Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.

BACKGROUND: Low crude protein (CP) formulations with supplemental amino acids (AA) are used to enhance intestinal health, reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and maintain growth performance of pigs. However, extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met. Moreover, implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy (NE) content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition. Additional supplementation of functional AA, coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism, improving nitrogen utilization, and growth performance. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. METHODS: In Exp. 1, 90 pigs (19.7 ± 1.1 kg, 45 barrows and 45 gilts) were assigned to 3 treatments: CON (18.0% CP, supplementing Lys, Met, and Thr), LCP (16.0% CP, supplementing Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, and Val), and LCPT (16.1% CP, LCP + 0.05% SID Trp). In Exp. 2, 72 pigs (34.2 ± 4.2 kg BW) were assigned to 3 treatments: CON (17.7% CP, meeting the requirements of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp); LCP (15.0% CP, meeting Lys, Thr, Trp, Met, Val, Ile, and Phe); and VLCP (12.8% CP, meeting Lys, Thr, Trp, Met, Val, Ile, Phe, His, and Leu). In Exp. 3, 72 pigs (54.1 ± 5.9 kg BW) were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases (grower 2, finishing 1, and finishing 2). Treatments were CON (18.0%, 13.8%, 12.7% CP for 3 phases; meeting Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp); LCP (13.5%, 11.4%, 10.4% CP for 3 phases; meeting Lys, Thr, Trp, Met, Val, Ile, and Phe); and LCPG (14.1%, 12.8%, 11.1% CP for 3 phases; LCP + Glu to match SID Glu with CON). All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE. RESULTS: In Exp. 1, overall, the growth performance did not differ among treatments. The LCPT increased (P < 0.05) Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum. The LCP and LCPT increased (P < 0.05) CAT-1, 4F2hc, and B0AT expressions in the jejunum. In Exp. 2, overall, the VLCP reduced (P < 0.05) G:F and BUN. The LCP and VLCP increased (P < 0.05) the backfat thickness (BFT). In Exp. 3, overall, growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments. The LCPG reduced (P < 0.05) BUN, whereas increased the insulin in plasma. The LCP and LCPG reduced (P < 0.05) the abundance of Streptococcaceae, whereas the LCP reduced (P < 0.05) Erysipelotrichaceae, and the alpha diversity. CONCLUSIONS: When implementing low CP formulation, CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys, Thr, Met, Trp, Val, and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition. Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Effects of ß-mannanase supplementation on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs.

Two experiments were conducted using 120 pigs to test the hypothesis that supplementation of ß-mannanase could reduce digesta viscosity, enhance nutrient digestion, and improve intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs. In experiment 1, 48 crossbred barrows were randomly allotted to four treatments with increasing levels of ß-mannanase at 0, 200, 400, and 600 U/kg in feeds. All pigs were euthanized on day 12 to collect jejunal digesta to measure digesta viscosity and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). In experiment 2, 72 nursery pigs were randomly allotted to three treatments with increasing levels of ß-mannanase at 0, 400, and 600 U/kg in feeds. Plasma collected on day 9 was used to measure tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), immunoglobulin G (IgG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC). All pigs were euthanized on day 10 to collect duodenal and jejunal tissues to evaluate the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA, morphology, crypt cell proliferation, and expression of tight junction proteins in the jejunum. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for polynomial contrasts and the NLMIXED procedure for broken-line analysis of SAS. In experiment 1, ß-mannanase supplementation tended to have quadratic effects on digesta viscosity (P = 0.085) and AID of GE (P = 0.093) in the pigs. In experiment 2, jejunal digesta viscosity of the pigs was reduced (P < 0.05) when ß-mannanase was supplemented at 360 U/kg of feed. ß-Mannanase supplementation linearly reduced (P < 0.05) TNF-α, IgG, MDA, and PC in the duodenum, and TNF-α, IgG, and MDA in the jejunum of the pigs. ß-Mannanase supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio and crypt cell proliferation in the jejunum. ß-Mannanase supplementation tended to linearly improve (P = 0.083) expression of zonula occludens-1 in the jejunum. In conclusion, supplementation of ß-mannanase at 360 U/kg reduced the digesta viscosity and up to 600 U/kg positively affected intestinal health and growth of pigs by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress whilst enhancing structure and barrier function in the jejunum.

