Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Quillaja Saponin or Phytase on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Faecal Gas Emissions, and Carcass Grade in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of low doses of Quillaja saponin (QS) or phytase (PHY) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal gas emissions, and carcass grade in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 72 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc), each weighing 25.82 ± 1.68 kg, were selected and randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Each group had six replicates, with four pigs per pen, and the allocation was based on the four initial body weight and sex of the pigs. They were randomly divided into the following three diet groups: the basal diet as a control (CON) group, the basal diet + 0.02% PHY; and the basal diet + 0.01% QS. The experiment period lasted for 110 days. The results of adding 0.01% QS to the basal diet of pigs show that it can significantly increase the body weight (BW) of growing-finishing pigs on the 110th day (p < 0.05). QS can significantly increase the average daily weight gain (ADG) on Days 80-110 of the experiment (p < 0.05). QS can significantly increase the total average daily weight gain (TADG) of growing-finishing pigs during the entire experimental period (p < 0.05) and has a tendency to improve the average daily feed intake and feed conversion rate during the entire experimental period. However, QS has no significant effect on pig nutrient digestibility and carcass grade. In addition, we also found that QS has a tendency to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. However, adding 0.02% PHY to the basal diet of growing-finishing pigs can only increase the TADG during the entire experimental period. Throughout the experiment, adding PHY to the diet had no significant impact on the nutrient digestibility, faecal gas emissions, and carcass grade of growing-finishing pigs. In summary, adding QS to feed can significantly improve the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs, and has a tendency to improve faecal gas emissions. PHY can only improve the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.

Effects of dietary dihydromyricetin supplementation on intestinal barrier and humoral immunity in growing-finishing pigs.

In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary dihydromyricetin (DHM) supplementation on intestinal barrier and humoral immunity in growing-finishing pigs. The data showed that dietary DHM supplementation improved jejunal barrier function by upregulating the protein expressions of Occludin and Claudin-1 and the mRNA levels of MUC1 and MUC2. Dietary DHM supplementation increased the amylase, lipase, sucrase and maltase activities and the mRNA expression of nutrient transporter (SGLT1, GLUT2, PepT1) in the jejunum mucosa. Dietary DHM supplementation significantly reduced the E. coli population in the cecum and colon and increased the Lactobacillus population in the cecum. In addition, dietary DHM supplementation increased the contents of butyric acid and valeric acid in cecum and colon. In serum, dietary DHM supplementation reduced interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) content and increased interleukin-10 (IL-10), Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) contents (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, dietary DHM supplementation improved secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) contents and down-regulated TNF-α protein expression in jejunum mucosa (p < 0.05). Together, this study demonstrated that dietary DHM supplementation improved intestinal barrier function, digestion and absorption capacity and immune function in growing-finishing pigs.

Dietary stevia residue extract supplementation improves the performance and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs.

BACKGROUND: Improper disposal of stevia residue causes environmental pollution and waste of resources. The extract of stevia residue is rich in chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acids, and has a great potential in livestock and poultry breeding. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary stevia residue extract (SRE) supplementation on the performance, meat quality, antioxidative capacity and gut microbiota in growing-finishing pigs. RESULTS: The results showed that increasing the concentration of SRE supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) body weight from day 1 to 35. Supplementation with SRE significantly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) from day 1 to 75. 100 mg kg-1 SRE supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight and gastric index. Moreover, increasing the concentration of SRE linearly increased (P < 0.05) the score of appearance of longissimus thoracis, as well as serum albumin, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol content. Further study found that increasing the concentration of SRE linearly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase activity, and showed a significant quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) with activity of serum catalase, while linearly decreasing (P < 0.05) muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, supplementation with 100 mg kg-1 SRE significantly decreased (P < 0.05) serum MDA content, while 600 and 800 mg kg-1 SRE supplementation significantly decreased (P < 0.05) muscle MDA content. However, SRE supplementation had no significant effect on gut microbiota (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data indicated that dietary SRE supplementation improves the performance and antioxidative capacity of growing-finishing pigs. We recommend that the optimal supplemental level of SRE in the diet of growing-finishing pigs is 100 mg kg-1 . © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Meta-analysis of energy intake of growing-finishing pigs in China.

