scholarly journals Electronically controlled cooling pads can improve litter growth performance and indirect measures of milk production in heat-stressed lactating sows

Author(s):  
Jay S Johnson ◽  
Taylor L Jansen ◽  
Michaiah Galvin ◽  
Tyler C Field ◽  
Jason R Graham ◽  
...  

Abstract Heat stress (HS) decreases lactation output in sows due to an attempt to reduce metabolic heat production. However, this negatively affects litter growth performance. Therefore, the study objective was to determine whether electronically controlled cooling pads (ECP) would improve indirect measures of lactation output (e.g., total heat production; THP) and litter growth performance in HS exposed sows. Over two repetitions, 12 multiparous (2.69 ± 0.85) lactating sows [265.4 ± 26.1 kg body weight (BW)] and litters were assigned to either an ECP (n = 3/repetition) or a non-functional ECP (NECP; n = 3/repetition) and placed into farrowing crates within indirect calorimeters from d 3.7 ± 0.5 to d 18.7 ± 0.5 of lactation. Litters were standardized across all sows (11.4 ± 0.7 piglets/litter), and sows were provided ad libitum feed and water. All sows were exposed to cyclical HS (28.27 ± 0.26°C nighttime to 33.09 ± 0.19°C daytime). On d 4, 8, 14, and 18 of lactation, indirect calorimetry was performed on each individual sow and litter to determine THP and THP/kg BW 0.75. Body temperature (TB) was measured hourly using vaginal implants, and respiration rate [RR; breaths per minute (bpm)] was measured daily at 0700, 1100, 1300, 1500, and 1900 hrs. Sow feed intake (FI) was assessed daily. Litter weights were obtained at birth, on d 4, 8, 14, and 18 of lactation, and at weaning. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX with sow and/or litter as the experimental unit. An overall decrease (P < 0.01; 25 bpm) in RR and maximum daily TB (P = 0.02; 0.40°C) was observed in ECP versus NECP sows. An increase in THP (P < 0.01; 20.4%) and THP/kg BW 0.75 (P < 0.01; 23.1%) was observed for ECP when compared to NECP sows and litters. Litter average daily gain and weaning weight was increased (P < 0.05; 25.0 and 19.2%, respectively) for ECP versus NECP litters. No FI differences were observed (P = 0.40) when comparing ECP (5.66 ± 0.31 kg/d) and NECP (5.28 ± 0.31 kg/d) sows. In summary, ECPs improve litter growth, thermoregulatory measures, and bioenergetic parameters associated with greater milk production in lactating sows exposed to cyclical HS.

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 312-312
Author(s):  
Taylor L Jansen ◽  
Michaiah J Galvin ◽  
Tyler C Field ◽  
Jason R Graham ◽  
Robert M Stwalley ◽  
...  

Abstract Heat stress (HS) decreases lactation output in sows due to an attempt to reduce metabolic heat production; however, this negatively affects litter growth performance. Therefore, the study objective was to determine whether electronically controlled cooling pads (ECP) would improve indirect measures of lactation output (e.g., metabolic heat production) and litter growth performance in HS exposed sows. Over two repetitions, 12 multiparous (2.69 ± 0.85) lactating sows (265.4 ± 26.1 kg) and litters were assigned to either an ECP (n = 6) or a non-functional ECP (NECP; n = 6) and placed into farrowing crates within indirect calorimeters from d 3.7 ± 0.5 to d 18.7 ± 0.5 of lactation. Litters were standardized across all sows (11.4 ± 0.7 piglets/litter), and sows were provided ad libitum feed and water. All sows were exposed to cyclical HS (28.27 ± 1.42°C nighttime to 35.14 ± 0.70°C daytime). On d 4, 8, 14, and 18 of lactation, indirect calorimetry was performed on each individual sow and litter to determine total heat production (THP). Body temperature (TB), was measured hourly using vaginal implants, and respiration rate (RR) was measured daily at 0700, 1100, 1300, 1500, and 1900 h. Litter weights were obtained at birth and weaning. An overall decrease (P < 0.01; 25 bpm) in RR and maximum daily TB (P = 0.02; 0.40°C) was observed in ECP versus NECP sows. An increase in THP (P < 0.01; 20.4%) and THP/kg0.75 (P < 0.01; 23.1%) was observed for ECP when compared to NECP sows and litters. Litter growth rate was increased (P < 0.01; 20.8%) in ECP versus NECP sows. In summary, the use of ECP improves litter growth, thermoregulatory measures, and bioenergetic parameters associated with greater milk production in lactating sows exposed to cyclical heat stress.