Nursery pigs face challenges in digesting complex carbohydrates in their feeds, which can negatively affect their growth and intestinal health. In particular, ß-mannans can increase digesta viscosity and hinder nutrient digestion of nursery pigs. ß-Mannanase, an enzyme that breaks down ß-mannans, has been used in nursery feeds to alleviate negative impacts on nutrient utilization and intestinal health of nursery pigs. This study investigated the effects of increasing supplementation levels of ß-mannanase on intestinal health, nutrient utilization, and growth of nursery pigs. The results showed that supplementation of ß-mannanase at 360 U/kg in the feed reduced the digesta viscosity in the jejunum and up to 600 U/kg positively had beneficial effects on the intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through improving structure and barrier function in the jejunum.

Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics supplemented in feeds for sows and growing pigs for its impact on growth performance of offspring and growing pigs in commercial farm environments.

Objective: Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces yeast postbiotics (SYP) in feeds for sows on the growth of offspring (Exp. 1), for nursery pigs on their growth (Exp. 2), and for nursery and finishing pigs on their growth (Exp. 3). Methods: Exp. 1 had 80 sows at breeding assigned to 4 groups with SYP at 0, 0.050, 0.175, and 0.500 g/kg. Offspring were fed a common diet for 126 d. Exp. 2 had 144 barrows at 8 kg body weight (BW) allotted to CON (no SYP); YPC (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0 to 42); and YPD (SYP at 1.25, 0.75, and 0 g/kg; d 0-7, d 8-21, and d 22-42, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (6 pigs/pen). Exp. 3 had 96 barrows at 8 kg BW allotted to CON (no SYP); YPN (SYP at 0.175 g/kg; d 0-42); YPF (SYP at 0.100 g/kg; d 43- 119); and YPA (SYP at 0.175 and 0.100 g/kg; d 0-42 and d 43-119, respectively) with 8 pens/treatment (3 pigs/pen). Results: In Exp. 1, increasing SYP increased (p<0.05, quadratic) the sow body score (maximum at 0.30% SYP), reduced (p<0.05, quadratic) the days-wean-to-estrus (minimum at 0.27% SYP), and increased (p<0.05) offspring BW at weaning and their ADG and G:F at d 126. In Exp. 2, ADG, ADFI, and G:F of YPC were the greatest (p<0.05). The ADG and ADFI of YPD were greater (p<0.05) than CON. Fecal score of YPC and YPD was smaller (p<0.05) than CON. In Exp. 3, YPA had the greatest (p<0.05) ADG and YPN and YPF had greater (p<0.05) ADG than CON. Conclusion: SYP enhanced sow performance, offspring growth, growth of nursery and growing pigs with the greater efficacy at 0.27 to 0.32 g/kg feed.

- Invited Review - Pig production in Latin America.

Latin America is a culturally, geographically, politically, and economically diverse region. Agriculture in Latin America is marked by a remarkable diversity of production systems, reflecting various agroecological zones, farm sizes, and technological levels. In the last decade, the swine industry increased by 30.6%, emerging as a great contributor to food security and economic development in Latin America. Brazil and Mexico dominate the pig production landscape, together accounting for 70% of sow inventory in the region. The swine industry in Latin America is predominantly comprised of small and medium-sized farms, however, in the past 30 years, the number of pig producers in Brazil dropped by 78%, whereas pork production increased by 326%. Similar to the global pork industry, the growing demand for pork, driven by population growth and changing dietary habits, presents an opportunity for the industry with an expected growth of 16% over the next decade. The export prospects are promising, however subject to potential disruptions from global market conditions and shifts in trade policies. Among the challenges faced by the swine industry, disease outbreaks, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF), present significant threats, necessitating enhanced biosecurity and surveillance systems. In 2023, ASF was reported to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Mexico, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Venezuela, and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Ecuador. Additionally, feed costs, supply chain disruptions, and energy expenses have affected mainly the smaller and less efficient producers. The swine industry is also transitioning towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, including efficient feed usage, and precision farming. Ensuring long-term success in the swine industry in Latin America requires a holistic approach that prioritizes sustainability, animal welfare, and consumer preferences, ultimately positioning the industry to thrive in the evolving global market.

Bacterial Meningitis in Buffaloes in Brazil.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the central nervous system and is poorly described in water buffaloes. Five cases of meningitis in adults buffaloes of the Murrah and Mediterranean breads were studied. All buffaloes came from a farm located in the municipality of Castanhal, Pará, Brazil at different times. Clinical examination showed neurological clinical signs, such as apathy, reluctance to move, spastic paresis especially of the pelvic limbs, hypermetria, difficulty getting up, pressing of the head into obstacles and convulsion. In three buffaloes, a large part of the horn had been lost, exposing the corresponding frontal sinus, through which a bloody to purulent exudate flowed. The hemogram revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis. At necropsy, adherence of the dura mater to the periosteum and a purulent to fibrinopurulent exudate were observed in the sulci of the cerebral cortex and on the pia mater over almost the entire surface of the brain and throughout the spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid had a cloudy aspect with fibrin filaments. The histopathology of buffaloes confirmed the diagnosis of bacterial fibrinopurulent meningitis. Buffaloes are susceptible to bacterial inflammation of the meninges due to fractures of the base of the horn and mostly present with neurological manifestations.

