L. Yan

Influence of probiotics in different energy and nutrient density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and blood characteristics in growing-finishing pigs

The study was conducted to determine the effects of probiotics (Bacillus subtilis endospore and Clostridium butyricum endospore complex) supplementation and different energy and nutrient densities on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 96 pigs with initial BW of 47.50 ± 1.14 kg were used in a 10-wk experiment. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 levels of energy and nutrient density (low and high energy, CP, and Lys) and 0.2% probiotics according to their sex and BW (6 pens, with 2 gilts and 2 barrows/pen). From 0 to 5 wk, ADG and G:F, as well as the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of N and energy, were improved (P < 0.05) in the probiotic groups and in the high-energy and high-nutrient-density groups. From 6 to 10 wk, ADG and G:F, as well as the ATTD of DM, N, and energy, were increased (P < 0.01) when pigs were fed the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets. Pigs fed the probiotic supplement or the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets had increased (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F overall. Moreover, pigs fed the high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets had increased (P < 0.05) meat color scores, marbling scores, drip loss values, pH, and LM area (P < 0.05) compared with those fed the low-energy and low-nutrient-density diets, whereas the probiotic treatment groups had increased (P < 0.01) meat color scores, marbling scores, and redness values. The lightness and yellowness values in the low-energy and low-nutrient-density dietary treatments were greater (P < 0.05) than those in the high-energy and high-nutrient-density dietary treatments. Interactive effects of dietary energy and nutrient density and probiotics were also observed (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of N at wk 10 and energy at wk 5, as well as on meat firmness at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of probiotics increased growth performance throughout the experiment and exerted beneficial effects on ATTD. Meat quality was improved when pigs were fed high-energy and high-nutrient-density diets.

Effect of probiotics supplementation in diets with different nutrient densities on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, faecal microbial population and faecal noxious gas content in growing pigs

A total of 144 pigs with initial BW of 29.48±0.58 kg were used in a 6-wk experiment to evaluate the probiotics supplementation (Enterococcis faecium, 1.0×1010 CFU/g) with different nutrient densities in growing pigs. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments with two levels of nutrient density and probiotic (0 or 0.1%) according to their sex and BW (nine replicate pens with two gilts and two barrows per pen). Pigs fed the higher nutrient density diets led to a higher (P<0.05) ADG and G:F ratio than those fed low nutrient density diet. The inclusion of probiotic increased (P<0.05) ADG, ADFI, G:F, and the apparent total tract digestibility of DM, N, energy. Dietary high nutrient density led to a higher (P<0.05) faecal H2S and NH3 content, whereas the probiotic supplementation led to a reduced (P<0.05) faecal H2S and NH3 content. An increased faecal lactobacillus concentration was observed with probiotic supplementation. An interactive effect between energy and nutrient density diet and probiotic was observed on the ADG and G:F ratio, faecal lactobacillus, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal noxious gas content. In conclusion, both dietary probiotic supplementation and a high nutrient diet could improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. The beneficial effect of probiotic supplementation in pigs could be enhanced with the high energy and nutrient density diets.

The evaluation of soybean meals from 3 major soybean-producing countries on productive performance and feeding value of pig diets.

This study was conducted to evaluate 1) the effects of soybean meal (SBM) from 3 major SBM-producing countries (United States, Brazil, and India) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs and 2) the feeding value of the evaluated SBM as a feedstuff for growing-finishing pigs. Soybean meal representative of each country was purchased on the open market. A total of 144 barrows with the average BW of 23.77 (SD = 1.52 kg) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 12 replicate pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. The US SBM used in this trial had greater CP and total AA contents, greater KOH protein solubility, and less crude fiber than SBM from either Brazil or India. Diets were formulated to be isolysinic and isocaloric. Pigs fed diets containing US SBM were heavier (P < 0.05) than pigs fed diets containing Brazilian or Indian SBM at 12 and 18 wk. Pigs fed diets containing US SBM had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F throughout the overall period when compared with pigs fed SBM produced in Brazil or India. The DM and N digestibility were greater for US SBM (P < 0.05) than Brazilian and India SBM at 6, 12, and 18 wk. Pigs were slaughtered at the end of 18 wk, and no differences were observed on meat quality (backfat thickness, LM area, pH, meat color, water holding capacity, and drip loss) among the treatments, except lean percentages were less and backfat thickness was greater in pigs fed Brazilian and Indian SBM than US SBM. The cost per kilogram of BW gain of the experimental diet containing US SBM was less than that of diets containing Brazilian or Indian SBM, but it would depend on the relative prices of each SBM. Based on the results of the current experiment, the productivity and feeding value of US SBM seems to be greater than the SBM produced in Brazil and India.

