scholarly journals Effect of cleaning corn on mycotoxin concentration and nursery pig growth performance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashton D Yoder ◽  
Charles R Stark ◽  
Joel M DeRouchey ◽  
Michael D Tokach ◽  
Chad B Paulk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Ochratoxin A ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
Feed Form ◽  
Nursery Pig ◽  
Animal Growth ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Mycotoxins are naturally-produced hazards that result from molds grown on cereal grains and other commodities. These molds may produce carcinogenic mycotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals. Removing broken kernels has been demonstrated to reduce mycotoxin concentration, but with high variability. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to quantify the magnitude of natural mycotoxin concentration that may be reduced by cleaning corn. Two loads of corn that were naturally contaminated with mycotoxins were procured. Corn for Experiment 1 was contaminated with aflatoxin (1,074 parts per billion; ppb), fumonisin (8.3 parts per million; ppm), and ochratoxin A (206 ppb), while corn for Experiment 2 was contaminated with only fumonisin (5.5 ppm). Corn was cleaned by mechanical sieving. For each experiment, corn was divided into twenty 150 kg runs. Runs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental treatments: 1) no screen 2) 12.7 mm screen, 3) 4.8 mm screen, and 4) 12.7 + 4.8-mm screen. The corn cleaner was sanitized between runs. Three 5 kg corn samples were collected from each run, and analyzed for mycotoxin concentration. In Experiment 1, cleaning reduced (P < 0.05) aflatoxin and fumonisin concentration by an average of 26% and 45%, respectively, compared to the original uncleaned corn level, but did not impact (P > 0.10) ochratoxin A. The resultant screenings had nearly 4 times the aflatoxin (4,224 ppb) and 7.5 times the fumonisin concentration (60.4 ppm) as the uncleaned corn. In Experiment 2, cleaning reduced (P < 0.05) fumonisin concentration by 32%. The resultant screenings had 19.6 times the fumonisin concentration (65.4 ppm) as the uncleaned corn. To determine the effect that cleaning corn may have on nursery pig growth performance, 360 nursery pigs were used in Experiment 3 to evaluate the impact of cleaning or pelleting on growth performance. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with corn type (uncleaned vs. cleaned) and feed form (mash vs. pelleted from either mill A or B). Neither cleaning corn nor pellet mill type affected (P > 0.19) nursery pig growth performance. Pelleting improved (P < 0.0001) gain to feed ratio (G:F) by 7.6% compared to mash diets. These data suggest that cleaning is an effective method to legally reduce aflatoxin and fumonisin concentration, but does not impact animal growth performance. Screenings should be used cautiously when feeding to animals.

scholarly journals Adverse effects on growth performance and bone development in nursery pigs fed diets marginally deficient in phosphorus with increasing calcium to available phosphorus ratios

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Spenser L Becker ◽  
Stacie A Gould ◽  
Amy L Petry ◽  
Leah M Kellesvig ◽  
John F Patience
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Bone Development ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the growth performance and bone mineral content (BMC) of nursery pigs in response to increasing total calcium (Ca) to available phosphorus (aP) ratios in diets containing phytase (250 FTU/kg; Natuphos E, BASF, Florham Park, NJ). A total of 480 nursery pigs (body weight (BW) = 5.7 ± 0.6 kg) with 10 pigs per pen and 7 pens per treatment (6 pens fed 2.75:1 diet) were allotted to seven treatments consisting of increasing ratios of calcium to available phosphorus (Ca:aP): 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, and 2.75. From day −7 to 0, pigs were fed a common diet. They were then fed the treatment diets during two experimental phases from day 1 to 14 and 15 to 28, respectively. Available P was formulated to 0.33% and 0.27% (approximately 90% of requirement) in dietary phases 1 and 2, respectively. BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were determined. BMC of the femur was measured on day 28 on one pig per pen using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model using PROC MIXED (SAS, 9.3). Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of increasing the Ca:aP. Over the 28-d experimental period, increasing Ca:aP resulted in a linear decrease in ADG (353, 338, 328, 304, 317, 291, and 280 g/d; P < 0.01), ADFI (539, 528, 528, 500, 533, 512, and 489 g/d; P < 0.05), and G:F (0.68, 0.66, 0.64, 0.62, 0.61, 0.59, and 0.58; P < 0.01). Increasing Ca:aP also resulted in decreased BW on days 14 and 28 (P < 0.01). The BMC of the femur decreased with increasing Ca:aP (6.2, 6.3, 5.7, 5.9, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.3 g; P < 0.05). Regression analysis explained the impact of Ca:aP as follows on ADG (ADG [g/d] = 339 − 36x; r2 = 0.81), G:F (G:F = 0.61 – 0.03x; r2 = 0.72), and BMC (BMC [g] = 6.4 – 0.27x; r2 = 0.43), where x is the Ca:aP. In conclusion, all outcomes indicated that any level of calcium above the minimum used in this experiment impaired growth performance and skeletal development. Further research using even lower levels of dietary Ca is warranted.