Effects of dietary xylanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune response of nursery pigs fed diets with reduced metabolizable energy.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of xylanase on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs fed diets with reduced metabolizable energy (ME). One hundred ninety-two pigs at 8.7 kg ±â€…0.7 body weight (BW) after 7 d of weaning were allotted in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Eight dietary treatments consisted of 5 ME levels (3,400, 3,375, 3,350, 3,325, and 3,300 kcal ME/kg) below the NRC (2012) requirement and 4 levels of xylanase (0, 1,200, 2,400, and 3,600 XU/kg) to a diet with 3,300 kcal ME/kg. All pigs received their respective treatments for 35 d in 2 phases, pre-starter (14 d) and starter (21 d). On day 35, eight pigs in 3,400 kcal/kg (CON), 3,300 kcal/kg (LE), and 3,300 kcal/kg + 3,600 XU xylanase/kg (LEX) were euthanized to collect jejunal tissues and digesta for the evaluation of mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal immune response, oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, crypt cell proliferation, and digesta viscosity as well as ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure on SAS 9.4. The LE increased (P < 0.05) jejunal digesta viscosity, tended to have decreased (P = 0.053) relative abundance of Prevotella, and tended to increase (P = 0.055) Lactobacillus. The LE also increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of protein carbonyl whereas malondialdehyde, villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients, and finally average daily feed intake were decreased (P < 0.05). The LE did not affect average daily gain (ADG). The LEX decreased (P < 0.05) digesta viscosity, increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotella, decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacter, decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of protein carbonyl, tended to increase (P = 0.065) VH, and decreased (P < 0.05) VH:CD and crypt cell proliferation. Moreover, LEX increased (P < 0.05) the AID of dry matter and gross energy and tended to increase (P = 0.099; P = 0.076) AID of crude protein, and ether extract. The LEX did not affect ADG but did tend to decrease (P = 0.070) fecal score during the starter phase. Overall, reducing ME negatively affected intestinal health parameters and nutrient digestibility without affecting growth. Supplementation of xylanase mitigated some of the negative effects observed by ME reduction on intestinal health and digestibility of nutrients without affecting growth.

Dietary inclusion of fats in the feeds of nursery pigs allows nutritionists to increase the energy density of the feed. Some researchers believe the value of adding fat in nursery feeds goes beyond meeting the energy specification of the feed but rather as a supply of fatty acids that can regulate various bodily processes. Volatility in feedstuff prices has resulted in increased inclusion of coproducts rich in nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) and a decrease in dietary fat in nursery pig diets in an effort to boost economic sustainability with minimal compromise of growth. Common feedstuffs of plant origin possess an inherent amount of NSP that can elicit negative effects on the digesta viscosity, intestinal microbiota, and digestibility of nutrients. Supplemental enzymes such as xylanase target specific NSP components within the feed to alleviate some of these negative effects and may release otherwise indigestible nutrients for absorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reducing metabolizable energy (ME) of the feed up to 100 kcal ME/kg on growth performance, intestinal health, immune status, and the composition of the mucosa-associated microbiota as well as the ability of xylanase to mediate the negative effects imposed by a reduction in supplemental fat to lower ME.

Plant age-dependent dynamics of annatto pigment (bixin) biosynthesis in Bixa orellana.

Age affects the production of secondary metabolites, but how developmental cues regulate secondary metabolism remains poorly understood. The achiote tree (Bixa orellana L.) is a source of bixin, an apocarotenoid used in diverse industries worldwide. Understanding how age-dependent mechanisms control bixin biosynthesis is of great interest for plant biology and for economic reasons. Here we overexpressed miRNA156 (miR156) in B. orellana to comprehensively study the effects of the miR156-SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) module on age-dependent bixin biosynthesis in leaves. Overexpression of miR156 in annatto plants (miR156ox) reduced BoSPL transcript levels, impacted leaf ontogeny, lessened bixin production, and increased abscisic acid levels. Modulation of expression of BoCCD4-4 and BoCCD1, key genes in carotenoid biosynthesis, was associated with diverting the carbon flux from bixin to abscisic acid in miR156ox leaves. Proteomic analyses revealed an overall low accumulation of most secondary metabolite-related enzymes in miR156ox leaves, suggesting that miR156-targeted BoSPLs may be required to activate several secondary metabolic pathways. Our findings suggest that the conserved BomiR156-BoSPL module is deployed to regulate leaf dynamics of bixin biosynthesis, and may create novel opportunities to fine-tune bixin output in B. orellana breeding programs.

