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Gestating sows (n = 267) were used to determine if timing of high dietary zinc supplementation in a commercial setting would reduce pre-weaning mortality of pigs and influence maternal and piglet copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Sows from three consecutive weekly farrowing groups were assigned randomly within parity to one of three dietary treatments consisting of: 1) Control: a corn-soybean meal diet containing 125 ppm supplemental Zn supplied by zinc hydroxychloride; 2) Breed-to-Farrow (B-to-F): as Control + 141 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (266 ppm total supplemental Zn) fed from 5 days after breeding to farrowing; and 3) Day 110-to-Farrow (D110-to-F): as the Control diet fed from breeding to farrowing + 2,715 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (2,840 ppm total supplemental Zn) starting on day 110 of gestation until farrowing. A subset of ten sows per treatment (n = 30; average parity = 3) were selected to assess Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations of serum, colostrum, and milk. Sera were isolated from blood collections at allotment and the day before respective farrowing date of each sow. Colostrum was collected the day of farrowing and milk on day 2 of lactation. At farrowing, two average and two low birth weight pigs from each sow (n = 122) were selected for collections of serum and tail samples at days 1 and 2 of age, respectively. The statistical model included fixed effects of treatment, farrowing group, and the random effect of their interaction. The piglet model was similar but included the random term of pig nested within sow. There were no differences in concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn in sow serum, milk, or colostrum attributable to dietary treatment. Piglet serum concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn were unaffected by feeding gestating sows high levels of supplemental zinc at any time (Table). Low birth weight pigs born to sows fed the Control diet tended (P = 0.082) to have increased concentrations of Cu in tails compared with pigs born to sows fed high zinc. In conclusion, timing of dietary zinc supplementation to gestating sows had minimal influence on concentrations of important trace elements in sows and their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs (n = 3,990) were used in a previous study to determine if supplemental zinc fed to sows at various timepoints during gestation would reduce pre-weaning mortality. Additionally, data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of birth weight on tissue concentrations and distribution of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in piglets. Mixed parity sows were fed 1 of 3 diets: a control corn-soybean meal diet containing 125 ppm supplemental Zn supplied by zinc hydroxychloride, a diet consisting of the control + 141 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (266 ppm total supplemental Zn) fed from 5 days after breeding to farrowing, or the control diet fed from breeding to farrowing + 2,715 ppm of supplemental Zn from ZnSO4 (2,840 ppm total supplemental Zn) starting on day 110 of gestation until farrowing. Two low and 2 average birth weight pigs (n = 122) were selected from 10 sows per treatment group to assess Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations of serum and tails. Serum was collected from each pig at day 1 of age and tails were collected on day 2 of age. Liver tissue was collected from a subset of pigs (n = 65) that died naturally or were euthanized within 2 days of age. The statistical model included fixed effects of treatment and farrowing group, the random effect of their interaction, and the random effect of pig nested within sow. Serum concentrations of each trace element did not differ by birth weight (Table). Low birth weight piglets had greater concentrations of Fe (P = 0.018) and Cu (P = 0.031) in their tails than average birth weight pigs. No differences were observed in tail Zn concentration by birth weight. Notably, pigs that died naturally weighed less at birth than euthanized pigs (P < 0.001). Moreover, pigs that died naturally had greater hepatic Fe concentrations (P < 0.001) and tended to have greater liver Cu concentrations (P = 0.098) compared with euthanized pigs. The associations between tissue iron and copper concentrations and birth weight of piglets may have nutritional and pathophysiological implications and thus warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A previous experiment was conducted to determine if cleanliness of a water delivery system influenced growth performance of nursery pigs. Additionally, we hypothesized that cleanliness of the water delivery system would alter populations of intestinal bacteria. Newly weaned pigs (n = 315; about 21 d of age) were used in a 42-d experiment and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 water line treatments with 17 to 18 pens/treatment