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Simple Summary: Fermentation not only reduces the anti-nutritional factors in soybean meal, but also increases the contents of bioactive peptides and free amino acids, and promotes the digestibility of nutrients in soybean meal for growing pigs. The enzymes and prebiotics contained in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) improve the intestinal health, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of animals. However, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of the nutritional value of FSBM for growing pigs. Therefore, we selected 10 representative FSBM samples from nine different manufacturers in China, and determined the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) of FSBM. We found that the mean values of DE, ME, and SID of AA in the FSBM samples were similar to those of NRC (2012), but the variation was large. The DE and ME values can be predicted based on the chemical composition of FSBM in growing pigs. This study aimed to evaluate the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) fed to growing pigs. In experiment 1, twenty-two growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 32.0 ± 4.2 kg BW) were fed one of 11 diets in a replicated 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square design to determine the DE and ME of FSBM. The diets included a corn-based diet and 10 experimental diets formulated by replacing the corn with 29.10% FSBM. In experiment 2, eleven growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 24.3 ± 2.3 kg BW) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula and arranged in an 11 × 6 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and six periods. The diets included an N-free diet and 10 experimental diets containing 40% FSBM as the sole source of AA. The results showed that the contents of dry matter (DM), gross energy, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus averaged 91.83% (ranging from 89.24 to 94.55%), 18.44 MJ/kg (ranging from 18.00 to 18.95 MJ/kg), 50.63% (ranging from 50.00 to 51.81%), 4.51% (ranging from 3.41 to 5.40%), 9.17% (ranging from 7.02 to 10.30%), 6.38% (ranging from 4.97 to 7.45%), 0.32% (ranging from 0.29 to 0.34%), and 0.67% (ranging from 0.61 to 0.84%), respectively. The average DE and ME were 17.55 and 16.33 MJ/kg DM, respectively, with ranges of 15.72 to 18.80 MJ/kg DM and 14.30 to 17.72 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the SID of essential AA (p < 0.05), except for Thr and Arg. The SID of Lys, Met, Trp, and Thr ranged from 68.13 to 83.27% (mean = 76.62%), 62.23 to 89.30% (mean = 75.25%), 72.30 to 90.29% (mean = 80.96%), and 74.17 to 84.41% (mean = 77.90%), respectively. These results indicate significant variability in chemical composition, energy content, and the SID of AA among the selected FSBM samples. The chemical composition of FSBM can be used to predict DE and ME values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to supplement single and complex probiotics to investigate the effect on growing-finishing pigs and compost. In experiment 1, the 64 crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) pigs with an initial body weight of 18.75 ± 0.33 kg and a birth of 63 days were assigned to a completely randomized four treatment groups based on the initial body weight (4 pigs in a pen with 4 replicate pens for each treatment). For 13 weeks, the dietary treatments were provided: 1) Control (CON; basal diet), 2) T1 (CON + 0.2% Bacillus subtilis), 3) T2 (CON + 0.2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae), 4) T3 (CON + 0.2% Bacillus subtilis + 0.2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae). In experiment 2, the pig manure was obtained from Chungbuk National University (Cheongju, Korea) swine farm. For 12 weeks, the supplementary treatments were provided: 1) CON, non-additive compost; 2) T1, spray Bacillus subtilis 10 g per 3.306 m2; 3) T2, spray Bacillus subtilis 40 g per 3.306 m2; 4) T3, spray Saccharomyces cerevisiae 10 g per 3.306 m2; 5) T4: spray Saccharomyces cerevisiae 40 g per 3.306 m2; 6) T5, spray Bacillus subtilis 5 g + Saccharomyces cerevisiae 5 g per 3.306 m2; 7) T6, spray Saccharomyces subtilis 20 g + S. cerevisiae 20 g per 3.306 m2 and there were 6 replicates each treatment. In experiment 1, During the overall experimental period, T3 showed significantly improved (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio and average daily gain compared to other groups. In average maturity score, T3 showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) than other groups. Supplementing complex probiotics group improved (p < 0.05) H2S emissions and fecal microflora compared to the non-supplementing group. In experiment 2, additive probiotics groups had no effect (p > 0.05) on moisture content than the non-additive group at 9 and 12 weeks. T6 showed a significantly improved (p < 0.05) average maturity score at all periods and ammonia emissions at 1 week and 4 weeks compared to other groups. In summary, supplementation complex probiotics induced positive effects on both pigs and compost.

Objective The main objective of this study was to determine available energy and nutritional digestibility of extruded cereals and the effect of extrusion on the nutritional value of feed ingredients, aiming to provide scientific basis for efficient application of extrusion in the diets of growing pigs. Methods In Exp. 1, 48 crossbred growing pigs (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) with an initial body weight (BW) of 34.6±2.2 kg were selected and fed with eight diets (non-extrusion or extrusion) to determine the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and nutrients digestibility. Eight diets included extruded grains (barley, wheat, sorghum, or broken rice), while four had unprocessed grains. In Exp. 2, 9 diets were formulated including 4 cereals with extrusion or non-extrusion and a N-free diet. In addition, 9 growing pigs (BW = 22.3±2.8 kg) were fitted with T-cannula in the distal ileum and arranged in a 9×6 Youden square design. Results Results show that apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, organic meal, ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fiber was not affected by the extrusion process and there was no interaction between cereal type and extrusion treatment on DE, ME. However, the apparent total tract digestibility for crude protein (CP) increased markedly (p

