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The effects of environmental enrichment on growth performance of early weaned Large White Yorkshire (LWY) piglets were studied. Eighteen LWY piglets of either sex, weaned at 35 days of age were selected and divided into three groups with six piglets each. The group T1 was taken as control where no enrichment was provided, while T2 and T3 groups were provided with paddy straw and plastic balls respectively for environmental enrichment. Significant difference (P<0.05) in growth parameters was observed between control and other treatment groups. At the end of the experiment, the group T2 had the highest mean body weight (8.18 ± 0.21 kg), followed by T3 (8.02 ± 0.09 kg) and T1 (7.30 ± 0.43 kg). When compared to the control group, the daily weight gain (0.037 ± 0.12 kg) of the weaned piglets of T2 were having significantly highest daily weight gain (0.059 ± 0.02kg), followed by T3 (0.051± 0.05kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Stocarstvo is the property of Croatian Society of Agronomists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study aimed an evaluation of body size and growth performance in the Mangalita breed which were compared with results obtained in different old pig breeds in Europe. The experimental group included 30 individuals, divided into 2 groups of 15 individuals, castrated males and females. The following characteristics were determined: body length, height at withers, live weight, age at slaughter weight, average daily gain, carcass weight and yield at slaughter. The results were compared with literature data from the East-Balkan Pigs, Iberic Pigs and Nero Siciliano breeds. The highest average weight and the largest body lengthwas recorded in Mangalita males with 141.2 kg respectively (115.2 cm). The highest carcass weight was recorded at Iberic pigs (108.1kg).Although the production performances are not very high, the very good organic resistance, the great adaptability to various growing conditions and the excellent qualities of the meat are arguments in favor of the further growth of these two breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carinata meal is increasingly available for livestock feeding. However, the effects of supplemental phytase and fiber degrading enzymes on nutritive value of carinata meal for pigs have not been reported. Objective of the study was to evaluate the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid (AA), and digestible energy (DE) and net energy (NE) values of phytase- and fiber-degrading enzymes-supplemented carinata meal for growing pigs. Ten ileal-cannulated pigs (initial body weight = 53.9 ± 4.76 kg) were fed 4 diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with two additional columns to give 10 replicates per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet, basal diet with 25% carinata meal, basal diet with 25% carinata meal plus phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg and multi-carbohydrase at 0.2 g/kg, and in addition a nitrogen-free diet. The multicarbohydrase supplied 4 units of xylanase, 10 units of β-glucanase, and 1,000 units of pectinase per kilogram of diet. The ratio of corn to SBM and soybean oil in carinata meal-containing diets was identical to that in the corn-SBM-based basal diet to allow calculation of AA and energy digestibility of carinata meal by the difference method. On a dry matter basis, carinata meal contained 50.2% crude protein, 0.88% ether extract, 15.37% acid detergent fiber, 1.82% Lys, 0.96% Met, 1.89% Thr, and 0.64% Trp, respectively. The SID of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp for carinata meal were 51.4%, 82.2%, 65.9%, and 85.9%, respectively. The DE and NE values for carinata meal were 3,427 and 1,828 kcal/kg of dry matter, respectively. Supplementation of a combination of phytase and multicarbohydrase did not affect the apparent ileal digestibility of AA and SID of AA for the corn-SBM-carinata meal-based diet, and for the carinata meal. However, the combination of phytase and multicarbohydrase did improve (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility, and DE and NE values for carinata meal by 9.4%, 9.5%, and 12.4%, respectively. In conclusion, the enzymes used in the current study could be added in carinata meal-based diets for growing pigs to improve the energy value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preweaning survival and growth are compromised in litters with larger numbers of piglets. We evaluated two approaches for altering initial nursing with the goal to improve access to colostrum by groups of piglets that are known to have reduced access to colostrum. Therefore, we temporarily (1.5 h) removed either the heaviest six piglets in the litter (WT) or the first half of the piglets born (ORD) to provide a short period of nursing with reduced competition for the remaining piglets. We found that WT piglets were heavier (P ≤ 0.05) at 7 d after farrowing and gained more body weight (BW) from farrowing to day 7 than control (CON) piglets which were raised in litters with ad libitum nursing during the same period. Further, we found that the heaviest piglets consumed more (P < 0.001) colostrum and gained more (P < 0.001) BW during the preweaning period but did not have (P > 0.10) greater immunocrits. Although ORD piglets had similar colostrum intake, immunocrits, and preweaning weights as controls, we found that overall the piglets born in the first half of litters had greater (P < 0.01) immunocrits than piglets born in the last half of the litter. Therefore, both birth weight and birth order have effects on traits that are important for prenatal growth and survival, but they differ in that birth weight is more closely related to colostrum intake and birth order affects immunocrit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1,089 pigs (PIC 280 × 1050; initially 37.3 ± 2.8 kg) were used to determine the effects of increasing Cu provided from either CuSO4 alone or a 50:50 blend of CuSO4 and a Copper–amino acid complex (Cu-AA) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Pens of pigs were blocked by body weight; within blocks, pens were randomly allotted to one of six dietary treatments. The six dietary treatments consisted of a control diet which contained 17 mg/kg Cu from CuSO4 from the trace mineral premix, or the control diet with either added CuSO4 to provide 70 and 130 mg/kg total Cu or a 50:50 blend of Cu from CuSO4 and Cu-AA (CuSO4/Cu-AA blend) to provide 70, 100, and 130 mg/kg total Cu. Experimental diets were corn–soybean meal-dried distillers grains with solubles-based and fed in meal form in five phases (approximately 37 to 46, 46 to 63, 63 to 77, 77 to 103, and 103 to 129 kg body weight). From d 0 to 43, neither Cu source nor level influenced growth performance. From d 43 to 105, average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased (P = 0.037) for pigs fed the CuSO4/Cu-AA blend compared to those fed added Cu from CuSO4 alone. Gain:feed ratio (G:F) tended to be improved (linear, P = 0.056) as Cu concentration increased. Overall, d 0 to 105, neither Cu level nor source influenced average daily gain (ADG). Pigs fed 70 or 130 mg/kg total added Cu from the CuSO4/Cu-AA blend had lower (P = 0.045) ADFI but G:F tended to be improved (P = 0.051) compared with those fed the same amount of total Cu from only CuSO4. Owing to the decreased ADFI and improved G:F of pigs fed the CuSO4/Cu-AA blend, carcass G:F also improved (P = 0.033) compared with those fed added Cu from CuSO4 alone. In conclusion, providing a 50:50 blend of CuSO4 and Cu-AA improved G:F on both a live and carcass weight basis compared to CuSO4 alone with no differences in ADG or carcass ADG observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In wean-to-finish pig production, leftover finisher feed from the previous group is commonly blended with nursery diets as weanling pigs enter the facility. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate feeding the last finisher diet to nursery pigs. The timing (phase) and dose were evaluated. Each experiment used 1,260 pigs from two commercial research rooms with 21 pigs per pen and 30 pens per room (15 pens per treatment). Pigs were fed commercial nursery diets in a five-phase feeding program, and phase changes were based on a feed budget. In experiment 1, pens of pigs (initially 5.83 kg) were blocked by body weight, gender, and room and allotted to one of four treatments. Treatments included standard nursery diets throughout (control) or standard diets with 2.5 kg/pig of the last finisher feed blended at the beginning of phase 2, 3, or 4. Growth responses during the intermediate periods were promptly decreased (P < 0.05) once the finisher feed was introduced regardless of phase in which it was blended. However, during the overall nursery period, blending the finisher diet into phase 2 decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but did not affect gain:feed ratio (G:F), compared with control pigs or those that had blended diet in phase 4 with blending of phase 3 diet intermediate. In experiment 2, weaned pigs were fed common phase 1 and 2 diets before the start of the experiment. At the beginning of phase 3, pens of pigs (initially 10.6 kg) were blocked by body weight and room and allotted to one of four treatments. Treatments consisted of a dose-titration of blending increasing amounts of finisher feed (0, 1.25, 2.50, and 3.75 kg/pig) into the phase 3 nursery diet. Overall, blending increasing amounts of the last finisher feed with phase 3 nursery diet decreased ADG (linear, P = 0.050) and tended to decrease (linear, P < 0.07) ADFI and final body weight. However, there was no evidence for difference in overall G:F. In conclusion, blending finisher feed into the early nursery diets decreased overall ADG and ADFI; however, pigs greater than 11 kg had improved ability to compensate for the negative effects of blending the last finisher feed on overall growth performance. Nevertheless, increasing the amounts of finisher feed fed to 11-kg pigs from 0 to 3.75 kg/pig resulted in a linear decrease in overall ADG and ADFI. Economic analysis indicated no change in income-over-feed-cost due to the timing and dose of blending finisher feed into nursery diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-transit losses of market hogs represent a small proportion of all market-weight pigs shipped in a year. This suggests that individual pig factors may be a significant cause of in-transit losses along with more traditionally considered environmental and transport factors. An investigation was performed to determine whether cardiac pathology and heart weights were associated with pigs that did or did not die during transport to an abattoir. The hearts from 70 pigs that died in-transit to one Ontario abattoir and 388 pigs that arrived alive were collected and examined. Hearts from pigs that died during transport demonstrated greater frequencies of cardiac lesions (P < 0.05). These included hypertrophy of ventricle walls (Left: 97% vs. 64%; Right: 86% vs. 57%), dilation of ventricle chambers (Left: 79% vs. 0.5%; Right: 100% vs. 5%), and dilation of the pulmonary artery and aorta (59% vs. 1.5%). Total heart weight to body weight ratios were increased (3.6 vs. 3.3 g/kg) and left ventricle plus septum weight over right ventricle weight ratio was decreased in pigs that died during transport over non–in-transit loss pigs (2.5 vs. 2.8; P < 0.05). This may indicate reduced cardiac function in hogs that died during transport. Pigs with reduced cardiac function would have exercise intolerance and be more susceptible to death during transport due to the increased cardiac workload required during sorting, loading, and transport of the pigs to the abattoir. Further research to quantify cardiac function in pigs with cardiac lesions or abnormal heart weight ratios is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted this study to compare the effects of lactic acid bacteria complex (L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. lactis, L. plantarum, S. thermophilus, and B. longum) and Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 in weanling pigs. A total of 120 weanling pigs (24-day-old) were used in a 5-week feeding trial. Pigs were allotted into three dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; LA, CON + 0.1% lactic acid bacteria complex; EF, and CON + 0.1% E. faecium DSM 7134. From days 0 to 14, days 15 to 35, and the overall period, average daily gain was higher (P < .05) in EF than that in CON. Higher gain:feed ratio was also observed in EF compared with CON during the overall period. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy was greater (P < .05) in LA and EF compared with CON on days 14 and 35. Faecal Lactobacillus counts were increased (P < .05) and faecal pH was decreased in LA and EF compared with CON on days 14 and 35. Results of the current study indicated that E.faecium DSM 7134 has better effects on growth performance than lactic acid bacteria complex in weanling pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted this study to compare the effects of lactic acid bacteria complex (L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. lactis, L. plantarum, S. thermophilus, and B. longum) and Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134 in weanling pigs. A total of 120 weanling pigs (24-day-old) were used in a 5-week feeding trial. Pigs were allotted into three dietary treatments: CON, basal diet; LA, CON + 0.1% lactic acid bacteria complex; EF, and CON + 0.1% E. faecium DSM 7134. From days 0 to 14, days 15 to 35, and the overall period, average daily gain was higher (P < .05) in EF than that in CON. Higher gain:feed ratio was also observed in EF compared with CON during the overall period. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy was greater (P < .05) in LA and EF compared with CON on days 14 and 35. Faecal Lactobacillus counts were increased (P < .05) and faecal pH was decreased in LA and EF compared with CON on days 14 and 35. Results of the current study indicated that E.faecium DSM 7134 has better effects on growth performance than lactic acid bacteria complex in weanling pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farrowing pens with temporary crating have been developed as a compromise between conventional farrowing crates and pens to better accommodate the welfare of both sow and piglets during lactation. However, not much is known about the behavioral and physiological consequences of early removal of confinement on the sow and piglets during lactation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects on sow and piglet performance of temporary crating until 3-d postpartum at 2 times points, immediately after confinement removal and 25 d into lactation. Sows were crated from 5-d prepartum either to weaning (permanently crated—PC group; N =14) or to D3 (83.0 ± 1.3 h) postpartum (Temporarily crated - TC group N = 13). Sow postural changes, activity, cortisol and IgA concentrations, and piglet body weight gain and behavior were assessed on D4 and on D25 postpartum, whereas piglet mortality was assessed throughout lactation. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM and PROC GENMOD of SAS. On D4 postfarrowing, TC sows were more active (10.9% vs. 7.1%; SEM: 0.8; P = 0.002), rolled more frequently (21.3% vs. 14.4%; SEM: 1.6; P = 0.008), and had lower IgA concentrations (139.7 vs. 75.2 μg/mL; SEM: 20.3; P = 0.040) than PC sows. No effects of housing were found (P > 0.05) on standing-to-lying movement or cortisol concentrations. No differences for any variables were found (P > 0.05) on D25. Mortality, body weights, and activity levels at the udder or in the pen of pigs born to PC sows did not differ (P > 0.05) from those of piglets born to TC sows on D4 nor on D25. This study indicates that removal of confinement on the 4th-d postpartum may have had small short-term positive effects on sow behavior and stress levels (as measured by IgA), and that it did not impair piglets’ behavior and performance during lactation. Therefore, this work suggests that temporary crating limited to the first 3-d postpartum might be a feasible alternative to improve welfare under intensive production conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feet and legs of replacement females were objectively evaluated at selection, i.e., approximately 150 d of age (n = 319) and post first parity, i.e., any time after weaning of first litter and before second parturition (n = 277) to 1) compare feet and leg joint angle ranges between selection and post first parity; 2) identify feet and leg joint angle differences between selection and first 3 wk of second gestation; 3) identify feet and leg joint angle differences between farms and gestation days during second gestation; and 4) obtain genetic variance components for conformation angles for the two time points measured. Angles for carpal joint (knee), metacarpophalangeal joint (front pastern), metatarsophalangeal joint (rear pastern), tarsal joint (hock), and rear stance were measured using image analysis software. Between selection and post first parity, significant differences were observed for all joints measured (P < 0.05). Knee, front and rear pastern angles were less (more flexion), and hock angles were greater (less flexion) as age progressed (P < 0.05), while the rear stance pattern was less (feet further under center) at selection than post first parity (only including measures during first 3 wk of second gestation). Only using post first parity leg conformation information, farm was a significant source of variation for front and rear pasterns and rear stance angle measurements (P < 0.05). Knee angle was less (more flexion; P < 0.05) as gestation age progressed. Heritability estimates were low to moderate (0.04-0.35) for all traits measured across time points. Genetic correlations between the same joints at different time points were high (>0.8) between the front leg joints and low (<0.2) between the rear leg joints. High genetic correlations