Effects of fermented garlic powder supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and meat quality in growing‐finishing pigs

One hundred pigs (BW=50.7 ± 1.89 kg) were used to investigate the effects of fermented garlic powder (FGP) in growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were allotted to one of five treatments, included: (i) NC (basal diet); (ii) PC (NC+44 mg/kg of Tylosin); (iii) FGP1 (NC + 1 g/kg FGP); (iv) FGP2 (NC + 2 g/kg FGP); and (v) FGP4 (NC+4 g/kg FGP). Supplemental FGP increased average daily gain (ADG) and gain/feed ratio compared with those fed NC diet throughout the experiment (P<0.05, linearly). Dietary PC treatment increased the ADG and average daily feed intake during the first 6 weeks (P<0.05). The inclusion of FGP2 and FGP4 treatments had higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen (P<0.05) than those in the NC treatment. Dietary NC treatment exhibited lower (P<0.05) lymphocyte count (6 and 12 weeks) and immunoglobulin G (12 weeks) than those in the other treatments. Marbling scores were higher (P<0.05) in FGP treatment groups than the NC treatments. Pigs fed on FGP2 and FG4 diets evidenced lower 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value (P<0.05) than those in the NC and PC treatments. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the administration of FGP at a level of 2 or 4 g/kg improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

Effects of dietary supplementation of emulsifier and carbohydrase on the growth performance, serum cholesterol and breast meat fatty acids profile of broiler chickens

A total of 540 2-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were used in a 35-day experiment and were randomly divided into five treatments: (i) NC (low energy); (ii) PC (high energy diet); (iii) P1 (NC + 0.1% carbohydrases); (iv) P2 (NC + 0.05% emulsifier); and (v) P3 (NC + 0.1% carbohydrases + 0.05% emulsifier). From days 0 to 21, body weight gain in PC and P3 treatments increased (P < 0.05) compared with NC treatment. The chicks fed PC, P1, P2 and P3 improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio compared with the NC treatment throughout the whole experiment. Abdominal fat weight was heavier (P < 0.05) in PC, P2 and P3 treatments than in NC and P1 treatments. On day 35, serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were higher (P < 0.05) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in NC and P2 treatments than in PC, P1 and P3 treatments. The concentration of oleic acid, linoleic acid and total unsaturated fatty acids were highest (P < 0.05) in PC than in the other treatments. In conclusion, the results indicate that low energy density diet had lower growth performance, while the inclusion of emulsifier and carbohydrases in low energy diets can partially improve growth performance.

Effects of dietary ω-3 fatty acid-enriched microalgae supplementation on growth performance, blood profiles, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat in broilers

A total of 300 2-d-old ROSS 308 (BW of 42.6±0.1 g) broiler chicks were randomly allotted to one of the three dietary treatments as follows: (1) CON (basal diet), (2) MA0.1 [basal diet +0.1% microalgae (Schizochytrium JB5) powder], and (3) MA0.2 [basal diet+0.2% microalgae (Schizochytrium JB5) powder]. There were five replicate pens per treatment with 20 birds per pen. Dietary microalgae did not affect the growth performance, red blood cells, white blood cells, and relative organ weight of liver, spleen, gizzard, abdominal fat, bursa of Fabricius, and breast meat (P>0.05). However, the inclusion of microalgae increased lymphocyte concentration compared to those that were fed a basal diet (P<0.05). The stearic acid composition of breast muscle was lower in MA0.1 treatment than CON treatment (P<0.05). Dietary microalgae powder increased the oleic acid, DHA, ω-3 fatty acid, and USFA compositions compared to the CON group (P<0.05). Microalgae supplementation reduced ω-6/ω-3 fatty acid ratio, saturated fatty acid contents and SFA/USFA ratio than those fed a basal diet (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary ω-3-fatty-acid-enriched microalgae supplementation can improve the fatty acid composition of breast meat without affecting the growth performance in broilers.

Effects of different fermented soy protein and apparent ileal digestible lysine levels on weaning pigs fed fermented soy protein-amended diets.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different fermented soybean proteins and the apparent ileal digestible lysine levels on weaning pigs fed fermented soy protein (FSP)-amended diets. In Exp. 1, 70 crossed piglets (6.25 ± 0.40 kg) were used in a 5-week trial to evaluate two different FSP. In Exp. 2, 20 weaning barrows (6.15 ± 0.45 kg) were used in a metabolism trial to determine the effects of the apparent ileal digestible (1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5%) lysine levels in weaning pigs fed FSP (5%) diet. In Exp. 1, pigs fed the diet containing Lactobacillus spp. FSP showed higher nitrogen (N) digestibility (P<0.05), lower blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels (P<0.05) than those fed the Aspergillus oryzae FSP diet. In Exp. 2, increasing dietary lysine levels increased the average daily gain, apparent dry matter, N digestibility, N retention and essential amino acids in the current study (P<0.05), with the 1.5% showing the highest value. In conclusion, pigs fed Lactobacillus spp. FSP had a higher N digestibility than those fed A. oryzae FSP. The optimal apparent ileal digestibility lysine level in fermented soy protein diets (3550 kcal/kg metabolizable energy) for maximizing growth performance and N utilization in the first 7 days (6.25 kg) was 1.5%.