The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of fermented rice protein (FRP), enzymatic hydrolysis fish protein (EHFP), and fish meal (FM) on the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and ileal digestibility of amino acids in growing pigs. Experiment one: 24 healthy 'Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire' castrated male pigs with an average body weight of (15.27±1.12) kg were randomly assigned to the control group (basal diet), FRP group (20% FRP), EHFP group (20% EHFP), and FM group (20% FM), with six replicates per group, each replicate with one pig. The total fecal collection method was used to determine the total tract apparent digestibility of energy, metabolizable energy, and gross energy. Experiment two: Twelve 'Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire' castrated male pigs with an average body weight of (18.36±1.35) kg, fitted with a T-shaped fistulas, were used in a 4×2 Youden square design. They were randomly assigned to the control group (nitrogen-free diet), FRP group (25% FRP), EHFP group (30% EHFP), and FM group (20% FM), with three replicates per group, each replicate with one pig. The indicator method was used to calculate the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the standard ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids. The DE and ME (feeding basis) of pigs in FPR group were 19.28 and 17.64 MJ/kg, the DE and ME (feeding basis) of pigs in EHFP group were 21.93, 19.92 MJ/kg, and the DE and ME (feeding basis) of pigs in FM group were 15.12, 13.48 MJ/kg, respectively. The SID of amino acids for the FRP and EHFP groups were 73.06% to 88.66% and 87.98% to 94.92%, respectively. Both the DE and ME of the FRP and EHFP groups were significantly higher than those of the FM group (P<0.05). Except for methionine, alanine, aspartic acid, and proline, the SID of other amino acids in the EHFP group was significantly higher than that in the FM group (P<0.05), while the SID of methionine in the FRP group was significantly lower than that in the FM group (P<0.05), and the SID of threonine, proline, and tyrosine was significantly lower than that in the FM group (P<0.05). The study indicates that based on the results of digestible energy and amino acid SID, FPR and EHFP can be used as new types of high-quality protein feed in pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the effective energy value and ileal digestibility of amino acids in growing pigs for vegetable residues and fermented vegetable residues. Experiment 1: Eighteen 'Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire' castrated male pigs with an average weight of (24.15±1.60) kg were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates per group, and each replicate consisted of one pig. The groups were fed with a basal diet, vegetable residues diet, and fermented vegetable residues diet, respectively, and the effective energy value was determined using the total fecal collection method. Experiment 2: Eighteen 'Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire' castrated male pigs with an average weight of (25.31±1.40) kg, equipped with a T-type ileal cannula, were randomly divided into three groups, with six replicates per group, and each replicate consisted of one pig. They were fed with a nitrogen-free diet, vegetable residues diet, and fermented vegetable residues diet, respectively, and the ileal digestibility of amino acids was determined using the direct method. The results showed that the digestible energy value and metabolizable energy value for growing pigs fed with vegetable residues were 9.46 and 9.03 MJ/kg, respectively, for those fed with fermented vegetable residues, the values were 9.67 and 9.25 MJ/kg, respectively. The apparent and standard ileal digestibility of amino acids for vegetable residues were 21.41%~54.50% and 30.43%~58.26%, respectively. For fermented vegetable residues, the values were 22.02%~ 63.28% and 26.43%~67.36%, respectively. Compared with vegetable residues, the standard ileal digestibility of crude protein, lysine, methionine, cysteine, valine, alanine, glycine, and tyrosine in fermented vegetable residues was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the ileal digestibility of crude protein, lysine, and methionine in fermented vegetable residues is higher than that in vegetable residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the serum and haematological parameters of growing pig fed diets supplemented with Guinea hen weed leaf meal (GHWLM), thirty-six unsexed (Large white x Land race) grower pigs were allotted to four dietary treatments with nine pigs per treatment having three replicates of three pigs in a completely randomized design. Four experimental diets were formulated, where GHWLM was incorporated at 0% (Control, no GHWLM, C), 0.5% (T1), 0.75% (T2) and 1.0% (T3). Feed and water were offered ad-libitum throughout the experimental period. On the 70th day, blood was collected from a pig per replicate into plain and EDTA bottles for serum and haematological assay. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. The results showed that groups of pigs fed T1 diet had the highest average final weight (AFW), average total weight gain (ATWG) and average daily weight gain (ADWG) (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better for pigs fed T1 diet compared to other treatments (P<0.05). The pigs fed T2 and T3 diets had the highest serum total protein and globulin (P<0.05). Least creatinine was recorded for pigs fed T3 diet (P<0.05). Least value of alanine transaminase (ALT) was recorded in pigs fed T2 diet (P<0.05). The highest value of haemoglobin 14.85g/dl and red blood cell (RBC) 7.80 x1012/L were obtained for pigs fed T3 diet (P<0.05). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) was increased in pigs fed T2 diet (P<0.05). It was concluded that 1.0% of GHWLM can be supplemented in the diet of growing pigs for increased performance and better health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 42-day study, 195 growing pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) weighing 23.83 ± 1.95 kg were randomly divided into three treatments, each with 13 replicates and 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts) per pen. The treatments were control (CON)—basal diet, and basal diet with 3% and 6% almond hull as treatment (TRT) 1 and 2, respectively. The results show a significant increase (p < 0.05) in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) for both treatment 1 and treatment 2 by week 6 when compared to the control group. This improvement in ADG and ADFI exhibits a consistent trend (p < 0.10) throughout the overall trial period in comparison to the control group. Additionally, there is a tendency for enhanced gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) at the end of week 6 (p < 0.10) in comparison to the control group and remained constant (p > 0.05). No significant impact (p > 0.05) on nutrient digestibility and fecal microbiota was observed. However, NH3 gas showed a tendency to decrease (p < 0.10). Results suggested that almond hulls could improve growth and reduce ammonia gas without adverse effects on digestion, microbiota, and fecal score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Supplementing piglets and growing–finishing pigs' diets with a new biosynthetic 6-phytase can be an effective replacement for inorganic phosphorus to improve growth performance, feed efficiency, bone mineralization, and availability of nutrients in weaned piglets and growing–finishing pigs. Phytase addition improved the availability of nutrients, especially of phosphorus and calcium and, therefore, growth performance and bone mineralization in weaning and growing–finishing pigs fed diets reduced in digestible phosphorus and calcium. In addition, the present study highlights that the main pathways (fecal and urinary) of phosphorus and calcium excretion in weaned piglets can be influenced not only by dietary levels of these minerals but also by phytase supplementation. Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of a biosynthetic 6-phytase added at 500 phytase unit (FTU)/kg diet on growth performance, bone mineralization, and nutrient digestibility and retention in weaned piglets and growing–finishing pigs. Experiments were performed on 90 weaned male and female piglets with an average initial body weight (BW) at 7.7 ± 0.73 kg, 26 days of age) and 300 male and female growing pigs (initial BW: 21.0 ± 3.44 kg) for 43 and 98 days in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In each experiment, the animals were assigned to one of three treatments according to a randomized complete block design. The treatments consisted of a positive-control (PC) diet formulated to meet nutrient requirements; a negative-control (NC) diet reduced similarly in calcium (Ca) and digestible P by 0.15 and 0.12% points in phases 1 and 2, respectively, in piglets and by 0.14, 0.11, and 0.10% points, respectively, in phases 1, 2, and 3 in growing–finishing pigs, compared with PC diet; and a NC diet supplemented with the new 6-phytase at 500 FTU/kg diet (PHY). The dietary P and Ca depletion reduced (p < 0.05) the final BW (−11.9%; −7.8%,), average daily gain (ADG, −17.8%; −10.1%), average daily feed intake (ADFI, −9.9%; −6.0%), gain-to-feed (G:F) ratio (−8.9%; −4.6%), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P (−7.7% points; −6.7% points) in nursery piglets and growing pigs, respectively. It also decreased (p < 0.001) P and Ca retention by 6.1 and 9.4% points, respectively, in nursery pigs and ash, P, and Ca contents in metacarpal bones by 18.4, 18.4, and 16.8%, respectively, in growing pigs. Compared to animals fed the NC diet, phytase supplementation improved (p < 0.001) the final BW (+7.7%; +11.3%), ADG (+12.5%; +15.0%), G:F ratio (+8.4%; +5.8%), ATTD of Ca (+10.8% points; +7.2% points), and ATTD of P (+18.7% points; +16.6% points) in weaned piglets and growing pigs, respectively. In addition, phytase also increased (p < 0.001) P and Ca retention by 6.1 and 9.4% points, respectively, in nursery pigs and ash, P, and Ca contents in metacarpal bones by 17.7, 15.0, and 15.2%, respectively, in growing pigs. The final BW, ADG, G:F ratio, and bone traits in animals fed the NC diet supplemented with phytase were comparable to animals fed the PC diet. This finding indicates the ability of this novel biosynthetic phytase to restore performance and bone mineralization by improving the availability of P and Ca in piglets and growing pigs fed P- and Ca-deficient diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study mainly evaluated the responses in growth performance of growing pigs to different energy systems and energy levels in diets. Subsequently, we compared the nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient concentrations of each energy level diet. In experiment 1, a total of 144 growing pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 26.69 ± 7.39 kg were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments (four pigs/pen; six replicates/treatment) according to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement resulting from two energy systems (metabolizable energy [ME] and net energy [NE]) and three energy levels (low [LE], recommended [C], and high energy [HE]). Pigs were fed the experimental diets for 6 weeks and were allowed free access to feed and water during the experimental period. In experiment 2, 12 growing pigs with an average initial BW of 27.0 ± 1.8 kg were randomly allotted to individual metabolism crates and fed the six diets in a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design. The six dietary treatments were identical to those used in the growth trial. Pigs were fed their respective diets at 2.5 times the estimated energy requirement for maintenance per day, and this was divided into two equal meals provided twice per day during the experimental period. Differences in energy systems and energy levels had no significant effect on the growth performance or nutrient digestibility (except acid-hydrolyzed ether extract [AEE]) of growing pigs in the current study. However, the digestible concentrations of ether extract, AEE, and acid detergent fiber (g/kg dry matter [DM]) in diets significantly increased (p < 0.05) with increasing energy levels. Additionally, there was a tendency (p = 0.09) for an increase in the digestible crude protein content (g/kg DM) as the energy content of the diet increased. Consequently, differences in energy systems and levels did not affect the BW, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake of growing pigs. This implies that a higher variation in dietary energy levels may be required to significantly affect growth performance and nutrient digestibility when considering digestible nutrient concentrations.