2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 249-258
Author(s):  
R. Stupka ◽  
J. Čítek ◽  
K. Vehovský ◽  
K. Zadinová ◽  
M. Okrouhlá ◽  
...  

The study objective was to evaluate the effect of immunocastration in the period between the first and second vaccinations and subsequently between the second vaccination and slaughter on growth performance, carcass composition, meat quality, and boar taint, and compare results in immunocastrated males (IC), uncastrated boars (UCM), surgically castrated barrows (CM), and gilts (FE). The study included 70 pigs of the Duroc × (Large White × Landrace) crossbreed. Upon the overall assessment of the selected fattening indicators (average daily gain, feed intake), significant differences between CM and the other groups were demonstrated. Meanwhile, no significant differences were found between the IC, UCM, and FE groups. In this test, immunocastrates showed no negative effect from the second vaccination in relation to those carcass value indicators evaluated in comparison with UCM and FE. CM showed adversely lower carcass value parameters compared the other groups. No significant differences in pH, meat colour, drip loss, shear force, and intramuscular fat were found. The values of these indicators obtained for IC converged with those measured in UCM and FE. It was demonstrated that immunocastration prevented the occurrence of undesired boar taint. Androstenone decreased by 77% and skatole by 71% in IC as compared to UCM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 141-142
Author(s):  
Dathan Smerchek ◽  
Zachary K Smith

Abstract Two-hundred and forty English × Continental beef steers (initial BW=365 kg [SD 22.5]) were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of bedding application during a 36 d feedlot receiving phase on growth performance and efficiency during winter. Steers were allotted to 30 pens (n = 8 steers/pen) at the Ruminant Nutrition Center in Brookings, SD and pens were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) No bedding applied (NO) or 2) 1.8 kg (as-is basis) of wheat straw bedding/steer/d (BED). Due to the logistics of acquiring, weighing, and timely feeding of steers, the first 9 pen replicates began on test 14 d prior (begin: January 15, 2019 and end: February 20, 2019) to the last 6 pen replicates (begin: January 29, 2019 and end: March 6, 2019). Pen was the experimental unit; an α of 0.05 determined significance. Daily ambient temperature (n = 50) averaged -14.7°C [SD 5.63] and wind-chill (n = 50) averaged -17.7°C [SD 6.40]. Initial BW (365 vs. 365 ± 0.5 kg) and dry matter intake (8.19 vs. 8.22 ± 0.047 kg) did not differ (P ≥ 0.57) between NO and BED. End BW was greater for BED (P = 0.01; 419 vs. 402 ± 1.09 kg) compared to NO. Steers from BED had increased average daily gain (P = 0.01) by 48.0% and gain:feed (P = 0.01) by 49.2% over NO. Using tabular ingredient energy values and observed steer performance shrunk 4%, relative adjustments to metabolic rate were calculated. Estimated metabolic rate was elevated (P = 0.01) for NO (0.146 vs. 0.104 ± 0.0032 Mcal/BW0.75, kg). Bedding improves feedlot receiving phase growth and efficiency in eastern South Dakota during the winter. Under the environmental conditions of this experiment, steers have a 40.4% increased metabolic rate when bedding is not used and steers in bedded pens had a 35.1% increase in metabolic rate compared to (0.077 Mcal/BW0.75, kg).