and 9 pigs/pen. Treatments consisted of water delivered to pens via a water distribution system in use for 21 years without cleaning (OLD) or water delivered to pens via a water distribution system in use for 6 weeks (NEW). Water for both distribution systems was sourced from a common well. Pigs were housed in an environmentally controlled, power-ventilated, confinement nursery barn and were allowed ad libitum access to water and common diets fed in 3 phases across OLD and NEW treatments. Twenty-eight pigs of average body weight (n = 14 pigs/treatment) were selected for collection of fecal swabs on days 0, 4, and 42 postweaning. A pooled water sample was collected from 10 randomly selected pens/treatment and from the water supply on days 4 and 42. Swabs were also collected from the inside surface of each water line at the beginning and end of each line. To characterize the microbiome in all samples, extracted DNA was sequenced on the MiSeq platform targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene, and sequence data were analyzed using DADA2 and various packages within the R statistical software. Bacterial community composition of water and water line samples differed between OLD and NEW, while the sampling location of line swabs differed by location (PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.2-0.6, P < 0.05). No differences in alpha diversity were observed in pig fecal bacteria at d 0 or d 42 between OLD and NEW line. However, at d 4, pigs drinking water from the NEW line had increased fecal bacterial richness (P = 0.044) and a tendency for increased bacterial diversity (Shannon's H, P = 0.059) compared with pigs drinking water from the OLD line. There were no differences in bacterial community composition between the OLD and NEW line throughout the trial; however, pigs drinking water from the NEW line showed more discriminating bacterial taxa compared with OLD at day 4 and 42, including greater abundances of Prevotella, Christensenellaceae R7, Rosburia and Bacteroides, among others (P < 0.05). In conclusion, drinking water from either water line did not have major effects on the gut microbiome of pigs, except for more fecal bacterial diversity in pigs drinking water from the new water line at day 4 post-weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to use the recently determined ME and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) values of AA for a novel high-protein distillers dried grains with solubles (HP-DDGS ; PureStream 40, Lincolnway Energy LLC, Nevada, IA) to determine the optimal dietary inclusion rates in diets for nursery pigs. Three hundred and sixty pigs (BW = 6.79 ± 0.02 kg) were blocked by BW, and pens within blocks were assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments (10 pens/treatment, 9 pigs/pen). Dietary treatments consisted of adding 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% HP-DDGS to nursery diets during phase 2 (days 7–21) and phase 3 (days 21–42) of a three-phase nursery feeding program. Diets within each phase were formulated to contain equivalent amounts of ME, SID Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp, Ca, standardized total tract digestible P, vitamins, and trace minerals. Calculated SID Leu to Lys ratios for 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% HP-DDGS diets were 119%, 137%, 156%, and 173% in phase 2 diets and 120%, 131%, 143%, and 160% in phase 3 diets. The SID Ile to Lys ratios ranged from 60% to 69% in phase 2 diets and from 54% to 59% in phase 3 diets. The SID Val to Lys ratios ranged from 63% to 79% in phase 2 diets and 64% to 68% in phase 3 diets. Body weight and feed disappearance were measured weekly. During phase 2, ADG, ADFI, and G:F were reduced linearly (P < 0.01) as the diet inclusion rate of HP-DDGS increased. Similarly in phase 3, increasing dietary levels of HP-DDGS depressed ADG, ADFI, and G:F linearly (P < 0.01). Overall growth performance of phases 2 and 3 of nursery pigs was negatively affected by increasing levels of HP-DDGS in these diets. Pigs acquired a Streptococcus suis and Escherichia coli disease challenge during the experiment. Although no differences in morbidity were observed throughout the experiment, including HP-DDGS in diets tended to decrease (P = 0.08) mortality. In conclusion, a linear decrease in nursery pig growth performance was observed as increasing levels of HP-DDGS were added in diets, which was probably due to overestimation of SID AA content of the HP-DDGS, antagonistic effects of excess Leu, and the effects of relatively high fiber content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 40% of the total food produced in the United States is wasted throughout the supply chain. The objective of this study was to determine the energy and nutrient content and variability of food waste sources generated at different stages within the food supply chain in the Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN, metropolitan area, and their potential for use