Simple Summary: Exposure to heat stress significantly impairs the productive performance of growing pigs. Supplementing their diet with phytogenic solutions, especially those containing Capsicum spp., can boost their thermal tolerance due to the activities of its principal active metabolite, capsaicin. This improvement aids in better nutrient consumption and efficient utilization for growth. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of a Capsicum spp.-based dietary phytogenic solution in alleviating the effects of heat stress on pigs. Our findings showed that this supplementation notably enhanced the pigs' performance under heat stress conditions by increasing feed intake and improving feed efficiency. It also positively affected thermoregulatory responses, as evidenced by lowered body temperatures. Moreover, the supplement improved antioxidant defenses and heat shock protein responses and bolstered intestinal integrity and post-absorptive metabolism. Overall, the results indicate that a dietary phytogenic solution derived from Capsicum spp. can effectively counteract some of the detrimental effects of heat stress in pigs, leading to improved overall productive performance. Exposure to heat stress (HS) detrimentally affects pig performance. This study explored whether a dietary phytogenic solution based on Capsicum spp. (PHY) could enhance the thermal tolerance of heat-stressed growing pigs. Forty-two individually housed pigs were randomly assigned to three treatments: thermoneutral pigs on a control diet (TN-C) and pigs subjected to HS fed the control diet either without (HS-C) or with supplemental PHY (HS-PHY). The TN-C group exhibited increased average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (FI) compared to both HS-C (p < 0.01) and HS-PHY pigs (p < 0.05) and better feed efficiency compared to HS-C pigs only (p < 0.01). However, the HS-PHY pigs showed significantly higher FI (p < 0.01) and ADG (p < 0.05) compared to HS-C pigs. HS pigs displayed higher body temperatures (BTs) than TN pigs (p < 0.01), yet HS-PHY pigs experienced a lesser increase in BT compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with PHY mitigated some effects of HS, increasing serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, reducing HSP90 expression in longissimus dorsi muscle, and elevating jejunal villus height compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05), reaching levels akin to TN-C pigs. Additionally, PHY supplementation resulted in lower serum urea levels than HS-C pigs (p < 0.01) and similar myosin gene expression to TN-C pigs (p > 0.1), suggesting enhanced amino acid post-absorptive utilization for lean tissue growth. In conclusion, dietary PHY supplementation partially offset the adverse effects of HS on pig performance by improving thermal tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 180 growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial body weight (BW) of 23.58 ± 0.8 kg were used in this experiment. According to initial BW and sex, pigs were randomly allotted three dietary treatments, 12 replicates (pen) per treatment, and five pigs per pen. The three dietary treatments were basal diet (CON) and basal diet supplemented with either 0.1% Bacillus and Saccharomyces spp.-based probiotics complex (BS1) or 0.2% probiotics complex (BS2). The whole experiment lasted 42 days. The results showed that the BW of pigs fed the BS1 diet was significantly higher than those fed the CON diet on day 42 (P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) of pigs receiving BS1 and BS2 diets was higher than those fed CON diet during days 21–42, whereas during the overall experiment period ADG (P < 0.05) was higher in only BS1 compared with CON group. The NH3 and H2S emissions on day 42 were reduced from the feces of pigs fed probiotic complex-supplemented diets. Therefore, adding 0.1% probiotic complex to the late-phase diet of growing pigs can more effectively improve BW and daily gain and reduce harmful gas emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Heat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs, leading to significant economic losses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and a botanical extract in feed or drinking water on growth performance, intestinal health, and oxidative and immune status in growing pigs housed under heat stress conditions. Methods Duplicate experiments were conducted, each using 64 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 50.7 ± 3.8 and 43.9 ± 3.6 kg and age of 13-week and 12-week, respectively. Pigs (n = 128) were housed individually and assigned within weight blocks and sex to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 environments (thermo-neutral (21.2 °C) or heat-stressed (30.9 °C)) and 4 supplementation treatments (control diet; control + 100 IU/L of D-α-tocopherol in water; control + 200 IU/kg of DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate in feed; or control + 400 mg/kg of a botanical extract in feed). Results Heat stress for 28 d reduced (P ≤ 0.001) final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake (−7.4 kg, −26.7%, and −25.4%, respectively) but no effects of supplementation were detected (P > 0.05). Serum vitamin E increased (P

Abstract Background Oils are important sources of energy in pig diets. The combination of oils with different degree of saturation contributes to improve the utilization efficiency of the mixed oils and may reduce the cost of oil supplemented. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of oils with different degree of saturation on the fat digestibility and corresponding additivity and bacterial community in growing pigs. Methods Eighteen crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) barrows (initial body weight: 29.3 ± 2.8 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. The experimental diets included a fat-free basal diet and 5 oil-added diets. The 5 oil-added diets were formulated by adding 6% oil with different ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids (U:S) to the basal diet. The 5 oils were palm oil (U:S = 1.2), canola oil (U:S = 12.0), and palm oil and canola oil were mixed in different proportions to prepare a combination of U:S of 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5, respectively. Results The apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (AID and SID) of fat and fatty acids increased linearly (P

This study was done to investigate the effects of the incorporation of Achyranthes japonica extracts (AJE) in diet on the production parameters of growing pigs. Exp 1: Total, 105 crossbred pigs (average body weight: 24.47 ± 2.46 kg) were used in a 6-week feeding trial. Pigs (seven replicates, five pigs per pen) were allotted randomly to three treatments. Dietary treatments: CON (basal diet); basal diet with 0.025% AJE, and basal diet + 0.050% AJE). Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial count, and fecal noxious gas were assessed in this study. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were not affected by the addition of up to 0.05% AJE. In the case of apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and digestible energy (DE) were not changed in 3rd and 6th weeks of the feeding trial through the addition of AJE up to 0.05% in the growing pig diet. In microbial count, Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli count at 3rd and 6th week was similar in all the treatment diets. The inclusion of AJE at levels up to 0.05% in growing pig diet had no effect on the production of NH3, H2S, acetic acid, and CO2 in the feces. After ending the Exp 1, a total of nine pigs were divided into three treatment groups. Treatment diets were included, TRT1, basal diet + powder quercetin 30 g; TRT2, basal diet + powder quercetin 150 g; TRT3, basal diet + powder quercetin 300g. Rate of absorption in blood was increased with the higher dose of quercetin. The results suggested incorporation of AJE up to 0.05% has no significant effect on ADG, ADFI, and G:F, as well as DM, N, and DE digestibility, fecal microbial count, and fecal noxious gas emission in growing pigs, even though no negative effect was found.

To explore the effects of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on growth performance and intestinal health, a total of 30 growing pigs were randomly allotted to three treatments consisting of corn-soybean meal diet (CSD), rapeseed meal diet (RSD), and fermented rapeseed meal diet (FRSD). Results showed that compared with RSD, FRSD feeding increased the average daily gain and final body weight in pigs (P

Low space availability, high temperatures and a barren environment may contribute to the occurrence of abnormal behaviours and lesions in intensive pig farming. The present study evaluated the housing conditions (HCs), that influence behavioural measures (BMs), and lesion and health measures (LHMs) in growing pigs reared in an Italian farming system. Data collection was carried out on two groups of pigs in each farm (Farm A and Farm B), tail docked (DT) and tail undocked (UT). The HCs measured were dry and wet bulb temperature, light, humidity, air quality, average body weight, pen level of cleanliness, space, and feeder front allowance. Light intensity was negatively associated with positive behaviour (coefficient: −0.01; p

This study aimed to evaluate the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) fed to growing pigs. In experiment 1, twenty-two growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 32.0 ± 4.2 kg BW) were fed one of 11 diets in a replicated 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square design to determine the DE and ME of FSBM. The diets included a corn-based diet and 10 experimental diets formulated by replacing the corn with 29.10% FSBM. In experiment 2, eleven growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 24.3 ± 2.3 kg BW) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula and arranged in an 11 × 6 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and six periods. The diets included an N-free diet and 10 experimental diets containing 40% FSBM as the sole source of AA. The results showed that the contents of dry matter (DM), gross energy, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus averaged 91.83% (ranging from 89.24 to 94.55%), 18.44 MJ/kg (ranging from 18.00 to 18.95 MJ/kg), 50.63% (ranging from 50.00 to 51.81%), 4.51% (ranging from 3.41 to 5.40%), 9.17% (ranging from 7.02 to 10.30%), 6.38% (ranging from 4.97 to 7.45%), 0.32% (ranging from 0.29 to 0.34%), and 0.67% (ranging from 0.61 to 0.84%), respectively. The average DE and ME were 17.55 and 16.33 MJ/kg DM, respectively, with ranges of 15.72 to 18.80 MJ/kg DM and 14.30 to 17.72 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the SID of essential AA (p < 0.05), except for Thr and Arg. The SID of Lys, Met, Trp, and Thr ranged from 68.13 to 83.27% (mean = 76.62%), 62.23 to 89.30% (mean = 75.25%), 72.30 to 90.29% (mean = 80.96%), and 74.17 to 84.41% (mean = 77.90%), respectively. These results indicate significant variability in chemical composition, energy content, and the SID of AA among the selected FSBM samples. The chemical composition of FSBM can be used to predict DE and ME values.

