Search

In organic pig husbandry, the use of roughage is mandatory as dietary supplement. This study investigated the effects of oat silage on the fatty acid composition, in entire males and gilts, as well as indole and skatole levels in perirenal adipose tissue of entire males. Entire males and gilts (forty-five to forty-eight pigs/sex) were assigned to two dietary roughage feeds (control with straw vs. oat silage). There was no significant effect of silage or sex on total SFA and MUFA in pork fat. However, the oat silage increased the total PUFA n-3 and decreased the PUFA n-6/n-3 ratio. The content of boar taint compounds (skatole and indole) in the entire male pigs did not differ between diets, although human nose scoring rejected in a greater extent more pork fat from entire males supplemented with oat silage, compared with those only supplied with straw. Approximately 50% of the entire males (90 to 97 kg of carcass) had low skatole values (≤0.1 μg/g), that were below the range of boar taint detection, regardless of the feeding regime. This finding indicates that more studies should be performed to avoid the problem of taint detection in entire males under organic production.

Simple Summary Currently, a considerable proportion of the carcasses intended for the production of Teruel dry-cured ham are declared unsuitable for this purpose, mainly due to their lack of fat. This problem is detected especially in females, because males are castrated to avoid boar taint, and castration increases fat deposition. Immunocastration (immunization against gonadotrophin releasing factor) could resolve this issue, as that collateral effect has been reported in the literature. Increasing energy or reducing protein and amino acids in the diet could also result in greater fatness. Additionally, immunocastrated gilts could have different feeding pattern to entire females, and thus it is interesting to study feeding plans. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the influence of immunocastration and provided diet on growth performance, serum metabolites and sex hormones, reproductive organ development, and carcass quality. In this trial, it was concluded that immunocastration is a positive strategy to apply in gilts intended for Teruel dry-cured ham production, because it increases growth rate and fatness. On the other hand, irrespective of immunocastration, a rise in dietary energy or a drop in dietary crude protein and amino acids in gilts from 76 to 134 kg could also be beneficial strategies for pig farmers. Abstract It is desirable to increase fatness in gilts destined for Teruel dry-cured ham production. A total of 192 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) gilts of 40.3 ± 4.80 kg body weight (BW) were used to assess the impact of immunocastration and feeding on growth performance, serum metabolites and sex hormones, reproductive organ development, and carcass quality. Six treatments were arranged factorially (2 × 3) with two types of gilt (entire gilts (EG) vs. immunocastrated gilts (IG)) and three experimental diets (control vs. high energy vs. low crude protein and amino acids) provided from 76 to 134 kg BW (n = 4 per treatment, being the replicate the pen with eight pigs). Immunocastration was carried out at 58 and 77 kg BW. The IG grew faster and showed lighter reproductive tracts and greater fatness than EG. The experimental feeds had limited effect on carcass quality, but the high-energy diet improved gain-to-feed ratio and the low-protein and -amino-acids diet did not impair growth performance. In conclusion, immunocastration was a better strategy than the tested diets to increase the fatness of gilts intended for Teruel dry-cured ham, although increasing energy or decreasing crude protein and amino acid levels in the diet could be beneficial strategies for pig farmers.

Increasing fatness and avoiding puberty are desirable in gilts intended for high-quality dry-cured ham production. A total of 48 Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) females of 26.5 ± 3.70 kg body weight (BW) were used to evaluate the impact of immunocastration and to find the optimum application time of the second dose for immunocastration on growth, sex hormones, reproductive tract development, and carcass, meat, and fat quality. Gilts were allocated to four experimental treatments (n = 12): control (entire gilts, EG) and immunocastrated gilts (IG), providing the second dose at 12, 9, or 7 weeks before slaughter (with approximately 60, 75, or 90 kg BW, respectively). Mean slaughter BW was 125 kg. Immunocastrated gilts had lighter reproductive tracts and greater fat thickness than EG. Fat from IG was more saturated and less polyunsaturated than that from EG. Numerically, gilts immunocastrated 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter presented higher fatness than those immunocastrated 7 weeks before slaughter. In conclusion, immunocastration is a good strategy to improve the fatness of gilts destined to dry-cured ham elaboration, with the optimum time for the second dose application seemingly between 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter.

Simple Summary Sufficient fat cover is necessary for an optimum dry-curing process of Teruel dry-cured hams. However, in recent years, gilts intended for this type of hams are characterized by lack of fat deposition, since male pigs are surgically castrated, to miss boar taint, and castration increases fatness. Thus, immunocastration or the increase of energy in the diet or the decrease of dietary crude protein and amino acids could solve this problem. On the other hand, the surgical castration of male pigs could be banned in the near future in the European Union. Hence, immunocastration could be a solution, as well. However, immunocastrated males seems to present lower fatness than surgically castrated males. Thus, it would be interesting to study feeding plans that increase fatness. Therefore, two experiments were conducted, one with females and another with males, to evaluate the effect of immunocastration and diet on meat and fat quality. In conclusion, immunocastration is a good practice in gilts, as it improves meat quality and technological fat quality. However, in the case of males, this strategy deteriorates meat quality when compared with surgical castration, and it should be accompanied with a high-energy diet or a low-crude-protein diet to guarantee an adequate fat consistency. Abstract Two experiments were carried out; one with female pigs and the other with male pigs destined for Teruel dry-cured ham production, to evaluate the effect of immunocastration (entire gilts-EG vs. immunocastrated gilts-IG and surgically castrated males vs. immunocastrated males-IM) and diet (control vs. high energy vs. low crude protein and amino acids) on meat quality and fat composition. Fifteen meat samples and eight fat samples of each treatment were analyzed in both experiments. In the case of males, six fat samples per treatment were analyzed to determine boar taint. Immunocastration is a good strategy in gilts intended for dry-cured ham production because improves meat composition; however, in males, immunocastration impairs the results of pork chemical composition compared with surgical castration. The IG presented a lower polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio than EG, improving fat technological quality. Diets had little effect on pork or fat quality in gilts, but a high-energy level using oilseeds and a low-crude-protein and -amino-acids diet from 80 to 137 kg of body weight could be interesting in IM to maintain or increase fat consistency, respectively. Moreover, in general, immunocastration is effective in avoiding boar taint in males.

