Effects of corn particle size on energy and nutrient digestibility in diets fed to young pigs and adult sows.

OBJECTIVE: This research was carried out to investigate the effects of corn particle size on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients fed to pigs at four different growth stages and therefore to provide basis for better application of corn in pig feeds. METHODS: Eighteen weanling piglets, 18 growing barrows, 24 gestating sows and 24 lactating sows were used in this study. Within each stage, pigs were allotted to 1 of 3 or 4 corn-soybean meal diets which were formulated with different corn particle size in a completely randomized design with 6 replicate pigs per diet. Each stage lasted for 19 days, including 7 days for cages adaptation, 7 days for adaptation to diets and followed by 5 days for total collection of feces and urine. RESULTS: For nursery and growing stages, the results showed that digestible energy content and ATTD of gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was increased (p<0.05) as the corn particle size reduced. Meanwhile, the metabolizable energy content and ATTD of crude protein (CP) tended to increase. For gestating sows, no differences were found in the ATTD of nutrients among dietary treatments. As for lactating sows, there were linear and quadratic increases (p<0.05) in the ATTD of DM, GE, NDF as the corn being finer milled. Quadratic response in ATTD of ADF and CP (p<0.05) were observed as sows fed with four different diets. CONCLUSION: Reducing corn particle size can increase digestibility of nutrients fed to young pigs and lactating sows. No effects were observed in present experiment when gestating sows were fed with different particle sized corn.

Effects of inclusion level and amino acid supplementation on energy values of soybean oil determined with difference or regression methods in growing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inclusion level and amino acid (AA) supplementation on energy values of soybean oil (SO) as determined by difference method or regression method when fed to growing pigs. METHODS: Thirty-six barrows (initial BW: 28.0 ± 1.3 kg) were randomly assigned to one of 6 dietary treatments, which included 2 control diets formulated using a basal diet with or without AA supplementation, and 4 experimental diets with 5% or 10% SO addition in the 2 control diets, respectively. All pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 19 d, and during the last 5 d, total urine and feces production were collected. The nutrient digestibility in diets and the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) values of SO were determined using the difference method and the regression method, respectively. RESULTS: Our results showed that there were no interaction effects (p &gt; 0.05) between AA supplementation and SO inclusion levels on energy values of SO and dietary nutrient digestibility. The DE and ME values of SO determined by the difference method were not affected (p &gt; 0.05) by AA supplementation, however, the ME value of SO increased (p &lt; 0.05) as the inclusion level of SO increased. Moreover, the energy values of SO determined using the regression method were close to those determined using difference method with 10% SO inclusion, but were greater than those obtained using difference method with 5% SO inclusion. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the DE and ME values of SO increased with the inclusion level but were not affected by AA supplementation in the range of 0% to 10%. The difference method can substitute for the regression method to determine the DE and ME values of SO when the inclusion level is 10%, but not at 5% inclusion level.

Effects of particle size and lipid form of corn on energy and nutrient digestibility in diets for growing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of corn particle size and lipid form on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients in diets for growing pigs. METHODS: In Exp. 1, thirty barrows (initial body weight [BW], 53.1±3.9 kg) were allotted to 1 of 5 diets formulated with 96.9% corn ground to 441, 543, 618, 659, and 768 µm, respectively. In Exp. 2, thirty-six barrows (initial BW, 54.7±3.6 kg) were allotted to 1 of 6 diets formulated by including 2% or 15% corn germ (CG 2 or CG 15), 1% or 6% corn oil (CO 1 or CO 6), 1% CO+2% corn germ meal (CO 1+CGM 2), or 6% CO+15% corn germ meal (CO 6+CGM 15), respectively. RESULTS: The ATTD of gross energy (GE) and the digestible energy (DE) in diet and corn grain linearly decreased as the corn particle size increased (p<0.05) from 441 to 768 µm. Particle size had a quadratic effect (p<0.05) on the ATTD of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in diets, and which firstly increased and then decreased as the corn particle size increased from 441 to 618 µm and 618 to 768 µm, respectively. The ATTD of GE, ether extract (EE), and the DE in CO 1 diet and CO 6 diet was greater (p<0.05) than that in CG 2 diet and CG 15 diet, respectively. The ATTD of EE in CO 6 diet and CO 6+CGM 15 diet was greater (p<0.05) than that in CO 1 diet and CO 1+CGM 2 diet. CONCLUSION: Less than 618 µm was recommended for corn particle size in growing pig's diet and extracted lipid had greater digestibility than the intact lipid in corn. Higher concentration of extracted CO had greater digestibility of EE compared with lower concentrations of CO diet.