between time points indicate that the trait can be considered the same at either time point, and low genetic correlations indicate that the trait at different time points should be considered as two separate traits. Minimal change in the front leg suggests conformation traits that remain between selection and post first parity, while larger changes in rear leg indicate that rear leg conformation traits should be evaluated at multiple time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lameness is a primary reason for culling and mortality within a sow herd. This study evaluated the impact of feeding organic trace minerals and methionine (Met) to growing gilts (134 d) on lameness, performance, body composition and claw health (to first parity), productivity (to second parity), and reproductive performance through 2 parities. Young gilts (28.8 ± 8.8 kg of body weight [BW], n = 360) were BW blocked (10 gilts/pen) and randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: control (CON, basal diet); CON plus organic minerals (MIN, at 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg of Cu, Mn, and Zn, respectively; Aplomotec Plus, Tecnología & Vitaminas, S.L, Alforja, Spain); additional Met (MET, at 102% Met: Lys); and MET plus MIN (MM). Feed was provided ad libitum. Lameness, BW, and body composition were measured 7 times during rearing, at gilt service, day 109 of gestation, and first weaning. Gilts fed the MM diet had lower average daily feed intake (5.1%) and final BW (2.1%) than CON gilts (P < 0.05), whereas MIN and MET were intermediate and not different from each other. Similarly, final backfat (BF) was greatest in CON (P < 0.05), whereas CON and MIN increased final loin depth compared with MM (P < 0.05) with MET not being different. During rearing, 7.7% of all gilts presented lameness, which appeared between 106.8 and 129.7 kg BW confidence interval. Gilts that had been or were lame had reduced BW and average daily gain compared with never lame gilts (P < 0.05). Lameness during rearing was highest (P < 0.01) in gilts fed CON diet (14.8%), with no differences amongst MIN (2.0%), MET (5.3%), or MM (6.5%). In the sow herd, 21% of sows showed lameness and 24% of those were associated with claw lesions. At weaning, gilts fed CON diet had highest (P < 0.01) prevalence of lameness (20.8%) with no differences amongst MIN (6.5%), MET (11.1%), or MM (7.6%). Over the first 2 parities, 27.3% of gilts were culled. On farm, lameness was associated with 0.7 more stillborn piglets (P < 0.10), 1 mm more BF loss in first lactation (P < 0.05), and increased weaning- to-estrus by 3 d (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lameness during rearing was decreased by supplementing organic trace minerals, methionine, and their combination, which also reduced lameness during lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine live weight is an important aspect in the production of pork products and also to Stockmen, with reference to market costs, feed conversion, and animal health. The objective of this study was to develop a contactless, stress-free method of swine live weight estimation by machine vision technology. This novel approach was based on image processing for features extraction and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) for modelling. Firstly, the model determines which input combination holds the highest predictive ability, secondly, used the feature combination with the best predictive power to correlate to live-weight. The test results showed that the average relative error of our proposed system was about 3% and a standard deviation of 0.7%. Thus, development of a practical imaging system for swine live weight estimation by the proposed method is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The precision of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) device in terms of repeatability and reproducibility was evaluated on nine left half-carcasses from pigs with large variability in body weight and fat content. Repeatability was assessed by scanning each carcass 10 times sequentially in the same position. Reproducibility was assessed by scanning each carcass in 10 different positions. Images were analyzed with DXA software using a custom region of interest (ROI) and the standard head, trunk, arm, and leg ROI. Predicted values from the DEXA for bone mineral content (BMC), bone area, bone mineral density (BMD), total weight, soft-tissue weight, fat-tissue weight, and lean-tissue weight were considered. Repeatability was associated with the variance between measurements on the same carcass in the same position (repeatability conditions). An average variance value was obtained with all the carcasses combined, and the SD was calculated as the square root of this combined variance. The CV was the ratio between the SD of the measurements and its average value. Reproducibility was calculated for each carcass as the difference between the variance obtained under the reproducibility conditions and that obtained under the repeatability conditions. The effects of the ROI and conditions were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey's test. Means of BMC, bone area, BMD, fat tissue, and lean tissue differed among the ROI (P < 0.05) in both the repeatability and reproducibility conditions. The CV of DXA measurements under repeatability condition obtained in the head, arm, and leg ROI was lesser than 1%. Only the repeatability errors of fat tissue differed (P < 0.05) among the ROI, with the lowest precision found for the trunk ROI. The reproducibility errors of BMC, bone area, fat tissue, and lean tissue differed (P < 0.05) among the ROI. The custom ROI had reproducibility errors greater than 2% for fat tissue and greater than 3.5% for BMC and bone area. In addition, the trunk ROI had the highest reproducibility errors for fat tissue (20.7%) and lean tissue (6.2%) when compared to the other ROI. In conclusion, repeatability and reproducibility results obtained for most of the studied ROI indicate that DXA is a valuable tool for carcass evaluation. From a methodological viewpoint and considering the variations observed in this study, the ROI should be chosen based on the item to be evaluated or on the conditions in which the DXA measurements are to be taken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effect ofAllium hookerisupplementation with whey powder in pig diet on meat quality, oxidative stability and sensory characteristics ofLongissimus dorsimuscle samples. A total of 60 pigs were randomly assigned into the following three groups (four replicate pens per group with five pigs per pen): CON group, basal diet; AH, dietary supplementation with 10 gA. hookeri/kg feed and AHW, dietary supplementation with 5 gA. hookeri/40 g whey powder/kg feed. Proximate composition of muscle sample was not significantly affected byA. hookerisupplementation. On average, the AHW group showed higher pH but less cooking loss than the CON group. However, the AH and AHW groups had lower (p < .05) collagen content and shear force than the CON group. Retardation of lipid oxidation was significantly higher in the AH compared to that in the CON group. However, fatty acid compositions were not significantly affected byA. hookerior whey powder supplementation, the exceptions were the C18:0 and C18:3n − 3 that showed the highest and the C20:3n − 3 the lowest proportions in the AH group. The AH group exhibited higher free amino acid contents such as Glu, Asn, Thr, Arg, Tyr, Ile and Leu than the AHW or CON group. However, sensory characteristics were not significantly affected by supplementation withA. hookerior whey powder. These findings demonstrate thatA. hookerimight be a promising supplement for pigs diet to improve meat oxidative stability without negatively compromise the nutritional properties and sensory quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Micro porous hydroxyapatite (HAp) had drawn great attention in the field of tissue engineering due to its numerous applications such as tissue regeneration, dental, drug delivery, and adsorption and desorption of substances etc. The chemical synthesis of HAp is often faced with the high cost of starting materials and often lacks the presence of beneficial ions which can promote biological reactions. This paper examined a novel application of pig bone waste for the synthesis of HAp via heat treatment between 600 and 1000 °C. Thus synthesized powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD results revealed the main characteristic peaks of single phase HAp powder, while the presence of various functional groups such as PO 4 3− , CO 3 2− and OH − corresponding to HAp were observed by FT-IR analysis. The elemental composition of as-synthesized HAp powder as observed by EDX showed the presence of Ca and P in addition to some beneficial metals such as Na, K, Mg and Si which plays vital roles in biological applications. SEM and TEM observation confirmed the microscopic sctructure of the as-synthesized HAp to be rod-like morphology with 38–52 nm in