- Invited Review - Current status of global pig production: an overview and research trends.

Global pig production has increased by 140% since the 1960s. The increase in global population, coupled with improving socioeconomic conditions of many countries has led to an increased consumption of meat globally, including pork. To keep up with demand and capitalize on economic opportunities, the countries of China, the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) have become the top 3 pork producers globally. China is of particular interest, as it is the both the largest country in pork production and pig numbers, as well as being the largest importer of pork from other countries. Globally, the efficiency of pork production has improved, in relation to the integration of pig production and the dramatic increase in research efforts in pig nutrition and production. Through integration, large producers can consolidate resources and maximize profits and efficiency. The increased research interest and efforts in pig production have given scientists and producers the opportunity to collaborate to adapt to challenges and identify possible solutions to issues brought on by a volatile global market. Intestinal health (23%), general nutrition and growth (23%), and amino acid nutrition (15%) were the top 3 areas (61%) leading research trends in pig nutrition and production. Major dietary interventions with feed additives evaluated include functional amino acids, feed enzymes, pre-/pro-/post-biotics, and phytobiotics with a common goal to improve the growth efficiency by enhancing nutrient utilization and intestinal health. With increasing global issues with environment, pig producers and the supporting scientists should continue their efforts to improve the production efficiency and to reduce the environmental footprint from pig production.

Extracutaneous Melanotic Melanoma with Nervous System Involvement in a Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Melanomas are tumors arising from externally uncontrolled melanocytes that produce varying amounts of melanin. In this study, we report a case of melanoma with neurological impairment without evidence of cutaneous neoplastic lesions in an adult buffalo in the state of Pará, Brazil. Clinically, the buffalo exhibited apathy, decreased mandibular tone, and occasionally an open mouth with motor incoordination, and eventually succumbed to the condition. Necropsy revealed multifocal tumor masses in the brain, pituitary gland, trigeminal ganglion, and spinal cord. The neoplastic cells showed strong positive signals for vimentin, Melan-A, PNL-2, and SOX10. The diagnosis was made via necropsy, histopathology, and positive immunostaining for Melan-A and PNL-2, which are specific markers for melanocyte identification.

Effect of antibiotics and low-crude protein diets on growth performance, health, immune response, and fecal microbiota of growing pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of diets with and without antibiotics supplementation and diets with 18.5% and 13.0% crude protein (CP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, disease incidence, fecal microbiota, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of growing pigs. One hundred and eighty pigs (59-day-old; 18.5 ±â€…2.5 kg) were distributed in a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, nine replicates, and five pigs per pen. The factors were CP (18.5% or 13.0%) and antibiotics (none or 100 mg/kg tiamulin + 506 mg/kg oxytetracycline). Medicated diets were fed from days 59 to 73. After that, all pigs were fed their respective CP diets from 73 to 87 days. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure in SAS version 9.4. From days 59 to 73, pigs fed antibiotics diets had higher (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), compared to the diets without antibiotics. From days 73 to 87 (postmedicated period), any previous supplementation of antibiotics did not affect pig growth performance. Overall (days 59 to 87), pigs-fed antibiotics diets had higher (P < 0.05) G:F compared to pigs-fed diets without antibiotics. In all periods evaluated, pigs fed 18.5% CP diets had higher (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared to pigs fed 13.0% CP. Pigs fed the 13.0% CP diets had lower (P < 0.05) fecal score and diarrhea incidence than those fed 18.5% CP. Pigs fed 18.5% CP diets had improved (P < 0.05) loin area compared to pigs-fed diets with 13.0% CP. At 66 days of age, pigs-fed antibiotics diets had lower (P < 0.05) alpha diversity estimated with Shannon and Simpson compared to the pig-fed diets without antibiotics. At family level, pigs fed 18.5% CP diets had higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Streptococcaceae, and lower (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Clostridiaceae at days 66 and 87 compared with pigs fed 13.0% CP. Pigs-fed antibiotics diets had lower (P < 0.05) immunoglobulin G and protein carbonyl concentrations at day 66 compared to the pigs-fed diets without antibiotics. The reduction of dietary CP from 18.5% to 13.0% reduced the growth performance and loin muscle area of growing pigs, although it was effective to reduce diarrhea incidence. Antibiotics improved growth performance, lowered diarrhea incidence, improved components of the humoral immune response, and reduced microbiota diversity. However, in the postmedicated period, we found no residual effect on the general health of the animals, and considering the overall period, only G:F was improved by the use of antibiotics.