Effects of Pellet Processing Parameters on Pellet Quality and Nursery Pig Growth Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 439-446
Author(s):  
Ashton D. Yoder ◽  
Charles R. Stark ◽  
Mike D. Tokach ◽  
Cassandra K. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Factorial Design ◽  
Pellet Quality ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
Pellet Diameter ◽  
Moisture Percentage ◽  
Conditioning Temperature ◽  
Nursery Pig ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. During the pelleting process, conditioning temperature can influence nutrient availability and pellet durability index (PDI). However, the impact of conditioning temperature on nursery pig growth performance is variable. Therefore, the objectives of two experiments were to: (1) compare moisture percentage among three pellet mill series, and (2) quantify growth performance differences in nursery pigs due to diet form (mash vs. pelleted), conditioning temperature (low, medium, and high), and pellet diameter (4.0 mm and 5.2 mm). Experiment 1 was a 3 × 4 factorial design with three pellet mill series of decreasing capacity (medium, small, and experimental-scale; California Pellet Mill Co., Crawfordsville, Indiana, for a medium, small, and experimental pellet mill, respectively) that produced samples collected at four locations (initial, post-conditioner, post-die, and post-cooling). Three runs were completed on each pellet mill, with the shutdown of the pellet mill indicating the end of a run. Three samples were collected from each location per run, for a total of 36 samples. Experiment 2 used 350 nursery pigs (DNA 200 × 400; initially 7.6 kg) in a 28 d experiment fed two phases, with a phase change at day 14. Seven treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design plus an unpelleted mash control, with the factors of pellet diameter (4.0 mm and 5.2 mm) and conditioning temperature (low, medium, and high). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (version 9.4). In experiment 1, there was a significant pellet mill × location interaction (p = 0.012) for moisture percentage. Because moisture is added via steam at the conditioner, only the conditioning location results are described. Regardless of pellet mill type, moisture was highest in conditioned samples. However, conditioned samples from the experimental-sized pellet mill had over 1% greater (p < 0.05) moisture than samples from the medium and small pellet mills. This increase in moisture is one reason why higher (p < 0.05) PDI values were found in pellets from the experimental pellet mill compared to the medium and small pellet mills. In experiment 2, increasing conditioning temperature improved (p < 0.0001) PDI. The interaction of pellet diameter × conditioning temperature did not impact (p > 0.10) overall nursery pig feed efficiency (G:F). However, for overall G:F, both main effects tended to be significant (p < 0.10), which was caused by pigs having greater (p < 0.05) G:F when fed larger-diameter pellets conditioned at a low temperature, compared to pigs fed smaller-diameter pellets conditioned at a high temperature. Regardless of parameter, pigs fed pelleted diets had 4.5% greater (p < 0.05) G:F than those fed mash diets. In summary, pellet mill size is important to consider when evaluating factors that impact pellet quality, such as percentage moisture. Increasing conditioning temperature is one method to improve PDI, but there was a tendency to reduce nursery pig G:F when feeding two phases of diets in a 28 d study. In conclusion, conditioning feed at lower temperatures may improve nursery pig G:F when starting pigs on a new diet. Keywords: Moisture, Pelleting, Starch.

264 Effects of Low Dietary Crude Protein Diets Containing Coarse Wheat Bran as an Alternative to Zinc Oxide in Nursery Pig Diets

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 96-97
Author(s):  
Kelsey Hammers ◽  
Hilda I Calderon ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
Jason C Woodworth ◽  
Robert D Goodband ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Wheat Bran ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
Dietary Crude Protein ◽  
Nursery Pig ◽  
Reduced Crude Protein