in swine diets. A total of four waste sources were selected: supermarket (SM ; retail to consumer), university residential dining hall (RH ; consumer to postconsumer), a city waste transfer station (TS ; postconsumer to municipal waste disposal), and household source-separated organic recycling program (SSO ; postconsumer to municipal waste). Samples were collected (SM: n = 22; RH: n = 60; TS: n = 27; SSO: n =12) and analyzed for GE, proximate analyses, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acid concentrations along with lipid peroxidation indicators including peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS). Data were analyzed using a general linear model that included food waste source as the main factor, and least squared means with adjustment were used for multiple comparisons. Samples of SM food waste contained the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration of GE (5,909 kcal/kg) compared with RH, TS, and SSO sources. Calculated NE of SM (3,740 kcal/kg) was also the greatest compared with the three other food waste sources. Food waste from SM, RH, and SSO, but not TS, had greater (P < 0.05) calculated NE than published values for corn and soybean meal. Concentrations of Lys (1.82%), Met (0.53%), Thr (1.07%), and Trp (0.27) content were greater in SM than in RH, TS, and SSO, but these concentrations were less than published values for soybean meal. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the phosphorus content of samples among food waste sources (0.30% to 0.64%). PV and TBARS were greatest (P < 0.05) in the SSO samples (PV = 82.4 meq/kg oil; TBARS = 2.44 mg malondialdehyde (MDA) eq/g oil) compared with the other three food waste sources. Although the concentrations of nutrients and calculated energy values of the food waste sources were moderately high compared with corn and soybean meal, their composition was more variable (i.e. greater SD of means). Food waste generated upstream (SM) in the food supply chain appears to have greater nutritional value than postconsumer food waste (RH, TS, and SSO), but all sources appear suitable for use in commercial swine diets provided that ME, NE, and nutrient digestibility values are well characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine whether feeding live yeast to sows from day 85 of gestation and through lactation influences pig performance and microbiomes in the postweaning period. Three dietary treatments were imposed on mixedparity sows during late gestation and lactation based on the inclusion level (%) of Actisaf Sc47 in corn/soybean meal-based diets: Control (C, 0%), Low (L, 0.1%), and High (H, 0.5%). Pigs (n = 240; 80/maternal dietary treatment group) were selected randomly at weaning (~19 days old) for further performance data collection throughout the nursery period. A subset of these pigs (n = 180; 60/maternal treatment group) were selected randomly for microbiome sampling through fecal swabs collected on days 4 (T1) and 28 (T2) postweaning. Pigs were housed in pens in a confinement nursery barn according to maternal dietary treatment group (10 pigs/pen; 0.28 m2/pig of floor space; 8 pens/treatment group). Treatment groups were kept separate from each other by maintaining one empty pen between treatment groups to prevent potential microbial cross-contamination. Pigs were balanced by litter, body weight, and sex during nursery allotment. Pigs had ad libitum access to water and a common industry-relevant diet, fed in four phases from weaning through day 42. Pigs were weighed individually at the end of each dietary phase (d4, d14, d28, d42). DNA was extracted from fecal swabs and sequenced on the MiSeq platform, targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene. Sequence data were analyzed using QIIME2 and DADA2, plus various packages within the R statistical software. Performance data were analyzed using repeated measures and generalized linear mixed models that included maternal treatment as a fixed effect, maternal parity as a random effect, and pen as the experimental unit. Daily weight gain was greater for L pigs (0.47 kg) compared with H pigs (0.42 kg; P < 0.05), while ADFI was increased for L pigs (0.57 kg) compared with both C and H pigs (0.49 and 0.47 kg, respectively; P < 0.05; see Table). No differences in microbiome diversity were observed at either time-point. However, microbiome composition differed based on maternal treatment group at both time-points (T1: PERMANOVA, R² = 0.02, P = 0.001; T2: PERMANOVA, R² = 0.04, P = 0.001). These results indicate that live yeast supplementation in sow diets in late gestation and lactation may have lasting effects on pig performance and microbiome composition in the post-weaning period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of live yeast supplementation of sow diets during late gestation and lactation on sow reproductive performance and piglet microbiome development. Three dietary treatments were imposed on mixed-parity sows (n = 92) from three contemporary