Data from 655 treatments of 116 studies were used in a meta-analysis to determine the daily digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy (NE) intake of Chinese growing-finishing pigs, and to predict feed efficiency responses to change in dietary DE, ME and NE. Three alternative functions (i.e., polynomial, Bridges and asymptotic function) were employed for fitting daily DE, ME or NE intakes to mean body weight. The results showed that the three models from the current study provided reasonable fit (all R2  > 0.83) for the energy intake data. However, under the same energy system, the polynomial function had the smallest Akaike's information criteria (AIC) and residual standard deviation (RSD), followed by Bridges and asymptotic functions. The three model-generated energy intakes of growing pigs were significantly less than that of the Chinese Feeding Standard of Swine, but similar to that of the National Research Council (2012), while the values of finishing pigs were greater than both standards. Compared with those that predict feed efficiency based on DE or ME, the equation with NE as a predictor had the minimized AIC and RSD. It was also found that feed efficiency increased with increasing dietary energy density (DED), but this response varied with pig body weight, and the lighter pigs were more sensitive to DED than heavier pigs.

Dietary addition of fermented sorghum distiller's dried grains with soluble improves carcass traits and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

The fermented sorghum distiller's dried grain with soluble (FS-DDGS) contains numerous nutrients, yet its nutritional effects on growing-finishing pigs remain unclear. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary FS-DDGS addition on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 48 healthy male crossbred (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) barrows with initial body weight (BW) of 39.95 ± 2.15 kg were allocated to one of four dietary treatments (12 pigs per treatment). The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet without (FS-DDGS0 group) or with 50 g/kg (FS-DDGS50 group), 100 g/kg (FS-DDGS100 group), or 150 g/kg (FS-DDGS150 group) FS-DDGS, respectively. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the final BW, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed to gain ratio among these four groups. However, dietary FS-DDGS addition increased (linear, P < 0.05) the pH24h value, contents of ash, crude protein, and proline in Longissimus dorsi muscle, and alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, serine, and tyrosine in Biceps femoris (BF) muscle, when compared with the control group. In addition, dietary FS-DDGS addition decreased (linear, P < 0.05) the drip loss, yellowness (b*) value, and lightness (L*) value, while quadratically improved (P < 0.05) the total bone percentage and glycine and proline contents in BF muscle compared with the control group. Collectively, these findings suggested that dietary FS-DDGS addition could improve the carcass traits and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs although further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Effects of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid supplementation on antioxidant status, blood hormones and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs undergoing transport stress.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a natural nonprotein amino acid distributed in animals, plants and microbes. GABA is an inhibiting neurotransmitter which takes great effect in mammalian central nervous system. We carried out the research to study the influence of GABA on blood hormone concentrations, antioxidant status and meat quality in fattening pigs after transportation. The 72 pigs with a starting weight of approximately 32.67 ± 0.62 kg were randomly allocated to 2 groups based on dietary treatments, containing 6 replicates with 6 pigs in each. The pigs were fed dietary supplementation of GABA (0 or 30 mg/kg of diets) for 74 days. Twelve pigs were randomly selected from each group and assigned to the either 1 hr of transport (T group) or no transport (N group), resulting in two-factor factorial design. Compared to the control, GABA supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG) (p < .01) and decreased feed-gain ratio (F/G) (p < .05). The pH45 min was lower and drip loss was greater in the longissimus muscles (LM) of post-slaughter of transported pigs (p < .05). The pH45 min of 0/T group (group with 0 mg/kg GABA and transport) was significantly lower than the pH45 min of the 30/T group (diet × transport; p < .05). GABA supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentration (p < .05) before transportation. Following transport, pigs fed GABA had decreased concentrations of serum malonaldehyde (MDA), adrenal cortical hormone and cortisol (p < .05). The results indicate that feeding GABA significantly increased the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. The transportation model negatively impacted meat quality, antioxidant indexes and hormone parameters, but dietary supplementation of GABA could suppress the rise of drip loss of LM, ACTH and COR and suppress the drop of pH45 min of LM after transportation stress in growing-finishing pigs. Feeding GABA alleviated transportation stress in pigs.

Effects of active immunization against porcine Sox6 on meat quality and myosin heavy chain isoform expression in growing-finishing pigs.