Dietary antibiotics have been used in pig farming practices to avoid health problems and improve animal growth performance. However, their use in production animals is considered a global health challenge, due to its association with selection of resistance in zoonotic bacteria. Another negative impact of pig farming that has gained attention is related to environmental pollution due to the excretion of nitrogenous compounds. Reducing dietary crude protein content has become a goal in the pig feed industry due to the limited availability and high cost of dietary protein sources, as well as the aim of enhancing gut health in pigs. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diets with and without antibiotics supplementation and diets with 18.5% and 13.0% crude protein for pigs. The reduction of dietary crude protein in this study reduced growth performance, although it was effective to reduce diarrhea incidence. Antibiotics improved growth performance, positively affected the overall health of animals, and reduced microbiota diversity. However, during the postmedicated period, we found no residual effect on the general health of the animals, and considering the overall period, only gain to feed ratio was improved by the use of antibiotics.

Impacts of F18+Escherichia coli on Intestinal Health of Nursery Pigs and Dietary Interventions.

This review focused on the impact of F18+E. coli on pig production and explored nutritional interventions to mitigate its deleterious effects. F18+E. coli is a primary cause of PWD in nursery pigs, resulting in substantial economic losses through diminished feed efficiency, morbidity, and mortality. In summary, the F18+E. coli induces intestinal inflammation with elevated IL6 (60%), IL8 (43%), and TNF-α (28%), disrupting the microbiota and resulting in 14% villus height reduction. Besides the mortality, the compromised intestinal health results in a 20% G:F decrease and a 10% ADFI reduction, ultimately culminating in a 28% ADG decrease. Among nutritional interventions to counter F18+E. coli impacts, zinc glycinate lowered TNF-α (26%) and protein carbonyl (45%) in jejunal mucosa, resulting in a 39% ADG increase. Lactic acid bacteria reduced TNF-α (36%), increasing 51% ADG, whereas Bacillus spp. reduced IL6 (27%), increasing BW (12%). Lactobacillus postbiotic increased BW (14%) and the diversity of beneficial bacteria. Phytobiotics reduced TNF-α (23%) and IL6 (21%), enhancing feed efficiency (37%). Additional interventions, including low crude protein formulation, antibacterial minerals, prebiotics, and organic acids, can be effectively used to combat F18+E. coli infection. These findings collectively underscore a range of effective strategies for managing the challenges posed by F18+E. coli in pig production.

Efficacy of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements in mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs.

This study investigated the effects of using soy protein concentrate (SPC) to replace animal protein supplements on mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal health, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Fifty-six newly weaned pigs (BW = 6.4 ± 0.6 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (P; 1, 2, 3) for 10, 12, 13 d, respectively. Dietary treatments were: (1) basal diet with fish meal (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), poultry meal (P1: 10%, P2: 8%, and P3: 4%), and blood plasma (P1: 4%, P2: 2%, and P3: 1%), where SPC replacing none (NC); (2) basal diet with SPC replacing fish meal (RFM); (3) basal diet with SPC replacing poultry meal (RPM); (4) basal diet with SPC replacing blood plasma (RBP); and (5) basal diet with SPC replacing all animal protein supplements (PC). Growth performance was recorded for each phase. Pigs were euthanized on d 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissue to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota, and ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Overall, RFM, RPM, and RBP did not affect growth performance, whereas PC decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI. The RPM increased (P < 0.05) Prevotella stercorea and decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacter rappini. The PC decreased (P < 0.05) H. rappini, whilst increasing (P < 0.05) Prevotella copri, Propionibacterium acnes, and Pelomonas aquatica. The RFM tended to increase (P = 0.096) immunoglobulin A in the jejunum. The PC tended to decrease (P = 0.078) jejunal crypt cell proliferation. There were no differences in the villus height, AID of nutrients, intestinal inflammation, and intestinal oxidative stress among treatments. In conclusion, SPC can replace fish meal, poultry meal, or blood plasma individually without affecting growth performance and intestinal health, and AID of nutrients of nursery pigs. Particularly SPC replacing poultry meal benefitted intestinal health by reducing H. rappini and increasing P. stercorea. However, SPC replacing all three animal protein supplements reduced growth of nursery pigs mainly by reducing feed intake.

Comparative effects of soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs.