Evaluation of the Anion® supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and faecal noxious gas content in weaning pigs

To investigate the effects of Anion® supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and faecal noxious gas content in weaning pigs, 140 crossbred (6.25±0.40 kg, weaned on d 21) piglets were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (seven replications with five pigs per pen). Treatments included: (1) CON: basal diet; (2) PC: CON + 44 mg/kg of Tylosin; (3) HC1: CON + 3 g/kg Anion®; and (4) HC2: CON + 0.6 g/kg Anion®. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristic and faecal noxious gas content were investigated in this study. Dietary HC1 and PC improved (P <0.05) the average daily gain and gain/feed (G:F) ratio compared with other treatments during d 0–7 in this study. The inclusion of antibiotics led to a higher (P <0.05) G:F ratio compared with CON and HC2 treatments, with HC1 treatment showing an intermediate value during d 21–35 and the overall period. Dietary PC treatment led to a greater (P <0.05) DM and N digestibility than HC2 treatment at d 7. The inclusion of PC or HC1 diet resulted in a higher (P<0.05) N digestibility than those in CON treatments at d 21. Pigs fed the HC2 treatment decreased ammonia emission (P <0.05) at d 15 compared with other treatments. In conclusion, supplementation of the diet with 3 g/kg Anion® could increase growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaning pigs, while concomitantly decreasing the noxious gas emission.

Effects of δ-aminolevulinic acid and vitamin C supplementation on iron status, production performance, blood characteristics and egg quality of laying hens.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of laying hen diets supplemented with δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and vitamin C (VC) on productive performance, iron status and egg quality. A total of 252 Hy-line brown commercial laying hens were fed two levels of VC (0 and 500 mg/kg) and three levels of ALA (0, 5 and 10 mg/kg) in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement from 57 to 63 weeks of age. Each treatment contained seven replicates with six hens in each replicate. Supplementation of the diet with both ALA and VC resulted in a significant increase in egg production during 4-6 weeks (p < 0.05). The haematocrit (HCT), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), white blood cell (WBC), total protein and albumin concentrations were not affected by the dietary treatments. However, ALA and interactive effect of ALA and VC were observed to increase the RBC, haemoglobin and serum iron concentrations (p < 0.05). In addition, inclusion of both ALA and VC increased blood lymphocyte percentage in relation to hens not supplemented with ALA (p < 0.05). Moreover, single effect of ALA or VC improved (p < 0.05) the yolk colour unit and albumin height from 3 to 6 weeks. The egg shell colour was increased (p < 0.05) by the effect of ALA. The addition of VC also led to an increase (p < 0.05) of the Haugh unit at the end of the experiment. However, neither ALA, nor VC exerted an effect on egg weight, egg shell breaking strength or egg shell thickness. The results demonstrate that dietary ALA and VC supplementation can improve the iron status and egg quality of laying hens.

Evaluation of natural and synthetic vitamin E on production performance, egg quality and vitamin E content of yolk in laying hens

A total of two hundred 35-week-old (Hy-line brown) layers were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 10 replications and 5 layers per replicate (1 layer per cage). Dietary treatments were: (1) CON (basal diet); (2) S150, CON + synthetic vitamin E (VE) 150 IU/kg; (3) N50, CON + natural VE 50 IU/kg; and (4) N75, CON + natural VE 75 IU/kg. Dietary VE led to a greater Haugh unit (HU) and VE concentration in yolk (p<0.05) compared with CON group, whereas the egg production, feed intake, egg weight, eggshell strength, yolk height, yolk colour and eggshell thickness were not influenced (p>0.05) throughout the experiment. Blood characteristics were not affected by the administration of VE. Moreover, no difference (p>0.05) was observed on the laying hens’ performance and egg quality between the synthetic and natural VE supplementation. In conclusion, dietary VE improved the VE concentration in yolk and the HU compared with the CON group. VE concentration of yolk and most characteristics were consistent in those birds fed Nat E Ac (50 or 75 IU/kg) compared with those fed Syn E Ac treatment (150 IU/kg), indicating the relative bioavailability of natural VE was two or three times greater than synthetic VE in laying hens.