A total of 62 highly prolific Danbred sows was used to evaluate the implications of increasing dietary amino acid (AA) concentration during late gestation (from day 77 to 107 of pregnancy) on body condition and reproductive performances. Sows were assigned to one of the two treatments (n = 31, with similar number of sows in the second-, third- and fourth-cycle), control diet (containing 6 g of standardized ileal digestible lysine -SID Lys-)/kg) and high AA level (containing 10 g SID Lys/kg and following the ideal protein concept for the remaining essential AA). On day 108 of pregnancy, animals were moved to the farrowing-lactating facilities where they spent until weaning receiving a common standard lactation diet. After farrowing, litters were standardized to 13 piglets each. At 107 d of gestation, backfat depth was thicker in sows fed high AA concentration than in those fed control diet (p &lt, 0.0001) but these significant differences disappeared at weaning (p &gt, 0.05). Additionally, at farrowing, the litter size (p = 0.043) and weight (p = 0.017) were higher in sows fed high AA level. It can be concluded that the increase in the AA content in the feed during the last month of gestation could improve the body condition of the sows and their performance results.

[Context]: The inclusion of Pinus taeda hydrolysed lignin (PTHL) in beef diets could improve quality and stability of meat, but effects could vary through the aging period (AP)., [Aim]: The aim was to evaluate the effects of the PTHL inclusion in the diet of finishing beef cattle on meat quality, fatty acid composition and oxidative stability at Days 1, 8, 11 and 15 of aging., [Methods]: Forty Limousin bulls (340 ± 42 kg) were fed ad libitum on a total mixed ration (TMR). The control group received exclusively TMR for 120 days, while the experimental group received the same TMR as the control group but supplemented with PTHL (Oxifenol, I-Green, Padua, Italy; 35 g/day per head at 1–90 days and 70 g/day per head at 91–120 days)., [Key results]: Diet did not influence the chemical composition, pH, cooking loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force and hydroperoxide content. The Warner–Bratzler shear force (P < 0.001) decreased, while lightness (P < 0.01) and hydroperoxides (P < 0.001) increased through the aging period. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were similar for both diets at 1 and 15 days. However, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances at 8 and 11 days were higher for control than for the PTHL diet (P = 0.023 for interaction). Protein carbonyls were higher for control than for the PTHL diet at 8 days (P = 0.003 for interaction), but similar for both diets for the other dates. Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids varied through the AP with PTHL diet, while no changes were observed with control diet (P < 0.01 for interactions). At 11 days, the n-6 : n-3 ratio passed from being the minimum value with the PTHL diet to be the maximum with control diet (P < 0.01 for interaction)., [Conclusions]: The effects of PTHL inclusion in bull finishing diets depends on the AP but, generally, may result in beef with meat with beneficial effects on human health., [Implications]: Including PTHL in the diet of finishing bulls can be useful to improve meat quality, favouring the use of natural waste substances deriving from vegetal production.

Consumers’ food-related lifestyles may affect purchasing attitudes towards meat. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of consumers’ culinary skills on their attitudes towards pork in two country regions of North-Eastern Spain and Portugal. Survey data were collected through an on-line questionnaire (Catalonia, n = 442; Aragon, n = 342; Northern Portugal, n = 190; all of whom consumed pork). Each respondent was asked questions regarding consumer purchasing habits that were used to segment the consumers through hierarchical clustering according to their culinary skills. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic cues towards pork (20 questions). Wilcoxon tests with pair-wise comparisons were conducted to cross consumer clusters with their purchasing drivers. Two optimal clusters were identified: “uninvolved” consumers that liked cooking to a lesser extent (P < 0.001), normally ate out on working days (P < 0.001), considered traditional recipes best (P = 0.008), spent less time cooking (P < 0.001), did not like changes in their meals (P < 0.001), considered less important meal planning for family nutrition (P < 0.001), enjoyed to a lesser extent shopping for food (P < 0.001), payed less attention to advertisements (P = 0.03) and food label information (P < 0.001) than “innovative cook lovers.” Interestingly, the two clusters did not differ in enjoying social eating out, following a shopping list, preferring butchers rather than supermarkets, or over the counter purchases rather than packaged meat. “Best before date,” “safety” and “appeal (colour, drip loss)” were the most important criteria for purchase decision in both clusters. The “price” importance was greater (P < 0.05) whereas “cooking ease” was less valued (P = 0.04) by “innovative cook lovers” than by “uninvolved” consumers. The least rated driver was “slaughter method,” although it was scored greater by “innovative cook lovers” than by “uninvolved” consumers (P = 0.04). In summary, innovative cook lovers may be more exigent consumers (price and animal welfare sensitive).