A feeding trial for 91 days was conducted to investigate effects of active immunization against porcine Sox6 (pSox6) on meat quality and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression in growing-finishing pigs. Twenty-four castrated Duroc × Landrace × Yarkshire pigs were randomly divided into three groups: (1) Control group; (2) 1 mg/head pSox6 active immunity group; (3) 4 mg/head pSox6 active immunity group (4 mg/head group). The results showed that pigs in 4 mg/head group had a greater a* (Redness) and a higher marbling score, while no significant effect was observed in L* (Lightness), b* (Yellowness), intramuscular fat and cooking loss. Muscle succinic dehydrogenase activity in pSox6 active immunization groups was significantly increased, and muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly reduced. Meanwhile, active immunization against pSox6 upregulated the mRNA expression of MyHC I, while no effect was observed on the mRNA expressions of MyHC IIa, MyHC IIx, MyHC IIb. In addition, pigs in the 4 mg/head group exhibited lower Sox6 mRNA level and higher MyHC I protein level, while no significant influence was observed on MyHC IIb protein level. Together, our data imply that active immunization against pSox6 could improve the pork quality and promote the MyHC I expression in growing-finishing pigs.

Effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complex on growth performance and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing-finishing pigs.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics have been used to address antibiotic alternatives and environmental concerns. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complex supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microflora and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing-finishing pigs. RESULTS: Dietary B. licheniformis and B. subtilis complex (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis in a 1:1 ratio) supplementation showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in digestibility of dry matter at weeks 6, 12 and 15, a linear increase (P < 0.05) in digestibility of nitrogen at week 12, a linear increase (P < 0.05) in faecal Lactobacillus counts at weeks 6 and 12, a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in ammonia (NH3 ) emission at weeks 6 and 12 and a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in total mercaptan emission at weeks 3, 9 and 15. CONCLUSION: Dietary B. licheniformis and B. subtilis complex supplementation increased digestibility and faecal Lactobacillus counts and decreased faecal NH3 and total mercaptan emissions in growing-finishing pigs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Long-term ingestion of low amylose/amylopectin ratio diet affects aspects of meat quality by changing muscle fibre characteristics in growing-finishing pigs.

Amylose plays important role in body health. It is controversial whether changing dietary amylose/amylopectin ratio (DAR) will improve meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 48 Duroc × Landrace × Large White castrated male pigs (initial body weight 49.8 ± 2.8 kg) were randomly allotted to two treatments, and fed ad libitum either with a low DAR diet (LR, amylose/amylopectin: 12/88) or a high DAR diet (HR, amylose/amylopectin: 30/70) for 68 days. Feed intake was recorded every day, body weight was weighed at 46th and 68th day to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and Feed:gain ratio. Blood was collected at -30 min (fasting 12 hr), 60, 90, 120, 180 min postprandial at 64th day and then serum was obtained by centrifugation of blood at 1,500× g at 4°C. After pigs were slaughtered, samples such as longissimus dorsi, iliopsoas and semitendinosus were collected. Density, diameter and types of muscle fibres were analysed. Results showed that ADG, ADFI, Feed:Gain ratio, cross-sectional area of longissimus dorsi muscle, backfat thickness, colour scores were not affected by DAR. Ingestion of LR diet increased the fasting glucose (p < 0.05) and insulin (p < 0.05) concentrations in serum. The drip loss and firmness were decreased significantly in LR vs. HR animals (p < 0.05). Densities of muscle fibre in longissimus dorsi, iliopsoas and semitendinosus were greater in LR pigs (p < 0.05). Moreover, ingestion of LR diet significantly increased myosin heavy chain (MyHC) IIa mRNA level and decreased MyHC IIb gene expression in longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) (p < 0.05). Therefore, intake of diet low in amylose/amylopectin ratio induces a better meat quality (lower drip loss and lower firmness), which could attribute to smaller myofibres, a shift to slower and/or more oxidative fibres.