Effects of dietary fibre level and body weight of pigs on nutrient digestibility and available energy in high-fibre diet based on wheat bran or sunflower meal.

The objectives of this study were (a) to investigate the effect of body weight (BW) on available energy in fibre-rich diets containing two NDF levels; and (b) to evaluate the effect of fibre type and NDF level on AA digestibility. In Exp. 1, barrows (24 at 33.4 ± 1.1 kg; 24 at 86.8 ± 3.3 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 diets containing a high protein basal (HPB), a low protein basal (LPB), 70% HPB + 30% wheat bran (WB) (HPB-WB) and 70% LPB + 30% sunflower meal (SFM) (LPB-SFM). In Exp. 2, barrows (24 at 33.5 ± 1.8 kg; 24 at 87.0 ± 3.8 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 diets containing no SFM with 12% NDF (SFM0LF), no SFM with 16% NDF (SFM0HF), 24% SFM with 12% NDF (SFM24LF) and 24% SFM with 16% NDF (SFM24HF). In Exp. 3, twelve barrows (35.5 ± 3.4 kg) fitted with T-cannulas were allotted to two 6 × 4 Youden square design with 6 diets (4 same diets as in Exp. 2 and 2 nitrogen-free diets). The concentration of DE, ME and ATTD of GE, CP, NDF and ADF in diets was greater (p < .01) when fed to 90 kg pigs compared with 30 kg pigs. The ME in ingredients was not affected by BW. The ATTD of NDF was negatively correlated with the CF (r = -.98; p < .01), ADF (r = -.99; p < .01) and ADL content (r = -.96; p < .01). The ME of diets was negatively correlated with the ATTD of CF (r = -.98; p < .01). The addition of SFM increased the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Met (p < .05). In conclusion, diets rich in fibre had different nutritional values at different pig weight stages. The AA digestibility depends mainly on chemical composition of diets.

Technical note: concentrations of soluble, insoluble, and total dietary fiber in feed ingredients determined using Method AOAC 991.43 are not different from values determined using Method AOAC 2011.43 with the AnkomTDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer.

The primary objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that concentrations of soluble (SDF), insoluble (IDF), and total dietary fiber (TDF) in feed ingredients used in diets for pigs and poultry analyzed using Method AOAC 2011.25 are greater than values determined using Method AOAC 991.43. A second objective was to determine the variation that may exist among 3 laboratories using the 2 methods with the AnkomTDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer (Ankom Technology, Macedon, NY). The 3 laboratories were the Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center (MAFIC) at China Agricultural University, Trouw Nutrition, and Hans H. Stein Monogastric Nutrition Laboratory at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). All laboratories analyzed SDF and IDF in feed ingredients in duplicate or triplicate using both methods AOAC 991.43 and 2011.25 with the AnkomTDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer. The 9 test ingredients were wheat, soybean meal, rapeseed meal, sugar beet pulp, peas, horse beans, native pea starch, and 2 samples of corn; 1 from Europe and 1 from China. All ingredient samples, with the exception of Chinese corn, were procured by Trouw Nutrition, ground to pass through a 0.5 mm screen, subsampled, and sent to MAFIC and UIUC. Data were analyzed using SDF, IDF, and TDF as response variables, replication as random effect, and method and location as fixed effects over all ingredients and within each ingredient. When averaged among 9 different ingredients, results indicated that SDF, IDF, and TDF values were not different with either method or at any laboratory. However, the concentration of IDF in corn, wheat, peas, and sugar beet pulp determined using Method AOAC 991.43 was greater (P < 0.05) compared with 2011.25. Soluble dietary fiber determined using Method AOAC 2011.25 was greater (P < 0.05) in corn, rapeseed meal, soybean meal, and sugar beet pulp compared with 991.43. There was no difference in TDF determined with either method, except for wheat having greater (P < 0.05) TDF when determined using Method AOAC 991.43. Interlaboratory variation for SDF, IDF, and TDF was 0.38, 0.87, 1.20, respectively, with Method AOAC 991.43 and 0.40, 0.93, and 1.27, respectively, with 2011.25. Therefore, values determined with the AnkomTDF Analyzer are repeatable among laboratories and can be used in feed formulation worldwide. In conclusion, it is recommended that Method AOAC 991.43 be used to determine SDF, IDF, and TDF in feed ingredients and diets for pigs and poultry.