This study investigates changes in the feeding behaviour of pigs as a result of a restriction in their feed allowance and a reduction in dietary indispensable amino acid (AA) content. Ninety-six Topig Talent × PIC barrows were housed in 8 pens and individually fed either ad libitum (AL) or a restricted diet (RF) from 47 to 145 kg body weight (BW). The amount of feed given to RF pigs was close to their expected voluntary intake, but it was limited to proportions of 0.33, 0.66 and 1.00 of the estimated daily amount of feed in 3 time intervals, 00:01 to 8:00, 8:01 to 16:00 and 16:01 to 24:00 h, respectively. From 86 kg BW, the pigs in 4 of the pens were fed diets with conventional standardized ileal digestible AA content (CAA), while the pigs in the other pens received diets (LAA) in which the proportions of dietary indispensable AA were lowered with respect to CAA by 0.91 from 86 to 118 kg BW and by 0.82 from 118 to 145 kg BW. Automated feeders monitored individual feeding behaviour. Data were analysed by pig and feeding phase with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Over the whole experimental period, feed restriction resulted in a decrease in daily feed intake (7%, P < 0.001), the number of visits (27%, P < 0.001) and the time spent feeding (14%, P < 0.001), but an increase in feed consumption per visit (20%, P = 0.001) and feeding rate (10%, P = 0.032). The reduction in AA increased daily feed intake (7%, P = 0.031), tended to increase feeding rate (14%, P = 0.07) and interacted with feeding regime with respect to the number and duration of feeding visits. During growing and finishing, we observed high, negative, non-linear relationships between feed consumption per visit and visit frequency (R2 = 0.989 to 0.876), between visit duration and visit frequency (R2 = 0.648 to 0.695), and between feeding rate and time spent feeding in a day (R2 = 0.802 to 0.707), and positive linear relationships between visit duration and feed consumption per visit (R2 = 0.614 to 0.570). The individual feeding rate during growing was positively correlated with that during finishing (R2 = 0.458). We conclude that pigs try to adapt their feeding pattern to compensate for a reduction in feed allowance or nutrient restriction by, for example, increasing their feeding rate, which may reflect increased feeding motivation.

A total of 48 Duroc×(Landrace×Large White) pigs, 24 males and 24 females, with 85±3 d of age were used to study the effect of sex and immunocastration on growth performances and carcass and pork quality. There were 4 experimental treatments; surgical castrated males (SCM), immunocastrated males (ICM), entire females (EF) and immunocastrated females (ICF). The surgical castration had been carried out in 12 males when were 5±3 d of age. The immunocastration consisted in two vaccinations with Improvac®, in 12 boars and in 12 gilts, at the beginning of the trial and 28 d later (45.4 and 70.6 kg body weight as average, respectively). Pigs were intended for dry-cured ham elaboration; therefore, heavy body weight (126 kg and 167 d of age as average) and a minimum of carcass fat depth (20 mm) were required. During the overall period (from days 0–82), SCM were less efficient converting feed into gain than the rest of the treatments ( P =0.049). At slaughter, ICM were heavier than SCM and ICF with EF being intermediate ( P =0.05) and ICF were fatter, as much at 10th rib ( P =0.05) as at level of Gluteus medius muscle ( P =0.043), than EF with males (SCM and ICM) in an intermediate position. As a consequence, EF had the leanest carcasses ( P =0.048) and 25% of them were rejected for lack of fatness vs 0% in the other treatments ( P =0.02). Pork from ICF was redder (higher a*) than that from ICM ( P P =0.03) and tended to have lower level of oxymyoglobin ( P =0.061) and metmyoglobin ( P =0.082) than that from EF. The intramuscular fat content was not affected. The inmunocastration of males or females had limited influence on major fatty acids of subcutaneous or intramuscular fat. It can be concluded that immunocastration could be interesting in pigs intended for dry-cured ham elaboration because in males improved the feed conversion ratio with no penalization of carcass or meat quality, in comparison to surgical castration, and in gilts increased backfat thickness of carcass reducing to 0% the rejections at slaughterhouse for lack of fatness.

Aim of study: To evaluate the impact of the feed level during the first month of gestation on body weight evolution, backfat and loin muscle depths and reproductive performances in highly prolific sows. Area of study: Galicia (Northwestern Spain). Material and methods: Thirty-six Danbred sows were assigned to three experimental groups (n=12) receiving, from day 1 to 30 of pregnancy, 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5 kg/d of a standard diet (8.83 MJ net energy and 138.5 g crude protein/kg). In each group, the number of sows in the second-, third-and fourth-cycle was the same. All animals received, of the same diet, 2.5 kg/d from day 31 to 90 and 3.0 kg/d from day 91 to 107. Seven days prior the parturition, sows were moved to the farrowing-lactating facilities where spent until weaning receiving a common standard lactation diet. At 24 h post-farrowing, litters were standardized to 13 piglets each by cross-fostering. Main results: The optimal feeding level during the first 30 days of gestation was 3.0 kg/d because a lower amount penalized their body weight gain and a higher amount did not improve their fatty reserves. It is worth considering that the increase from 2.5 to 3.5 kg/d generated advantages at birth (higher and more homogenous piglet weights) but also handicaps (lower litter size). The effects were similar irrespective of the cycle number. Research highlights: Different feeding levels during the early pregnancy were tested because it is a critical period. Suppling 3.0 kg/d carried out the best productive and reproductive implications.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercially available herbal preparation(Oxyphenol®, I-Green, Padua, Italy) ofPinus taeda hydrolyzed lignin (PTHL) on beef fattening performance, in vitro rumen apparent digestibility, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and gas production. Forty Limousine steers were randomly divided into two groups of twenty individuals each and reared in two separated pens. The control (CON) group did not receive PTHL whereas the experimental group was supplemented with PTHL (35 g/day for each for the first 90 days of the trial and 70 g/day for each for other 30 days). The data set of in vitro rumen apparent digestibility, VFA and gas production was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the GLMprocedure in SAS software (SAS 9.4), considering the dietary treatment and the time as fixed effects. The inclusion of PTHL did not affect slaughter performance, with no differences in live weight at slaughter, daily weight gain and carcass dressing percentage between groups. In addition, the apparent digestibility of nutrients tested (dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, NDF, crude protein and ether extract) was unaffected both by the dietary treatment and by sampling time. Rumen fluid pH was unaffected both by either dietary treatment or the sampling time,showing mean values ranging from 6.53 to 6.61. The acetate concentration was significantly greater for rumen fluid from PTHL group than in CON one, from 30 to 120 days (P< 0.01).Propionate production showed higher levels in rumen fluid from the PTHL group at 60, 90 and120 days of supplement administration (P< 0.001). Conversely, butyrate concentrations showed an opposite trend, with lower content in rumen fluid from the PTHL group, compared with CON group at 30 days (P= 0.0188). Total VFA concentration did not show significant differences because of sampling time (P> 0.05), but the dietary effect induced higher values inPTHL group from 30 to 120 days (P< 0.05). Finally, rumen fluid from PTHL during fermentation produced less CH4relative to CON, with lower values from 30 to 120 days compared to day 0 (P< 0.001). Dietary inclusion of PTHL reduced CH4production but did not affect apparent digestibility and live and slaughter performance.