length. Porous HAp scaffold up to 65% porosity could be prepared using ammonium bicarbonate as pore forming agent. Therefore, bio-waste such as pig bones can be utilized in the synthesis of porous hydroxyapatite scaffold which can serve as an alternative for the conventional chemical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of diets co-contaminated with 300 μg/kg of aflatoxins and 8000 μg/kg of fumonisins on adenosinergic system of the pigs weaned at 15 days of age were studied. Piglets were inspected daily, and body weight measurement and blood collections were performed at every five days. Piglets intoxicated by mycotoxins presented lower weight gain (p < 0.001) in comparison to control. Intoxicated piglets also showed a reduction in the serum levels of zinc and adenosine and in adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity (p < 0.001). Positive correlations between zinc levels and ADA activity (p < 0.001) and between adenosine levels and ADA activity (p < 0.05) were observed. Ternary plot shows the influence of zinc levels on ADA activity and on adenosine levels, suggesting that low zinc levels, caused by subclinical mycotoxin intoxication, can cause immunomodulatory effects in piglets. We conclude that piglets intoxicated by fumonisins and aflatoxins have low ADA activity and adenosine levels in serum. This can be directly related to zinc reduction, which is a cofactor for ADA. The co-contamination by these mycotoxins in piglet feed impairs growth and immune defenses of the animals, adversely affecting animal health and production. Therefore, changes in the purinergic pathway may affect the pathogenesis of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare growth performance of Berkshire purebred pigs (BB), Hereford (HB) and/or Tamworth (TB) sired Berkshire crossbred pigs reared in a hoop structure in two experiments. Methods: In the first experiment, BB was compared to TB while HB and TB were compared in the second. Body weights (BW) were recorded at 3 days of age and every 28 days from birth until 140 days of age. There was no significant difference between the BW of BB and TB, but HB was heavier than TB by 84 days of age. Least square means of average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance. Results: The mean parity (±standard deviation) of the sows was 3.42±2.14 and a total of 45 farrowing occurred from year 2012 to 2014. The mean number of total born, number born alive, number of mummies, and number weaned were 9.23±2.52, 7.87±2.53, 0.04±0.21, and 5.94±2.74, respectively. Parity did not have a significant effect on the growth performance of the pigs. For BB and TB, there was only one time frame in which there was a significant difference in the ADG: between 28 and 56 days of age. For HB and TB, the overall ADG of HB was significantly greater than the total ADG of TB. Conclusion: The breed of the sire did not affect the growth performance of the progeny between Berkshire purebreds and Tamworth×Berkshire crossbreds. The breed of the sire did have an effect between Hereford and Tamworth sired Berkshire crossbreds (p<0.05). The Hereford sired pigs were found to have increased growth performance compared to Tamworth sired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, early high protein ( HP) intake has been recommended to prevent postnatal growth restriction and complications of intrauterine growth restriction ( IUGR). However, the impact of such a strategy on the kidneys remains unknown, while significant renal hypertrophy, proteinuria, and glomerular sclerosis have been demonstrated in few experimental studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a neonatal HP formula on renal structure in IUGR piglets. Spontaneous IUGR piglets were randomly allocated to normal protein ( NP, n = 10) formula or to HP formula (+50% protein content, n = 10) up to day 28 after birth. Body weight, body composition, renal functions, and structure were assessed at the end of the neonatal period. While birth weights were similar, 28-day-old HP piglets were 18% heavier than NP piglets ( P < 0.01). Carcass protein content was 22% higher in HP than in NP offspring ( P < 0.01). Despite a HP intake, kidney weight and glomerular fibrosis were unaltered in HP piglets. Only a 20% increase in glomerular volume was noted in HP piglets ( P < 0.05) and restricted to the inner cortical area nephrons ( P = 0.03). Plasma urea/creatinine ratio and proteinuria were unchanged in HP piglets. In conclusion, neonatal HP feeding in IUGR piglets significantly enhanced neonatal growth and tissue protein deposition but mildly affected glomerular volume. It can be speculated that a sustained tissue protein anabolism in response to HP intake have limited single nephron glomerular hyperfiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the goals of swine diet formulation is minimizing nitrogen (N) excretion as well as maximizing N retention. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that different requirement expressions of dietary amino acids (AA) may affect N balance in pigs. Twelve pigs with average body weight of 40.9 kg (standard deviation =3.3) were used in a quadruplicated 3×3 Latin square design. Three diets were formulated to meet AA requirement estimates based on total AA (Diet total ), apparent ileal digestible AA (Diet AID ), or standardized ileal digestible AA (Diet SID ) with constant amounts of corn, soybean meal, and corn germ meal but different crystalline AA contents. Total feces and urine were collected. Nitrogen balance was calculated based on the analyzed data of the diets, feces, and urine samples. Preplanned orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the least squares means among treatments: 1) Diet total vs. Diet AID and Diet SID and 2) Diet AID vs. Diet SID . Pigs fed Diet total had less retained N ( P =0.048) and retention coefficients ( P <0.01) resulting in greater urinary ( P =0.014) and total ( P =0.017) N excretion than Diet AID and Diet SID . Urinary N excretion tended to be greater ( P =0.074) for pigs fed Diet AID than Diet SID . In conclusion, formulating swine diets based on digestible AA rather than on total AA can reduce N excretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pig rearing on concentrate feed may not be economical because of higher market price of raw materials. The alternative source could be the use of swill feeding. Consequently, the impact of the swill feed on the backfat thickness and body measurements calls for investigation against any other alternative feed. Hence in the present study, an attempt has been made to compare the body measurements and backfat thickness in fattener piglets which were fed with swill feed (T1) vs. Those fed with chocolate cream waste supplemented with swill feed (T2). The statistical analysis of the data obtained in the present study revealed that there was highly significant (P≤0.01) difference between body weight gain and backfat thickness (layer I and II) of both the group of piglets which were taken for trial starting from three months of age till five months of age. However, not significant difference (P≥0.05) was noticed for body length and chest girth except in the pigs of 150 days age group. This study indicates that swill feed supplemented with chocolate cream waste could be used to reduce the feed cost since higher weight gain is achieved in a shorter time interval, increasing body measurements and backfat thickness compared to swill feed (T1) group of piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia (NH 3 ) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission during pig rearing on deep litter has been rarely reported. To evaluate the emission of NH 3 and GHGs according to the compositions of the deep-litter systems during pig rearing, we selected three different types of deep-litter systems: (a) RM, composed of 60% mushroom growth media and 40% rice husk; (b) RS, composed of 60% sawdust and 40% rice husk; and (c) RV, composed of 60% vinasse and 40% rice husk. Samples of the gases emitted were collected continuously using the static box method during one production cycle (150 d). The results showed that the patterns of NH 3 volatilization and CH 4 emission differed across the three deep-litter systems, but no significant differences were found in the pattern of N 2 O and CO 2 emission. Further, the total quantity of NH 3 and GHG emission showed significant differences. Material flow analysis indicated that gaseous loss was the main pathway for escape of N or C. Thus, the use of RS could mitigate the emission of NH 3 , N 2 O and CH 4 (3.82 kg, 1.50 kg and 5.46 kg, respectively) and limit the effect of GHGs in terms of the emission equivalent carbon value (28% and 86% lower than that of RM and RV, respectively). Thus, the RS system was the most suitable with regard to reduction of environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to establish the value of some parameters for determination of the composition of carcass as well as the correlation between them in skinned pigs. In