Increased Dietary Trp, Thr, and Met Supplementation Improves Performance, Health, and Protein Metabolism of Weaned Piglets under Mixed Management and Poor Housing Conditions.

A sanitary challenge was carried out to induce suboptimal herd health while investigating the effect of amino acids supplementation on piglet responses. Weaned piglets of high sanitary status (6.33 ± 0.91 kg of BW) were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement into two similar facilities with contrasting sanitary conditions and two different diets. Our results suggest that increased Trp, Thr, and Met dietary supplementation could support the immune systems of piglets under a sanitary challenge. In this manner, AA+ supplementation improved the performance and metabolism of piglets under mixed management and poor sanitary conditions. No major temporal microbiome changes were associated with differences in performance regardless of sanitary conditions or diets. Since piglets often become mixed in multiple-site production systems and facility hygiene is also often neglected, this study suggests that increased Trp, Thr, and Met (AA+) dietary supplementation could contribute to mitigating the side effects of these harmful risk factors in modern pig farms.

Feeding Behavior of Finishing Pigs under Diurnal Cyclic Heat Stress.

The impact of cyclic heat stress (CHS) and turning the lights on and off on pig feeding behavior (FB) was investigated. The FB of 90 gilts was recorded in real-time under two ambient temperatures (AT): thermoneutrality (TN, 22 °C) or CHS (22/35 °C). The day was divided into four periods: PI (06-08 h); PII (08-18 h); PIII (18-20 h); and PIV (20-06 h). Automatic and Intelligent Precision Feeders recorded each feed event for each pig. An estimated meal criterion (49 min) was used to calculate the FB variables. Feed behavior in both ATs followed a circadian pattern. The CHS reduced the feed intake by 6.9%. The pigs prioritized feed intake during the coolest hours of the day; however, nocturnal cooling did not allow the pigs to compensate for the reduced meal size due to CHS. The highest meal size and most of the meals were observed during the lighting-on period. The pigs reduced their interval between meals during PII and PIII. The lighting program increased the meal size when the lights were switched on and reduced the meal size when the lights were switched off. Thus, the dynamics of the FB were largely influenced by AT, whereas the meal size was affected by the lighting program.

A Simple Assay to Assess Salmonella Typhimurium Impact on Performance and Immune Status of Growing Pigs after Different Inoculation Doses.

Salmonella Typhimurium is the most frequent serovar in pigs and causes infections in humans. However, the dosage used for experimentation is not well defined. The present study aimed to evaluate a dosage for oral inoculation with Salmonella Typhimurium to assess immunological and growth performance alterations in pigs. Gilts were randomly allocated into one of three experimental treatments: no Salmonella Typhimurium inoculation (Basal), or oral inoculation of 1 × 108 or 1.5 × 108 colony-forming units of Salmonella Typhimurium. Growth rate, rectal temperature, and fecal Salmonella shedding were recorded. Blood samples were taken. Inoculated pigs shed the bacteria for up to 7 days, but no differences were observed between the groups. No differences were observed in rectal temperature, body weight, or average daily feed intake. However, reductions in average daily gain (-17 and -22%) and feed efficiency (-14 and -20%) were observed in pigs inoculated with 1 × 108 and 1.5 × 108 colony-forming units, respectively. The hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations increased in challenged pigs compared to Basal pigs. The oral dosage of 1.5 × 108 colony-forming units of Salmonella Typhimurium is suitable for activating the immune system of pigs and assessing the impact of Salmonella on pig performance.

Effects of sequential feeding with adjustments to dietary amino acid concentration according to the circadian rhythm on the performance, body composition, and nutrient balance of growing-finishing pigs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a sequential feeding program (SEQ) with diets varying in amino acid (AA) concentrations in the first and last 12 h of the day on the performance, body composition, and nutrient balance of growing-finishing pigs. Sixty-eight castrated male pigs were distributed in four treatments: a daily feeding program (DP) and three SEQs. In the DP, dietary requirements of AA were adjusted daily. In the SEQ, dietary daily requirements of AA were adjusted every 12 h, providing a low AA concentration in period 1 (P1; 00:00-11:59 h) and a high AA concentration in period 2 (P2; 12:00-23:59 h). In the SEQ, three different levels of low and high AA concentrations were evaluated: ±20%, ±30%, and ±40%. The experiment lasted 82 days and was divided into phase 1 (25-50 kg body weight; BW), phase 2 (50-70 kg BW), and phase 3 (70-100 kg BW). During phase 1, irrespective of dietary AA concentration, SEQ pigs had higher lysine intake, protein gain, and phosphorus efficiency than DP pigs (P ≤ 0.05). Pigs in the SEQ showed a tendency for greater average daily gain, body protein, and body lipids compared to the DP pigs (P ≤ 0.10). During phase 2, SEQ pigs showed a tendency for higher average feed intake in P2 compared to DP pigs (P = 0.07); consequently, average daily gain, body protein, and phosphorus retention tended to increase (P ≤ 0.10). During phase 3, SEQ pigs had a higher average feed intake in P2 than DP pigs (P = 0.03). However, they had a similar body composition (P > 0.05) and a tendency for higher nitrogen excretion (P = 0.06) than DP pigs. Our results suggest that SEQ is an effective approach for improving the performance and body composition of growing pigs.