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of reduced crude protein (CP) in diets containing coarse wheat bran (CWB) without pharmacological levels of Zn (ZnO) on growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM) of nursery pigs. A total of 650 pigs (DNA 241′600; initially 6.6 kg), were used with 5 pigs/pen and 26 replicate pens/treatment. Pens were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments in a RCB design based on BW. Treatments were fed for 13-d, contained 4% CWB, and consisted of: 1) diet with pharmacological ZnO (2,000 mg/kg Zn) and 21% CP formulated to 1.35% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys; 2) a diet with 110 ppm added Zn and 21% CP (1.35% SID Lys); 3) a diet with 110 ppm added Zn formulated to 18% CP (1.20% SID Lys); 4) an 18% CP diet with 110 ppm added Zn formulated to 1.35% SID Lys by the addition of increased levels of feed grade amino acids; and 5) diet 4 with addition of non-essential amino acids (NEAA; glycine and glutamic acid). Data were analyzed using the lmer function in R. Overall, pigs fed 21% CP with ZnO had increased (P < 0.05) ADG compared to those fed 18% CP (1.35% SID Lys) with high levels of feed grade amino acids or those fed the reduced SID Lys (1.2%) diet. Gain-to-feed ratio was increased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 21% CP diets and those fed the 18% CP diet with NEAA compared to pigs fed 1.2% SID Lys and pigs fed high levels of feed grade amino acids. Fecal DM was increased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed reduced SID Lys diet. In conclusion, reducing CP (subsequently SID Lys) in diets without ZnO decreased growth performance but increased fecal DM.

scholarly journals 129 Effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and colonic pH in diets fed to weanling pigs

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 101-102
Author(s):  
Jaron R Lewton ◽  
Adrienne Woodward ◽  
Ronny Moser ◽  
Kyan M Thelen ◽  
Adam J Moeser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Distal Colon ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
Fiber Digestion ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on apparent digestibility and colonic pH of nursery pigs. Eighty pigs, of equal number of barrows and gilts (initial BW: 6.99 ± 1.67 kg), were weaned at 21 ± 1 d and randomly allotted to sixteen pens, with five pigs per pen. Two dietary treatments were implemented, a basal control (CON) and a control plus DFM (DFM). Both diets were corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains based, formulated to meet all or exceed all nutritional requirements, and manufactured on site. Diets were fed for 42 days. Performance measures were recorded weekly. On d 21 and 42 of the experiment, one pig per pen was randomly selected and euthanized, with equal number of males and females represented. Digestibility of specific nutrients was evaluated within the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ascending and distal colon. There were no overall differences in growth performance. Overall means ± SD were 0.51 ± 0.05 kg/d, 0.79 ± 0.05 kg/d and 0.66 ± 0.05 for ADG, ADFI, and G:F, respectively. Digestibility of tryptophan within the jejunum tended (P = 0.06) to increase with addition of DFM, as did cysteine (P = 0.12) and methionine (P = 0.10). The analysis also suggested that the impact of the DFM on the digestibility of amino acids may be early in the nursery phase. The pH of contents in ascending colon, a possible indicator of varied fiber digestion, did not differ. Likewise, no differences were observed between treatment in apparent total tract nitrogen and energy digestibility (analysis of distal colon contents). The addition of a multi-strain Bacillus subtilis-based DFM appears to impact digestibility of select amino acids depending upon location in the gastrointestinal tract.

232 Effects of Yarrowia Lipolytica Supplementation on Growth Performance and Apparent Ileal Digestibility of Diets Fed to Nursery Pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 118-118
Author(s):  
Yi-Chi Cheng ◽  
Marcos E Duarte ◽  
Sung Woo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Yarrowia Lipolytica ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
Ileal Digestibility ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Poultry Fat ◽  
Nursery Pig ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Lipid Supplement

Abstract The objective was to evaluate Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) as a lipid supplement fed to nursery pigs for the growth performance and apparent ileal digestibility (AID). Twenty-four pigs weaned at 21 d of age (12 barrows and 12 gilts with initial BW at 7.2 ± 0.6 kg) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments (n = 8) based on the randomized complete block design with sex and BW as blocks. The main effect was the dietary supplementation of YL (0, 1.5, and 3.0%, replacing poultry fat) with nutrients meeting or exceeding the requirements by NRC (2012) and fed to pigs for 21 d based on 2 phases. Feed intake and BW were recorded at d 0, 10, and 21 to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Fecal scores were recorded at every odd day from d 3 to 19. Pigs were euthanized on d 21 to collect ileal digesta for AID of nutrients in diets. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS. There were no differences in growth performance among treatments. Whereas, pigs fed 0 and 1.5% YL had higher (P < 0.05) AID of DM (55.0 and 52.2% to 40.2%, respectively) and GE (62.1 and 60.6% to 49.8%, respectively) than pigs fed 3% YL. There were no differences in AID of DM and GE between the pigs fed 0% and 1.5% YL. In conclusion, 1.5% Yarrowia lipolytica could be supplemented in nursery pig diets reducing 0.8% of poultry fat without affecting growth performance and AID of DM and GE.