Background: Heat stress has severe negative consequences on performance and health of pigs, leading to significant economic losses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental vitamin E and a botanical extract in feed or drinking water on growth performance, intestinal health, and oxidative and immune status in growing pigs housed under heat stress conditions. Methods: Duplicate experiments were conducted, each using 64 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 50.7 ± 3.8 and 43.9 ± 3.6 kg and age of 13-week and 12-week, respectively. Pigs (n = 128) were housed individually and assigned within weight blocks and sex to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 environments (thermo-neutral (21.2 °C) or heat-stressed (30.9 °C)) and 4 supplementation treatments (control diet; control + 100 IU/L of D-α-tocopherol in water; control + 200 IU/kg of DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate in feed; or control + 400 mg/kg of a botanical extract in feed). Results: Heat stress for 28 d reduced (P ≤ 0.001) final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake (−7.4 kg, −26.7%, and −25.4%, respectively) but no effects of supplementation were detected (P > 0.05). Serum vitamin E increased (P < 0.001) with vitamin E supplementation in water and in feed (1.64 vs. 3.59 and 1.64 vs. 3.24), but not for the botanical extract (1.64 vs. 1.67 mg/kg) and was greater when supplemented in water vs. feed (P = 0.002). Liver vitamin E increased (P < 0.001) with vitamin E supplementations in water (3.9 vs. 31.8) and feed (3.9 vs. 18.0), but not with the botanical extract (3.9 vs. 4.9 mg/kg). Serum malondialdehyde was reduced with heat stress on d 2, but increased on d 28 (interaction, P < 0.001), and was greater (P < 0.05) for antioxidant supplementation compared to control. Cellular proliferation was reduced (P = 0.037) in the jejunum under heat stress, but increased in the ileum when vitamin E was supplemented in feed and water under heat stress (interaction, P = 0.04). Tumor necrosis factor-α in jejunum and ileum mucosa decreased by heat stress (P < 0.05) and was reduced by vitamin E supplementations under heat stress (interaction, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The addition of the antioxidants in feed or in drinking water did not alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on feed intake and growth rate of growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oils are important sources of energy in pig diets. The combination of oils with different degree of saturation contributes to improve the utilization efficiency of the mixed oils and may reduce the cost of oil supplemented. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of oils with different degree of saturation on the fat digestibility and corresponding additivity and bacterial community in growing pigs. Methods: Eighteen crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) barrows (initial body weight: 29.3 ± 2.8 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum. The experimental diets included a fat-free basal diet and 5 oil-added diets. The 5 oil-added diets were formulated by adding 6% oil with different ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids (U:S) to the basal diet. The 5 oils were palm oil (U:S = 1.2), canola oil (U:S = 12.0), and palm oil and canola oil were mixed in different proportions to prepare a combination of U:S of 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5, respectively. Results: The apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (AID and SID) of fat and fatty acids increased linearly (P < 0.05) as the U:S of dietary oils increased except for SID of fat and C18:2. The AID and SID of fat and fatty acids differed among the dietary treatments (P < 0.05) except for SID of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and C18:2. Fitted one-slope broken-line analyses for the SID of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and UFA indicated that the breakpoint for U:S of oil was 4.14 (R2 = 0.89, P < 0.01), 2.91 (R2 = 0.98, P < 0.01) and 3.84 (R2 = 0.85, P < 0.01), respectively. The determined SID of fat, C18:1, C18:2 and UFA in the mixtures was not different from the calculated SID of fat, C18:1, C18:2 and UFA. However, the determined SID of C16:0, C18:0 and SFA in the mixtures were greater than the calculated SID values (P < 0.05). The abundance of Romboutsia and Turicibacter in pigs fed diet containing palm oil was greater than that in rapeseed oil treatment group, and the two bacteria were negatively correlated with SID of C16:0, C18:0 and SFA (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The optimal U:S for improving the utilization efficiency of mixed oil was 4.14. The SID of fat and UFA for palm oil and canola oil were additive in growing pigs, whereas the SID of SFA in the mixture of two oils was greater than the sum of the values of pure oils. Differences in fat digestibility caused by oils differing in degree of saturation has a significant impact on bacterial community in the foregut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was done to examine the impact of dietary silymarin on growth performance, total tract digestibility, faecal microbial, faecal gas emission and absorption rate in blood of growing pigs. Experiment 1: a total of 140 growing pigs (24.47 ± 2.49 kg) were used in a 6‐week trial. There were four dietary treatment groups (seven replicate pens/treatment, five pigs/pen) and treatment diets composed of corn, soybean meal (SBM), distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and rapeseed meal‐based basal diets with 0%, 0.025%, 0.050% and 0.10% of micelle silymarin respectively. Experiment 2: A total of 18 pigs were divided into six treatment groups. Treatment diets: TRT1, TRT2 and TRT3 were basal diets with 30, 150 and 300 g powdered silymarin respectively; and TRT4, TRT5 and TRT6 were basal diets with 30, 150 and 300 g micelle‐type silymarin respectively. Average daily gain (ADG) tended to increase (p < 0.10) at Week 3 and overall experiment after silymarin addition. Overall ADG and average daily feed intake are also intended to improve (p < 0.10) linearly in this study. During Week 6, growing pigs fed silymarin showed linearly increased (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, nitrogen and energy. Dietary silymarin supplementation increased (p < 0.10) linearly the faecal Lactobacillus count at Week 3 while Escherichia coli count was linearly decreased at both the 3rd week (p < 0.05) and 6th week (p < 0.10). Silymarin supplementation showed no effect on faecal gas emissions. A higher (p < 0.05) absorption rate in the blood was found in micelle‐type silymarin compared to powdered silymarin after the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th and 24th h of feeding. Results suggest that silymarin in a corn‐SBM‐DDGS‐rapeseed meal‐based diet may help to improve ADG, FI, ATTD and faecal microflora in growing pigs. And absorption rate in the blood of pig is higher in micelle‐type silymarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribasic zinc sulfate (TBZ) is insoluble in water and chemically less active than zinc sulfate, making it more suitable to be used in pig diet. To investigate the effects of TBZ on the growth performance, gut morphology, and zinc transporter expression levels, we performed a single-factor experiment and 168 pigs were allocated to three groups with seven pens per treatment. Pigs were either fed a basal diet without zinc supplementation (control group), or a basal diet supplemented with TBZ at 100 mg/kg diet (LTBZ group) or 1000 mg/kg diet (HTBZ group). We found that daily weight gain and feed intake were higher in the LTBZ group than in the HTBZ and control groups. The pigs in the LTBZ group had a higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio when compared with other pigs. Moreover, the pigs in the LTBZ group exhibited higher mRNA expression levels of solute carrier family 39 and lower expression levels of solute carrier family 30 than those fed the HTBZ-supplemented diet. Together, these results indicate that TBZ may potentially be used as a dietary zinc source for young growing pigs and that dietary supplementation with LTBZ benefits growth performance and gut morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low space availability, high temperatures and a barren environment may contribute to the occurrence of abnormal behaviours and lesions in intensive pig farming. The present study evaluated the housing conditions (HCs), that influence behavioural measures (BMs), and lesion and health measures (LHMs) in growing pigs reared in an Italian farming system. Data collection was carried out on two groups of pigs in each farm (Farm A and Farm B), tail docked (DT) and tail undocked (UT). The HCs measured were dry and wet bulb temperature, light, humidity, air quality, average body weight, pen level of cleanliness, space, and feeder front allowance. Light intensity was negatively associated with positive behaviour (coefficient: −0.01; p < 0.001), while the length of the feeder front was positively associated with the proportion of pigs exploring the pen (coefficient: 65.18; p = 0.04). Tail lesion score index (LSI) increased with an increased frequency of negative behaviour (coefficient: 8.05; p < 0.01), increased light intensity (coefficient: 0.29; p < 0.001) and increased proportion of CO2 (coefficient: 498.31; p < 0.001), while it decreased with the average body weight of the pen (coefficient: −4.04; p < 0.001) and the space allowance (coefficient: −198.93; p < 0.001). Finally, UT pigs showed a greater (p < 0.001) tail LSI than DT pigs (126.8 ± 5.71 and 78.5 ± 9.11, respectively for UT and DT pigs). The present study improved the understanding of the effects of HCs, including tail docking, on welfare parameters of growing pigs. Housing and management conditions might play a prominent role on pig health and welfare parameters during growing period. Social and exploring attitude behaviours affects both ears and tail lesions. Regardless of tail docking, tail injuries were positively associated with negative behaviour, light intensity, and CO2, while they were negatively associated with the average body weight of the pen and the space allowance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of a biosynthetic 6-phytase added at 500 phytase unit (FTU)/kg diet on growth performance, bone mineralization, and nutrient digestibility and retention in weaned piglets and growing–finishing pigs. Experiments were performed on 90 weaned male and female piglets with an average initial body weight (BW) at 7.7 ± 0.73 kg, 26 days of age) and 300 male and female growing pigs (initial BW: 21.0 ± 3.44 kg) for 43 and 98 days in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In each experiment, the animals were assigned to one of three treatments according to a randomized complete block design. The treatments consisted of a positive-control (PC) diet formulated to meet nutrient requirements; a negative-control (NC) diet reduced similarly in calcium (Ca) and digestible P by 0.15 and 0.12% points in phases 1 and 2, respectively, in piglets and by 0.14, 0.11, and 0.10% points, respectively, in phases 1, 2, and 3 in growing–finishing pigs, compared with PC diet; and a NC diet supplemented with the new 6-phytase at 500 FTU/kg diet (PHY). The dietary P and Ca depletion reduced (p < 0.05) the final BW (−11.9%; −7.8%,), average daily gain (ADG, −17.8%; −10.1%), average daily feed intake (ADFI, −9.9%; −6.0%), gain-to-feed (G:F) ratio (−8.9%; −4.6%), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P (−7.7% points; −6.7% points) in nursery piglets and growing pigs, respectively. It also decreased (p < 0.001) P and Ca retention by 6.1 and 9.4% points, respectively, in nursery pigs and ash, P, and Ca contents in metacarpal bones by 18.4, 18.4, and 16.8%, respectively, in growing pigs. Compared to animals fed the NC diet, phytase supplementation improved (p < 0.001) the final BW (+7.7%; +11.3%), ADG (+12.5%; +15.0%), G:F ratio (+8.4%; +5.8%), ATTD of Ca (+10.8% points; +7.2% points), and ATTD of P (+18.7% points; +16.6% points) in weaned piglets and growing pigs, respectively. In addition, phytase also increased (p < 0.001) P and Ca retention by 6.1 and 9.4% points, respectively, in nursery pigs and ash, P, and Ca contents in metacarpal bones by 17.7, 15.0, and 15.2%, respectively, in growing pigs. The final BW, ADG, G:F ratio, and bone traits in animals fed the NC diet supplemented with phytase were comparable to animals fed the PC diet. This finding indicates the ability of this novel biosynthetic phytase to restore performance and bone mineralization by improving the availability of P and Ca in piglets and growing pigs fed P- and Ca-deficient diets.