Available energy and amino acid digestibility of yellow dent corn fed to growing pigs1.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the DE and ME as well as the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in corn fed to growing pigs. All corn was yellow dent corn collected from different areas in China. In Exp. 1, 60 crossbred barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 40.7 ± 3.5 kg BW) were randomly allotted to 1 of 10 diets to determine the DE and ME of corns. Diets were formulated to contain 96.8% of 1 of the 10 corn samples and 3.2% of other microingredients. In Exp. 2, 11 crossbred barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 30.5 ± 2.3 kg) fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were assigned to a 6 × 11 Youden square design with 6 periods and 11 diets. Diets included a N-free diet based on cornstarch and sucrose and 10 test diets formulated with 96.6% 1 of the 10 corns as the sole source of AA. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was added to each diet as an indigestible marker for calculating the AA digestibility. On a DM basis, the starch, ether extract (EE), CP, NDF, and ADF contents of corns averaged 74.05% (69.98 to 78.59%), 3.83% (2.04 to 4.73%), 9.63% (7.74 to 10.43%), 10.80% (10.27 to 11.46%), and 2.27% (2.03 to 2.57%), respectively. The CV of EE, CP, and ADF was 22.59, 8.22, and 8.21%, respectively. The DE and ME of corns averaged 4,087 and 3,981 kcal/kg, respectively, and ranged from 3,999 to 4,161 kcal/kg and from 3,898 to 4,067 kcal/kg, respectively. The DE and ME values were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the EE content. Optimal prediction equations of ME were ME = 940.35 + (0.72 × DE) + (21.88 × EE) (R2 = 0.94) or ME = 1,051.50 + (0.82 × DE) - (282.05 × ash) (R2 = 0.99). In Exp. 2, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the SID of Arg, His, Phe, Ala, Pro, Cys, and Tyr. The SID of Lys (average 73.79%), Met (average 87.32%), and Thr (average 80.06%) ranged from 61.45 to 78.47%, from 74.09 to 90.91%, and from 79.19 to 85.79%, respectively. The standardized ileal digestible Met was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with the Met and CP contents. The obtained prediction equations were standardized ileal digestible Met = 31.34 + (3.43 × CP) + (116.04 × Met) and standardized ileal digestible Met = 104.92 + (294.71 × Met) - (7.03 × NDF). In conclusion, sources had an effect on the energy values and ileal digestibility of most AA in corn. The ME can be predicted by the DE combined with either the EE or ash content. The AA concentrations and SID of AA in corn varied largely.

Determination of the energy contents and nutrient digestibility of corn, waxy corn and steam-flaked corn fed to growing pigs.

Objective: The research was conducted to determine the DE and ME contents as well as the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients in corn, waxy corn and steam-flaked corn fed to growing pigs. Methods: Eighteen growing pigs with initial body weight of 15.42 ± 1.41 kg were randomly allotted to three diets including a corn diet, a waxy corn diet and a steam-flaked corn diet in a completely randomized design. Each treatment contained six replicates. The experiment lasted for 12 days, which comprised 7-d adaptation to diets followed by a 5-d total collection of feces and urine. The energy contents and the nutrient digestibility in three ingredients were calculated using direct method. Results: Compared to normal corn, both the amylose and dietary fiber contents in waxy corn were numerically lower, but the starch gelatinization degree was numerically greater. Moreover, the DE and ME contents as well as the ATTD of NDF and ADF in waxy corn were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than those in normal corn when fed to growing pigs. Furthermore, the steam-flaked corn had greater (p < 0.05) DE and ME contents, and ATTD of ether extract (EE) and ADF compared to normal corn. Conclusion: Both variety and processing procedure have influence on chemical compositions, energy contents and nutrient digestibility of corn. The waxy corn and steam-flaked corn had greater starch gelatinization degree and DE and ME contents compared to normal corn when fed to growing pigs.