BACKGROUND: Soy protein supplements, with high crude protein and less antinutritional factors, are produced from soybean meal by different processes. This study evaluated the comparative effects of various soy protein supplements replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on the intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs. METHODS: Sixty nursery pigs (6.6 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases (P1, P2, and P3). Treatments were: Control (CON), basal diet with fish meal 4%, 2%, and 1%, poultry meal 10%, 8%, and 4%, and blood plasma 4%, 2%, and 1% for P1, P2, and P3, respectively; basal diet with soy protein concentrate (SPC), enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESB), fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus (FSBL), and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus (FSBB), replacing 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3 of animal protein supplements for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. RESULTS: The SPC did not affect the BW, ADG, and G:F, whereas it tended to reduce (P = 0.094) the ADFI and tended to increase (P = 0.091) crypt cell proliferation. The ESM did not affect BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F, whereas tended to decrease (P = 0.098) protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa. The FSBL decreased (P < 0.05) BW and ADG, increased (P < 0.05) TNF-α, and Klebsiella and tended to increase MDA (P = 0.065) and IgG (P = 0.089) in jejunal mucosa. The FSBB tended to increase (P = 0.073) TNF-α, increased (P < 0.05) Clostridium and decreased (P < 0.05) Achromobacter and alpha diversity of microbiota in jejunal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus could reduce the use of animal protein supplements up to 33% until 7 kg body weight, up to 67% from 7 to 11 kg body weight, and entirely from 11 kg body weight without affecting the intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs. Fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus, however, increased the immune reaction and oxidative stress in the intestine consequently reducing the growth performance.

Intestinal Damages by F18+Escherichia coli and Its Amelioration with an Antibacterial Bacitracin Fed to Nursery Pigs.

This study investigated intestinal oxidative damage caused by F18+Escherichia coli and its amelioration with antibacterial bacitracin fed to nursery pigs. Thirty-six weaned pigs (6.31 ± 0.08 kg BW) were allotted in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were: NC, not challenged/not treated; PC, challenged (F18+E. coli at 5.2 × 109 CFU)/not treated; AGP challenged (F18+E. coli at 5.2 × 109 CFU)/treated with bacitracin (30 g/t). Overall, PC reduced (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), villus height, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), whereas AGP increased (p < 0.05) ADG, and G:F. PC increased (p < 0.05) fecal score, F18+E. coli in feces, and protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa. AGP reduced (p < 0.05) fecal score and F18+E. coli in jejunal mucosa. PC reduced (p < 0.05) Prevotella stercorea populations in jejunal mucosa, whereas AGP increased (p < 0.05) Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens and reduced (p < 0.05) Mitsuokella jalaludinii populations in feces. Collectively, F18+E. coli challenge increased fecal score and disrupted the microbiota composition, harming intestinal health by increasing oxidative stress, and damaging the intestinal epithelium, ultimately impairing growth performance. Dietary bacitracin reduced reduced F18+E. coli populations and the oxidative damages they cause, thereby improving intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs.

Proximal and Distal Vagal Indigestion in Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Amazon Biome.

This study aims to describe the clinical signs and ultrasonographic and necropsy findings of the first cases of proximal (Buffalo 1) and distal (Buffalo 2) vagal indigestion in two Bubalus bubalis in the Brazilian Amazon biome. The clinical histories of the buffaloes were characterized by progressive weight loss, recurrent tympany, abdominal distention (apple and pear shapes), anorexia, and scant feces. Buffalo 1 was submitted to orogastric intubation, and due to the recurrent tympany, an exploratory laparotomy. Buffalo 2 was submitted to ultrasound examination, and a segment of the pylorus was shown to be adhered to the eventration by ultrasonography. Both animals produced positive results for the atropine test. In the necropsy evaluation, Buffalo 1 was shown to have dilation of the esophagus, rumen, and reticulum; the ruminal contents of animal 1 were olive green and foamy with bubbles within the ingesta. On the other hand, Buffalo 2 was shown to have distention of the forestomach and abomasum; the complex rumen-reticulum and omasum contents were semi-liquid and had a yellowish color. In animal 2, in the eventration region, there was adherence to the pyloric region. The diagnosis of vagal indigestion was based on the history, clinical signs, and ultrasound and necropsy findings, in addition to the results of the atropine test.

Advances, Implications, and Limitations of Low-Crude-Protein Diets in Pig Production.