Mixed organic acids improve nutrients digestibility, volatile fatty acids composition and intestinal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs fed high-fiber diet.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate effects of mixed organic acids (MOA) on nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids composition and intestinal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs fed high wheat bran diet. METHODS: Six crossbred barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire), with an average body weight 78.8±4.21 kg, fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum, were allotted to a double 3×3 Latin square design with 3 periods and 3 diets. Each period consisted of a 5-d adjustment period followed by a 2-d total collection of feces and then a 2-d collection of ileal digesta. The dietary treatments included a corn-soybean-wheat bran basal diet (CTR), mixed organic acid 1 diet (MOA1; CTR+3,000 mg/kg OA1), mixed organic acid 2 diet (MOA2; CTR+2,000 mg/kg OA2). RESULTS: Pigs fed MOA (MOA1 or MOA2) showed improved (p<0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy, dry matter and organic matter, and pigs fed MOA2 had increased (p<0.05) ATTD of neutral detergent fiber compared to CTR. Dietary MOA supplementation decreased (p<0.05) pH value, and improved (p<0.01) concentrations of lactic acid and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) in ileum compared to CTR. Pigs fed MOA showed higher (p<0.05) concentration of acetic acid, and lower (p<0.05) content of formic acid in feces compared to CTR. Pigs fed MOA1 had increased (p<0.05) concentration of TVFA and butyric acid in feces. Pigs fed MOA1 showed higher concentration of Lactobacillus and lower concentration of Escherichia in feces compared to CTR. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation of MOA 1 or 2 could improve nutrients digestibility, TVFA concentration and intestinal flora in growing-finishing pigs fed high fiber diet.

The effect of dietary amylose/amylopectin ratio on serum and hepatic lipid content and its molecular mechanisms in growing-finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary amylose/amylopectin ratio (DAR) on serum and hepatic lipid content, luminal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, and the expression of host genes involved in fat and glucose metabolism in liver and mucosa in growing-finishing pigs. Forty-eight Duroc × Landrace × Large White pigs (49.8 ± 2.8 kg) were randomly allocated to low amylose/amylopectin ratio (LR) and high amylose/amylopectin ratio (HR) groups, each group consisting of six replicates (pen) with four pigs per pen. The DAR was 12/88 for LR and 30/70 for HR. Experiment lasted for 67 days. Results showed that, compared with HR group, ingestion of LR significantly increased the liver total lipid and cholesterol concentration (p < .05) and decreased the serum LDL-C concentration (p < .05). The concentration of propionate, butyrate and total SCFAs in caecum digesta was significantly lower in LR group than in HR group (p < .05). We observed a significant increase in glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) gene expression in LR-fed pigs in the jejunum mucosa (p < .01). A decrease in Na+-coupled monocarboxylate transporter (SMCT1) and free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFAR3) expression was found in the ileum mucosa with LR group (p < .05). Ingestion of LR diet significantly decreased the hexokinase (p < .01) and tend to decrease the pyruvate kinase (p = .050) activities in the liver. Meanwhile, the present results indicated that ingestion of LR diet significantly increased the transcription of gluconeogenesis and lipogenic genes such as forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), fatty acid synthetase3 (FAS3) (p < .05). These findings demonstrated that high amylopectin has harmful effects on hepatic lipid deposit through the modulation of the liver Foxo1 signalling and should be avoided from one's diet.

Effects of feeding diets containing essential oils and betaine to heat-stressed growing-finishing pigs.

This study was to evaluate the effects of dietary essential oils (EO) and betaine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum hormones in growing-finishing pigs under heat stress conditions. A total of 96 crossed pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial body weight (BW) of 24.7 ± 0.27 kg were used in an 18-week trial. Pigs were randomly allocated to four treatments according to BW and gender. There were six replication pens in each treatment, with four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Treatment groups were: (1) control group (CON), basal diet + 23°C for 24 h; (2) heat stress group (HC) with basal diet + 37°C for 9 h, 23°C for 15 h; (3) group HEO, HC with 0.01% EO; (4) group HBE, HC with 0.1% betaine. During the overall period, groups HEO and HBE had higher (p < 0.05) average daily gain than group HC. At week 6, group HC had a lower apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) (p < 0.05), but at week 12, this group had lower ATTD of DM, nitrogen and gross energy than group HEO (p < 0.05). At week 12 and 18, dietary EO decreased (p < 0.05) serum cortisol and norepinephrine concentration. At week 18, dietary EO and betaine decreased (p < 0.05) epinephrine concentration. Conclusively, dietary EO may be a potential nutritional strategy to alleviate heat stress in growing-finishing pigs.

Effects of different space allowances on growth performance, blood profile and pork quality in a grow-to-finish production system.