Effect of inclusion level of corn germ meal on the digestible and metabolizable energy and evaluation of ileal AA digestibility of corn germ meal fed to growing pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion level of corn germ meal (CGM) on the DE and ME values of CGM and to evaluate the ileal AA digestibility of CGM fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, 42 barrows (63.8 ± 2.1 kg BW) were allotted to seven diets in a completely randomized design with six replicates per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet and six additional diets containing 4.85%, 9.70%, 19.40%, 29.10%, 38.80%, or 48.50% CGM. Pigs were fed twice daily, at 0730 and 1630 hours, at a level of 4% of BW, and feces and urine were collected for 5 d. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, OM, CP, acid-hydrolyzed ether extract, and the DE and ME in diets linearly decreased (P < 0.01) as dietary CGM increased. Inclusion level of CGM had no effect on the DE and ME values of CGM. On a DM basis, the concentration of DE and ME varied from 3,396 to 3,747 kcal/kg and 3,107 to 3,502 kcal/kg, respectively. In Exp. 2, 11 crossbred barrows (30.4 ± 2.9 kg BW) with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were allotted to an 11 × 6 Youden square design with 11 diets and 6 period, which included an N-free diet and 10 CGM test diets. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker. Pigs were fed daily at 4% of BW during each period, which consisted of 5 d of diet adaptation followed by 2 d of digesta collection. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of Ile, Thr, and Ala and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and Ile varied (P < 0.01) among the 10 CGM. The AID of CP and all AA except Pro and Tyr, and the SID of all AA except Pro were the greatest (P < 0.05) in sample 7. The AID and SID of CP averaged 40.47% and 64.75%, respectively, and varied from 32.30% to 54.87% and from 57.48% to 72.15%, respectively. The average SID of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp was 65.61%, 76.15%, 65.29%, and 60.17%, respectively, with a SEM of 4.49, 2.40, 5.95, and 6.82, respectively. The average SID of Pro was 101.76%, with an SEM of 17.26. Increasing dietary CGM decreased the ATTD of nutrients, the DE and ME values of diets but CGM. The AID and SID of AA in CGM are low but source dependent, and CGM may be fed to pigs as an protein-rich feedstuff.

Effects of brown rice particle size on energy and nutrient digestibility in diets for young pigs and adult sows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of brown rice particle size on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients in diets fed to pigs at four different stages and determine the optimal particle size (OPS) of brown rice for young pigs and adult sows. Eighteen weanling piglets (initial body weight (BW): 10.2 ± 0.4 kg), 18 growing barrows (initial BW: 35.6 ± 1.5 kg), 24 gestating sows (initial BW: 220 ± 2.8 kg), and 24 lactating sows (initial BW: 208 ± 3.8 kg) were allotted to 1 of 3 or 4 diets based on completely randomized design with six replicates per diet. Within each stage, brown rice-soybean meal diets were formulated, and the only difference among diets was the brown rice used was ground to the specified particle size. Each stage lasted 19 days, including 7 days for cage adaptation, 7 days for diet adaptation, and 5 days for total feces and urine collection. For weanling and growing pigs, the results showed that pigs fed brown rice milled to 600 µm had a greater ATTD of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and crude protein (CP) than pigs fed brown rice ground to 800 µm. However, there was no improvement in the ATTD of energy and nutrients for pigs fed brown rice milled to 600 µm versus 400 µm. The concentration of nitrogen (N) in feces significantly reduced (p < 0.01) as brown rice particle size decreased from 800 to 400 µm. However, there were no differences in phosphorus (P) output and absorbed P among diets. For gestating and lactating sows, a reduction in particle size from 1,000 to 800 µm significantly improved (p < 0.01) the ATTD of DM, GE, and CP in diets. However, there was also no improvement in the ATTD of energy and nutrients for pigs fed brown rice milled from 800 to 400 µm. In conclusion, considering the energy required for milling and nutrient digestibility, milling brown rice to 600 and 800 µm are recommended in diets for young pigs and adult sows, respectively. The OPS of brown rice for pigs at different physiological stages should be considered to economically and accurately formulate diets.

Determination of chemical composition, energy content, and amino acid digestibility in different wheat cultivars fed to growing pigs.