Currently, five crystalline essential amino acids (Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, and Val) are generally used, allowing formulation of low-crude-protein (CP) diets. Moreover, Ile may also be used depending on its economic value and the specific feeding program. Experimentally, it has been shown that further reduced CP levels can be achieved by supplemental His, Leu, and Phe to the diets. However, decreasing the dietary CP level while maintaining optimal ratios of amino acids has shown contradictory effects on pigs' growth performance. Due to the divergence in the literature and the importance for practical formulation strategies in the swine industry, a literature review and a meta-analysis were performed to estimate the minimum CP level that would not compromise pig performance. Based on the present review, there is a minimum CP level after which the growth performance of pigs can be compromised, even though diets are balanced for essential amino acids. Considering average daily gain and gain to feed, respectively, these levels were estimated to be 18.4% CP (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.3 to 18.4) and 18.3% CP (95% CI: 17.4 to 19.2) for nursery, 16.1% CP (95% CI: 16.0 to 16.2) and 16.3% CP (95% CI: 14.5 to 18.0) for growing, and 11.6% CP (95% CI: 10.8 to 12.3) and 11.4% CP (95% CI: 10.3 to 12.5) for finishing pigs.

Phytobiotics from Oregano Extracts Enhance the Intestinal Health and Growth Performance of Pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of phytobiotics on the intestinal health and growth performance of pigs. Totals of 40 newly-weaned pigs with 6.4 ± 0.3 kg BW (Exp. 1) and 120 growing pigs with 27.9 ± 2.3 kg BW (Exp. 2) were allotted in RCBD in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The factors were: antibiotics as growth promoter (AGP) and phytobiotics (PHY). Pigs were fed experimental diets during 21 d (Exp. 1) and 42 d (Exp. 2). Growth performance, health parameters, and nutrient digestibility were evaluated. In Exp. 1, AGP diet increased (p < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared with a diet without AGP or PHY and a diet with AGP combined with PHY. PHY decreased (p < 0.05) TNF-α and IgG in the jejunum and protein carbonyl in plasma, whereas it increased (p < 0.05) the villus height. In Exp. 2, AGP or PHY diets increased (p < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F compared with a diet without AGP or PHY and a diet with AGP combined with PHY. PHY decreased (p < 0.05) IgG and PC in plasma. Collectively, AGP and PHY improved growth performance by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing immune status and jejunal morphology. However, the combinational use of phytobiotics with antibiotics suppressed their effect.

Rotational Stability of the Knee in a Comparative Study of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using the Double-Bundle and Single-Bundle Techniques.

Background: The purpsose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical outcomes of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction either with the DB or SB technique. We hypothesized that the DB technique would provide better rotation control of the knee following ACL reconstruction. Methods: The study included seventy-five participants (26 DB, 22 SB, and 27 healthy volunteers). Only cases with at least one year of postoperative follow-up were included. The participants performed three different demand tasks: walk task, walk and change direction, and stair descent and change direction, which was tracked using a three-dimensional 4-camera optoelectronic system. The following kinematic data were analyzed: tibial rotation amplitude and maximal internal and external rotation. Knees with ACL reconstruction were compared to contralateral knees with intact ACL and healthy knees. Clinical outcomes were determined using the subjective and objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire and a manual arthrometer (KT 1000). Results: Both surgical groups exhibited similar clinical outcomes (mean subjective IKDC 91 SB vs. 90 DB, P=0.815; KT 1000 difference: 2mm in both groups, P=0.772). The vertical component of the ground force reaction revealed no differences between the surgical and control groups (P>0.05). Tibial rotation amplitude and maximal internal and external rotation were similar between the control, SB, and DB groups in all three different demand tasks (P>0.05). Conclusion: ACL reconstruction using either the SB or DB technique can restore rotational control to the level of a healthy knee. No clinical or functional differences were found between the SB and DB surgical options.

Soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements and its impacts on intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, nutrient digestibility, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs.

This study was to evaluate the effects of soy protein concentrate (SPC) supplementation replacing animal protein supplements on intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, nutrient digestibility, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Thirty-two newly weaned pigs at 21 d of age with 6.4 ± 0.4 kg body weight (BW) were allotted to four treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 35 d in three phases. Dietary treatments were SPC 0% (diets with fish meal 4/2/1%, poultry meal 10/8/4%, blood plasma 4/2/1%, and crude protein 24.6/22.6/20.9% for phase 1/2/3, respectively), SPC 33%, SPC 66%, and SPC 100% (SPC 0% diets with SPC replacing 33/66/100% of animal protein supplements, respectively). Pigs were euthanized on day 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissues to evaluate intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum. Titanium dioxide was added in phase three diets as an indigestible marker. Ileal digesta was collected to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using MIXED and NLMIXED procedures of SAS. Increasing SPC supplementation by replacing animal protein supplements linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the BW, ADG, and ADFI of pigs during the overall period, and linearly increased (P < 0.05) peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) in jejunum. Increasing SPC supplementation linearly decreased (P < 0.05) feed cost per weight gain. In the exponential model, SPC can replace animal protein supplements up to 10.5% and 16.5% without reducing the ADG and ADFI of pigs, respectively. The SPC 100% decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacteraceae, Campylobacteraceae, alpha diversity, and changed beta diversity of microbiota in the jejunal mucosa. In conclusion, SPC supplementation replacing animal protein supplements reduced growth performance by reducing feed intake, which might be related to increased PYY. However, 10.5% and 16.8% of animal protein supplements can be replaced by SPC without affecting BW gain and feed intake of nursery pigs, respectively. Complete removal of animal protein supplements by SPC supplementation modulated the composition of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota by reducing Helicobacteraceae and Campylobacteraceae, whereas without affecting the intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, and AID of nutrients in nursery pigs.

