitted to generalized Michaelis-Menten functions of day of lactation. The generalized Michaelis-Menten function {DFI i, t (kg/d) = DFI 0 + (DFI A − DFI 0 )( t / K ) C /[1 + ( t / K ) C ]} with 2 random effects for DFI (dfi A i ) and intercept (dfi 0 i ) with K as a linear function of dfi 0 i provided the best fit to the DFI data (R 2 = 0.474). The addition of a single covariate including daily degree-hours above 24°C (DGH24), daily maximum temperature (MaxT), or daily mean temperature (MeanT) of the current day were considerable ( P P 0 i and dfi A i . Betaine-supplemented sows had a 0.27 kg/d greater mean for dfi A i ( P = 0.004). Substantially greater DFI was found at the end of lactation in betaine-supplemented parity 1 and parity 2 sows ( P = 0.012 and 0.005, respectively). Parity was important for both random effects ( P A i ( P = 0.006 and 0.049, respectively).

Crossbred barrows were blocked by BW (28.4 kg) and allocated to 1 of 4 treatments (10 pens per treatment, 5 per pen) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with 2 NE levels [control vs. low (LE)] and with or without 7.5 mg/kg ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) during the last 21 d of the 105-d feeding trial. The objectives were (1) to evaluate the BW growth, energy intakes, and energetic efficiency of high growth barrows fed high and low energy density diets during the grow-finisher phases, and (2) to evaluate the effect of feeding RAC when pigs were fed either high and low energy diets. Control diets were based on corn, soybean meal, corn DDGS, and LE diets were created by adjusting inclusion rates of soybean hulls and wheat middlings. Diets were formulated on an equal standardized ileal digestible Lys:NE basis within phase, and RAC diets had increased amino acid concentrations compared with non-RAC diets. From d 0 to 84, control pigs had greater ( P P P P P P P P P

In 2006, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grant program funded a project to develop the infrastructure for the systematic development and implementation of the USDA-NRCS Feed Management (FM) Conservation Practice Standard 592 (CPS 592). The overall goal of CPS 592 is to encourage adoption of FM practices that can have a positive impact on soil, water, and air quality. Implementation documents, templates, decision aid tools, and supporting fact sheets were developed for the species of beef, dairy, poultry, and swine. Specific objectives of the project were to 1) assist USDA-NRCS staff and agricultural professionals to increase their understanding of FM and its impacts on environmental sustainability of livestock and poultry operations, 2) improve the proficiency of agricultural professionals in the development and implementation of a FM plan as part of a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan, 3) provide the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists with certification exams, and 4) provide methodology on how to assess the financial implications of different ration strategies on whole-farm nutrient balance and economics of use of manure nutrients at agronomic rates. Implementation of CPS 592 is described for the states of California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The BW growth of 1,385 barrows and gilts was evaluated from d-21 weaning to 130 kg BW. The pigs were assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The pigs were fed a series of either standard corn- and soybean meal-based control diets or low nutrient excretion nutrient-dense (LNE-ND) diets from 1 wk postweaning to 130 kg BW and assigned to rooms with either deep pit or pull plug-recharge manure storage treatments. The pigs were weighed at weaning, at 7 and 14 d postweaning, and at approximately 2-wk intervals from 28 d postweaning to a mean BW of 130 kg. Mixed model nonlinear equations including pig-specific random effects were evaluated for the generalized Michaelis-Menten function. The serial postweaning BW data were fitted to a mixed model generalized Michaelis-Menten equation. Relationships of weaning BW to late finishing BW and days to 125 kg BW were different for each dietary treatment. Late finishing BW and days to 125 kg BW had nonlinear relationships with weaning BW for pigs fed the LNE-ND diets and had linear relationships for pigs fed the control diets. The predicted changes in subsequent BW of the LNE-ND diets per kilogram of change in weaning BW were greater for pigs with the lightest weaning BW than for pigs with average to above-average weaning BW. Across both dietary treatments, pigs with greater weaning BW and greater early postweaning ADG required fewer days to achieve target market BW.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and tallow on belly firmness in 120 gilt finishing pigs. Pigs were assigned to 1 of 5 treatment combinations and fed 30 d prior to slaughter. Treatments were as follows: control, a 5% restaurant grease for 30 d (RG30); 5% restaurant grease for 0 to 20 d and switched to CLA (0.83%) and restaurant grease (4.17%) combination for 20 to 30 d (RGCLA); 5% restaurant grease for 0 to 20 d and switched to a 5% tallow for 20 to 30 d (Tallow10); 5% restaurant grease for 0 to 10 d and switched to a 5% tallow for final 20 d (Tallow20); and 5% tallow for 0 to 30 d (Tallow30). No changes occurred in drip loss, pH, loin eye color, or size, and no difference occurred in growth parameters, except for ADG between 20 to 29 d, where pigs allotted to Tallow20 and Tallow30 had greater (P