167 The impact of dietary SID Trp:Lys on growth performance of nursery pigs

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. 79-79
Author(s):  
D. D. Koehler ◽  
J. F. Patience ◽  
K. J. Touchette ◽  
S. A. Gould ◽  
T. A. Kellner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals 244 Effect of Fiber Source and Crude Protein Level on Nursery Pig Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 94-95
Author(s):  
Kelsey Hammers ◽  
Hilda I Calderon ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
Jason C Woodworth ◽  
Robert D Goodband ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Oat Hulls ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
Nursery Pig ◽  
Pig Performance ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Main Effects

Abstract A total of 360 pigs (DNA 200′400, initially 5.0 kg) were used in a 45-d growth trial to determine the effects of fiber source and crude protein (CP) level in diets without pharmacological levels of ZnO on nursery pig growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM). Pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 treatments with 5 pigs/pen and 9 pens/treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2×4 factorial with main effects of CP (21 or 18%) and fiber source [none, coarse wheat bran (CWB), oat hulls, or cellulose (Arbocel, J. Rettenmaier USA, Schoolcraft, MI)]. Fiber source was added to equalize the level of insoluble fiber contributed from 4% CWB, resulting in the addition of 1.85% oat hulls or 1.55% cellulose. Diets were fed in two phases (d 0 to 10 and 10 to 24) followed by a common diet (d 24 to 45). The 21% CP diets contained 1.40% SID Lys in phase 1 and 1.35% SID Lys in phase 2. Treatment diets were formulated to a maximum SID Lys:digestible CP level of 6.35%, thus SID Lys decreased in the 18% CP (1.25% SID Lys) diets. Data were analyzed using the lmer function in R. No fiber source × CP level interactions (P >0.05) were observed. Decreasing dietary CP decreased (P = 0.05) ADG, G:F, and d 24 BW. Overall, ADG and d 45 BW decreased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 18% CP diets. No main effects of fiber source were observed for growth performance throughout the study. Fecal DM increased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed added cellulose compared to pigs fed no fiber or CWB in the experimental period. In conclusion, reducing dietary CP decreased growth performance and the inclusion of cellulose improved fecal DM of nursery pigs.

scholarly journals 136 The impact of Swine Awake® on commercial nursery flows from a PRRSV positive source

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 74-74
Author(s):  
Emily Sugg ◽  
Randy Jones ◽  
Tyler Holck ◽  
Scott Heintzelman ◽  
Sarah A Weiland
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Oral Fluid ◽  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Single Source ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Source

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Swine Awake® (SA; NutriQuest, Mason City, IA) on commercial nursery pigs from a single-source positive for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Virus (PRRSV). This study included 16 nursery rooms located on 3 farms. Rooms were alternately assigned between Control and SA treatment for a total of 8 rooms per treatment, with both treatments equally represented at each farm. Control and SA treatment rooms averaged 1,144 and 1,125 pigs placed for 47.4 and 48.3 days on trial, respectively. Swine Awake was administered via water for 21 d post-placement. Serum samples were collected from 30 pigs in each room at placement before MLV PRRSV vaccination and pooled in groups of 5 within room. Pooled serum samples along with oral fluid samples pulled the last days of trial were sent for PRRSV quantification by PCR. Performance data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Farm, start BW, and days on trial were used as covariates in the model when significant (P < 0.05). Twenty-seven of 96 pooled serum samples and 29 of 30 oral fluid samples tested positive for PRRSV with CT values ranging from 26.2 to < 37, suggesting pigs were viremic at placement with virus present throughout the study. End BW, ADG, and G/F did not significantly differ between treatments (P > 0.10); however, a numerical improvement of 0.27 kg for end BW and a 1.9% improvement in G/F were observed for pigs given SA compared with Control. Reduced percentage of dead or euthanized pigs was observed for pigs given SA compared with Control (4.1 vs. 5.9%, P = 0.06). Overall, nursery growth performance in pigs coming from a PRRSV positive flow was not different between treatments, but total mortality was decreased by 31% in barns where SA was administered.

scholarly journals PSV-10 Effects of storing three phytase sources for 90 days under high temperature and humidity on phytase stability, growth performance, and bone mineralization of nursery pigs

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 194-195
Author(s):  
Carine M Vier ◽  
Mariana Boscato Menegat ◽  
Kiah M Gourley ◽  
Steve S Dritz ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Bone Mineralization ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Phytase Activity ◽  
Pure Form ◽  
Nursery Pigs ◽  
Bone Ash ◽  
Nursery Pig