Dietary soybean oil modulates fatty acid composition of pork.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of soybean oil level on performance and fatty acid profile of backfat and longissimus lumborum muscle of gilts. Forty-eight gilts with an initial weight of 21.75 ± 0.138 kg and final weight of 98.65 ± 2.106 kg were subjected to one of the following six dietary soybean oil inclusions (0.00, 1.086, 2.173, 3.259, 4.345, and 5.432%). Experimental design was completely randomized block with six treatments and four replicates of two animals each. Lipid profile of backfat and longissimus lumborum muscle was analyzed by gas chromatography. Increasing dietary soybean oil levels did not influence final weight, daily weight gain, and feed intake (P > 0.05) but improved feed to gain ratio (P < 0.05). The inclusion of soybean oil modified the lipid profile of backfat and muscle, reduced saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration, mainly linoleic and α-linolenic acids (P < 0.05). Increasing dietary soybean oil inclusion decreased atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes, and the omega-6:omega-3 ratio of the backfat and longissimus lumborum muscle (P < 0.05). The level of soybean oil in swine diets influenced backfat and longissimus lumborum lipid profile.

Combined supplementation of chromium-yeast and selenium-yeast on finishing barrows / Suplementação associada de cromo-levedura e selênio-levedura na dieta de suínos machos castrados em terminação

ABSTRACT: The present study was performed to evaluate the association of chromium-yeast and selenium-yeast as nutritional additives to enhance performance and quantitative characteristics in the carcass of finishing barrows. A total of 48 barrows, commercial hybrid, with initial weight of 68.3±3.5 kg and final weight of 99.6±3.6 kg, were utilized for the study. The animals were distributed in a randomized complete block design, consisting of three levels of chromium-yeast and selenium-yeast (i.e., without supplementation of chromium-yeast and selenium-yeast, supplementation of 0.4 mg kg-1 chromium-yeast and 0.3 mg kg-1 selenium-yeast, and supplementation of 0.8 mg kg-1 chromium-yeast and 0.6 mg kg-1 selenium-yeast) with eight replicates and two animals per experimental unit. The supplementation of chromium and selenium-yeast did not significantly affect (P>0.05) the average daily feed intake, digestible lysine, crude protein and metabolizable energy intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion, weight and carcass length, back fat thickness, muscle depth, percentage and amount of lean meat, and carcass allowance. These findings suggest that supplementation of chromium and selenium-yeast does not affect the performance or quantitative characteristics in the carcass of finishing barrows.

RESUMO: Realizou-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a associação de cromo-levedura e selênio-levedura como aditivos nutricionais melhoradores de desempenho e das características quantitativas de carcaça de suínos machos castrados em terminação. Foram utilizados 48 suínos machos castrados, híbridos comerciais, com peso inicial de 68,3±3,5 kg e peso final de 99,6±3,6 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, composto por três níveis de cromo-levedura e selênio-levedura (controle sem suplementação de cromo-levedura e selênio-levedura; suplementação de 0,4 mg kg-1 de cromo-levedura e 0,3 mg kg-1 de selênio-levedura; e 0,8 mg kg-1 de cromo-levedura e 0,6 mg kg-1 de selênio-levedura), com oito repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. A suplementação de cromo-levedura e selênio-levedura não influenciou (P>0,05) o consumo de ração diário, os consumos de lisina digestível, de proteína bruta e de energia metabolizável, o ganho de peso diário, a conversão alimentar, o peso e comprimento de carcaça, espessura de toucinho, profundidade de músculo, percentagem e quantidade de carne magra e índice de bonificação. A suplementação associada de cromo e selênio-levedura não influencia o desempenho e as características quantitativas de carcaça de suínos machos castrados em terminação.