Abstract Background This study aimed to develop a combined model to quantify the net absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the large intestine (LI) of pigs. Methods Fifteen female growing pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace) were ranked by body weight (30 ± 2.1 kg) on day 0 and assigned to one of three treatments, namely the basal diet containing different crude fiber (CF) levels (LCF: 3.0% CF, MCF: 4.5% CF, and HCF: 6.0% CF). The pigs were implanted with the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the ileal mesenteric vein (IMV), portal vein (PV), and left femoral artery (LFA) from days 6 to 7. [13C]‐Labeled VFA and P‐aminohippuric acid were constantly perfused into the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the IMV (day 15), respectively. Blood samples were collected from the PV and the LFA during perfusion (5 h), and LI samples were collected. Results The net flux of [12C]‐acetic acid in the PV was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.045), but no difference was observed in the net flux of [12C]‐propionic acid (p = 0.505) and [12C]‐butyric acid (p = 0.35) in the PV among treatments. The deposition of [12C]‐acetic acid in the LI was greater for LCF versus MCF (p = 0.014), whereas the deposition of [12C]‐propionic acid (p = 0.007) and [12C]‐butyric acid (p = 0.037) in the LI was greater for LCF versus HCF. Conclusions In conclusion, this pig model was found conducive to study the net absorption of VFAs in the LI, and LCF had more net absorption of VFAs in the LI than MCF and HCF.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess an alkaline protease supplemented in diets with and without crude protein (CP) reduction on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood parameters, and carcass and meat traits in growing-finishing pigs. Forty male pigs (26.2±1.2 kg) were randomly allocated into one of five treatments: negative control (NC, 2% and 1% reduction of CP in grower and finisher phases, respectively, no protease); NC150: NC + 150 mg protease kg−1 diet; NC300: NC + 300 mg protease kg−1 diet; PC: positive control (no CP reduction and protease); and PC300: PC + 300 mg protease kg−1 diet, with eight replicates of one pig/pen. Pigs fed NC showed greater average daily feed intake (ADFI) than pigs fed NC300 or PC and lower ADFI compared to pigs fed NC150. Pigs fed PC had lower ADFI than those fed PC300. Greater average daily gain and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were observed in pigs on NC compared with those on NC300 or NC150 and NC300, respectively. Pigs fed PC showed better G:F than pigs fed PC300. Lower coefficients of ATTD (CTTAD) of dry and organic matter (OM), digestible dry matter (DDM), digestible organic matter (DOM), and digestible protein were observed in growing II pigs fed NC compared with pigs fed NC150 or NC300. Pigs fed NC showed a lower DP compared with PC or NC150. Positive control group showed increased digestible protein compared with NC. Finishing II pigs fed NC showed lower DDM, DOM, CTTAD of OM, and gross energy than pigs fed NC150 or NC300. Pigs fed PC showed greater albumin concentration compared with pigs fed PC300 in finishing II. Pigs fed NC and PC300 showed greater luminosity in the l. thoracis muscle than pigs fed PC. A greater color score was evidenced in the l. thoracis in pigs fed PC compared with pigs fed PC300. The dietary supplementation of isolated alkaline protease and CP-reduced diets improves ATTD without supporting pig performance.

Simple Summary: Given the escalating production of livestock and poultry coupled with the surging cost of soybean meal, the quest for alternative raw materials capable of replacing soybean meal is gaining increasing significance. Rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal, which are common by-products of agricultural production, offer viable plant-based protein substitutes for soybean meal in pig production. This study reveals that the incorporation of miscellaneous meal (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet did not significantly influence the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum amino acid content, or fecal microbiota diversity of growing pigs weighing between 50 and 75 kg. These results suggest that miscellaneous meal (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) could potentially serve as a partial or complete replacement for soybean meal in the diet of growing pigs. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of miscellaneous meal (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a replacement for soybean meal on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid contents, and gut microbiota of 50–75 kg growing pigs. A total of 54 healthy growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with initial body weights (BWs) of 50.64 ± 2.09 kg were randomly divided into three treatment groups, which included the corn–soybean meal group (CON), corn–soybean–miscellaneous meal group (CSM), and corn–miscellaneous meal group (CM). Each treatment included six replicates with three pigs in each replicate. Dietary protein levels were maintained at 15% in all three treatment groups. Additional rapeseed meals, cottonseed meals, and sunflower seed meals were added to the CSM group's meals to partially replace the 10.99% soybean meal in the CON group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Pigs in the CM group were fed a diet with a mixture of miscellaneous meals (7.69% rapeseed meal, 7.69% cottonseed meal, and 7.68% sunflower seed meal) to totally replace soybean meal. Our findings revealed that there was no significant impact of replacing soybean meal with miscellaneous meal on the ADG (average daily gain), ADFI (average daily feed intake), or F/G (feed-to-gain ratio) (p > 0.05) of growing pigs weighing 50–75 kg, nor on the crude protein, crude fat, or gross energy (p > 0.05) of the diet. On the other hand, compared to the CON group, the CM group exhibited significantly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) levels (p < 0.05), while urea levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed on the serum free amino acid contents (p > 0.05) following the substitution of soybean meal with miscellaneous meal. A t-test analysis indicated that compared with the CON group, the CM group exhibited a significantly diminished abundance of Euryachaeota at the phylum level and augmented abundance of Desulfobacterota at the genus level. This study demonstrated that the miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as a substitute for soybean meal in the diet had no significant negative effects on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum amino acid content, or diversity of fecal microbiota in 50–75 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful in developing further miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower seed meal) as functional alternative feed ingredients to soybean meal in pig diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental mycotoxin-sequestering agents on growth performance and nutrient utilization in growing pigs fed deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated diets. Twelve barrows with an initial body weight of 35.5 kg (standard deviation = 1.3) were assigned to six dietary treatments in a replicated 6 × 5 incomplete Latin square design. Five experimental diets consisted of an uncontaminated diet (PC), a DON-contaminated diet at 6.89 mg/kg (NC), NC + bentonite 0.5%, NC + yeast cell wall 0.5%, and NC + a mixture product 0.5% which consisted of enzymes, microorganisms, minerals, and plant extracts. Pigs had ad libitum access to the five diets. In the last group, the PC diet was restrictedly provided to pigs at the quantity of feed consumption of the NC group. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain:feed were not affected by supplemental mycotoxin-sequestering agents except for the mixed product that tended to improve (p = 0.064) gain:feed in pigs fed DON-contaminated diets. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter was not affected by DON contamination or by supplemental mycotoxin-sequestering agents, whereas the ATTD of Ca was decreased (p = 0.032) by supplemental yeast cell wall in pigs fed DON-contaminated diets. The ATTD of P was greater (p = 0.042) in pigs fed the NC diet compared with the pigs fed the restricted amount of the PC diet. In conclusion, bentonite and yeast cell wall did not affect growth performance of pigs fed DON-contaminated diets, but a supplemental mixed product consisting of enzymes, microorganisms, minerals, and plant extracts partially alleviated the negative effects of dietary DON on the gain:feed of pigs. Calcium digestibility was decreased by supplemental yeast cell wall in pigs fed DON-contaminated diets. Based on the present work, the use of a mixed product consisting of enzymes, microorganisms, minerals, and plant extracts is suggested, and the reduction of Ca digestibility by yeast cell wall needs to be considered in diet formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to explore the effects of adding limiting amino acids in low protein diets on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, nutrient apparent digestibility and nitrogen emissions of growing barrows. Thirty-two Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire boars with initial body weight [(24.16±2.23) kg] were randomly divided into 4 groups. The control group A was the normal protein level diet group, namely 18% crude protein (CP), the experimental group B, C and D were low protein level diets, which were 15% CP, 14% CP and 13% CP, and supplemented with lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan and isoleucine, respectively. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The results showed that: ① reducing dietary protein level to 14% had no significant effect on the growth performance of growing barrows (P>0.05) and decreased to 13% could significantly reduce the final weight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake (P<0.05). ② The nitrogen intake, fecal nitrogen emission, urinary nitrogen emission and total nitrogen emission of growing barrows were decreased with the decrease of dietary protein level. The urinary nitrogen and total nitrogen emissions of each experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.01), the urinary nitrogen emissions in group B, C and D were reduced by 37.86%, 46. 11% and 52. 21%, respectively, and the total nitrogen emissions in group B, C and D were reduced by 22.57%, 28.80% and 32. 48%, respectively. There was no significant difference in nitrogen deposition and nitrogen deposition rate among all groups (P> 0.05). There was no significant difference in nitrogen deposition and nitrogen deposition rate among all group (P>0.05); The apparent biological value of nitrogen in each experimental group was higher than that in the control group, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). ③ Serum urea nitrogen was mainly affected by dietary CP level. Compared with the control group, the serum urea nitrogen content of each experimental group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum total protein, albumin, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels among all the groups (P> 0.05). ④ Compared with the control group, the weight gain cost of group B was decreased by 1.99% (P> 0.05), and the weight gain cost of group C was decreased by 1.94% (P>0.05). It can be seen that when the CP level was reduced to 14% after the addition of restrictive amino acids to the low-protein diet, it not only had no significant effect on the production performance of growing pigs, but also significantly reduced urinary nitrogen and total nitrogen emissions, and the cost of weight gain was also lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous protease has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing protein digestion and utilization in animal diets, offering potential benefits for both animal performance and environmental impact mitigation in pig farming. In a 6-wk trial involving 140 growing pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 24.10 ± 1.66 kg], the effects of dietary protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission were investigated. Pigs were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of nutrient density and 0 or 125 g/ton supplementation of protease. The pigs were blocked by BW and housed in 28 pens with each pen consisting of 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts). The experimental design employed a randomized complete block design with 7 replicate pens per treatment. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, with differences between means assessed using Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). Results revealed no significant interaction (P > 0.05) between nutrient density and protease supplementation concerning growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and noxious gas emission. Pigs subjected to high-density diets exhibited greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) compared with those on low-density diets. While protease supplementation did not impact ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI), there was a tendency towards reduced (P = 0.08) G:F throughout the 6-wk period. Pigs fed high-density diets demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) compared with their counterparts on low-density diets. Furthermore, the inclusion of protease significantly increased (P < 0.05) ATTD of GE. However, no discernible differences were noted among diets regarding the ATTD of dry matter and nitrogen. Regarding noxious gas emission, protease supplementation did not significantly affect total mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) emission. Nonetheless, there was a notable trend towards reduced (P = 0.06) ammonia gas (NH3 ) emission with protease inclusion. Similarly, nutrient density did not exhibit a significant effect (P > 0.05) on noxious gas emission. In conclusion, the results of the study underscore the importance of nutrient density and protease supplementation in optimizing pig performance and environmental sustainability in swine production systems. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine strategies for maximizing the benefits of these dietary interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to heat stress (HS) detrimentally affects pig performance. This study explored whether a dietary phytogenic solution based on Capsicum spp. (PHY) could enhance the thermal tolerance of heat-stressed growing pigs. Forty-two individually housed pigs were randomly assigned to three treatments: thermoneutral pigs on a control diet (TN-C) and pigs subjected to HS fed the control diet either without (HS-C) or with supplemental PHY (HS-PHY). The TN-C group exhibited increased average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (FI) compared to both HS-C (p < 0.01) and HS-PHY pigs (p < 0.05) and better feed efficiency compared to HS-C pigs only (p < 0.01). However, the HS-PHY pigs showed significantly higher FI (p < 0.01) and ADG (p < 0.05) compared to HS-C pigs. HS pigs displayed higher body temperatures (BTs) than TN pigs (p < 0.01), yet HS-PHY pigs experienced a lesser increase in BT compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with PHY mitigated some effects of HS, increasing serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, reducing HSP90 expression in longissimus dorsi muscle, and elevating jejunal villus height compared to HS-C pigs (p < 0.05), reaching levels akin to TN-C pigs. Additionally, PHY supplementation resulted in lower serum urea levels than HS-C pigs (p < 0.01) and similar myosin gene expression to TN-C pigs (p > 0.1), suggesting enhanced amino acid post-absorptive utilization for lean tissue growth. In conclusion, dietary PHY supplementation partially offset the adverse effects of HS on pig performance by improving thermal tolerance.