Following previous research studies of the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgN) on digestive microbiota in pigs, we aimed to study the microbial changes induced by the addition of AgN on the digestive tract site (ileum or caecum) in weaning piglets and its influence on fermentation. Sixteen piglets weaned at 28 days (7.08 kg average weight) were given a prestarter diet, without (CT, n=6) or with 20 ppm metallic AgN (SIL, n=10) for 14 days. Then, piglets were slaughtered and their ileal and caecal contents sampled for their 16s rRNA sequencing using llumina MiSeq. Taxonomic assignment was performed using BLASTN against a RDP database data and analysed using R and JMP statistical packages. Ileal (6.60 vs. 6.65) and caecal (5.57 vs. 5.58) pH did not differ between CT and SIL. Volatile fatty acid concentration at the ileum was low, but in the caecum molar proportion of acetate was higher (0.577 vs. 0.461), and propionate lower (0.236 vs. 0.318), in CT than SIL. Addition of AgN decreased the ileal richness (P=0.002) but increased Lactobacillus sp. (P=0.07) in the ileum and reductions in Clostridium sp. (P=0.09 in ileum and P=0.03 in caecum) were observed when AgN were added. Taxa most influenced by addition of AgN included Treponema porcinum and Acitenobacter sp. at ileum and Desulfovibrio sp. and Ruminococcus albus at caecum. Spearman correlations between fermentation parameters and relevant taxa in both ileum and caecum also differed when AgN was added. Silver nanoparticles exert a differential effect on the microbial population depending on the digestive site (research supported by the project POCTEFA EFA-183/16).

In heavy gilts, avoiding puberty is desirable because an impairment of growth performances have been observed during the estrus days. The immunocastration could solve it. A total of thirty Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) gilts, of 54.2 ± 4.14 kg of body weight (BW), were used to assess the effects of immunization against GnRH on genital organs development and serum sex hormones. There were two experimental groups (n=15): intact gilts (IG) or immunocastrated gilts (IMG). Immunization was carried out by two injections of Vacsincel® (Zoetis) at approximately 54 and 71 kg BW (102 and 122 days of age, respectively). The same management was provided for both groups through the trial. Pigs were slaughtered when achieved approximately 135 kg BW because were intended for dry-cured ham elaboration. The experimental unit was the animal and data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS. The IG had heavier genital tract than IMG (186.7 vs 116.3 g; P=0.01) mainly due to the cervix (P=0.0003) and uterine horns and vagina (P=0.06). Also, IG had bigger ovaries size (P=0.04) and larger uterine horns (P=0.03), cervix (P=0.01) and vulva (P=0.06). Although total number of follicles was similar in both groups (43 follicles as average; P>0.05), IG showed mainly big ones (14, 50, 26 and 10% of 6 mm, respectively) whereas in IMG prevailed the small ones (28, 50, 17 and 5%, respectively). Scarce effects were found on progesterone and estradiol levels. It is concluded that immunocastration had an important impact on the development of the genital tract and on the follicular dynamic of heavy gilts. This work (Project AGL-201-78532-R) was funded by MINECO. Key Words

Currently, gilts intended for Spanish high quality dry-cured ham are characterized by lack of fatness detected at backfat depth covering the ham and also in the intramuscular fat content, necessary for an optimum dry-curing process and for the consumer acceptability, respectively. Trying to solve it, a trial was carried out with 90 Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) females to assess the impact of immunocastration and different diets on meat and fat quality. Half of gilts were entire (EG) and the other half were immunocastrated (IG) by two injections of Vacsincel® at 58 and 76 kg of body weight (BW). Three diets were tested (76–134 kg BW) in both groups: A=control, B=high net energy content and C=low lysine level. A sample of meat from each carcass (n = 15) and 48 samples of subcutaneous fat chosen at random (n = 8) were analyzed. Data were processed as a factorial 2 (sexes) x 3 (diets) using the GLM procedure of SAS. Meat from IG showed lower moisture (P = 0.04) and higher intramuscular fat content (P = 0.01) than that from EG. Fat from IG presented higher proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P = 0.002) and lower of polyunsaturated (PUFA) (P = 0.02) and PUFA:SFA ratio (P = 0.007) than that from EG, but the n6:n3 ratio was not influenced. About feeding, the only effects observed were that in IG, diet C and B increased the water holding capacity (P < 0.01). It can be concluded that immunocastration improved the chemical composition of meat, but feeding had scarce effects on pork quality. Besides, fat from EG seems healthier but fat from IG would be fitter for technological processes, such as curing. This work (Project AGL2016-78532-R) was funded by MINECO.

A total of 200 Duroc cross (Landrace×Large White) pigs, 50% barrows and 50% gilts, of 26.3±0.55 kg body weight (BW) were used to study the effect of Lysine (Lys) restriction in the grower period on subsequent performance, serum metabolites and fatness. Four diets with Lys contents of 11.0, 9.1, 7.8 and 5.2 g/kg were offered to animals during the grower phase (45 d) in a two (sex)×four (diet) randomized block factorial design with five pens (replicates) per treatment and five pigs each. At the end of the restricted period, one pig per pen (five pigs per treatment) was slaughtered and the rest were fed a common finishing diet with 9.1 g/kg Lys until slaughter at 123 kg±2.35 kg BW. During the grower phase, Lys restriction reduced average daily gain (ADG) ( P P =0.008) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) ( P =0.003). The responses were quadratic and similar for both sexes. At the end of this period, restricted pigs showed lower backfat thickness ( P P =0.001) and cholesterol (quadratic; P =0.039). Also, serum albumin decreased quadratically ( P= 0.004) with Lys restriction while urea increased with the highest level of restriction. During the finisher phase, ADG increased linearly ( P P= 0.0.97), resulting in a linear increase of FCR ( P =0.002). However, the compensatory growth was incomplete and, during the overall period, there was a reduction of ADG (quadratic; P= 0.041) and of FCR (linear; P =0.001) as dietary Lys content decreased, whereas fat depth at the gluteus medius (GM) muscle increased linearly ( P =0.004). This entailed a delay to reach the slaughter BW of 1.8±0.43 d per g Lys restriction/kg of diet which was related to worse FCR by 0.034±0.0095 and to an increase of fat thickness at GM muscle of 0.51±0.168 mm. At the end of the trial, barrows grew faster, ate more feed and were fatter than gilts ( P