farrowing groups during late gestation and lactation. Dietary treatments were based upon the inclusion level (%) of Actisaf Sc47 in corn/soybean meal-based diets: Control (C, 0%), Low (L, 0.1%), and High (H, 0.5%). Sows were fed their assigned gestation diet (1.8 kg ·animal-1·day-1/) from days 85 to 110 of gestation. On day 111 of gestation, sows were fed their assigned lactation diet (3.6 kg/head/day) until parturition. Sows were allowed ad libitum access to their assigned lactation diet beginning day one postpartum until piglets were weaned. Fecal and vaginal swabs were collected from all sows on day 85 of gestation (T1-S) and the day before parturition (T2-S). Colostrum and milk samples were collected from 30 focal sows (10/treatment group), and fecal swabs were collected from 6 piglets per focal sow (n = 180) at 24 to 36 hours after birth (T1-P) and weaning (T2-P, ~19 days old). Extracted DNA from swab samples was sequenced on the MiSeq platform targeting the V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene, and sequence data were analyzed using DADA2 plus various packages within the R statistical software. Generalized linear mixed models were built for sow performance data using the R lme4 package, with treatment as a fixed effect, and farrowing group, parity, and sire as random effects. Piglet performance models also included sex as a fixed effect and maternal origin instead of sire as a random effect. No significant differences were observed among dietary treatment groups for gestation or lactation length, lactation feed intake, sow body weights, sow backfat depth, litter size at birth or weaning, pre-weaning piglet mortalities, or piglet growth performance. Although alpha and beta diversity did not differ among maternal dietary treatment groups in sow colostrum, milk, fecal, or vaginal samples (T1-S or T2-S), several taxa were significantly enriched or less abundant in sow samples based upon dietary yeast inclusion levels. Diversity of piglet fecal microbiomes was not different across maternal dietary treatment groups, but community composition was different at both time-points (T1-P: PERMANOVA, R² = 0.13, P = 0.02; T2-P: PERMANOVA, R² = 0.01, P = 0.048). These results indicate that yeast supplementation in sow diets in late gestation and lactation may influence development and composition of piglet gut microbiomes in early life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A literature review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of dietary energy system (NE or ME), oil content of cDDGS, diet inclusion levels, and pig age on growth performance in pigs fed cDDGS-based diets. The mean differences (MD) of ADG, ADFI, and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were calculated and expressed as a percentage change relative to feeding corn-soybean meal (CSB)- and cDDGS-based diets to nursery (BW < 25kg) and growing-finishing (BW > 25kg) pigs. In addition, MD were determined in CSB- and cDDGSbased diets to determine the effects of supplementation of various types of exogenous enzymes with or without phytase on growth performance. A total of 27 studies with 106 growth performance observations were included in the non-enzyme supplemented dataset, and 36 studies with 84 observations for enzyme responses in CSB and cDDGS diets were in the enzyme dataset. Feeding the cDDGS diets resulted in decreased (P < 0.01) the MD of ADG (- 4.27%) and G:F (- 1.99%) for nursery pigs, and decreased (P < 0.01) the MD of ADG (-1.68%) and G:F (-1.06%) for growing-finishing pigs. Feeding high oil (= 10% ether extract) cDDGSbased diets to pigs resulted in a 2.96% reduction in ADFI while feeding reduced-oil (< 10% ether extract) cDDGS-based diets reduced G:F by 1.56% compared with pigs fed CSB diets. Supplementation of exogenous enzymes improved (P < 0.05) the MD of ADG and G:F by 1.94% and 2.65%, respectively in CSB diets and by 2.67% and 1.87%, respectively, in cDDGS diets. Proteases, enzyme cocktails, or xylanases improved (P < 0.05) ADG by 7.29%, 2.64% and 2.48% in pigs fed CSB-based diet, respectively. In conclusion, cDDGSbased diets slightly reduces growth performance of nursery and growing-finishing pigs, but supplementation of xylanase or enzyme cocktail improves G:F of pigs fed cDDGS-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of exogenous enzyme supplementation and solid-state fermentation (SSF) with a mixed bacterial culture on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production of soybean meal (SBM) or rapeseed meal (RSM). A 2 × 2 factorial design was used and included the factors of 1) exogenous enzyme cocktail (supplemented and non-supplemented), 2) microbial fermentation (fermented and non-fermented) applied to SBM or RSM in vitro. The exogenous enzyme cocktail consisted of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degrading enzymes (NSP-EZ) with phytase (10,000 FTU/kg), and the SSF were carried out using Bacillus subtilis. The fermented feed ingredients were collected after 48 h