This study was conducted to determine the DE, ME, and apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in different wheat cultivars fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, twelve crossbred growing barrows were allotted to a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design to determine the DE and ME contents of 12 different wheat cultivars. In Exp. 2, twelve growing barrows with a simple T-cannula were used to determine the AID and SID of AA in 10 different wheat cultivars. Pigs were randomly allotted to a replicated 6 × 6 Latin square design and fed one nitrogen-free diet and 10 different cultivars of wheat diets. Among different wheat cultivars, the concentrations of GE, CP, NDF, ADF, and starch ranged from 4,385 to 4,458 kcal/kg, 12.95% to 18.14%, 9.16% to 13.89%, 1.93% to 2.92% and 60.81% to 70.77%, respectively (DM basis). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the DE, ME values, and the ATTD of GE in 12 different cultivars of wheat in Exp. 1. The DE and ME contents and the ATTD of GE ranged (P < 0.05) from 3,922 to 4,067 kcal/kg DM, 3,759 to 3,941 kcal/kg DM and 88.14% to 90.31%, respectively. The best prediction equations of DE and ME for different cultivars of wheat cultivars were DE = -2,738 - (40.8 × % ADF) + (1.7 × GE) - (51.5 × % Xylans) - (95.7 × % Ash) + (22.3 × % EE), R2 = 0.98, and ME = -2,990 + (1.7 × GE) - (50.2 × % Xylans) - (87.6 × % Ash), R2 = 0.88, respectively. There were also differences (P < 0.05) in the AID and SID of CP and indispensable AA, expect for His, in 10 wheat cultivars in Exp. 2. The AID and SID of CP, Lys, and Met ranged (P < 0.05) from 82.02% to 89.46%, 74.13% to 84.73%, 87.35% to 92.49% and 87.56% to 94.04%, 80.56% to 89.89%, 89.56% to 94.45%, respectively. In conclusion, the chemical composition, energy contents, and most AA digestibility in different cultivars of wheat varied widely.

Effect of keratinase on ileal amino acid digestibility in five feedstuffs fed to growing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of keratinase (KE) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in rice bran, cottonseed meal (CSM), rapeseed meal (RSM), corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and peanut meal (PNM). METHODS: Twelve crossbred barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire, 50.5±1.4 kg body weight [BW]) fitted with T-cannulas at the terminal ileum were allotted to a 12×6 Youden Square design with 12 diets and 6 periods. The treatment diets included rice bran, CSM, RSM, corn DDGS, PNM, or corn-soybean meal (cSBM) supplemented with 0.05% KE or not. Diets were given to pigs at a level of 3% BW in two equal meals. The endogenous AA losses were the mean results of three previously experiments determined by a same nitrogen-free diet fed to pigs. Pigs had free access to water during the experiment. RESULTS: The KE supplementation improved (p<0.05) the AID and SID of Met, Thr, Val, Asp, Cys, and Tyr in rice bran. Inclusion of KE increased (p<0.05) the AID and SID of Met and Val in CSM. The KE supplementation decreased (p<0.05) the AID and SID of His in RSM and all measured AA except for Arg, Met, Trp, Val, Gly, and Pro in corn DDGS. There was an increase (p<0.05) in AID and SID of Leu, Ile, Met, Ala, Cys, Ser, and Tyr in PNM supplemented with KE compared with that without KE. Inclusion of KE increased (p<0.05) the AID and SID of crude protein, Leu, Ile, Phe, Thr, Asp, and Ser in cSBM. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that KE had different effects on ileal AA digestibility of feedstuffs for growing pigs, which can give some usage directions of KE in swine feed containing those detected feedstuffs.

Available energy and amino acid digestibility of defatted rice bran fed to growing pigs.