Two ractopamine (RAC) step-up programs were evaluated for their economic returns using a swine growth simulation program that incorporated growth responses to constant and to increased RAC concentrations. Dietary lysine concentrations were optimized to maximize daily returns above feed costs for 3 phases: (1) before RAC supplementation, (2) the first half of the RAC feeding period (14 or 18 d), and (3) the second half of the RAC feeding period. Diets were assumed to be corn-soybean meal based diets. Two durations of RAC feeding were evaluated, 28 and 35 d. The model compared constant RAC concentrations (0, 5, or 10 ppm) and two step-up programs in which 5 ppm RAC was fed the first half of RAC feeding period followed by either 7.5 or 10 ppm RAC. The initial BW of pigs at the start of the second phase diet was set at 78 and 72 kg for the 28- and 35-d feeding durations, respectively. Two payment schemes were used: one set the lean-to-fat price ratio at 4:1, close to true carcass cut-out value, and the other set the lean-to-fat price ratio to 2:1, approximating carcass merit pricing systems. The 5 to 10 ppm step-up had the greatest daily returns, followed by the 5 to 7.5 ppm step-up, the constant RAC feeding, and the control. Step-up programs were predicted to be more profitable than feeding constant dietary RAC concentrations.

Three nonlinear growth functions were evaluated on barrows (n=108) and gilts (n=105) fed diets designed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous excretion. The pigs were weighed at birth and at approximate 14-d intervals from 62 to 147 d of age and then weekly to 190 d of age. Mixed models including pig specific random effects were evaluated for the Bridges, Weibull, and generalized Michaelis-Menten (GMM) functions. Two pig specific random effects were included in each function—one for predicted mature BW and one variable associated with the age at which maximum ADG was achieved. Alternative analyses were completed in which a random effect for a third parameter was predicted as a linear function of the random effect for mature BW. The alternative analyses resulted in improved likelihood statistics and smaller standard errors for the between-pig variance in mature BW. The 3 functions provided similar likelihood statistics, residual standard deviations, predicted BW, and predicted mean age (140 d for barrows and 134 d of age for gilts) and mean BW (83 kg for barrows and 73 kg for gilts) at which maximum ADG was achieved. The Weibull and Bridges functions predicted that 3 barrows and 6 gilts had mature BW of less than 130 kg. The GMM function allowed for more gradual growth to 50% greater mature BW than the Weibull and Bridges functions. The GMM equation allows for nonsymmetric sigmoidal growth and in some cases may provide a better fit to the BW data of pigs.

One hundred eighty pigs were used in a 15-wk experiment to determine the effects of supplementing pantothenic acid (PA) to the diet for 49 or 105 d prior to slaughter on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs were blocked by sex and BW (initial = 29 kg) and were randomly assigned to pens (30 pens; six pigs per pen). Treatments included 1) control (13.2 ppm of PA), 2) control + 30 ppm of PA for 105 d preslaughter, and 3) control + 30 ppm of PA for 49 d preslaughter. Pig BW and pen feed intake were recorded biweekly. Ultrasonic estimates of 10th rib longissimus area (LEA) and fat thickness were recorded at 4-wk intervals on 3 pigs per pen. After 105 d, pigs were slaughtered, and individual hot carcass weights, American Ultrasound Services (AUS) backfat, and loin muscle depths (LMD) were recorded. Supplementation of PA did not affect (P> 0.10) overall ADG, ADFI, or feed efficiency. Tenth and last rib ultrasound thickness and LEA were not different (P> 0.10) between control-fed pigs and PA-supplemented pigs. Tenth rib carcass fat depths were numerically less for pigs fed diets with supplemental PA, but differences were not significant (P>0.10). Similarly, there was no effect of PA supplementation on carcass 10th rib LMD (P> 0.10). However, carcass lean percentage tended (P 13.2 ppm alters carcass composition.

Mediation of nutrition and environmental stressors through hormonal and physiological responses alters growth performance and lipid metabolism in nonruminants, resulting in substantial impacts on carcass lipid quality. Understanding and managing the factors that control carcass fat quality is a challenge for the swine industry yet provides opportunities to improve final carcass quality and profitability of pork production. Three major contributors to lipid quality in swine are regulation of de novo lipogenesis, dietary lipid composition, and environmental stressors. This chapter will evaluate these contributors and their effects on lipid deposition and quality, as well as nutritional and managerial interventions.

Manipulation of the pig's diet to reduce nutrient excretions and odors is feasible and practical. Avoiding excessive dietary protein, using high quality protein sources, and feeding low protein, amino acid supplemented diets are practices that will reduce the N in excreta. Avoiding excessive overages of dietary P, balancing diets on an available P basis, and use of phytase as a dietary supplement offers potential for further reducing the P in manure. Use of reduced or organic forms of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg will reduce excretion of these nutrients in manure. Feeding management technologies that will enhance feed efficiencies and reduce nutrient excretion include feeding for phase, sex and genetic ability of the animal. Reducing the intact protein levels in diets and balancing with synthetic amino acids, use of low levels of specific non-starch polysaccharides (NSP; soybean hulls, sugar beet pulp), and maintaining the proper acid-base balance and buffering in the diet can significantly reduce odorous compounds. Greater nutrient reductions may be possible through the development of specialty feed ingredients that will be used for specific animal diets. Research to fine-tune the diets for production systems is needed.