Due to the high-quality nutrients and functional compounds, animal protein supplements are generally included in nursery pig diets to relieve the negative impacts caused by weaning stress. However, the high cost, short supply, and potential safety issues of animal protein supplements limit their use. Soybean meal is commonly used in swine diets due to the high nutritional values and competitive cost, however, antinutritional factors in soybean meal have been shown to impair the health and growth of nursery pigs. Soy protein concentrate is processed from soybean meal by ethanol extraction and efficiently removes the anti-nutritional factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements at various levels on intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of nursery pigs. The use of soy protein concentrate completely replacing animal protein supplements showed benefits on modulating the bacterial ecosystem on the mucosal lining of the small intestine by decreasing potentially harmful bacteria, whereas without affecting intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility. However, excessive use of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements decreased the weight gain of nursery pigs due to reduced feed intake.

Postbiotic effects of Lactobacillus fermentate on intestinal health, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth efficiency of nursery pigs challenged with F18+Escherichia coli.

This study determined the supplemental effects of Lactobacillus fermentate (LBF, Adare Biome, France) on intestinal health and prevention of postweaning diarrhea caused by F18+Escherichia coli in nursery pigs. Sixty-four weaned pigs (6.6 ± 0.7 kg body weight) were allotted in a randomized complete block design to four treatments: NC: no challenge/no supplement; PC: E. coli challenge/no supplement; AGP: E. coli challenge/bacitracin (30 g/t feed); and PBT: E. coli challenge/LBF (2 kg/t feed). Bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) was used as a source of bacitracin. On day 7, challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.4 × 1010 CFU), whereas NC received sterile saline solution. Growth performance was analyzed weekly, and pigs were euthanized at the end of 28 d feeding to analyze intestinal health. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4. During the post-challenge period, PC tended to decrease (P = 0.067) average daily gain (ADG) when compared with NC, whereas AGP increased (P < 0.05) when compared with PC; PBT tended to increase (P = 0.081) ADG when compared with PC. The PC increased fecal score (P < 0.05) during day 7 to 14 when compared with NC, whereas AGP decreased it (P < 0.05) during day 14 to 21 when compared with PC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) protein carbonyl, crypt cell proliferation, and the relative abundance of Helicobacter rodentium when compared with NC. However, AGP decreased (P < 0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P < 0.05) villus height, Bifidobacterium boum, Pelomonas spp., and Microbacterium ginsengisoli when compared with PC. The PBT reduced (P < 0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillus salivarius and Propionibacterium acnes when compared with PC. At the genus level, AGP and PBT increased (P < 0.05) the alpha diversity of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in pigs estimated with Chao1 richness estimator when compared with PC. Collectively, F18+E. coli reduced growth performance by adversely affecting microbiota and intestinal health. The LBF and BMD improved growth performance, and it was related to the enhanced intestinal health and increased diversity and abundance of beneficial microbiota in pigs challenged with F18+E. coli.

Newly weaned pigs are susceptible to multiple stressors that may lead to postweaning diarrhea, thereby causing significant economic losses in the swine industry. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains are the major agents causing diarrhea in newly weaned pigs. Subtherapeutic antibiotics have been employed by producers around the world to mitigate this issue. However, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has become a public health concern because of microbial resistance. This study used Lactobacillus fermentate (LBF) as a postbiotic to help maintain healthy microbiota on the intestinal mucosa and to prevent postweaning diarrhea caused by E. coli F18+. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of LBF on intestinal microbiota, intestinal health, and prevention of postweaning diarrhea caused by a challenge with E. coli F18+ in newly weaned pigs. Our model confirmed that the E. coli F18+ reduced growth performance by causing diarrhea, disruption of the microbiota composition, and increased immune response and oxidative stress in the small intestine of newly weaned pigs. Lactobacillus fermentate improved growth performance, and it was related to enhanced intestinal health and increased microbiota diversity in E. coli F18+-challenged pigs.