incubation at 37oC. Samples were hydrolyzed in two steps using pepsin and pancreatin to calculate IVDMD. Subsequently, the hydrolyzed residues were filtered, dried, and pooled for incubation in a buffered mineral solution with fresh swine feces. Gas production kinetics during fermentation was measured for 72 h and analyzed by fitting data to an exponential model. The fermentation residues were filtered, and the supernatant was analyzed for concentration of SCFA. The IVDMD from simulated gastric and small intestinal hydrolysis was greater (P < 0.01) for SSF in both SBM and RSM. During fermentation, the hydrolysis residue from SBM treated with SSF required less time to reach half asymptote, had greater maximal gas production, and greater fractional degradation (P < 0.01, respectively) compared with non-fermented SBM. The IVDMD from simulated total tract digestion was greater (P < 0.01) for SSF in RSM compared with SBM, while SBM had greater IVDMD for both SSF and NSP-EZ (P < 0.01). Production of butyric acid was greater for SSF (P < 0.01) compared with non-SSF in both SBM and RSM. These results suggest that SSF can improve IVDMD and produce greater amounts of butyric acid compared with NSP-EZ supplementation in SBM and RSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine and compare the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) content, and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids in novel corn co-products and dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) for swine. Seven corn co-products were evaluated including 2 conventional DDGS (DDGS-A and DDGS-B), 1 corn fiber and solubles (CFS), 2 high protein distillers' grains (HPDG-A and HPDG-B), and 2 high yeast and protein co-products (HYP-A and HYP-B). In Exp.1, 32 barrows (BW = 24.2 ± 3.4 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to a corn-soybean meal basal diet or 1 of 7 diets containing 30% of a co-product in a randomized two-period crossover design. Feces and urine were collected in 2 periods (7-d adaptation and 4-d collection). In Exp.2, 16 ilealcannulated barrows (BW = 37.0 ± 3.8 kg) were assigned to 1 of 8 diets in a repeated 8 × 4 Youden square design. An N-free diet, and 7 test diets containing 1 of 7 corn co-products as the sole protein source were used. Diets were fed to pigs for four 7-d periods (5-d adaptation and 2-d ileal digesta collection). The HYP-A and HYP-B had the greatest (P < 0.05) DE (4,309 and 4,183 kcal/kg DM, respectively) and ME (4,118 and 3,972 kcal/kg DM, respectively), and HPDG-B had the lowest (P < 0.05) DE and ME (2,266 and 2,168 kcal/kg DM, respectively) among all corn co-products. The SID of Arg, His, Ile, Lys, Met, Thr, and Val were similar among DGS-B, HPDG-A, HYP-A, and HYPB, while HPDG-B had the lowest (P < 0.05) SID coefficients for all AA and CP. The high ME and SID Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp content of HYP-A and HYP-B indicate greater feeding value for swine compared to other co-products evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize the growth responses of broilers fed cDDGS and the efficacy of various types of dietary enzyme supplementation. A total of 12 publications with 69 observations were included in the database. Individual observations were analyzed using a multivariable linear mixed model. The mean differences (MD) of BWG, FI, and gain efficiency (G/F) were calculated by subtracting either the enzyme response in corn-soybean meal (CSB) or CSB+cDDGS based diets to the control, and was expressed as a percentage (MD = (enzyme - control)/control ×100%). A type of exogenous enzymes (xylanase; protease; carbohydrases; cocktail = proteases + carbohydrases), and feeding phase (starter = d 0 to d 21; finisher = d 21 to d 42 or 49; overall = d 0 to d 42 or more) were included as fixed effects. Dietary enzyme inclusion showed significant improvement on BWG (3.19%, P < 0.01) and G/F (5.69%, P < 0.01) in broilers fed cDDGS diet. However, no significant enzyme responses were observed in broilers fed CSB diet on growth performance. Broilers fed cDDGS diet had increased (P < 0.01) BWG with the addition of protease (3.32 %) and cocktail (3.27 %), whereas addition of xylanased improved (P < 0.01) G/F by (3.56 %) and carbohydrases (1.90 %). Broilers fed cDDGS diet with enzyme supplementation showed greater improvement in BWG (3.71 %, P < 0.01) and G/F (3.78 %, P < 0.01) at finisher phase compared with starter phase. Likewise, Broilers fed CSB diet with enzyme supplementation increased BWG (9.40 %, P < 0.01) and G/F (3.11 %, P < 0.01) at finisher phase. In conclusion, supplementation of xylanase and carbohydrases in cDDGS diet improved G/F, and the enzyme response can be maximized when fed during the finisher phase diet compared with the starter phase diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published studies involving different feeding strategies and diet inclusion rates of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS) for broilers have resulted in variable