OBJECTIVE: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the optimal space allowance on growth performance, blood profile and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs. METHODS: A total of ninety crossbred pigs [(Yorkshire×Landrace)×Duroc, 30.25±1.13 kg] were allocated into three treatments (0.96: four pigs/pen, 0.96 m2/pig; 0.80: five pigs/pen, 0.80 m2/pig; 0.69: six pigs/pen, 0.69 m2/pig) in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were housed in balanced sex and had free access to feed in all phases for 14 weeks (growing phase I, growing phase II, finishing phase I, and finishing phase II). RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in growing phase, but a linear decrease was observed on average daily gain (ADG, p<0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI, p<0.01), and body weight (BW, p<0.01) with decreasing space allowance in late finishing phase. On the other hand, a quadratic effect was observed on gain to feed ratio in early finishing phase (p<0.03). Consequently, overall ADG, ADFI, and final BW linearly declined in response to decreased space allowance (p<0.01). The pH of pork had no significant difference in 1 hour after slaughter, whereas there was a linear decrease in 24 h after slaughter with decreasing space allowance. Floor area allowance did not affect pork colors, but shear force linearly increased as floor space decreased (p<0.01). There was a linear increase in serum cortisol concentration on 14 week (p<0.05) with decreased space allocation. Serum IgG was linearly ameliorated as space allowance increased on 10 week (p<0.05) and 14 week (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Data from current study indicated that stress derived from reduced space allowance deteriorates the immune system as well as growth performance of pigs, resulting in poor pork quality. Recommended adequate space allowance in a grow-to-finish production system is more than 0.80 m2/pig for maximizing growth performance and production efficiency.

Effects of wheat supplementation levels on growth performance, blood profiles, nutrient digestibility, and pork quality in growing-finishing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate various wheat supplementation levels on growth performance, blood profiles, nutrient digestibility, and pork quality in growing-finishing pigs. METHODS: A total of 120 growing pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc), with an average 27.75± 1.319 kg body weight, were used in growth trial. Pigs were allotted into each treatment by body weight and sex in 4 replicates with 6 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. Four-phase feeding programs were used in this experiment. The treatments included the following: i) corn-soybean meal (SBM) - based diet (CON), ii) corn-SBM - based diet+15% of wheat (W15), iii) corn-SBM - based diet+30% of wheat (W30), iv) corn-SBM - based diet+45% of wheat (W45), and 5) corn-SBM-based diet+60% of wheat (W60). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in growth performance among the dietary treatments. However, the gain-to-feed (G:F) ratio tended to increase (quadratic, p<0.08) when the pigs were fed a higher wheat diet during the finishing period. The digestibility of crude ash and fat tended to decrease as the wheat supplementation level increased (p<0.08). The proximate analysis of the longissimus muscle was not affected by the dietary level of wheat. The crude ash content in pork was decreased linearly as the wheat supplementation level increased (p = 0.05). There was no significant difference in the pH level, shear force, water holding capacity, and cooking loss of the pork. In pork and fat, L*, a*, and b* values were not significantly different among dietary treatments. CONCLUSION: Wheat can be supplemented up to 60% in a growing-finishing pig without detrimental effects on growth and pork quality. The G:F ratio tended to improve in the finishing period by wheat inclusion.

Influence of Rapeseed Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Profiles, Nutrient Digestibility and Economic Benefit of Growing-finishing Pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary rapeseed meal (RSM) on growth performance, blood profiles, nutrient digestibility and economic benefit of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 120 growing pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace] ×Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW) 29.94±0.06 kg were used in this experiment. Pigs were randomly allotted into 1 of 5 treatments in a randomized complete block design and 6 replicates with 4 pigs per pen. Treatments were divided by dietary RSM supplementation levels (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, or 12%) in growing-finishing diets. A linear decrease (p<0.05) of BW and average daily gain (ADG) were observed at 13th wk of finishing and overall periods of pigs. Additionally, gain-to-feed ratio (G/F) tended to decrease by dietary RSM supplementation in growing-finishing diets (linear, p = 0.07 and quadratic, p = 0.08). Concentrations of serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine were not influenced by dietary RSM treatments whereas thyroid gland and liver weight were increased at 13th wk of finishing period (linear, p<0.05; p<0.01) by increasing dietary RSM supplementation level. In blood profiles, serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were not differed by dietary treatments at 13th wk of finishing period whereas concentration of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol was affected by the supplementation level of RSM, resulting in a linear RSM level responses (p<0.05). Serum blood urea nitrogen concentration tended to decrease (linear, p = 0.07; p = 0.08) at 6th wk of growing and 13th wk of finishing periods and digestibility of dry matter tended to decrease by dietary RSM (linear, p = 0.09). Crude protein, crude fat and nitrogen retention, whereas, were not affected by dietary RSM supplementation level. In the economic analysis, feed cost per weight gain was numerically decreased when RSM was provided up to 9%. Consequently, RSM could be supplemented to growing-finishing diets up to 9% (3.07 µmol/g Gls) without detrimental effects on growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.