order to determine the slaughter characteristics and the morphological components of the carcass and its individual parts the information about the composition of the left half carcasses of 70 pigs, crosses of ♀Youna and ♂Pietrain was used. The animals were of the same sex and slaughtered at an average live weight of 105 kg (± 2.5%). The pigs were skinned, head and feet removed. The results of the carcass analysis showed that muscles had the highest percentage in the half carcass - 61.47%. The content of intermuscular fat was 8.10%, while that of subcutaneous fat was - 15.41%. The percentage of bones was 14.94%. The proportion of the valuable parts in the carcass of the pigs from the study was as follows: leg-27.74%, loin-17.46%, shoulder-14.10%, neck-13.08% and belly-14.45 %. The phenotypic correlation coefficients between the backfat thickness and the amount of subcutaneous and intermuscular fat were estimated at moderate to high positive levels. The depth of m. Longissimus dorsi (m. LD), measured 7 cm laterally above the last and between 3d and 4th rib determined to a great extent (rp=0.612+++; rp= 0.578+++) the amount of lean meat in the carcass of skinned pigs. Significant dependences were determined between the lean meat percentage and the backfat thickness, measured on the cutting line, laterally to m. Gluteus medius (m.GM) - L1(rp= - 0.640+++, Rxy= - 0,782), L2 (rp= - 0.720+++, Rxy= - 0,898), and L3 (rp= - 0.722+++, Rxy= - 0,677). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canadian double-muscled Large White pigs are characterized by notable muscle mass, showing high daily gain and lean rate and good meat quality. In order to identify the major genes or proteins involved in muscle hyperplasia and hypertrophy, three pairs of full-sib pigs with extreme muscle mass difference from Canadian Large White were selected as experimental animals at 3 months age. The phenotypic differences of longissimus dorsi muscles (LD) were investigated with microarray and proteomics (2-DE, MALDI-TOF-MS), and results were verified by real-time PCR and western bolting respectively. The gene expressing profiling identified 57 and 260 and 147 differently expressed genes (DEGs) from the three pairs respectively with Bayesian statistics and significant analysis of microarrays (SAM) (p < 0.05, q < 0.05, fold > 2). From the network of these DEGs, some major genes were displayed, such as EGF, PPARG, FN1, SERPINE1, MYC, JUN, involved in Wnt, MAPK and TGF-β signal pathway respectively, which mainly participated in cell differentiation and proliferation. In parallel, proteomics analyses revealed 50 differently expressed protein (DEP) spots with mass spectrum, and 33 spots of them were found annotated, which took part in energy metabolism and the structure and contraction of muscle fiber. In brief, our integrated study provides a good foundation for the further study on the genetic mechanism of the double muscle traits in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the influence of pen uniformity at weaning (7.5 ± 0.6 kg vs. 7.5 ± 1.2 kg body weight (BW ± SD)) and sex on growth performance during the nursery (7.5 to 27.3 kg BW) and the fattening (27.1 to 130.5 kg BW) phases and carcass quality of barrows and castrated females (CF). During the nursery phase, pigs from the more uniform pens had lower feed efficiency ( P = 0.05) than pigs from the less uniform pens. Also, barrows had higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) ( P < 0.05) and average daily gain ( P < 0.001) and better feed efficiency ( P < 0.001) than CF. During the fattening phase, initial pen uniformity did not affect growth performance of the pigs but barrows tended ( P = 0.08) to have higher ADFI and worse feed efficiency than CF. Trimmed primal cut yield tended to be higher for the more uniform pigs and better for barrows than for CF ( P = 0.09). It is concluded that regrouping of the pigs at weaning according to uniformity of BW did not affect growth performance or carcass quality of the pigs at slaughter. Castrated females might be used as an alternative to barrows for the production of carcasses destined to the dry-cured industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch and gross energy (GE), the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA), the concentration of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), and the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in corn ground to 4 different particle sizes (i.e., 865, 677, 485, and 339 µm). In Experiment 1, 10 growing barrows (initial body weight: 29.2±1.4 kg) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and randomly allotted to a replicated 5×5 Latin square design with 5 diets and 5 periods in each square. One lot of corn was divided into 4 batches that were ground to the specified particle sizes and each batch was used in one diet that contained 965.5 g/kg corn (as-fed basis) as the only source of starch, GE, and AA. Results indicated that the AID of starch and GE was increased (linear, P <0.05) as the particle size decreased from 865 to 339 μm. With the exception of Trp, there was no impact of corn particle size on the SID of CP or any indispensable AA. In Experiment 2, 40 growing barrows (initial body weight: 22.8±2.1 kg) were placed in metabolism crates and allotted to a randomized complete block design with 4 diets and 10 replicate pigs per diet. Each diet contained one of the 4 batches of corn used in Experiment 1 (977.0 g/kg, as-fed basis) as the only source of GE and P. Results indicated that the concentration of ME was 16.02, 16.19, 16.31, and 16.60 MJ/kg dry matter for corn ground to a mean particle size of 865, 677, 485, and 339 µm, respectively. The ME concentration increased (linear and quadratic, P <0.01) as the particle size decreased. The average STTD of P in the 4 batches of corn was 37.4% and no differences among treatments were observed. In conclusion, decreasing the particle size of corn from 865 to 339 µm linearly increased the concentration of DE and ME and the AID of starch and GE in corn, but the particle size of corn did not affect the STTD of P or the SID of indispensable AA and CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digestible amino acid (AA) determination of ingredients, or experimental diets, are essential in obtaining the real levels of AA that are being studied, as well as of other indispensable AA, because the lack of a single indispensable AA may limit pig growth performance. Two experiments were conducted to determine the optimum levels and the ideal ratio of standardized ileal digestible (SID) Trp and Lys for barrows from 15 to 30 kg of live weight. The first experiment (Exp. 1) was conducted to determine the SID AA content of the basal diet used in the growth performance study (Exp. 2). Ten crossbred barrows (21.5±1.6 kg live weight) were used in Exp. 1. Pigs were fed a basal diet and a protein free diet to determine the SID of Trp, Lys, and all other indispensable AA of the basal diet. In Exp. 2, 64 barrows (15.0±1.6 kg) were allotted to 16 diets in a 4×4 factorial arrangement of treatments (1.55, 1.85, 2.15, and 2.45 g SID Trp and 9.72, 11.12, 12.52, and 13.92 g SID Lys/kg) with 4 replications per treatment. In both Exp. 1 and 2, each pig was considered as an experimental unit. Growth performance, Longissimus muscle (LM), backfat thickness, and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) were evaluated. Average daily feed intake and average daily gain increased linearly ( P <0.05) with increasing levels of SID Trp. There was a quadratic effect ( P =0.04) of dietary SID Trp and Lys levels on the gain:feed, and the optimal levels were estimated to be 2.1 (0.65 g/Mcal ME) and 11.98 g/kg (3.71 g/Mcal ME), respectively, resulting in a SID Trp:Lys of 17.5:100. A quadratic effect of SID Trp ( P= 0.021) and Lys ( P= 0.026) levels on LM was observed, and the optimum levels were 2.08 and 11.36 g/kg diet, respectively, with a Trp:Lys of 18.3:100. The amount of PUN decreased linearly ( P= 0.004) as SID Lys increased. For pigs used in our study (between 15 and 30 kg live weight), the SID Trp and SID Lys requirements are 2.10 and 11.98 g/kg, respectively. The corresponding Trp:Lys are 17.5:100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the possibly synergistic effects of dietary fiber (DF) and benzoic acid (BA) in growingfinishing pigs. In total, 96 growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 22.82 (±0.24) kg were selected and provided the dietary supplements based on their BW in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment, with the respective factors being fiber (low vs. high; 140 g/kg, 160 g/kg NSP, respectively) and BA (0, 5 g/kg benzoic acid) in six replicate pens consisting of four pigs per pen. Sugar beet pulp was used as a DF source, at 50 g/kg of the diet. All diets were formulated to contain 14.44 ME MJ/kg and 190 g/kg CP. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and reduction of harmful gases and serum metabolites. There was no significant difference in feed intake and weight gains during treatments. Fiber levels and benzoic acid addition did not affect the dry matter, nitrogen and gross energy digestibility. Also, no interaction was found between fiber level and benzoic acid treatment. There was no difference in NH3, but RSH and H2S gases emissions show significant reduction with fiber and benzoic acid treatment. Serum metabolites, including lipoprotein and cholesterol, were also apparently unaffected by these treatments. Thus, the addition of 50 g sugar beet pulp per kg of growing feed as a DF source and the addition of BA had no significant impact on the growth performance of pigs during the growth period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat deposition is highly correlated with the growth, meat quality, reproductive performance and immunity of pigs. Fatty acid synthesis takes place mainly in the adipose tissue of pigs; therefore, in this study, a high-throughput massively parallel sequencing approach was used to generate adipose tissue transcriptomes from two groups of Songliao black pigs that had opposite backfat thickness phenotypes. The total number of paired-end reads produced for each sample was in the range of 39.29–49.36 millions. Approximately 188 genes were differentially expressed in adipose tissue and were enriched for metabolic processes, such as fatty acid biosynthesis, lipid synthesis, metabolism of fatty acids, etinol, caffeine and arachidonic acid and immunity. Additionally, many genetic variations were detected between the two groups through pooled whole-genome resequencing. Integration of transcriptome and whole-genome resequencing data revealed important genomic variations among the differentially expressed genes for fat deposition, for example, the lipogenic genes. Further studies are required to investigate the roles of candidate genes in fat deposition to improve pig breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since being domesticated about 10,000–12,000 years ago, domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) have been selected for traits of economic importance, in particular large body size. However, Yucatan miniature pigs have been selected for small body size to withstand high temperature environment and for laboratory use. This renders the Yucatan miniature pig a valuable model for understanding the evolution of body size. We investigate the genetic signature for selection of body size in the Yucatan miniature pig. Phylogenetic distance of Yucatan miniature pig was compared to other large swine breeds (Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc and wild boar). By estimating the XP-EHH statistic using re-sequencing data derived from 70 pigs, we were able to unravel the signatures of selection of body size. We found that both selections at the level of organism, and at the cellular level have occurred. Selection at the higher levels include feed intake, regulation of body weight and increase in mass while selection at the molecular level includes cell cycle and cell proliferation. Positively selected genes probed by XP-EHH may provide insight into the docile character and innate immunity as well as body size of Yucatan miniature pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine if body composition of developing gilts could be altered at the onset of estrus by ad libitum feeding diets differing in standard ileal digestible (SID) lysine and ME using levels that are within those used in practice by pig producers in the United States. Crossbred Large White × Landrace gilts (n = 1,221), housed in groups, were randomly allotted to 6 corn-soybean diets in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement formulated to provide 2 SID lysine and 3 ME levels. Gilts received grower diets formulated to provide 0.86 (low) or 1.02% (high) SID lysine and 2.94 (low), 3.25 (medium), or 3.57 (high) Mcal of ME/kg from 100 d of age until approximately 90 kg BW. Then, gilts were fed finisher diets containing 0.73 (low) or 0.85% (high) SID lysine and 2.94 (low), 3.26 (medium) or 3.59 (high) Mcal of ME/kg until 260 d of age. The medium SID lysine and medium- ME diets were based on an informal survey from the U.S. commercial swine industry to obtain average levels that are currently being formulated for developing gilts. Gilts were weighed and backfat thickness and loin area were recorded at the beginning of the trial and then every 28 d. Feed intake (FI) was recorded as feed disappearance within the pen at 2-wk intervals. Lysine (g) and ME (Mcal) consumed were calculated based on diet formulations. At approximately 260 d of age, gilts were slaughtered and warm carcass weight and fat thickness were recorded. There were no differences between lysine or ME levels for growth and body composition, except for backfat, which was slightly greater for gilts fed a high-ME diet. Gilts fed high-ME diets had a lower FI but a greater ME intake compared with gilts fed low ME (P < 0.05). Additionally, gilts fed the high-ME diet had lower FI and lysine intake per kilogram of BW gain when compared with gilts fed low- or medium-ME diets (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the megacalories consumed per kilogram of BW gain among treatments (P > 0.05). Carcasses from gilts fed the high-ME diet were 3.3 and 2.5 kg heavier than those from gilts fed the low- or medium- ME diets (P < 0.05). Despite significant differences in the lysine:ME ratio in the diets, no changes in growth or body composition occurred, likely due to compensatory changes in FI in response to dietary ME content. Caloric efficiency (Mcal to deposit 1 kg of BW) was similar among treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern pork industry, selection of high intramuscular fat (IMF) in pigs is necessary to improve pork quality. Ultrasound has been used previously to predict subcutaneous fat thickness and IMF in the longissimus muscles of line pigs and Realtime ultrasound has also been reported as a reliable method for estimating IMF in live pigs. So we estimate the correlation between meat quality traits and IMF percentage to investigate the possibility of utilizing real-time ultrasound technology for predicting IMF percentage in line pigs to improve pork quality. The genetic and phenotypic correlations for chemical intramuscular fat (CIMF) and ultrasound intramuscular fat (UIMF) were estimated to be 0.75 and 0.76, respectively. These results suggest that genetic factors strongly influence meat quality. The genetic and phenotypic correlation between UIMF and CIMF were 0.75, 0.76, respectively. The heritability of UIMF and CIMF were 0.48 and 0.50, respectively. So we concluded that CIMF can be replaced with UIMF and Ultrasound machines can be used to test IMF in live swine. In future, UIMF can be utilized to improve pork quality as an alternative to CIMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatness qualities in pigs measured by the amount of fat deposition and composition of fatty acids (FAs) in pork have considerable effect on current breeding goals. The stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene plays a crucial role in the conversion of saturated FAs into monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), and hence, is among the candidate genes responsible for pig fatness traits. Here, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, c.*2041T>C) in the 3' untranslated region by direct sequencing focused on coding and regulatory regions of porcine SCD. According to the association analysis using a hundred of Berkshire pigs, the SNP was significantly associated with FA composition (MUFAs and polyunsaturated FAs [PUFAs]), polyunsaturated to saturated (P:S) FA ratio, n-6:n-3 FA ratio, and extent of fat deposition such as intramuscular fat and marbling (p<0.05). In addition, the SNP showed a significant effect on the SCD mRNA expression levels (p = 0.041). Based on our results, we suggest that the SCD c.