The effect of the solid by-product from the olive oil industry (olive cake) on digestibility, growth performances, and carcass, meat and fat characteristics was studied in sixty Duroc×(Landrace×Large White) gilts, of 69.5 ± 5.02 kg of body weight and 126 ± 3 days of age. Increasing levels of olive cake (0, 50, 100 and 150 g/kg of feed) were included in the diet by replacing the same proportion of barley. Five pens with three pigs per treatment were assayed, considering the pen as replicate. The trial lasted 35 days, and animals were slaughtered with 96.7 ± 7.45 kg of body weight. Daily feed intake increased (P=0.04) and daily gain tended to increase (P=0.06), both quadratically, with olive cake inclusion reaching the maximum values at 100 g olive cake/kg. The daily apparent digestible energy intake also increased quadratically (P=0.04) on increasing dietary olive cake content. The feed conversion ratio was not affected by diet. Also, the apparent organic matter digestibility tended to decrease quadratically (P=0.06) and energy digestibility decreased linearly (P

Barley, rice, maize and peas as starch sources were tested to study if differences in glycemic index may affect feed utilization, productive performances and quality traits for growing pigs. Four experimental diets were formulated to include 420 g starch/kg, provided by barley, barley/broken rice, barley/maize or barley/peas combinations (diets coded B, R, M and P, respectively). A 45% of total starch from diets R, M and P was provided by broken rice, maize or peas. The in vitro characterization of feeds showed that the rapidly digestible starch fraction was highest for R (P

Simple Summary A strong belief characterizes the choice of the feeding curve used during the transition sow period from gestation to lactation. Stepped feeding schedules are normally applied in this period, but ad libitum fed sows may have better post-partum performance. An ad libitum feeding strategy of sows from day −5 to +5 of lactation evidenced greater voluntary feed intake than the stepped schedule from two days before to five days post-farrowing. However, ad libitum feeding during the peri-partum did not show any clear advantage on the piglet survival at farrowing or post-partum reproductive recovery of sows. Abstract This study hypothesized that the ad libitum feeding of sows during the peri-partum may increase the neonatal survival of the piglets and the post-partum recovery of the sow. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of two peri-partum feeding strategies (ad libitum and stepped from day 110 of gestation to day 5 post-partum) on the feed intake, the reproductive performance of sows, as well as the survival of their piglets. A total of 90 Landrace x Large-White dams sired by Duroc were used. The sows were randomly assigned to feeding treatments by balancing body condition and parity between groups. The feed intake of the sows in the peri-partum was lower in the stepped than in the ad libitum strategy. The increase of the feeding level in the ad libitum sows was not counterbalanced by higher number of weaned piglets or shorter weaned to oestrus interval.

A total of 48 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) gilts of 33.2 kg BW were used to investigate the influence of immunocastration and diet on growth performance and carcass, meat and fat quality. Four treatments were arranged factorially (2 × 2) with two sexes (immunocastrated gilts: IG v. entire gilts: EG) and two dietary treatments (a commercial feedstuff as control v. granulated barley as a single major ingredient) provided during the finishing period (from 103 to 126 kg BW). There were four replicates of three pigs per treatment. At the end of the trial, the IGs grew faster (P

In total, 192 Iberian pigs were used to investigate the effects of net energy (NE) concentration of the diet on growth performance and carcass quality of castrated females (CF) and castrated males (CM). From 30 to 112 kg body weight (BW), three diets were formulated with similar digestible amino acid content per kcal of NE but differing in energy concentration (2,045, 2,175 and 2,305 kcal NE kg-1 from 30 to 81 kg BW and 2,175, 2,305 and 2,445 kcal NE kg-1 from 81 to 112 kg BW). From 112 kg to slaughter (148 kg BW), all pigs received a common finisher diet. Each treatment was replicated eight times and the experimental unit was a pen with four pigs. A decrease in NE concentration of the diet increased feed intake (p

Although studies in rodents and humans have evidenced a weaker effect of fat in comparison to carbohydrates on the suppression of food intake, very few studies have been carried out in this field in dogs. This study investigates the effects of a high-carbohydrate (HC) and a high-fat (HF) diets on subsequent food intake and blood satiety-related hormones in dogs. Diets differed mainly in their starch (442 vs. 271 g/kg dry matter) and fat (99.3 vs. 214 g/kg dry matter) contents. Twelve Beagle dogs received the experimental diets at maintenance energy requirements in two experimental periods, following a cross-over arrangement. In week 7 of each period, blood concentrations of active ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), peptide YY, insulin, and glucose were determined before and at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 360 min post-feeding. The following week, intake of a challenge food offered 180 min after the HC and HF diets was recorded over two days. In comparison to the dogs on the HC diet, those on the HF diet had a higher basal concentration of GLP-1 (p =.010) and a higher total area under the curve over 180 min post-prandial (tAUC) (p =.031). Dogs on the HC diet showed a higher elevation of ghrelin at 180 min (p =.033) and of insulin at 360 min (p =.041), although ghrelin and insulin tAUC did not differ between the two diets (p ˃.10). Diet had no effect on challenge food intake (p ˃.10), which correlated with the tAUC of ghrelin (r =.514, p =.010), insulin (r = −.595, p =.002), and glucose (r = −.516, p =.010). Feeding a diet high in carbohydrate or fat at these inclusion levels does not affect the feeding response at 180 min post-prandial, suggesting a similar short-term satiating capacity., This work was funded by Affini Petcare, with the participation of the Department of Industry and Innovation of the Government of Aragón and the European Social Fund. The authors wish to thank the Servicio de Apoyo a la Investigación (SAI) team for their dedicated dog care and for their invaluable assistance with sampling. We also thank the laboratory technicians of the Animal Nutrition Unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of Zaragoza for carrying out the analysis of food and faeces.