Net energy and ractopamine levels for barrows weighing 70 to 100kg / Níveis de energia líquida e ractopamina para suínos machos castrados dos 70 aos 100kg

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate net energy and dietary ractopamine levels for barrows weighing 70 to 100kg. The 150 pigs investigated (initial weight 70.80±3.84kg) were distributed in a randomized block design with a 5×3 factorial arrangement, comprising five levels of net energy (2,300; 2,425; 2,550; 2,675; and 2,800Kcal kg-1 of diet) and three levels of ractopamine (5, 10, and 20ppm kg-1 of diet), with five replicates, and two animals per experimental unit. No interaction (P>0.05) was observed between net energy and ractopamine levels. Increasing the dietary net energy levels led to a linear reduction in feed intake, with a linear improvement in feed conversion. Net energy levels had no observable effect (P>0.05) on weight gain, final weight, or carcass characteristics. A dietary net energy level of 2,800Kcal kg-1 can be recommended for pigs weighing 70-100kg, improving feed conversion without affecting carcass characteristics, regardless of dietary ractopamine levels. Ractopamine levels above 5ppm did not affect performance or modify the quantitative characteristics of carcasses, regardless of dietary net energy levels.

RESUMO: Conduziu-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar níveis de energia líquida e ractopamina na dieta de suínos machos castrados em terminação dos 70 aos 100kg. Foram utilizados 150 suínos, com peso inicial de 70,80±3,84kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5x3, com cinco níveis de energia líquida (2.300, 2.425, 2.550, 2.675 e 2.800Kcal kg-1 de dieta) e três níveis de ractopamina (5, 10 e 20ppm kg-1 de dieta), cinco repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Não houve interação (P>0,05) entre os níveis de energia líquida e ractopamina. O aumento dos níveis de energia líquida das dietas proporcionou redução linear do consumo de ração e resultou em melhora linear da conversão alimentar. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) dos níveis de energia líquida no ganho de peso, peso final e nas características de carcaça. Recomenda-se o nível de 2.800Kcal de EL kg-1 de dieta para suínos de 70 a 100kg por melhorar a conversão alimentar, sem prejudicar as características de carcaça, independentemente do nível de ractopamina das dietas. A inclusão de ractopamina na dieta de suínos dos 70 aos 100kg não afeta o desempenho e não modifica as características quantitativas das carcaças, independente do nível de energia líquida das dietas.

Níveis de energia líquida para suínos machos castrados em terminação / Net energy levels for finishing barrows

Conduziu-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar níveis de energia líquida na dieta de suínos machos castrados em terminação. Foram utilizados 100 suínos, com peso inicial de 73,60±4,80kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco níveis de energia líquida (2.300, 2.425, 2.550, 2.675 e 2.800kcal kg-1 de dieta), dez repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Os níveis de energia líquida foram obtidos através da inclusão crescente de óleo de soja em substituição ao caulim. Houve redução (P<0,05) no consumo de ração diário, consumo de lisina e consumo de proteína bruta e melhora da conversão alimentar com o aumento dos níveis de energia líquida das dietas. O melhor nível de energia líquida para suínos machos castrados em terminação é de 2.800kcal kg-1 de dieta, pois promove redução no consumo de ração diário (P<0,05) e melhora a conversão alimentar (P<0,05), sem alterar o ganho de peso e as características de carcaça.

This study was carried out to evaluated levels of net energy in the diet of finishing barrows. Were used 100 swines with an initial body weight of 73.60±4.80kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with five levels of net energy (2,300; 2,425; 2,550; 2,675 and 2,800kcal kg-1 of diet), ten replicates and two animals per experimental unit. The net energy levels were obtained by replacement of soybean oil to replace kaolin. There was a reduction in feed intake, of lysine and crude protein intake and improves feed conversion with increasing levels of net energy diets. The best level of net energy for finishing barrows is 2,800kcal kg-1 of diet as it foment reduction in feed intake and improves feed conversion without changing the weight gain and carcass characteristics.

Milheto em dietas de suínos em crescimento e terminação / Millet in diets of growing and finishing pigs

Realizou-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar níveis de milheto híbrido ADR 8010(r) nas dietas de suínos em crescimento e terminação sobre o desempenho e características quantitativas de carcaça. Foram utilizados 48 animais, machos castrados, geneticamente similares, com peso inicial de 30,0±2,9kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro níveis de inclusão de milheto na dieta (0; 25; 50; e 75%), seis repetições, sendo cada unidade experimental constituída por dois animais. Foram analisados os parâmetros de desempenho (consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar) e as características de carcaça (peso e comprimento de carcaça, espessura de toucinho, profundidade de músculo, percentual e quantidade de carne magra). Os níveis de milheto não influenciaram (P>0,05) nos parâmetros de desempenho e características de carcaça dos suínos. O milheto ADR 8010(r) pode substituir o milho em até 75% nas dietas de suínos em crescimento e terminação, sem prejudicar o desempenho e características de carcaça dos animais.