growth performance responses. Therefore, a metaanalysis was conducted to quantitatively summarize the impact of feeding diets containing cDDGS on growth performance of broilers using a total of 16 publications with 56 observations in the database. The mean difference (MD) of BWG, FI, and G/F ratio were expressed as percentage between feeding corn-soybean meal-based (CSB) diet and addition of cDDGS into CSB diet of broilers. Individual observations were analyzed using a multivariable model (Proc GLIMMIX, SAS) to evaluate growth performance responses based on feeding phase, inclusion level of cDDGS, and oil content of cDDGS as a fixed effect. Broilers fed cDDGS diet had decreased BWG (-0.1 %, P < 0.01) and increased FI (0.3 %, P < 0.01) compared with broilers fed CSB diet. Moreover, every percentage unit increase in the inclusion level of cDDGS in CSB diet was associated with a decrease in BWG (0.30 %, P < 0.01) and FI (2.64 %, P < 0.01). The MD of BWG was greater for broilers fed cDDGS in the starter (4.70 %, P < 0.01) and entire (3.00 %, P < 0.01) period compared with the finisher feeding period. However, entire feeding period showed greater MD of G/F ratio (2.11 %, P < 0.01) compared with starter and finisher periods. The MD of BWG (-1.02 %, P < 0.01) and FI (-2.48%, P < 0.01) were decreased for broilers fed more than 20 % in the diet. In conclusion, including more than 20 % cDDGS into the broiler diet decreased BWG and FI. The recommended inclusion level of cDDGS into the broiler diet is 10 to 20 % during the entire period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New process technologies are being implemented in the ethanol industry resulting in new high protein corn co-products (HPCP) containing more gross energy and amino acids than conventional distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Thus, estimates of nutrient digestibility for HPCP are needed to assess potential feeding value for swine. Furthermore, yellow dent corn is the predominant grain source in U.S. ethanol and co-product production whereas flint corn is used in Brazil. This study determined and compared in vitro dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and fermentability of U.S. and Brazil corn DDGS and new HPCP. In vitro methods evaluated DM, N, and NDF digestibility and fermentability of 2 corn DDGS samples from U.S. (POET and ICM), 2 DDGS samples from Brazil (BR1 and BR2), 1 corn fiber and solubles sample (CF+S), 3 high protein distillers grains (HP-DDG) samples (BR-HP, US-HP, US-HPG1.5), and 2 HP-DDG samples containing high yeast (Ultramax; UM) and StillPro (SP). Digestibility of DM from hydrolysis varied and was greatest for UM (87.13%; P < 0.001) compared with all other co-products. Fermentability of DM was greater (P < 0.001), and similar for UM (85.6%), SP (76.8%), and US-HP-DDG (72.8%) compared with other co-products. Digestibility of N was greater for UM (91.2%; P < 0.001) compared with all other co-products. NDF digestibility was greater (P < 0.001) for UM (62.5%) and SP (60.5%) compared with all other co-products. POET and ICM DDGS had greater (P < 0.001) DM hydrolysis (78.7% and 68.2%, respectively), than BR1 (37.2%) and BR2 (35.0%) and N digestibility (POET = 65.0%; ICM = 58.9%) compared with BR1 (54.4%) and BR2 (43.4%). These results suggest greater nutritional value for Ultramax and StillPro than conventional DDGS and HP-DDG sources (U.S. and Brazilian) due to greater DM, N, and NDF digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of action for antibiotic growth promotion are poorly understood, making it difficult to select effective alternatives that are capable of providing similar responses. In order to evaluate the complete impact of supplementing antibiotics and other feed additives to nursery pigs, an integrated systems biology platform encompasses the merging of traditional nutrition models with gut physiology, nutrition and omics technologies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth response, metabolic responses, and intestinal microbiome composition of nursery pigs fed antibiotics. Antibiotic diets containing chlortetracycline and sulfamethazine (AB), and diets containing no antibiotics (CON) were fed in 3 trials. Pigs were weighed at d 10, 21, and 42 post-weaning and ADG, ADFI, and G:F was calculated. On d 42, one pig/pen was selected for blood, cecal, and ileum content collection to assess metabolomic profiles via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The composition of bacterial communities in those samples was determined by sequencing the V4 region of the 16s rRNA bacterial gene in the MiSeq platform. Metabolomics and microbiome data were analyzed using multivariate approaches and growth performance data were analyzed using a generalized mixed model. Pigs fed AB were heavier (P < 0.05) on day 42. There were also significant differences (P < 0.05) in the cecal and serum metabolite profile of pigs fed AB compared with CON. However, there were no changes in bile acid or short