A total of 48 Duroc×(Landrace×Large White) gilts of 40.5±0.69 kg of initial body weight (BW) were used. During the growing period (40–100 kg BW), all pigs ate a conventional feed and during the finishing period (100–130 kg BW) animals received the experimental dietary treatments; a conventional feed based on barley, wheat and vegetable meals (control diet; 9.06 MJ of net energy/kg and 10.78% of crude protein) or a feed with 98.5% of granulated barley (barley diet; 9.63 MJ of net energy/kg and 8.96% of crude protein). There were twelve replicates of two pigs per treatment. Pigs were slaughtered at 130±1.66 kg BW because they were intended for dry-cured ham production. For the overall period, no differences were observed for average daily gain and feed conversion ratio, although the average daily feed intake was lower ( P P P longissimus thoracis muscle ( P >0.05). It is concluded that the replacement of a conventional feed by a diet based on barley from 100 and 130 kg BW had scarce effect on carcass and meat traits, without any penalisation of productive performance and with reduced feeding costs. Therefore, the use of granulated barley provided during finishing period might be interesting for heavy pigs.

A total of 48 Duroc × (Large White × Landrace) gilts of 46.8 kg BW (86 ± 3 days of age) were used to investigate the effect of diet during the growing and finishing periods on growth performance and carcass, meat and fat quality. The control diet consisted of a commercial feedstuff and the granulated barley diet had that cereal as the single major ingredient. There were three treatments: (i) control diet provided from 45.6 to 127.8 kg BW (C group), (ii) control diet from 47.0 to 91.8 kg BW and granulated barley from 91.8 to 129.7 kg BW (C + GB group) and (iii) granulated barley from 47.9 to 93.1 kg BW and control diet from 93.1 to 135.1 kg BW (GB + C group). Each treatment was replicated eight times, with two pigs per replicate. The C group grew faster (P < 0.001) and had a better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001) than the GB + C group, with C + GB being intermediate. Carcasses from C + GB gilts had higher backfat depth than those from C gilts, with GB + C being intermediate (P < 0.05). Also, the main joints (ham + shoulder + loin) had a higher (P < 0.01) yield in carcass in the GB + C group than in the C group, with C + GB being intermediate. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content was higher (P < 0.001) in loin from C + GB and GB + C gilts than in C gilts. The IMF of loin from C + GB gilts had higher (P < 0.05) C18:1n-9 and total monounsaturated fatty acid (FA) proportions than that from C gilts, whereas the C18:2n-6 and total polyunsaturated FA percentages were lower (P < 0.05) in C + GB gilts than in the remaining gilts. The total saturated FA percentage was lower (P < 0.05) in loin from GB + C than in that from C gilts. Hams from C + GB and GB + C gilts had higher (P < 0.05) C18:1n-9 and total monounsaturated FA proportions and lower C18:2n-6 and total polyunsaturated FA contents than those from C gilts. We can conclude that granulated barley provided during the growing or the finishing period improved some carcass and meat characteristics of heavy gilts desirable for dry-cured ham production.

A total of 120 pigs [Duroc × (Landrace × Large White); initial average BW: 100.3 ± 2.5 kg] were used to investigate the effects of sex (barrows and gilts) and dietary total Lys restriction (7.0, 6.5, and 6.0 g·kg(-1)) on growth performance and carcass, meat, and fat characteristics. Pigs were intended for high-quality dry-cured ham from Spain (called Teruel ham), and a minimum fat thickness at the gluteus medius muscle (GM) is required (16 mm) for carcasses to be acceptable. Animals were slaughtered when they reached 129.0 ± 3.6 kg of BW. There were 6 treatments arranged factorially (2 sexes × 3 dietary Lys concentrations) and 4 replicates of 5 pigs per treatment. Barrows consumed more feed (P = 0.001) and tended to have less G:F (P = 0.06) than gilts. Carcasses from barrows were fatter (P = 0.001) and had heavier main trimmed lean cuts (P = 0.008) than gilts. A greater proportion of final acceptable carcasses for Teruel ham (P = 0.001) was observed in barrows than in gilts because of the greater percentage of carcasses that fulfill the minimum fat depth at GM required (P = 0.001). Meat from barrows had greater content of intramuscular fat (P = 0.02) than meat from gilts. Also, subcutaneous fat from barrows had less proportion of PUFA than fat from gilts (P = 0.02). A reduction in dietary Lys concentration decreased ADG (P = 0.004) and ADFI (P = 0.001) in pigs. In addition, backfat depth (P = 0.007) and fat at GM (P = 0.07) increased as dietary Lys decreased. The proportion of carcasses that fulfilled the minimum fat depth at GM required for Teruel ham increased as dietary Lys decreased in feed, but this effect was greater in gilts than in barrows (sex × Lys, P = 0.02). Meat and fat quality was not influenced by dietary treatment. We conclude that different feeding programs with different dietary Lys concentrations may be needed for barrows and gilts intended for production of dry-cured hams where a minimum carcass fat depth is required.