The experiment was to study the effect of plant extracts replacing antibiotics on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility and fecal microbial quantity of growing pigs. A total of 80 'Yorkshire × Landrace' binary growing pigs with a body weight of about 45 kg were randomly divided into five groups, with four replicates in group and four pigs in each replicate (half in male female). The experiment lasted for 35 d. Pigs in control group were fed with basic diet, and those in experimental groups were fed with basic diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg auretein, 1 000 mg/kg α -GML, 100 mg/kg oregano oil and 100 mg/kg complex plant essential oil, respectively. The results showed that the average daily gain of growing pigs in oregano oil group was significantly higher than that in complex plant essential oil group (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, calcium, phosphorus and ether extract in oregano oil group was extremely higher than that of control group (P<0.01). The number of Salmonella faecalis in oregano oil group was significantly lower than that in control group and auretein group (P<0.05). The experiment indicates that oregano oil can improve nutrient apparent digestibility of growing pigs, inhibit the number of harmful bacteria, and the effect of replacing antibiotics is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different starch source diets on growth performance, intestinal health, and, microbiota of growing pigs. Eighteen healthy "Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire" pigs (50 ± 0.61 kg, Castrated boar) were randomly divided into three groups with six replicates and one pig per replicate. The pigs in the three treatments were fed diets prepared with cassava flour (CF), rice bran (RB) and sorghum flour (SF), respectively, and the nutritional levels of the three treatments were the same. The experiment lasted for 28 days. The results showed that pigs in the RB group had significantly increased average daily gain (ADG, p < 0.05) compared with pigs in CF and SF groups. Compared with pigs in the CF group, the final body weight (FBW) of growing pigs in the RB group was increased and the ratio of feed to gain (F: G) was decreased (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between FBW and F: G between the SF group and the other two groups. Compared with the CF group, the RB group significantly increased the jejunum amylase activity (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the SF group and the other two groups. Compared with growing pigs in the CF group and SF group, the duodenal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio of growing pigs in the RB group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and total VFA in the colon and caecum of piglets in the SF group were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to piglets in CF and RB groups, and there was no significant difference between the CF group and RB group. Compared with the RB group, caecal butyric acid concentration was significantly increased in SF and CF groups (p < 0.05). Seven dominant phyla were identified at the phylum level, among which Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota were dominant phyla, accounting for 74.18%, 14.87% and 6.56% of the RB group respectively. Cassava flour group accounted for 80.22%, 9.64% and 3.71%; Accounting for 65.33%, 17.34% and 13.07% of the SF group. Through the comparative analysis of microbial differences among the treatment groups, it was found that at the phylum level, compared with the SF group, the abundance of Synergistota in the diet of the CF group and the diet of the RB group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The abundance decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The quantity of Desulfobacterota in the RB group was significantly higher than that in the CF group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, compared with sorghum starch and cassava starch, RB starch can improve the activity of digestive enzymes and villus height in the small intestine of growing pigs and promote the growth of pigs by protecting the intestinal health of growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fermented broccoli stem and leaf residue (FBR) on the growth performance, serum biochemical characteristics, and meat quality of growing pigs. A total of 72 growing pigs (Durox × Landrace × Yorkshire) were subjected to three dietary treatments with different levels (0%, 5% and 10%) of FBR with three replicates for an experimental period of 70 day. The average daily feed intake of growing pigs was higher (p < 0.05) in the 5% FBR treatment compared with the control group (0% FBR). The serum urea nitrogen content in growing pigs was lower (p < 0.05) in the 5% and 10% FBR treatments. The lightness value was higher (p < 0.05) in the longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs fed 5% and 10% FBR diets compared with the control group, and the yellowness value was increased in pigs fed the 10% FBR diet compared with pigs fed the control diet. Overall, the beneficial effects of FBR supplementation on serum biochemical parameters, and meat colour without undermining the growth performance indicate that up to 10% FBR could be used in diets to enhance the production of growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nutrient waste management poses significant challenges associated with environmental concerns and feed expenses for the pig industry. Additionally, including high levels of crude protein in pig diets has been linked to postweaning diarrhea and protein fermentation in the large intestine compared to diets with a lower protein content, which can impair gut health. This study was conducted to assess the impact of low-protein diets on weaning to finishing pigs related to growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality. Our findings indicate that when supplemented with appropriate amino acids, low-protein diets do not negatively affect growth performance or nutrient digestibility in weaning to finishing pigs. Furthermore, the quality was superior in pigs fed low-protein diets as opposed to those fed high-protein diets. Consequently, employing low-crude-protein diets in weaning to finishing pigs is recommended. This study aimed to evaluate optimal crude protein (CP) levels based on the National Research Council guidelines from 1998 and 2012 and their impacts on growth performance, fecal score, blood profiles, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of weaning to finishing pigs. Four diets were established in this experiment: high-protein (HP), medium-high-protein (MHP), medium-low-protein (MLP), and low-protein (LP). The HP diet followed the NRC (1998) guidelines, while the MHP diet reduced the CP content by 1%. The MLP diet had 1.5% lower CP content than the HP diet. The LP diet followed the NRC guideline of 2012, which suggests less protein than the NRC guideline of 1998. There were no significant differences in body weight, average daily feed intake, or nutrient digestibility. However, the average daily gain (ADG) of pigs fed the LP diet at 7–10 weeks was lower than in the other treatments, whereas the ADG of the pigs fed the LP diet was higher compared with that of pigs fed the other diets, showing compensatory growth in finishing periods (p < 0.05). The blood urea nitrogen of pigs fed the LP diet showed the lowest value, whereas the highest value was found in pigs fed the HP diet, and the other two diets were similar to the HP diet or positioned between the HP and LP diets (p < 0.05). Water holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, and pH in the longissimus muscle were not influenced by varying dietary CP levels (p > 0.05), but the hunter values L and b were increased in pigs fed the LP diet (p < 0.05). Conclusively, a low-protein diet did not negatively affect growth performance, nutrient digestibility, or meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies demonstrate that time-restricted feeding (TRF) can regulate gut microbiota composition. However, it is unclear whether TRF could affect the gut microbial rhythmicity in growing pigs. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the effects of TRF on the dynamic fluctuation of the gut microbiota. Methods: A total of 10 healthy growing pigs equipped with T cannula were employed. Pigs were randomly allotted to the free access (FA) and the TRF groups with 5 replicates (1 pig/replicates). Pigs in the FA group were fed free access during the whole experimental period, whereas pigs in the TRF group were fed free access three times per day within limited times (7:00-8:00, 12:00-13:00, 17:00-18:00). The experiment lasted for 15 days, at 06:00 a.m. of the day 16, colonic digesta were collected at a 6-h interval for consecutive 24 h marked as T06 (06:00), T12 (12:00), T18 (18:00), T24 (24:00), T30 (06:00), respectively. Results: Results showed that TRF altered the distribution of feed intake without changing the total feed intake within a day (p = 0.870). TRF decreased the overall concentration of colonic cellulose and altered their oscillating patterns. All alpha-diversity indexes of different time points showed significant differences regardless of feeding pattern with a trough at T18 or T24. TRF shifted the trough of the alpha-diversity index Simpson and Invsimpson. TRF lost the rhythmicity of Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidales_S24-7_group, and Peptococcaceae and gained the rhythmicity of Pasteurellaceae, Clostridiaceae_1, Veillonellaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae. Also, TRF altered the interaction pattern by increasing the microbes involved in the co-occurrence network and their crosstalk, especially at T24. Interestingly, the microbial variation at T24 could largely explained by colonic substrates starch (R² = 0.369; p = 0.001), cellulose (R² = 0.235; p = 0.009) and NH4-N (R² = 0.489; p = 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, TRF has changed the concentrates of cellulose and the relative abundance of specific microbes and certain microbial metabolites. In addition, TRF has more powerful effects on the fluctuation modes of these nutrient substrates, microbes, and metabolites by shifting their peaks or troughs. This knowledge facilitates the development of precision regulation targeting gut microbial rhythmicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of an alone or in combination quillaja saponin (QS) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation, faecal microbial and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs. A total of 100 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc); weighted 23.83 ± 1.95 kg, were selected and randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 5 replicates per group and 5 pigs per replicate according to the initial body weight and sex. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) basal diet (Ctrl); (2) Ctrl + 0.2% QS; (3) Ctrl + 0.10% FOS; (4) Ctrl + 0.2% QS + 0.10% FOS (QSFOS). The experiment period lasted for 56 days. Pigs fed a diet supplemented with QS, FOS and QSFOS resulted in an increase (p