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-163
Author(s):  
Jordan C Rauch ◽  
Rebecca S Stokes ◽  
Daniel W Shike

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effects of two-stage weaning and injectable trace mineral (ITM) on receiving cattle growth performance and behavior. Angus and Simmental × Angus steers (n = 136; body weight [BW] = 200 ± 26 kg) were utilized in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Calves were blocked by source, and assigned to one of four treatments: 1) two-stage weaning and ITM (2MM), 2) two-stage weaning and saline injection (2SAL), 3) abrupt weaning and ITM (AbtMM), or 4) abrupt weaning and saline injection (AbtSAL). On d−6, calves were weighed, plastic calf weaner devices (used to prevent calf from nursing) were inserted in two-stage weaned calves, and ITM or saline injections (1 mL/45.4 kg BW) were administered. On day 0, plastic calf weaner devices were removed, and calves were weighed and shipped 272 km to Urbana, IL. Steer behavior was observed the 2 d following separation from dam. Receiving period was day 0 to 42 and growing period was day 42 to 124. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS and pen (six per treatment) was the experimental unit. Abruptly weaned calves had greater (P < 0.01) preweaning average daily gain (ADG) than two-stage weaned calves. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.16) ADG during the receiving or growing period; however, calves that received ITM tended (P 0.06) to have greater ADG from day 0 to 124. During the receiving period, abruptly weaned calves tended (P = 0.08) to eat more than two-stage calves and ITM calves ate more (P = 0.03) than calves that received saline. There was a weaning strategy × ITM interaction (P < 0.01) for dry matter intake (DMI) from day 0 to 124; 2MM calves ate more (P < 0.01) than 2SAL, but DMI was not different (P = 0.58) between AbtMM and AbtSAL calves. There was a weaning strategy × ITM interaction (P < 0.01) for gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) from day 0 to 124; 2SAL calves had greater (P = 0.05) G:F than AbtSAL, with 2MM and AbtMM calves being intermediate and not different (P = 0.38) than each other. Two-stage weaning decreased (P ≤ 0.02) the percentage of calves walking, standing, and vocalizing, and increased (P ≤ 0.02) the percentage of calves lying and eating following separation from dam. Two-stage weaning decreased preweaning ADG and behavioral signs of stress at feedlot arrival, but had no effect on overall growth. In addition, ITM had no effect on calf BW or behavior, but increased overall DMI in two-stage weaned calves compared to abruptly weaned calves and tended to increase overall ADG regardless of weaning strategy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 170-171
Author(s):  
Robyn Thompson ◽  
Brandon Knopf ◽  
Carine Vier ◽  
Ning Lu ◽  
Wayne Cast ◽  
...  

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different vitamin concentrations on growth performance of wean-to-finish pigs under commercial conditions. A total of 900 barrows and gilts (PIC337×Camborough; initially 5.34±0.13 kg) were used in a 136-d growth trial with 25 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Experimental diets were fed in 3 phases during nursery (5-6, 6-13, and 13-26 kg) and 5 phases during grow-finish (26-44, 44-65, 65-87, 87-108, and 108-128 kg). Dietary treatments consisted of: 1) NRC: vitamin concentrations following NRC (2012) recommendations; 2) PIC: vitamin concentrations following PIC (2016) recommendations; 3) Low-PIC: vitamin concentrations that ranged from 0 to 91% of PIC recommendations. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. During the nursery period, pigs fed PIC and Low-PIC diets had greater (P< 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to pigs fed NRC diets. There was no evidence (P >0.10) for differences in average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F). During the grow-finish period, there was no evidence (P >0.10) for differences in growth performance. During the overall wean-to-finish period, pigs fed PIC diets had lower (P< 0.05) ADG and final body weight compared to pigs fed NRC and Low-PIC diets. There was no evidence (P >0.10) for differences in ADFI or G:F. Pigs fed PIC diets had the greatest serum vitamin D3 at the end of nursery and finish periods (P< 0.05) and the greatest serum Vitamin E at the end of nursery period (P< 0.05). In summary, pigs fed PIC and Low-PIC diets had greater nursery feed intake and serum vitamin E and D3 concentrations compared to pigs fed NRC diets. Data from this study have demonstrated that pigs fed diets with reduced vitamin concentrations compared to PIC (2016) recommendations had improved wean-to-finish growth rate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 57-58
Author(s):  
Uislei Orlando ◽  
Ning Lu ◽  
Carine Vier ◽  
Wayne Cast ◽  
Xun Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding different neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) levels on performance of growing-finishing pigs from 30- to 130-kg. A total of 2,016 barrows and gilts (PIC 280×Camborough, initial BW of 29.6±0.53 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Dietary treatments (Table 1) consisted with two NDF levels (13% or 20%) and two SID Lys curves (PIC2008 or PIC2016). There were 21 mixed-sex pigs per pen, and 24 pens per treatment. The experiment diets were fed in 3 phases. Wheat, wheat by-products, peas, and canola oil were used with NRC (2012) loading values to achieve treatments, and all diets were formulated to be iso-caloric (2,420 kcal NE/kg). Experimental data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with pen as the experimental unit. Increasing NDF level resulted in a reduction (P< 0.05) in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, hot carcass weight, carcass yield, carcass ADG, and backfat depth (Table 2), and tended to decrease percentage of removals and mortality (P=0.10). Pigs fed PIC2016 Lys curve had greater ADG and carcass ADG as compared to those fed PIC2008 Lys curve (P< 0.05). There were NDF×Lys interactions (P< 0.10) for ADG, gain to feed ratio (G:F), carcass ADG, and carcass G:F. These response criteria were improved for pigs fed PIC2016 Lys curve compared to those fed PIC2008 Lys curve when NDF level was 13%; while no evidence of differences was observed at 20% NDF. Results indicate that increasing NDF level from 13 to 20% deteriorate performance of 30- to 130- kg pigs; and the improved growth performance of pigs fed PIC2016 Lys curve as compared to those fed PIC2008 Lys curve was only observed when lower NDF level was presented.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 56-57
Author(s):  
Ning Lu ◽  
Carine Vier ◽  
Wayne Cast ◽  
Uislei Orlando ◽  
Dan Hamilton ◽  
...  

Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of different standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) specifications on performance of grow-finish pigs. A total of 2,106 pigs (PIC 359×Camborough, initially 22.0±0.43 kg) were used in a 72-d growth trial with 27 pigs per pen and 13 pens per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed corn-soybean-meal-based diets in three phases from 22-41, 41-62, and 62-91 kg body weight (BW). Treatments consisted of low (L) or high (H) SID Lys in each phase: LLL (1.05, 0.88, and 0.73%); LLH (1.05, 0.88, and 0.82%); LHH (1.05, 0.99, and 0.82%); HLL (1.18, 0.88, and 0.73%); HHL (1.18, 0.99, and 0.73%); and HHH (1.18, 0.99, and 0.82%). Lysine curves from PIC2008 and PIC2016 nutrient specification manuals were used to estimate SID Lys levels for L or H diets, respectively. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with pen as the experimental unit. From 22-41 kg, feeding high Lys improved (P< 0.10) average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), and final BW compared to low Lys. From 22-62 kg, feeding HH Lys increased (P< 0.05) ADG compared feeding LL or HL Lys. Pigs fed HH Lys or LH Lys had improved (P< 0.05) G:F compared to those fed LL Lys. Pigs fed LH or HH Lys had greater (P< 0.05) final BW compared to pigs fed HL. Pigs fed HH Lys had greater (P< 0.05) feed intake compared to pigs fed HL. From 22-91 kg, there was no evidence for differences in ADG, feed intake, G:F, or final BW. In summary, pigs fed 1.18% SID Lys had improved ADG, G:F, and final BW compared to pigs fed 1.05% SID Lys from 22-41 kg. Feeding a range of Lys specifications resulted in similar growth performance from 22-91 kg.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 136-137
Author(s):  
Gustavo Lima ◽  
Angélica Camargos ◽  
Rosiel Cavalcante ◽  
Carine M Vier ◽  
Ning Lu ◽  
...  