Abstract This study evaluated storing 3 commercial phytases for 90 d in an environmental chamber set at 29.4°C and 75% humidity on phytase stability and nursery pig growth performance and bone mineralization. The phytases [HiPhos GT (20,000 FYT/g, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ); Axtra Phy TPT (20,000 FTU/g, Dupont, Wilmington, DE), and Quantum Blue G (40,000 FTU/g, AB Vista, Plantation, FL)] were kept as pure forms or blended in a vitamin-trace mineral (VTM) premix and sampled on d 0, 30, 60, and 90 of storage. Regardless of source and form, analyzed phytase activity decreased (linear, P < 0.001) as storage increased. Afterwards, 300 nursery pigs (11.7 kg BW) were assigned to 1 of 8 treatments in a RCBD with 4-5 pigs/pen and 8 pens/treatment. Treatments included a negative (NC, 0.12% aP) and positive control (PC, 0.27% aP) without phytase; or NC with added phytase to provide 0.15% aP (1,000, 651 and 500 FTU/kg for HiPhos, Axtra Phy, and Quantum Blue, respectively). Negative control with added phytase treatments were manufactured with each phytase source previously stored in pure form or VTM premix for 90d. Pigs fed PC had greater (P < 0.001) ADG compared to pigs fed Axtra Phy stored in VTM or NC. Feed intake was similar for PC, phytases stored in pure forms, and HiPhos and Quantum Blue stored in VTM, and greater (P < 0.001) than pigs fed NC. Pigs fed PC or HiPhos stored in pure form had improved (P < 0.001) G:F compared to pigs fed NC. Bone mineralization was greater (P < 0.001) for pigs fed PC compared to NC, phytases stored in VTM, and Axtra Phy and Quantum Blue stored in pure form. Regardless of source and form, phytase activity decreased as storage increased. In this study, bone ash was reduced when phytases were stored for 90d in a VTM compared to the PC.

scholarly journals The effect of feed form and delivery method on feed microbiology and growth performance in grow-finisher pigs

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona M O’Meara ◽  
Gillian E Gardiner ◽  
John V O’Doherty ◽  
Peadar G Lawlor
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Liquid System ◽  
Proximate Analysis ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Delivery Method ◽  
Hematological Analysis ◽  
Feed Form ◽  
Pellet Form

Abstract There is no generally accepted optimal feed form and delivery method for feeding finisher pigs. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of feed form (meal and pellet) and delivery method (liquid, dry, and wet/dry) on feed microbiology and growth, gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), and carcass quality of finisher pigs. Two batches of pigs were used, each with six pen replicates per treatment. In each batch 216 pigs (32.7 kg; ± 0.48 SE) housed in same-sex (entire male or female) pens of six pigs per pen were on treatment for ~62 d prior to slaughter. The experiment was a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two factors for diet form (meal and pellets) and three factors for feed delivery (dry, wet/dry, liquid). The treatments were 1) meal from dry feeder, 2) meal from wet/dry feeder, 3) meal from liquid system, 4) pellet from dry feeder, 5) pellet from wet/dry feeder, and 6) pellet from liquid system. Pig growth performance was determined, blood samples collected at slaughter for hematological analysis and microbiological and proximate analysis of feed performed. A significant feed form × delivery interaction was found for G:F. During the overall period G:F was 0.446, 0.433, 0.423, 0.474, 0.459, and 0.418 g/g (SE = 0.0080; P &lt; 0.01) for treatments 1 through 6, respectively. When feed was pelleted, G:F was improved when feed delivery was dry or wet/dry compared to meal but when the delivery was liquid, pelleting did not affect G:F. There were no interactive effects for overall average daily gain (ADG). Overall ADG was 1,114 and 1,156 g/d (SE = 16.9; P &lt; 0.01) for pigs fed diets in meal and pellet form, respectively and 1,080, 1,114, and 1,210 g/d (SE = 18.4; P &lt; 0.001) for dry-, wet/dry-, and liquid-fed pigs, respectively. Carcass weight was 76.6 and 79.0 kg (SE = 0.55; P &lt; 0.001) for pigs fed in meal and pellet form, respectively, while it was 74.7, 77.3, and 81.5 kg (SE = 0.60; P &lt; 0.001) for pigs delivered dry, wet/dry, and liquid diets, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria (P &lt; 0.05) and yeast (P &lt; 0.01) counts in troughs were greater for the liquid than the dry diet in both meal and pelleted form. There was also evidence of lysine degradation in the liquid diet but this did not impact pig growth. Feeding the diet in pelleted vs. meal form led to lower hemoglobin and greater white blood cell and neutrophil counts (P &lt; 0.05). To conclude, wet/dry feeding of a pelleted diet is recommended to maximize growth rate while optimizing G:F in grow-finisher pigs.

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