chain fatty acid concentrations in cecal samples when feeding AB. Although AB had no effect on alpha or beta microbiome diversity, the abundance of specific bacterial taxa shifted significantly (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that feeding antibiotics improve growth, alter metabolism, and affect the abundance of specific taxonomic groups of bacteria in the gut. In the future, this approach will be utilized to evaluate antibiotic alternatives for nursery pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly-weaned pigs (n = 450; age = 20 d) were used in a 40-d experiment to determine the effects of water quality on pig performance and health. Pigs were sourced from a single commercial sow farm that was negative for both Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus and Mycoplasma Pneumonia. Pigs were allotted randomly to 45 pens (10 pigs/pen) and pens were assigned to 1 of 3 water treatments that provided water of differing quality. Waters were selected to represent a wide range of perceived water quality. Water quality was determined based on concentration of analytes including sulfates (1,120; 617; 2 ppm), iron (5.4; 5.2; 1.3 ppm), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS; 1,500; 1,050; 348 ppm), hardness (1,410; 909; 235 mg Eq CaCO3/L), magnesium (171; 91; 21 ppm) and sodium (64; 37; 29 ppm) for waters A, B, and C, respectively. Pigs were housed in an environmentally controlled, power ventilated, confinement nursery barn and were allowed ad libitum access to a common three-phase diet and water across all water treatments. Weekly ADG, ADFI, and G:F were measured and subjective scour score (1=solid feces to 4=liquid feces) was recorded daily through day 7. Data for pig growth performance were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX with water quality as a fixed effect and pen served as the experimental unit. There were no differences among treatments in ADG, ADFI, and G:F (Table 1). Number of pigs treated with antibiotics throughout the experiment did not differ among treatments as determined by Chi-Square analysis. Average subjective scour score on day 7 of the experiment also did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, performance and health of nursery pigs as measured in this experiment were not influenced by the differing water qualities studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an Aspergillus oryzae prebiotic (AOP, Amaferm®) on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed high fiber diets. Eighteen growing barrows (initial BW = 50.60 ± 4.90 kg) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula at the distal ileum. Three diets were formulated by including 29.65% corn-distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), 36.65% rice bran (RB) or 24.59% wheat middlings (WM) in corn and soybean mealbased diets to meet nutrient requirements for 50 to 75 kg growing pigs. Three additional diets were formulated by supplementing 0.05% AOP at the expense of corn in DDGS (DDGS + AOP), RB (RB + AOP), and wheat middlings (WM + AOP) diets. Pigs were allotted randomly to a triplicated 6 × 2 Youden square design with 6 diets and 2 successive periods. Feces and ileal digesta were collected for 2 d after a 21 d adaptation period, and nutrient content was analyzed to calculate apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID). Standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids was calculated by correcting AID with basal endogenous amino acid losses determined from the same set of pigs. Supplementation of 0.05% AOP increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of DM, GE, CP, NDF, and ash in DDGS, RB, and WM diets. Diet DE was 35 kcal/kg greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed AOP supplemented diets compared with those fed diets without AOP. Pigs fed DDGS+AOP diet had greater (P < 0.05) AID of ether extract compared to those fed DDGS diet. However, supplementation of AOP did not (P > 0.05) affect AID of GE, DM, CP, NDF, ash or SID of amino acids. In conclusion, supplementation of AOP in high fiber diets containing DDGS, RB, or WM increased total tract energy value and nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber is known for decreasing nutrient utilization in pigs. The addition of fiber alters diet viscosity, but our understanding of the effect of diet viscosity on nutrient digestibility is limited. This knowledge is necessary for improving dietary fiber utilization and when evaluating alternative feed ingredients. Thirty-six T-cannulated barrows (n = 6/treatment; initial BW = 26.5 ± 3.9 kg) were fed either corn-soybean meal (CSBM) basal diets or CSBM with 30% distillers dried grains with solubles as fiber source (CSBM+DDGS). The viscosity of diets were modified by using non-viscous cellulose (CEL), medium-viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (MCMC), or high-viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (HCMC) to assess viscosity effects on nutrient digestibility and intestinal physiology. After 29 d on diets, ileal digesta were collected to determine viscosity and apparent ileal digestibility (AID). Also, intestinal tissue and contents were harvested to determine morphometry, goblet cell quantitation, and digestive enzymatic activity. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model with treatments as fixed effects and initial BW as a random effect. Results are shown in Table 1. No interactions were observed between viscosity and diets. Inclusion of MCMC and HCMC increased viscosity of supernatant and whole digesta compared with CEL. Increasing diet viscosity decreased AID of DM and CP in pigs fed MCMC and HCMC compared with pigs fed CEL, respectively. The AID of DM and CP were greater in CSBM than CSBM+DDGS. Inclusion of CMC increased crypt depth in the jejunum and goblet cell area in the ileum compared with pigs fed CEL regardless of basal diet fed. Digesta trypsin activity was not different among treatments, but inclusion of CMC increased amylase activity by 43% in jejunal digesta compared with CEL. The addition of DDGS reduced AID; however, viscosity affected intestinal morphology and function, suggesting that viscosity is the main characteristics of fiber affecting nutrient utilization of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to determine pre-weaning survival of pigs when sows were supplemented with 3 dietary levels of Zn in late gestation. Gilts and sows (n = 339) were assigned to one of three dietary treatments based on parity. Treatments were: 1) Control - corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 125 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (75 ppm Zn) and AvailaZn™ (50 ppm Zn, CON); 2) Intermediate - as Control + 240 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (INT); and 3) High - as Control + 470 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (HI). Final supplemental Zn concentrations of diets were: 1) CON - 125 ppm; 2) INT - 365 ppm; and 3) HI - 595 ppm. Sows received dietary treatments from about d 85 of gestation until farrowing. Individual piglet birth weights were recorded within 12 h of parturition and all instances of piglet mortality were recorded. The statistical model considered fixed effects of diet and random effects of parity. Chi-square analysis was used to determine diet effects on piglet mortality. There were no differences in total pigs born, born alive, or weaned per litter. However, piglets from sows fed the INT diet had heavier (P < 0.05) birth weights (1.42 kg) than those fed CON (1.38 kg). Furthermore, incidence of low birth weight pigs was less (P < 0.05) for sows consuming INT compared with sows fed CON and HI (Table 1). Overall piglet mortality tended to decrease (P < 0.10) as dietary Zn increased. Furthermore, mortality of low birth weight pigs decreased (P < 0.05) as dietary Zn increased. Overall, effects of supplemental dietary Zn at 365 and 595 ppm in late gestation improved pre-weaning survival of low birth weight piglets and reduced overall pre-weaning mortality of piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scenedesmus is a common green algae genus with high biomass productivity, and has been widely used in biofuel production and waste water management. However, the suitability and metabolic consequences of using Scenedesmus as an animal feed ingredient have not been examined in detail. In this study, the influences of consuming Scenedesmus on the metabolic status of young mice were investigated through growth performance, blood chemistry, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics. Compared to the control diet, feeding a diet containing 5% Scenedesmus improved growth performance while the diet containing 20% Scenedesmus suppressed it. Among common macronutrients-derived blood biochemicals, serum triacylglycerols and cholesterol levels were dramatically decreased by feeding the 20% Scenedesmus diet. Metabolomic analysis of liver, serum, feces, and urine samples indicated that Scenedesmus feeding greatly affected the metabolites associated with amino acid, lipid, purine, microbial metabolism, and the endogenous antioxidant system. The growth promotion effect of feeding the 5% Scenedesmus diet was associated with elevated concentrations of antioxidants, an expanded purine nucleotide cycle, and modified microbial metabolism, while the growth suppression effect of feeding the 20% Scenedesmus diet was correlated to oxidative stress, disrupted urea cycle, upregulated fatty acid oxidation, and an imbalanced lipidome. These correlations among Scenedesmus dietary inclusion rate, individual metabolite markers, and growth performance suggest the need to define the dietary inclusion rate threshold for using Scenedesmus and other microalgae supplements as feed ingredients, and also warrant further mechanistic investigations on the biological processes connecting specific constituents of Scenedesmus with the metabolic effects observed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]