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of immunocastration on growth performance, carcass characteristics and reproductive tract traits of gilts and boars. A total of 1,584 gilts and boars (PIC 337 x Camborough®, 6.11±0.29 kg, 20.64±0.81 days of age) were blocked by weaning group, and the gilt pens were randomly allotted to 1 of 2 treatments, which consisted of: T1) non-immunocastrated gilts, T2) immunocastrated gilts; whereas the boar pens were alloted to: T3) immunocastrated barrows. There were a total of 12 pens per treatment for T1 and T2, and 24 pens per treatment for T3, with 33 pigs per pen. The immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (administrated with Vivax®, Zoetis, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) was given at 108±1.16 and 143±1.16 days of age (21 days before harvest). Growth performance was assessed from day 143 of age until harvest. Performance data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit, and carcass and reproductive tract data were analyzed with pig as the experimental unit. Initial (day 143) and final (day 164) body weights were greater (P < 0.05) for T3 than T1 or T2, with no evidence for differences between T1 and T2 (P > 0.05). There were no evidence for treatment differences (P > 0.05) for average daily gain and feed efficiency. Average daily feed intake was reduced (P < 0.05) for T1 compared to T2 or T3. Hot carcass weight and lean content were greater (P < 0.05) and backfat thickness was thinner (P < 0.05) for T3 compared to T1 or T2, but no evidence for treatment differences (P > 0.05) were observed for loin depth. The ovary weights and the percentage of ovulatory follicles were greater (P < 0.05) for T1 compared to T2. Results of this study show no evidence for differences for immunocastration on growth performance of gilts or barrows. However, immunocastration influenced gilts’ reproductive tract traits.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 108-108
Author(s):  
Charmaine D Espinosa ◽  
Xixi Chen ◽  
Yan Lei ◽  
Jirong Lv ◽  
Hans H Stein

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that feed flavor and feed sweetener improve growth performance of weanling pigs. One hundred twenty-eight pigs (5.97 ± 0.55 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments with 4 pigs per pen and 8 pen replicates per diet. A 3-phase feeding program was used. In all phases, a control diet was formulated based on corn and soybean meal, and 3 additional diets were formulated by adding feed flavor (500 mg/kg), feed sweetener (150 mg/kg), or their combination to the control diet. Fecal scores were visually assessed using a score from 1 to 5 (1 = normal feces to 5 = watery diarrhea). Experimental diets were fed to pigs for 6 wk. Data were analyzed using SAS with pen as the experimental unit. Diet was the fixed effect and replicate was the random effect. Results indicated that overall average daily feed intake (ADFI) was greater (P < 0.05) and overall average daily gain (ADG) tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for pigs fed the diet containing feed sweetener compared with pigs fed the control diet (Table 1). The observed improvements in ADG and ADFI also resulted in greater (P < 0.05) final body weight for pigs fed the feed sweetener diet compared with pigs fed the control diet. Inclusion of feed flavor, feed sweetener, or the combination of feed flavor and sweetener in diets did not affect fecal scores of pigs, but inclusion of feed flavor resulted in reduced overall frequency of diarrhea (P = 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of feed sweetener improved growth performance and feed flavor supplementation to diets ameliorated post-weaning diarrhea of weanling pigs from d 1 to 42.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 178-178
Author(s):  
Patricia Ochonski ◽  
Fangzhou Wu ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
Joel M DeRouchey ◽  
Steve S Dritz ◽  
...  

Abstract A total of 288 pigs (Line 600 241, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 41.6 kg) were used in an 82-d trial to determine if replacing conventional yellow dent corn with high amylase corn (Enogen®, Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) in diets with or without distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) influences growth performance and carcass characteristics. Diets were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with 2 corn sources (yellow dent or high amylase) and 2 levels of DDGS (0 or 25%). Experimental diets were fed in meal form in 3 phases: d 0 to 29, 29 to 47, and 47 to 82. There were 9 pens/treatment each containing an equal number of barrows and gilts. Pigs were weighed approximately every 2 wk and at the beginning of each phase. On d 82, pigs were transported to a commercial packing plant for processing and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between corn source and DDGS inclusion for overall performance or carcass characteristics. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was marginally greater (P < 0.089) for pigs fed high amylase than yellow dent corn with no evidence (P > 0.196) for difference in feed intake, feed efficiency (G/F), hot carcass weight (HCW), or other carcass traits. Addition of DDGS resulted in decreased (P < 0.037) overall ADG and G/F. Pigs fed DDGS had marginally lower (P < 0.071) HCW, less (P < 0.050) backfat, greater (P < 0.026) loin depth, and greater (P < 0.020) percentage lean and iodine values. In summary, high amylase corn tended to improve overall ADG; however, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics were unchanged between corn sources. Consistent with previous research, addition of DDGS decreased ADG and increased IV.


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