The objective of this trial was to study the impact of slaughter weight (SW) class: heavy (≥120 kg) or light (

A total of 120 Iberian pigs of the Lampina line that grew under outdoor conditions were used to study the effect of the age at the beginning of Montanera period (AM) on meat characteristics and fatty acid (FA) profile of subcutaneous fat. AM period is a free-range fattening phase from November to February in which pigs ate mainly acorns and grass. There were two treatments with two AM (20 pigs per treatment); 18 (P18) and 12 months (P12). Barrows and gilts were in the same proportion within each treatment. All the animals were slaughtered at the same time (at the end of Montanera period) reaching an average 160 kg of body weight. Meat from P18 had less protein and was more red (a*) ( P , 0.05), but tended to show higher intramuscular fat content ( P , 0.10) than meat from P12. Loin from P18 had lower thawing ( P , 0.001) and cooking losses ( P , 0.10) than loin from P12. The fat from P18 had higher monounsaturated FA content than fat from P12 pigs ( P , 0.01) due to the higher level of C18:1 ( P , 0.01) and C20:1 ( P , 0.001). However, fat from P12 had higher polyunsaturated FA content than fat from P18 pigs ( P , 0.01) because of the higher level of C18:2 ( P , 0.001). It is concluded that both 12 and 18 months are adequate AM for purebred Iberian pigs from the commercial point of view. However, if the aim is to produce high-quality dry-cured Iberian products, the P18 pigs would be more advisable because had better meat and fat characteristics than the P12 pigs.

A trial was conducted to study the effect of gender (barrows; gilts) and seasonality of growing-finishing period (S, summer; W, winter) on the carcass and meat characteristics and fatty acid (FA) profile of subcutaneous fat of pigs slaughtered at 131kg of body weight. No significant gender×seasonality interaction was detected and the differences between genders were scarce. The S pigs had a 13.2% thinner fat depth over the Gluteus medius muscle and a higher yield of shoulders and loins by 10.6% and 10.0%, respectively than W pigs. Meat from S pigs had 32.5% lower intramuscular fat content and higher cooking losses (9.1%) and shear force (6.4%) than meat from W pigs. Subcutaneous fat from S pigs had a 7.8% higher percentage of saturated FA and 4.9% lower monounsaturated FA than that from W pigs. It is concluded that in Spanish natural-environment facilities, the seasonality of the growing-finishing period affects the carcass, and meat and fat quality of heavy pigs.

A trial was conducted to study the influence of cooking–flaking (C-F) of maize and enzyme supplementation (ES) of the diet on mucosa morphometry, digestive organ weight, dietary component digestibility and growth performance of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. There were 4 treatments arranged factorially with 2 heat processings of maize (raw and C-F) and 2 levels (0 and 500 mg/kg) of an enzyme complex with xylanase, protease and α-amylase activity. Dietary treatment did not affect any productive trait from 1 to 21 days of age. However, from 1 to 4 days of age, body weight gain (P

Crossbred pigs (n = 120) from Duroc sires mated to Landrace × Large White dams, with a mean BW of 110.5 ± 2.3 kg, were used to investigate the effect of increasing the slaughter weight of gilts with regard to that of the barrows on the production of high quality dry-cured hams from Spain (Teruel ham). There were 3 treatments: barrows slaughtered at 130 kg of BW (B), gilts slaughtered at 130 kg of BW (G1), and gilts slaughtered at 134 kg of BW (G2). Growth performance was similar for G1 and G2, and both con- sumed less feed (P < 0.001) and had less BW gain (P < 0.05) and better G:F (P < 0.01) than B. Also, the B treatment showed thicker backfat (P < 0.001) and covering fat over the gluteus medius (GM) muscle (P < 0.05) than G1 or G2, but no differences in carcass fat were detected between G1 and G2. Loin and ham yields were similar for B and G2, and both were less than those for G1 (P < 0.01). Treatment did not affect the proportion of carcasses with a minimum weight of 84 kg, but the percentage of carcasses with a mini- mum fat depth over the GM muscle of 18 mm and the percentage of carcasses that fulfill both requirements (as required for the Teruel ham trademark) were less for G1 than for B or G2 (P < 0.001). Meat from B had greater (P < 0.05) intramuscular fat content than meat from G1 with loin from G2 being intermediate. Thawing losses of the loins were greater (P < 0.05) for B than for G2 with loins from G1 being intermediate. Shear force value was greater for meat from G1 than for that from G2 with meat from B being intermediate (P < 0.05). Fat over the GM muscle from the B treat- ment was more saturated and had decreased PUFA/ SFA ratio than that from G1 with fat from G2 being intermediate (P < 0.001). Also, backfat from the B treatment showed decreased (P < 0.01) PUFA propor- tion than backfat from G1 or G2. We conclude that increasing the slaughter weight of gilts by 4 kg with respect to that of barrows optimized the 2 criteria used for the selection of carcasses destined for the produc- tion of Teruel ham.

A trial was conducted to study the effect of sire line (Duroc (DU) and Pietrain (PI)) on carcass, meat and fat quality of pigs reared outdoor and destined to dry-cured meat production. No differences between sire genotypes were detected in carcass fat thickness (P > 0.10) but carcasses from DU-sired pigs were longer (P < 0.05) and tended to have a higher yield of trimmed shoulders (P = 0.07) and hams (P = 0.06) than carcasses from PI-sired pigs. Loins from DU-sired genotype showed higher (P < 0.05) L* value and lower (P < 0.01) a* value than loins from PI-sired genotype. Pork from DU-sired offspring tended to have higher (P = 0.09) intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage and lower (P < 0.05) moisture proportion than meat from PI-sired offspring. Also, loins from DU-sired pigs had lower (P < 0.001) thawing losses than loins from PI-sired pigs. The subcutaneous fat from the DU-sired line tended to show lower (P = 0.08) percentage of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than that from the PI-sire line, mostly due to the higher proportion of C18:2 (P = 0.09) and C20:3 (P < 0.01). However, no effect of crossbreed was detected on the total proportion of saturated, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs) or PUFAs of IMF (P > 0.10). We conclude that both sire lines can be used successfully under outdoor conditions but DU boars are more adequate than PI boars for the production of heavy pigs intended for the dry-cured meat industry.