Abstract Background There is a lack of data for the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of fat and fatty acids in national feed databases. In addition, it is important to specify the procedures used for fat analyses. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to 1) determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and SID of fat and fatty acids in ten different oil sources for growing pigs and to develop prediction equations for SID of fat based on fatty acid composition; and 2) compare the effect of the fat extraction methods on the calculated values for endogenous loss and digestibility of fat. Methods Twenty-two barrows (initial body weight: 32.1 ± 2.3 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum, and allotted to 1 of 11 experimental diets in a 4-period Youden Square design. A fat-free diet was formulated using cornstarch, soy protein isolate and sucrose. Ten oil-added diets were formulated by adding 6% of dietary oil sources to the fat-free diet at the expense of cornstarch. All diets contained 26% sugar beet pulp and 0.40% chromic oxide. Results The endogenous loss of ether extract (EE) was lower than that of acid-hydrolyzed fat (AEE; P

Although high temperatures influence gut health, data on underlying mechanisms remains scant. Using a pig model, this study performed a global analysis on how chronic heat stress affects the transport and immune function of the gut through transcriptome, proteome, microbial diversity and flow cytometry. A total of 27 pigs with similar body weights were assigned into 3 groups, control (Con) group (23 °C), chronic heat stressed (HS) group (33 °C), and pair-fed (PF) group, in a controlled environment for 21 days. Our results showed that pigs in the HS group had reduced growth performance and diminished height of ileal villi (P < 0.01). Transcriptome and proteome analyses demonstrated notable modification of expression of nutrients and ion transport-related transporters and gut mechanical barrier-related genes by chronic heart stress (P < 0.05), suggesting damage of transport functions and the gut barrier. Chronic heat stress-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress also increased the synthesis of misfolded proteins, leading to upregulation of misfolded protein degradation and synthesis, as well as vesicle transport disorder (P < 0.05). Energy supply processes were enhanced in the mitochondrion (P < 0.05) to maintain biological processes with high energy demands. Furthermore, chronic heat stress activated complement cascade response-related genes and proteins in the gut mucosa (P < 0.05). Our flow cytometry assays showed that the proportion of gut lymphocytes (CD4+ T cells, T cells, B cells in Peyer's patch lymphocytes and CD4+ CD25+ T cells in intraepithelial lymphocytes) were significantly altered in the HS group pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, the occurrence of gut microbial dysbiosis in the HS group pigs was characterized by increased potential pathogens (e.g., Asteroleplasma, Shuttleworthia, Mycoplasma) and suppression of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Coprococcus and Aeriscardovia), which are associated with gut immune function. Altogether, our data demonstrated that chronic heat stress induced gut transport and immune function disorder associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress in growing pigs.

The purpose of this study is to examine whether spraying an anti-microbial agent into the slurry pit will reduce the noxious odor substances from piggery barns. For this, a total of 200 crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) growing pigs with an initial average body weight (BW) of 23.58 ± 1.47 kg were selected and housed in two different rooms, i.e. control (CON) and treatment (TRT). Each room has 100 pigs (60 gilts and 40 borrows). For a period of 42 days, all pigs were fed with corn-soybean meal-based basal diet. Later the noxious odor substances were measured by the following methods. First, fecal samples were randomly collected and stored in sealed and unsealed containers, and sprayed with the non-anti-microbial agent (NAMA) (saline water) and multi-bacterial spraying (MBS) agent (200 :1, mixing ratio-fecal sample : probiotic), Second, the slurry pit of CON and TRT rooms were directly sprayed with NAMA and MBS, respectively. The fecal sample that was stored in sealed and un-sealed containers and sprayed with MBS significantly reduced NH3 and CO2 concentration at the end of day 7. However, at the end of day 42, the fecal sample showed a lower H2S, methyl mercaptans, acetic acid, and CO2 concentration compared to the unsealed container. Moreover, at the end of days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 compared to the CON room and TRT room slurry pit emits lower concentrations of NH3, acetic acid, H2S, and methyl mercaptans, and CO2 into the atmosphere. Based on the current findings, we infer that spraying anti-microbial agents on pig dung would be one of the better approaches to suppress the odor emission from the barn in the future.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three different copper (Cu) sources (one inorganic and two organics) and levels (0, 50, and 100 mg/kg) on the growth performance, Cu digestibility, fecal mineral excretion, serum mineral concentration, jejunal morphology, and serum biochemical profile of growing pigs. A total of 42 male, growing pigs (31.08 ± 1.82 kg) were randomly assigned to seven treatments consisting of one negative control (0 mg/kg of added Cu level) and treatments with copper sulfate (CuSO4), Cu-amino acid complex (CuAA), and Cu-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoate chelate complex (CuHMB) at 50 and 100 mg/kg each for 28 d. Pigs fed 50 or 100 mg/kg of Cu showed improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain and feed intake. Although Cu excretion decreased (p < 0.01) in pigs fed 100 mg/kg of organic Cu sources compared to those fed CuSO4, there was no difference between the Cu sources in pigs fed 50 mg/kg. However, the apparent total tract digestibility of Cu increased (p < 0.01) in pigs fed organic Cu sources compared with that in pigs fed CuSO4. The addition of CuHMB increased (p < 0.01) serum phosphorus and sulfur concentrations; however, there were no effects of source and level on jejunal morphology and serum biochemical profile. These results suggest that the inclusion (50 mg/kg) of organic Cu sources (CuAA and CuHMB) in the growing pig diet could be beneficial for growth performance and Cu availability and may reduce environmental pollution.