The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of millet hybrid ADR 8010(r) in the diets of pigs in growing and finishing on performance and carcass quantitative characteristics. It was used 48 barrows, genetically similar c, with initial weight around 30.0±2.9kg. The animals were distributed in a randomized block design, with four levels of inclusion of millet in the diet (0; 25; 50 and 75%), six replicate of two animals each. It was analyzed the parameters of performance (feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion) and carcass traits (weight and height of carcass, back fat thickness, depth of muscle, percentage and amount of lean meat). The level of inclusion of millet do not influence (P>0.05) the parameters of performance and characteristics of carcass of pigs. The millet ADRR 8010(r) can replace the corn up to 75% on diets of pigs in growth and finishing without impacting performance and carcass characteristics of animals.

Perfil lipídico da carne e gordura de suínos alimentados com milheto / Lipid profile of meat and fat of pigs fed with pearl millet

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar níveis de milheto na alimentação de suínos na composição lipídica e de colesterol da gordura subcutânea e da carne. Foram utilizados 48 animais, machos castrados, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro níveis de milheto na dieta (0; 25; 50 e 75%), seis repetições, sendo cada unidade experimental constituída por dois animais. Foram analisados os perfis lipídicos da gordura e da carne através de cromatografia gasosa e a quantidade de colesterol nas amostras de carne foi determinada seguindo a metodologia de extração. O aumento do nível de milheto na dieta dos suínos reduziu (P<0,05) a concentração dos ácidos mirístico, palmítico, palmitoleico, heptadecanoico e aumentou a concentração do ácido linoleico na gordura subcutânea. O nível de inclusão de 50,82% de milheto na dieta possibilita máxima deposição do ácido linolênico na gordura. Os níveis de milheto não modificam o perfil de ácidos graxos e o teor de colesterol na carne suína. O nível de 42,09% de inclusão de milheto na dieta resulta no maior índice trombogênico da carne.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the replacement of corn by millet in the diets of pigs on the lipid composition and cholesterol from subcutaneous fat and meat. It was used 48 castrated males, distributed on randomized experimental blocks design, with four levels of millet in the diet (0; 25; 50 and 75%), six replicate of two animals each. It was analyzed the lipid profiles of fat and meat by gas chromatography and the amount of cholesterol in the meat samples was determined following the extraction methodology. The increased level of millet in the diet of pigs reduced (P<0.05) the concentration of myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic and heptadecanoic acids and increased the concentration of linoleic acid in subcutaneous fat. The inclusion level of 50.82% of millet in the diet allowed maximum deposition of linolenic acid in fat. Levels of millet did not change the fatty acid profile and cholesterol content in pork. The level of 42.09% inclusion of millet in the diet results in the highest rate thrombogenic meat.

Período de suplementação de ractopamina em dietas para suínos machos castrados em terminação / Lenght of ractopamine supplementation in diets for finishing barrows

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o período ideal de suplementação de 20ppm de ractopamina nas dietas de suínos machos castrados em terminação. Foram utilizados 50 suínos machos castrados com peso inicial de 65,85±4,34kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias de suplementação de ractopamina pré-abate), sendo quatro repetições para os tratamentos 0, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias e cinco repetições para o tratamento com suplementação por 35 dias. A unidade experimental foi composta por dois animais. A conversão alimentar melhorou (P<0,05) e o peso de carcaça quente, quantidade de carne magra e o índice de bonificação aumentaram linearmente (P<0,05) de acordo com o aumento do período de suplementação de ractopamina. O retorno econômico para quantidade de carne magra produzida por animal aumentou linearmente até sete dias de suplementação, período a partir do qual se manteve no platô (P<0,05). A suplementação de 20ppm de ractopamina na dieta dos suínos machos castrados em terminação, durante o período de 35 dias, melhora a conversão alimentar, aumenta o peso de carcaça quente, a quantidade de carne magra e o índice de bonificação. A suplementação de 20ppm de ractopamina na dieta de suínos em terminação resulta em retorno econômico para quantidade de carne magra produzida por animal, independentemente da duração da suplementação.

The study was conducted to determine the optimal period of supplementation of 20ppm of ractopamine in diets of finishing barrows. Fifty pigs, with initial weight of 65.85±4.34kg were used. The pigs were distributed in randomized blocks design of six treatments (supplementation of ractopamine for 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days pre-slaughter), with four replications for treatments 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days and five replicates for the treatment supplemented by 35 days. Each experimental unit consisted of two animals. The feed conversion improved (P<0.05) and the hot carcass weight, the amount of lean meat and the index of carcasses increased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing period of ractopamine supplementation. The economic return for the amount of lean meat produced per animal improved linearly until the period of seven days of supplementation with ractopamine, from which remained at a plateau (P<0.05). Supplementation of 20ppm of ractopamine in the diet of finishing barrows during the 35 days improved feed conversion, increases the hot carcass weight, the amount of lean meat and the index of carcasses. The supplementation of 20ppm ractopamine in the diet of finishing barrows results in economic return for the amount of lean meat produced per animal regardless of the length of supplementation.