The Effect of Bacillus-based Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Fecal Gas Emission, and Pen Cleanup Characteristics of Growing-finishing Pigs.

Bacillus-based feed additive was evaluated for its efficacy on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal gas emission, and the consumption of time and amount of water for cleaning the pen of growing finishing pigs. A total of 120 growing pigs (23.59±1.41 kg) were used in a 16-wk feeding trial. Pigs were randomly distributed into 1 of 2 treatments on the basis of body weight and sex. There were 12 replicate pens per treatment, with 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts) per pen. Dietary treatments were CON which was basal diet, and T1 which was CON+62.5 ppm microbial feed additive that provided 1.47×10(8) cfu of Bacillus organisms per gram of supplement. During the weeks 0 to 6, average daily gain (ADG) in T1 treatment was higher (p<0.05) than CON, but no improvement in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed efficiency (G:F) was noted. During 6 to 16 weeks, no difference (p>0.05) was noted in growth performance. However, ADG was improved (p<0.05) and overall ADFI tended (p = 0.06) to improve in T1 compared with CON. At week 6, the co-efficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of dry matter (DM) nitrogen (N) was increased (p<0.05) in T1 compared with CON. Fecal NH3 emission was decreased (p<0.05) in T1 compared with CON, at the end of 6th and 15th weeks. The time and water consumed for washing the pens were decreased (p<0.05) in T1 compared with CON. In conclusion, supplementation with Bacillus-based feed additive could improve the overall growth performances, increase the CATTD of DM and decrease the fecal NH3 content and the time and water consumed in washing the pens for growing-finishing pigs.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction Affects Colonic Barrier Function via Regulating the Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4-NF-κB/ERK Pathways and Altering Colonic Microbiome and Metabolome Homeostasis in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pigs are characterized by long-term growth failure, metabolic disorders, and intestinal microbiota imbalance. The characteristics of the negative effects of IUGR at different growth stages of pigs are still unclear. Therefore, this study explored through multi-omics analyses whether the IUGR damages the intestinal barrier function and alters the colonization and metabolic profiles of the colonic microbiota in growing-finishing pigs. Seventy-two piglets (36 IUGR and 36 NBW) were allocated for this trial to analyze physiological and plasma biochemical parameters, as well as oxidative damage and inflammatory response in the colon. Moreover, the colonic microbiota communities and metabolome were examined using 16s rRNA sequencing and metabolomics technologies to reveal the intestinal characteristics of IUGR pigs at different growth stages (25, 50, and 100 kg). IUGR altered the concentrations of plasma glucose, total protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Colonic tight junction proteins were markedly inhibited by IUGR. IUGR decreased plasma T-AOC, SOD, and GSH levels and colonic SOD-1, SOD-2, and GPX-4 expressions by restraining the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Moreover, IUGR increased colonic IL-1ß and TNF-α levels while reducing IL-10, possibly through activating the TLR4-NF-κB/ERK pathway. Notably, IUGR pigs had lower colonic Streptococcus abundance and Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio at the 25 kg BW stage while having higher Firmicutes abundance at the 100 kg BW stage; moreover, IUGR pigs had lower SCFA concentrations. Metabolomics analysis showed that IUGR increased colonic lipids and lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds concentrations and enriched three differential metabolic pathways, including linoleic acid, sphingolipid, and purine metabolisms throughout the trial. Collectively, IUGR altered the nutrient metabolism, redox status, and colonic microbiota community and metabolite profiles of pigs and continued to disrupt colonic barrier function by reducing antioxidant capacity via the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and activating inflammation via the TLR4-NF-κB/ERK pathway during the growing-finishing stage. Moreover, colonic Firmicutes and Streptococcus could be potential regulatory targets for modulating the metabolism and health of IUGR pigs.