This study was conducted to determine and compare available energy and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in 9 samples of defatted rice bran (DFRB) fed to growing pigs and to generate prediction equations for DE and ME based on chemical analysis. In Exp. 1, 60 crossbred growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 40.7 ± 3.5 kg BW) were fed 1 of 10 diets in a completely randomized design to determine the available energy of DFRB. The diets included a corn-soybean meal-basal diet and 9 experimental diets formulated by replacing the corn and soybean meal with 29.16% DFRB. In Exp. 2, 6 growing pigs (initial BW = 28.5 ± 2.8 kg) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and arranged in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 6 diets and 6 periods. The diets included an N-free diet based on cornstarch and sucrose and 5 experimental diets containing 60% DFRB as the sole source of AA. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was used as an indigestible marker. Among the 9 samples, the concentrations of ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), NDF, ADF, starch, Ca, and P averaged 1.33 (0.50% to 4.14%), 14.54 (9.78% to 23.85%), 28.62 (20.19% to 38.85%), 14.22 (9.32% to 23.99%), 38.80% (30.62% to 47.55%), 0.16% (0.09% to 0.24%), and 1.96% (1.11% to 2.28%), respectively. The average DE and ME were 2,643 and 2,476 kcal/kg DM, respectively, and ranged from 2,039 to 3,157 kcal/kg DM and 1,931 to 2,978 kcal/kg DM, respectively. In Exp. 2, there were significant differences in the AID and SID of CP and most AA except for His, Tyr, and Met (P < 0.05). The AID and SID of CP averaged 67.75% and 76.37%, respectively. The digestibility of Met was the greatest, averaging 86.15% and 90.08% for AID and SID, respectively. The AID and SID of Lys ranged from 51.88% to 71.43% (mean = 63.27%) and from 61.93% to 79.98% (mean = 72.97%), respectively. These results indicated that there is significant variability in chemical composition, energy content, and the SID and AID of CP and most AA among the selected DFRB. The DE and ME of DFRB are primarily related to their NDF and starch concentrations.

Methodology effects on determining the energy concentration and the apparent total tract digestibility of components in diets fed to growing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different diet formulations: F1 (Two complicated basal diets containing different crude protein levels plus tested feedstuff) vs F2 (A simple corn soybean meal [SBM] basal diet plus tested feedstuff) combined with total collection (TC) or chromic oxide (Cr2O3) marker or acid-insoluble ash (AIA) marker method, and freeze-dry or oven-dry (OD) technique on estimation of nutrient digestibility in diets fed to growing pigs. METHODS: In F1, twelve barrows were allocated to two 6×4 Youden Squares. The treatment diets included a high protein basal (HPB) diet, a low protein basal (LPB) diet, a corn diet and a wheat bran (WB) diet formulated based on the HPB diet, and a SBM diet and a rapeseed meal (RSM) diet formulated based on the LPB diet. In F2, eight barrows were allocated to two 4×4 Latin Squares. The treatment diets included a corn basal diet, a SBM basal diet formulated based on the corn diet, and a WB diet and a RSM diet formulated based on the SBM diet. RESULTS: Concentration of digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), and the apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy, ash, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre determined by Cr2O3 marker method were greater than those determined by TC and AIA marker methods in HPB, LPB, and RSM diets formulated by F1 and in corn diet formulated by F2 (p<0.05). The DE values in WB and both DE and ME values in SBM and RSM estimated using F1 were greater than those estimated using F2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: From the accuracy aspect, the AIA marker or TC method combined with OD technique is recommended for determining the energy concentration and nutrient digestibility of components in diets fed to growing pigs.

Effect of inclusion level and adaptation duration on digestible energy and nutrient digestibility in palm kernel meal fed to growing-finishing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: An experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of inclusion level of palm kernel meal (PKM) and adaptation duration on the digestible energy (DE) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of chemical constituents in diets fed to growing-finishing pigs. METHODS: Thirty crossbred barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Large White) with an average initial body weight of 85.0±2.1 kg were fed 5 diets in a completely randomized design. The diets included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 4 additional diets in which corn and soybean meal were partly replaced by 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% PKM. After 7 d of adaptation to the experimental diets, feces were collected from d 8 to 12, d 15 to 19, d 22 to 26, and d 29 to 33, respectively. RESULTS: The DE and ATTD of gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (CP) in diets decreased linearly as the dietary PKM increased within each adaptation duration (p< 0.01). Diet containing 19.5% PKM had less DE value and ATTD of all detected items compared with other diets when fed to pigs for 14 days (p<0.05). The ATTD of CP in PKM calculated by 19.5% and 39.0% linearly increased as adaptation duration prolonged from 7 to 28 days (p<0 .01). CONCLUSION: Inclusion level of PKM and adaptation duration had an interactive effect on DE and the ATTD of GE, DM, OM, and CP (p<0.01 or 0.05) but ash, NDF, and ADF in diet (p> 0.05). Considering a stable determination, 21 days of adaptation to a diet containing 19.5% PKM is needed in pigs and a longer adaptation time is recommended as dietary PKM increases.