Two trials were conducted to test the effect of micronization (very fine grinding) of soya bean meal (SBM) and fullfat soya bean (FFSB) on productive performance and digestive traits of piglets. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments arranged factorially (SBM and FFSB, micronized and ground). The mean particle size (MPS) was 47 and 881 μm for the SBM and 41 and 778 μm for the FFSB, micronized and ground, respectively. In trial 1 growth traits from 23 to 45 days of age and the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dietary components at 33 and 45 days of age were assessed. In trial 2 the coefficient of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) of dietary components, the pH of the gastro intestinal tract (GIT) and the weight of digestive organs and spleen were measured at 45 days of age. From 23 to 33 days of age pigs fed SBM grew faster (253 g/d versus 213 g/day; P 0.10). Particle size did not affect any trait studied (P>0.10). The poor performance and digestibility of pigs fed FFSB as compared to pigs fed SBM might be related to the conditions applied during processing. It is concluded that pigs fed soya bean meal perform better than pigs fed FFSB and that micronization of the soya protein sources does not affect any trait studied.

Ninety-six pigs from Large White (LW), Synthetic Genex 3000 (SG) and Meishan-derived dam line (M) genetic lines, each with a mean live body weight (BW) of 20.7 ± 4.2 kg, were used to investigate the relationship that exist between production performance and meat quality parameters for these three genotypes. The animals were assigned to pens in groups of eight and slaughtered at 109.6 ± 3.78 kg BW. At the end of the trial, the LW pigs had the highest (P

We studied the influence of enzyme supplementation (ES) of the diet and heat processing (HP) of barley on digestive traits and productive performance of broilers from 1 to 42 d of age. There were 6 diets arranged factorially with 2 doses (0 and 500 ppm) of a fungal enzyme complex with beta-glucanase and xylanase activity and 3 HP of barley (raw, micronized, and expanded). In addition, a control diet based on raw corn without ES was also included from 1 to 21 d of age. Enzymes reduced intestinal viscosity (IV) at all ages (Por = 0.001) and water intake at 21 d of age (Por = 0.01) and increased DM of the ileal contents at 28 d (Por = 0.001). Also, ES increased total tract apparent retention of nutrients and BW gain and feed conversion ratio from 1 to 42 d of age (Por = 0.001). Heat processing of barley increased IV at 7 and at 28 d of age, and DM of ileal contents (Por = 0.05) at 28 d of age. In addition, HP improved feed intake (Por = 0.01) and BW gain (Por = 0.001) from 1 to 7 d of age, but the effects disappeared after 21 d of age. From 1 to 7 d of age, chicks fed micronized barley had higher IV, gained less weight, and had poorer feed conversion ratio than chicks fed expanded barley (Por = 0.05). It is concluded that barley with enzymes can substitute for all of the corn in diets fed to broilers from 1 to 21 d of age. Enzymes improved digestive traits, retention of nutrients, and broiler performance from 1 to 42 d of age, and HP of barley improved performance from 1 to 7 d of age. The effects of HP of barley on broiler performance were more evident with expansion than with micronization.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of the main cereal (maize and rice), heat-processing of the cereal (HP; raw and cooked) and the inclusion of cooked oat hulls (OH; 0 and 20 g/kg) in the diet on coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility of major dietary components (CTTAD) and productive performance of piglets weaned at 21 days. Each treatment was replicated six times and the trial lasted for 35 days. From 21 to 49 days of age piglets were fed their respective experimental complex diets and from 49 to 56 days they received a common starter diet. The CTTAD was determined at 33, 43 and 49 days and productive performance was measured at 35, 49 and 56 days of age. Gross energy (GE), organic matter (OM) and ether extract (EE) digestibilities were higher for rice- than for maize-based diets (P

Nutritional strategies are being researched in pigs to increase fatness and then to improve quality of dry-cured products. A total of 160 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) pigs, 50% barrows and 50% gilts, were used in a trial. During the growing period (73-118. d of age), four feeds were formulated with decreasing levels of crude protein (CP; 21.6, 17.7, 14.7 and 13.5%) to achieve 1.10, 0.91, 0.78 and 0.52% of total Lysine, respectively. From 118. d until slaughter, at 123. kg (183, 181, 178 or 192. d of age, respectively), a common diet was provided (17.7% CP and 0.91% Lysine). Barrows had fatter carcasses than gilts but intramuscular fat (IMF) proportion was similar for both. Dietary CP restriction promoted wider backfat depth and pork with higher IMF percentage which was more monounsaturated and less polyunsaturated. We conclude that CP restriction during the grower period improves desirable carcass and meat traits in barrows and gilts intended for dry-cured products.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of the main cereal (cooked maize or cooked rice) and the inclusion of cooked and expanded oat hulls (0, 20 or 40 g/kg) in the diet on total tract apparent nutrient digestibility (TTAD) and productive performance of piglets weaned at 21 days. Each of the six treatments was replicated eight times (five piglets penned together) and the trial lasted for 33 days. From 21 to 41 days of age piglets were given their respective experimental complex diets that contained 530 g/kg cooked cereal and from 41 to 54 days they received a common starter diet based on maize, barley and soya-bean meal. Growth promoters were not included in the diets. The TTAD was determined at 27 and 37 days of age and pig performance was measured at 31, 41 and 54 days of age. Nutrient digestibility increased with age (PPPPADG,PP

The influence of heat processing (HP) of the cereal on performance and component digestibility in piglets fed on diets offered in mash or pellet form was determined. In trial one, there were eight treatments arranged factorially with two cereals (barley or maize), two HP of the cereal (raw or cooked-flaked) and two forms of the diet (mash or pellets). Piglets were fed on the experimental diets from weaning at 22 to 42 days and then on a common pelleted starter diet until 52 days of age. At 42 days, piglets fed on maize-based diets had better feed conversion ratio (1.20 versus 1.41; P P P P P P P P