*2041T>C SNP plays a role in the gene regulation and affects the fatness qualities in Berkshire pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Sangrovit®, a plant-derived feed additive, given throughout the nursery stage via feed at 15 ppm and 50 ppm, on the health status and performance of weaners against negative controls. In a 900-sow farrow-to-finish farm, a total of 864 piglets were divided into three groups: (i) negative controls (NC); (ii) Sang 15: same feed as NCs, plus 15 g Sangrovit® /t of feed; (iii) Sang 50: same feed as NCs plus 50 g Sangrovit® /t of feed. The results indicated that administration of 50 ppm-Sangrovit® had the most beneficial effects on growth performance in weaning pigs. Specifically there was increase of body weight and average daily gain, as well as reduction of feed conversion ratio. Blood analysis from the Sang groups and especially the Sang 50 group revealed low values of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased inclusion of unsaturated fats in pig diets has raised issues related to pork carcass fat quality. The objective of this experiment was to more precisely measure how differing levels of daily fatty acid intake alters the fatty acid composition in 3 different fat depots. A total of 42 gilts and 21 barrows (PIC 337 x C22/29) with an average initial weight of 77.80 ± 0.38 kg were allotted randomly based on sex and BW to 7 treatments: 3 and 6% of each of tallow (TAL; iodine value [IV] = 41.9), choice white grease (CWG; IV = 66.5), or com oil (CO; IV = 123.1) and a control (CNTR) cornsoybean meal-based diet with no added fat. Pigs were individually housed to allow accurate measurement of individual feed intake, in particular, daily dietary fatty acid and energy intake. Fat samples were collected from the jowl, belly, and loin at slaughter. Diet and carcass fat samples were analyzed for IV. Belly weights were recorded at slaughter along with a subjective belly firmness score (1 = firmest to 3 = least firm). Carcass lipid IV was increased (P < 0.001) by increasing the degree of unsaturation of the dietary fat source (66.8, 70.3, and 76.3 for TAL, CWG, and CO, respectively). Carcass lipid IV for TAL and CWG was not affected (P > 0.05) by inclusion levels; however, carcass lipid IV was greater (P < 0.001) in pigs fed 6 than 3% CO (80.0 vs. 72.6), and carcasses of gilts had greater IV (P < 0.001) than carcasses of barrows (71.5 vs. 69.1). Increasing the level of TAL and CO but not CWG from 3 to 6% decreased the apparent total tract digestibility of GE, resulting in a source x level interaction (P < 0.05). Dietary fat source had no effect (P > 0.66) on apparent total tract digestibility of either DM or GE, but feeding 6% dietary fat increased G:F (P = 0.006) over pigs fed 3% fat (0.358 vs. 0.337). Of all the fatty acids measured, only linoleic acid intake presented a reasonable coefficient of determination (R² = 0.61). Overall, IV product (IVP) was approximately equal to linoleic acid intake as a predictor of carcass IV {R² = 0.93 vs. R² = 0.94). When inclusion of dietary fat and PUFA intake increased, IVP placed more emphasis on the dietary fat inclusion level rather than the dietary fat composition. Linoleic acid intake corrected the overemphasis placed on dietary fat inclusion by IVP. To conclude, linoleic acid intake showed a strong relationship with carcass IV and can be used as a predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing interest in including intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid composition, particularly oleic acid (CI8:1) content, in the selection objectives of pig lines for quality pork markets. These traits are costly and can be measured in more than 1 location, so knowing their correlation structure across muscles and with subcutaneous fat (SF) is necessary for developing optimum sampling and recording schemes. We analyzed the genetic and phenotypic correlations of IMF content and composition among 3 of the most relevant muscles (LM, gluteus medius muscle [GM], and semimembranosus muscle [SM]) and with the fatty acid composition of SF. All genetic correlations were positive but variable. For IMF, the genetic correlation between GM and LM was 0.68, and for fatty acids, the genetic correlation ranged from 0.62 for C18:1 to 0.82 for total PUFA. Genetic correlations of GM and LM with SM were much lower: 0.13 to 0.19 for IMF and 0.10 to 0.54 for fatty acids. Correlations for fatty acid composition in SF with GM and LM were moderate to high (0.29-0.53 and 0.43-0.75, respectively) but were null with SM. The expected responses for IMF in the 3 muscles and for CI 8:1 in each muscle and in SF to selection on records taken from only a single muscle or SF were estimated. Selection for IMF and CI8:1 in GM is expected to lead to positive responses in IMF and CI8:1 in LM and vice versa, although this can entail genetic lags of 20 to 45% in the muscle not directly selected for. Selection for CI8:1 in SF is more effective for CI8:1 in LM than in GM and of very limited value for IMF. In conclusion, the genetic correlations of IMF content and fatty acid composition among muscles and with SF, although positive, are variable enough to influence the genetic evaluation scheme for IMF and fat quality. They also indicate that GM and LM can be used alternatively for selection purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional strategies like reduction of dietary vitamin A have been proposed with the aim of increasing intramuscular fat (IMF) and improving the meat quality. The purpose of the study was to evaluate if reduction of dietary vitamin A would increase IMF, without affecting backfat deposition and pig performance parameters. Forty eight barrows were fed diets with different vitamin A levels: without supplemental vitamin A (0 IU vitamin A /kg; n=16), a level close to the requirement of NRC (1998) (1250 IU vitamin A/kg; n=16) or a level typically used in commercial formulation (5000 IU vitamin A/kg; n=16). The treatment without supplemental vitamin A did not affect growth performance parameters, only a trend to increase final body weight was observed when compared with animals fed with vitamin A in the diet. However, reduced perirenal fat and a trend to increase muscle depth between the 3th and 4th ribs was observed in the animals fed the diet with no supplemental vitamin A. These results suggested a reduction of fatness when vitamin A was omitted in the diet, contrary to the initial hypothesis. Intramuscular fat content was not affected by the reduction of the dietary vitamin A levels below the requirements; in fact the trend was opposite to the original hypothesis. The content of retinol in the liver was increased when the animals were fed higher levels of dietary vitamin A but animals fed without vitamin A diet also produced retinol, although in a reduced amount, which could explain the lack of effects of vitamin A reduction on performance. When comparing 5000 IU/kg with 0 IU/kg diets, only a trend in reduced expression of PPARα without impaired modification on fat content was observed in longissimus muscle. From this study, it can be concluded that omitting supplemented vitamin A does not affect performance, decreases perirenal fat and possibly overall fat deposition, without a significant reduction on IMF, contrary to the original hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-week trial was conducted to investigate the effects of animal skin protein sources from swine and cattle on growth performance, body condition and blood characteristics in growing pigs. A total of 96 pigs (23.50 ± 0.61 kg) were randomly allotted into four dietary treatment groups as follows: (1) basal diet (BD); (2) basal diet with 1.5% hydrolysed render meal (HRM); (3) basal diet with 1.5% swine skin meal (SSM); (4) basal diet with 1.5% cattle hide meal (CHM). There were six replicate pens per treatment with four pigs per pen. The average daily gain (ADG) was improved in response to SSM treatment compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). Pigs fed with HRM, SSM and CHM diets showed increases in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and decreased gain-to-feed (G : F) ratios compared with pigs fed with BD (P < 0.05). There were no differences in dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and energy (E) digestibility among treatments. The backfat thickness and lean percentage of pigs was unaffected by the treatments. Similarly, there was no difference in blood characteristics among treatments. In conclusion, the supplementation of SSM in growing pig diets improved the growth rate and Feed Intake (FI), but its usage in swine diets is limited by the poor protein quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine pleuropneumonia caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A.pleuropneumoniae) is one of the most important respiratory disease of pigs and causes worldwide severe losses in pig farming. For A.pleuropneumoniae control and monitoring, the detection of ApxiV antibodies in the serum is the most frequently used serological method. The aim of this study was to investigate presence of antibodies against A. pleuropneumoniae in blood sera of gilts and sows using the ELiSA test. Samples were taken from gilts and sows originating from four commercial swine farms in Serbia. For detection of ApxIV antibodies, commercial ELISA kit was used. A total of 453 blood sera samples of gilts (207) and sows (246) were examined. Antibodies against A. pleuropneumoniae were detected in 57 (12.58%) sera. Antibodies were present in 22 (10.62 %) sera of gilts and in 35(14.22%) sera of sows. Percentage of positive sera differed among the farms, ranging in gilts from 3.33-17.77 % and in sows from 8.95-22.64%. Serological methods is one of the most important procedures in the diagnosis of porcine pleuropneumonia particularly suitable for the control of animal health status in a large breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of the nursery feeding program on subsequent growth performance, carcass quality, meat quality, and physical and chemical body composition of growing-finishing pigs. Four dietary treatments were used