Effects of inclusion level and adaptation period on nutrient digestibility and digestible energy of wheat bran in growing-finishing pigs.

OBJECTIVE: This experiment was to evaluate the effect of different inclusion levels and adaptation periods on digestible energy (DE) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of chemical constituents in diets supplemented with wheat bran. METHODS: Thirty-six crossbred barrows with an initial body weight of 85.0±2.1 kg were allotted to 6 diets in a completely randomized block design with 6 pigs per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean basal diet and 5 additional diets which were formulated by replacing corn and soybean meal in control diet with 15%, 25%, 35%, 45%, or 55% wheat bran. The experiment lasted for 34 d, and feces were collected from d 8 to 13, 15 to 20, 22 to 27, and 29 to 34 respectively. RESULTS: The results showed no interaction effects between inclusion level and adaptation period on the concentration of DE and the ATTD of gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) in wheat bran. The DE value and ATTD of GE in wheat bran decreased (p<0.05) significantly as the inclusion level of wheat bran increased, but no difference in the ATTD of CP was observed. The ATTD of CP in wheat bran increased (p<0.10) significantly as the adaptation period for pigs was prolonged. In addition, the concentration of DE and the ATTD of GE in wheat bran decreased linearly (p<0.05) when pigs were fed either an increased level of wheat bran or given an increased adaptation period to the diets. CONCLUSION: Wheat bran showed a negative effect on the concentration of DE and ATTD of GE and CP as the inclusion level increased. A longer adaptation period can gradually increase the DE value and ATTD of GE and CP in wheat bran, and at least 14 to 21 d of adaptation might be recommended for growing-finishing pigs fed the high-fiber diets with wheat bran.

The Effect of Inclusion Level of Soybean Oil and Palm Oil on Their Digestible and Metabolizable Energy Content Determined with the Difference and Regression Method When Fed to Growing Pigs.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of inclusion level of soybean oil (SO) and palm oil (PO) on their digestible and metabolism energy (DE and ME) contents when fed to growing pigs by difference and regression method. Sixty-six crossbred growing barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire and weighing 38.1±2.4 kg) were randomly allotted to a 2×5 factorial arrangement involving 2 lipid sources (SO and PO), and 5 levels of lipid (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) as well as a basal diet composed of corn and soybean meal. The barrows were housed in individual metabolism crates to facilitate separate collection of feces and urine, and were fed the assigned test diets at 4% of initial body weight per day. A 5-d total collection of feces and urine followed a 7-d diet adaptation period. The results showed that the DE and ME contents of SO and PO determined by the difference method were not affected by inclusion level. The DE and ME determined by the regression method for SO were greater compared with the corresponding respective values for PO (DE: 37.07, ME: 36.79 MJ/kg for SO; DE: 34.11, ME: 33.84 MJ/kg for PO, respectively). These values were close to the DE and ME values determined by the difference method at the 10% inclusion level (DE: 37.31, ME: 36.83 MJ/kg for SO; DE: 34.62, ME: 33.47 MJ/kg for PO, respectively). A similar response for the apparent total tract digestibility of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) in lipids was observed. The true total tract digestibility of AEE in SO was significantly (p<0.05) greater than that for PO (97.5% and 91.1%, respectively). In conclusion, the DE and ME contents of lipid was not affected by its inclusion level. The difference method can substitute the regression method to determine the DE and ME contents in lipids when the inclusion level is 10%.

The short-term effects of acupuncture on patients with diabetic gastroparesis: a randomised crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with various disorders, but its efficacy in diabetic gastroparesis is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term effects of acupuncture on gastric emptying and gastroparesis symptoms in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. METHODS: In a single-blind controlled crossover trial, 25 patients with diabetic gastroparesis were randomly assigned to undergo 1 week of real acupuncture (RA) treatment followed by 1 week of sham acupuncture (SA) treatment, or vice versa, with a washout of 1 month in between. Before and after each intervention, gastric retention, the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. RESULTS: 21 patients completed the study. Compared with SA treatment, RA treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in gastric retention at 2 h (-11.1±7.0%; 95% CI -13.6% to -6.2%; p<0.01) and at 4 h (-5.0±2.8%; 95% CI -6.0% to -0.2%; p=0.04) and in GCSI score (-8.0±3.4; 95% CI -8.4 to -2.8; p<0.01). There were no significant differences in FBG and HbA1c levels between RA and SA treatments. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with diabetic gastroparesis, 1 week of short-term manual acupuncture reduces gastric retention and improves gastroparesis symptoms.