Differences in intestinal and renal Ca and P uptake in three different breeds of growing-finishing pigs.

This study investigated the differences in bone growth and turnover and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) uptake among three different breeds of growing-finishing pigs. Ninety healthy Duroc, Xiangcun black (XCB), and Taoyuan black (TYB) pigs (30 pigs per breed) at 35 day-old (D) with the average body weight (BW) of their respective breed were assigned and raised to 185 D. The results showed that Duroc pigs had higher bone weight and length than the XCB and TYB pigs at 80, 125, and 185 D and the bone index at 185 D (p < 0.05). Duroc pigs had higher bone mineral densities (femur and tibia) compared with the other two breeds at 80 D and 125 D, whereas TYB pigs had higher mineral content and bone breaking load (rib) compared with the other two breeds at 185 D (p < 0.05). The bone morphogenetic protein-2 and osteocalcin concentrations were higher, and TRACP5b concentration was lower in serum of TYB pigs at 125 D (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, thyroxine, and fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations were higher in serum of TYB pigs at 185 D (p < 0.05). The TYB pigs had higher apparent total tract digestibility of P at 80 D and 185 D and bone Ca and P contents at 185 D in comparison to the Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). Furthermore, gene expressions related to renal uptake of Ca and P differed among the three breeds of pigs. Collectively, Duroc pigs have higher bone growth, whereas TYB pigs have a higher potential for mineral deposition caused by more active Ca uptake.

Effects of dietary supplementation of illite on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat-carcass grade quality of growing-finishing pigs.

This study investigated the impact of clay mineral 'illite' (IL) on the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, and meat-carcass grade quality in growing-finishing pigs. One hundred fifty pigs were divided into two groups with fifteen pens/group and five pigs/pen, a control group that was fed with a corn-soybean meal-based diet and IL treated group were fed a meal-based diet supplemented with 0.5% IL. Compared to the control, IL supplementation increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and reduce gain to feed ratio (G:F) in the pigs during days 43 to 70 and 99 to 126 and increased dry matter during days 42 and 126, and backfat thickness on day 98 (p < 0.05). The drip loss was reduced on day 7, meat firmness tended to increase with dietary IL supplementation. In summary, dietary 0.5% IL supplementation improved ADFI, nutrient utilization of dry matter, and firmness and reduced G:F and drip loss of growing-finishing pigs.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with enzymolysis-fermentation compound protein feed on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

BACKGROUND: Addressing the shortage of high-quality protein resources, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of enzymolysis-fermentation compound protein feed (EFCP) in the diets of growing-finishing pigs, focusing on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, carcass traits, and meat quality. METHODS: Sixty DLY (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs with an initial body weight of 42.76 ± 2.05 kg were assigned to 5 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design. These dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal diet (CON), untreated compound protein feed (UCP) substitution 50% (U50) and 100% SBM (U100) diets, and EFCP substitution 50% (EF50) and 100% SBM (EF100) diets. Each treatment had 6 pens (replicates) with 2 pigs per pen, and the experiment lasted 58 d, divided into phase I (1-28 d) and phase II (29-58 d). Following phase I, only the CON, U50, and EF50 groups were continued for phase II, each with 5 replicate pens. On d 59, a total of 15 pigs (1 pig/pen, 5 pens/treatment) were euthanized. RESULTS: During phase I, the EF50 group had a higher average daily gain (ADG) in pigs (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group, whereas the U50 group did not have a significant difference. As the substitution ratio of UCP and EFCP increased in phase I, there was a noticeable reduction in the final body weight and ADG (P < 0.05), along with an increase in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (P < 0.05). In phase II, there were no significant differences in growth performance among the treatment groups, but EF50 increased the apparent digestibility of several nutrients (including dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, gross energy) compared to U50. The EF50 group also exhibited significantly higher serum levels of neuropeptide Y and ghrelin compared to the CON and U50 groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the EF50 group had higher carcass weight and carcass length than those in the CON and U50 groups (P < 0.05), with no significant difference in meat quality. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that replacing 50% SBM with EFCP during the growing-finishing period can improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass traits of pigs without compromising meat quality. This research offers valuable insights into the modification of unconventional plant protein meals and developing alternatives to SBM.