in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments based on diet complexity (Complex vs. Simple) and infeed antibiotics (2,730 [+AB] vs. 0 [-AB] mg of chlortetracycline /kg],A total of 552 pigs, in 5 blocks, were weaned at 21 ± 2 d of age with an initial BW of 7.03 ± 0.07 kg. Each experimental block had 3 pens per treatment, with 8 pigs per pen in blocks 1 and 2, and 10 pigs per pen in the remaining 3 blocks. Nursery diets were fed in a 3-phase feeding program (Phase I, II, and III diets fed for 1, 2, and 3 wk, respectively). All pigs were fed common grower-finisher diets thereafter. Six pigs per treatment were slaughtered for chemical body composition analysis at wk 2, 8, 12, and 17 postweaning. An additional 11 pigs per treatment were slaughtered at wk 17 postweaning (approximately 115 kg BW or market weight) for analysis of carcass characteristics, chemical and physical body composition, and meat quality. During the nursery phase, ADG was lower (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the Simple diet than those fed the Complex diet (491 vs. 528 g/d). Antibiotic usage improved (P < 0.05) ADG in Phases II (408 vs. 438 g/d) and III (689 vs. 720 g/d). In Phase I and II, G:F was lower {P < 0.05) for pigs fed the Simple diet than those fed the Complex diet (0.46 vs. 0.58 and 0.75 vs. 0.78 in Phases I and II, respectively). During the grower phase, pigs previously fed -AB diets grew faster than pigs fed +AB diets (P < 0.05; 1,009 vs. 971 g/d). There were no treatment effects on overall ADG or G:F from weaning to finishing. Nursery feeding program did not affect carcass quality characteristics. However, pigs previously fed +AB diets tended (P = 0.07) to have increased LM depth. Nursery feeding program had no effect on objective or subjective meat quality measures, chemical body composition, or the weight of primal and retail carcass cuts at wk 17 postweaning, with the exception of primal belly weight. These results indicate that feeding simple nursery diets, or nursery diets without antibiotics, compromises growth performance during the nursery period but does not affect overall growth performance between weaning and market BW, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Thus, feed costs for nursery pigs can be reduced by feeding simple diets without compromising market BW and carcass and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Safety study of CLNA in pig. [•] No change of body composition and biochemistry parameters. [•] Perturbation of PUFA balance in tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The feasibility of a scaled-up process to obtain two protein concentrates from porcine blood plasma, i.e. serum and albumin, for use as functional food ingredients was assessed. The process consisted of fractionating plasma proteins by salting out, concentrating and purifying fractions by means of membrane technology, and subsequently dehydrating through spray-drying. The fractionation process allowed a good isolation of the desired proteins, which were then concentrated and desalted in a tangential flow filtration (TFF) process combining ultra and diafiltration. Purification, pre-concentration and dehydration were successfully achieved. The functional properties of dehydrated serum and albumin were determined. As compared to the same hemoderivatives obtained by a lab-scale production system, serum maintained the gelling properties; albumin exhibited similar foaming properties; and both serum and albumin concentrates showed slightly improved emulsifying properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A study was carried out to determine the relationship between linear body measurements and live weight in Landrace and Large White pigs reared under different management conditions in Zimbabwe. Data was collected for body length, heart girth, and live weight in 358 pigs reared under intensive commercial conditions. The stepwise multiple linear regression method was done to develop a model using a random selection of 202 records of pigs. The model showed that age, body length, and heart girth were useful predictors of live weight in these pigs with significantly high positive correlations observed. The model was internally validated using records of the remaining 156 pigs and there was a significantly high positive correlation between the actual and predicted weights. The model was then externally validated using 40 market age pigs reared under communal conditions and there was a significantly low positive correlation between the actual and predicted weights. The results of the study show that while linear measurements can be useful in predicting pig weights the appropriateness of the model is also influenced by the management of the pigs. Models can only be applicable to pigs reared under similar conditions of management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to study the effect of the supplementation of mixed fodders with the enterosorbent preparation "Vitacorm-Reo-M" at different levels, on the growth and the productive performances of pigs. The scientific and economic experiment was conducted in the conditions of the State Enterprise "Moldsuinhibrid" on Landrace x Pietrain hybrids, from 25.05.2012 to 05.11.2012. Four groups of pigs were formed, the control group was fed the basic fodder, and the fodder for the pigs in the experimental groups EG1, EG2 and EG3 was supplemented with the enterosorbent preparation "Vitacorm-Reo-M" in the amount of 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 kg/ton, respectively. The dynamics of body weight showed that at the end of the trial the weight difference between the groups CG and EG2 was of 5.95 kg (B>0.95), and between EG2 and EG3 - 3.58 kg (B>0.95). The pigs in EG2, which were fed a fodder supplemented with "Vitacorm-Reo-M" at a level of 4 kg/t, showed a higher growth rate; they reached the weight of 100.28 kg and the fodder conversion was the lowest (3.63 kg/1kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic relationships between growth and carcass traits in South African Large White pigs were estimated. Genetic parameters for growth and carcass traits were generated using a maternal effects model in ASREML. Data analysed were on 13 703 pigs from 28 herds tested between 1990 and 2007, and 4 128 carcasses from 21 herds evaluated between 1993 and 2007. The traits included in the study were backfat thickness (BFAT), test period weight gain (TPG), lifetime weight gain (LTG), test period feed conversion ratio (FCR), age at slaughter (AGES), lean percentage (LEAN), drip-free lean percentage (DLEAN), drip loss percentage (DRIP), carcass length (CRLTH), dressing percentage (DRESS), eye muscle area (AREA) and carcass fat (CFAT). Heritability estimates for growth traits ranged from 0.24 ± 0.03 for FCR to 0.45 ± 0.04 for BFAT, while those for carcass traits ranged from 0.14 ± 0.06 for DRIP to 0.55 ± 0.0.08 for AREA. Maternal genetic effects were significant in most traits, and were negatively correlated with direct heritabilities. Genetic correlations among growth traits ranged from -0.14 ± 0.08 between BFAT and LTG to -0.99 ± 0.01 between TPG and FCR, and LTG and AGES. For carcass traits, genetic correlations ranged from -0.02 ± 0.20 between DRIP and CRLTH to 0.99 ± 0.01 between LEAN and DLEAN. There is substantial genetic variation in growth and carcass traits; hence faster genetic improvement may be achieved through selection. Growth performance and carcass characteristics can be improved through selection for reduced backfat thickness and increased daily weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Baracoa and Maisí municipalities, Guantánamo province, the bromatological composition of the meal from Artocarpus altilis (breadfruit) fruit and its inclusion in diets for pre-fattening pigs was evaluated. Forty eight Yorkland x Duroc hybrid animals, 33 days old and with 6 kg of live weight as average, were used. The design was completely randomized, of simple classification and with four replications, each of them constituted by three animals. The treatments consisted in: a control in which only concentrate feed, composed by corn and soybean meal, was consumed (T1); inclusion of 10 % meal from A. altilis fruit (MFBT) in the concentrate as substitute of corn (T2); 20 % of MFBT (T3) and 30 % of MFBT (T4). It was found that the meal from A. altilis fruit is a source rich in starch, sucrose, glucose and fructose; in addition, it is very poor in lipids (0,71 %) and has a moderate protein (5,80 %) and fiber content (7,74 %). The tannin and saponin concentrations were high. Equal values of viability (100 %) and intake (34,5 kg) were obtained in all the treatments. Only the diet that included 10 % of the MFBT did not differ significantly with regards to the control in the other evaluated indicators. The economic impact obtained with this diet allowed to save US $23,19 per ton of live weight produced as compared with the control. To include 10 % of the MFBT as maximum limit in the diets for pre-fattening pigs is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]