[Correlation study on effects of electroacupuncture on the muscle condition and MNCV in rabbits with lumbar nerve root compression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on the muscle condition and electrophysiology of the muscle in rabbits with lumbar nerve root compression and to explore potential mechanisms. METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a medication group and an electroacupuncture group. The rabbit model with lumbar nerve root compression was established in the model group, the medication group and the electroacupuncture group. The model and the treatment were not produced in the normal group. The medication group was treated with oral administration of Loxoprofen tablets at a dose of 30 mg each day for 14 days. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) of L5 and L6 for 14 days. The hibateral muscle condition before and after making model and after treatment was detected and the electromyogram and the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were observed. RESULTS: The spontaneous potential and the insertion potential were increased in the model group, the medication group and the electroacupuncture group after making model. The value of the activation and the relaxed condition of the strength-creep (ARCSC) in the right muscle was significantly decreased. The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and the wave amplitude of evoked potential (WAEP) were significantly decreased in the model group, the medication group and the electroacupuncture group after treatment, but the value of MNCV and WAEP in the electroacupuncture group, and ARCSC in the right muscle in the electroacupuncture group and the medicine group were closed to those level in the normal group, among them, the relaxed condition in the electroacupuncture group was more close to the level in the normal group. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can improve the strength-creep condition of the muscle that damage nerve place controls and the electrophysiology of the muscle can recover the MNCV and the wave amplitude of evoked potential in the compression nerve root.

Neonatal exposure to genistein ameliorates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming a prevalent disease in developing countries with no effective therapy. Isoflavones such as genistein have been shown to prevent NASH in a rat model, but the effects of neonatal exposure to genistein on lipid metabolism have been rarely studied. In the present study, three doses of genistein (30, 300 or 1200 µg/rat per d) were injected (subcutaneously) into neonatal male Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal days 1-5. After weaning, these rats were allowed free access to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. The results demonstrate that NASH was induced by high fat feeding in the control rats, whereas genistein-treated rats displayed smaller body weight, and lower hepatic inflammation and steatosis. The mid dose of genistein was most effective. Neonatal exposure to genistein also resulted in a lower incidence of apoptotic cells in the liver. Additionally, neonatal genistein-treated rats showed lower hepatic expression of fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, but higher expression of PPARα, indicative of lower rates of lipid synthesis and higher rates of ß-oxidation. These results indicate that neonatal treatment with genistein has a prolonged effect on hepatic lipid metabolism that is maintained post-weaning, offering a potential approach for the prevention of hepatic steatosis and NASH.

Effects of estrogen and androgen deprivation on the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

AIM: We studied the mechanisms of estrogen/androgen involvement in the induction of NASH by treating Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats fed with a normal or high fat (HF) diet by depriving them of endogenous estrogens/androgens. METHODS: Male adult SD rats (n = 10/group) on normal or HF diets were treated for 75 days either with tamoxifen (Tam) or flutamide (Flu) or Tam + Flu in order to induce NASH. We analyzed histopathologically the liver samples from the treated groups for NASH, checked the serum biochemical and lipid profile markers and finally analyzed the signal pathways underlying the molecular mechanisms for the induction process of NASH. RESULTS: Deprivation of endogenous estrogens and/or androgens (Tam or Flu or Tam + Flu) without the HF diet did not induce NASH. Tam or Tam + Flu induced NASH, compared to milder lesions without fibrosis in HF diet and Flu-treated liver. Serum alanine aminotransferase or lipid profile markers further proved the Tam, Flu or Tam + Flu effects on the induction of NASH in conjunction with a HF diet. Tam treatment predominantly downregulated the ERalpha and FAS and upregulated UCP2 and TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS: Deprivation of endogenous estrogen/androgens in conjunction with a HF diet may induce NASH where the downregulated ERalpha and FAS, and upregulated UCP2 and TNF-alpha could be involved in their molecular pathomechanism pathways. These results could suggest the potential negative roles of estrogenic/androgenic depriving compounds in the induction of NASH, along with obesity.