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential plasma metabolism biomarkers reflecting the maintenance status of growing pigs. The repeated measurement design was used in this experiment, and six barrows (28.6 ± 0.5 kg BW) were selected and kept in metabolism crates. The feeding level in growing pigs close to ad libitum was 2400 kJ ME/kg BW0.6·day−1 during Day 1 to Day 7, while a feeding level of 782 kJ ME/kg BW0.6·day−1 was provided as energy requirement for maintenance during Day 8 to Day 14. Plasma samples of each pig were collected from the anterior vena cava on the morning of Day 8 and Day 15. The metabolites of plasma were determined by high‐resolution mass spectrometry using a metabolomics approach. Results showed that metabolomics analysis between ad libitum‐fed state and maintained status revealed differences in 16 compounds. Identified compounds were enriched in metabolic pathways related to linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. In conclusion, linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamic acid metabolism pathways played a major regulatory role in the maintenance status of growing pigs. The potential metabolism biomarkers of maintenance in growing pigs were linoleic acid, glutamine and tyrosine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to evaluate effects of short-term or long-term administration of 25- hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)VD3] on growth performance, bone characteristics, meat quality in growing pigs. A total of 144 pigs were allocated into three groups and fed diet contained 2000 IU vitamin D3 (VD3) or 25(OH)VD3 for a short-term and long-term administration. The results showed that long-term 25(OH)VD3 administration increased BW on d 56 and average daily gain in d 28–56. Furthermore, long-term feeding increased bone calcium content and mRNA expressions of calcium ion channel protein and anti-oxidases genes in the liver. In short, adding 25(OH)VD3 to the diet improved weight gain, bone characteristics, deposition of polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant capacity compared with the VD3, while the long-term feeding of 25(OH)VD3 was particularly effective focusing on calcium deposition and mRNA expression of GPx1, Cu/Zn SOD and CaBP-D9K.

This study evaluated whether leukocyte coping capacity (LCC) could be an effective method for detecting physiological stress in growing pigs who are exposed to a mild cycling heating period. We hypothesized that whole blood samples collected from pigs exposed to high environmental temperatures would exhibit a reduced respiratory burst response [measured in relative light units (RLU) using chemiluminescence, where reduced RLU levels indicate a smaller respiratory burst size] compared to pigs that were only exposed to thermoneutral temperatures. A secondary objective was to determine the time required for LCC whole blood samples to reach their maximal RLU value following in vitro challenge using phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to induce a respiratory burst. Forty growing pigs (mean 66.7 kg; range: 54.9 – 87.5 kg) were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) heat stress (HS; n = 20), or 2) thermoneutral (TN; n = 20). The HS pigs experienced a cycling mild heat stress period over 48 h (range: 19.5-28.6°C), while TN pigs were exposed to thermoneutral temperatures (range: 18.9-23.7°C). Whole-blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture at 0, + 4, +8, +24, and +48 h relative to the start of the cycling heating period and were artificially challenged using PMA. Samples were measured at 0, + 15, and +30 min relative to in vitro challenge. No differences were observed between HS and TN treatments (P = 0.67) and no treatment by hour interaction was detected (P = 0.48). Maximal RLU values were obtained at 15 min post-PMA challenge (P < 0.05).

Simple Summary: In this research, we studied the effects of complex probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, fecal microbiota, fecal short-chain fatty acids, fecal score and fecal gas emissions in growing pigs. Dietary complex probiotic supplementation changed the composition of intestinal short-chain fatty acids, improved growth performance and reduced harmful gas emissions in growing pigs. This study provides basic data for the use of compound probiotic. At present, probiotics are being extensively evaluated for their efficacy as an alternative to antibiotics, and their safety in livestock production. In this study, 128 (Duroc, Yorkshire and Landrace) pigs with an average initial body weight of 28.38 ± 0.25 kg were allocated to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete-block design. There were eight pens per treatment, with four pigs per pen (two barrows and two gilts). Dietary treatments included: (1) control diet; (2) control diet + 0.05% complex probiotic; (3) control diet + 0.1% complex probiotic; (4) control diet + 0.2% complex probiotic. During the 28-day experimental period, the feeding of 0.1% complex probiotic in the diet increased body weight and average daily gain (p < 0.05). The addition of complex probiotics decreased total cholesterol and glucose concentrations in the blood (p < 0.01). Acetate concentrations in the blood increased from 0.1% complex probiotic in the diet (p < 0.05), while NH3 and H2S emissions in the feces decreased (p < 0.05) from 0.1% or 0.2% complex probiotic in the diet. In conclusion, dietary complex probiotic supplementation changed the composition of intestinal short-chain fatty acids and improved growth performance for growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to explore the effect of different levels of compound probiotics and non-starch polysaccharide enzymes added to diet on growth performance and serum biochemical indexes of growing pigs. A total of 160 healthy growing and finishing pigs with a weight of (35.0±0.5) kg were randomly divided into four groups, with four replicates in each group, and ten pigs in each replicate (half in male and female). The pigs in control group were fed with basic diet, and each test group was supplentment with 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg compound probiotics and non-starch polysaccharide enzymes in basic diet. The results showed that compared with control group, ADG of growing pigs in 500 mg/kg group and 750 mg/kg group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the crude fiber apparent digestibility of growing pigs in 750 mg/kg group was significantly increased (P<0.05), apparent digestibility of phosphorus and gross energy of growing pigs in all test groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the compound probiotics and non-starch polysaccharide enzyme can significantly improve the growth performance and apparent digestibility of nutrients of growing pigs, the appropriate addition amount is 500 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of data for the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of fat and fatty acids in national feed databases. In addition, it is important to specify the procedures used for fat analyses. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to 1) determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and SID of fat and fatty acids in ten different oil sources for growing pigs and to develop prediction equations for SID of fat based on fatty acid composition; and 2) compare the effect of the fat extraction methods on the calculated values for endogenous loss and digestibility of fat. Methods: Twenty-two barrows (initial body weight: 32.1 ± 2.3 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum, and allotted to 1 of 11 experimental diets in a 4-period Youden Square design. A fat-free diet was formulated using cornstarch, soy protein isolate and sucrose. Ten oil-added diets were formulated by adding 6% of dietary oil sources to the fat-free diet at the expense of cornstarch. All diets contained 26% sugar beet pulp and 0.40% chromic oxide. Results: The endogenous loss of ether extract (EE) was lower than that of acid-hydrolyzed fat (AEE; P < 0.01). There were significant differences in the AID and SID of fat and saturated fatty acids across the dietary oil sources (P < 0.05). The SID of AEE for palm oil was lower than that of sunflower oil, corn oil, canola oil, rice oil and flaxseed oil (P < 0.01). The AID and SID of fat ranged from 79.65% to 86.97% and from 91.14% to 99.18%. Although the AID of EE was greater than that of AEE (P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in SID of EE and AEE except for palm oil. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids (U/S) had a positive correlation with SID of fat (P < 0.05), whereas C16:0 and long chain saturated fatty acids (LSFA) were significant negatively correlated with SID of fat (P < 0.01). The best-fit equation to predict SID of fat was SID AEE = 102.75 − 0.15 × LSFA − 0.74 × C18:0 − 0.03 × C18:1 (Adjusted coefficient of determination = 0.88, P < 0.01). Conclusions: When calculating the SID of fat, the EE content of the samples can be analyzed using the direct extraction method, whereas the acid hydrolysis procedure should be used to determine the AID of fat. Fat digestibility of dietary oils was affected by their fatty acid composition, especially by the contents of C16:0, LSFA and U/S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of an alone or in combination quillaja saponin (QS) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation, faecal microbial and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs. A total of 100 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc); weighted 23.83 ± 1.95 kg, were selected and randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 5 replicates per group and 5 pigs per replicate according to the initial body weight and sex. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) basal diet (Ctrl); (2) Ctrl + 0.2% QS; (3) Ctrl + 0.10% FOS; (4) Ctrl + 0.2% QS + 0.10% FOS (QSFOS). The experiment period lasted for 56 days. Pigs fed a diet supplemented with QS, FOS and QSFOS resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in body weight (BW) on days 28 and 56, (p < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake during days 28–56 and 50–56, as well as improved apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM (dry matter) and N (Nitrogen) during day 56 compared with Ctrl. The faecal Lactobacillus counts were increased and a reduction (p < 0.05) in faecal Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts and ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from the faeces was observed from pigs fed QS, FOS and QSFOS supplemented diets compared with those fed a Ctrl diet. In conclusion, dietary QS, FOS and QSFOS supplementation have beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, faecal microbial and noxious gas emissions in growing pigs. Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS increased body weight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake of growing pigs. Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS could improve ATTD of dry matter and nitrogen of growing pigs Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS increased Lactobacillus counts and reduced E. coli counts of growing pigs. Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS could reduce faecal NH3 and CO2 emissions of growing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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