scholarly journals The Effect of Fermented Kefir as Functional Feed Additive in Post-Weaned Pigs

Fermentation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Woosik Choi ◽  
Dang Bao Son ◽  
Jeongpyo Hong ◽  
Dabeen Jeong ◽  
Hee-Chang Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Weaned Pigs ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Microbial Profile ◽  
Bacillus Spp

The control of the immune system of pigs after weaning is important in pig farming because productivity depends on the survival of the post-weaned pigs. Previously, antibiotics would have been administered in the case of infectious diseases to increase the survival rate of post-weaned pigs, but now, the use of antibiotics is strictly restricted in order to prevent other problems such as the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In this study, the effect of fermented kefir as a functional feed additive as a replacement to antibiotics was evaluated in terms of the microbial profile in fecal samples, immunological factors in the blood of pigs, growth performance measured as average daily gain (ADG) and the feed conversion rate (FCR) of post-weaned pigs. In the kefir-treated group, the number of lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp. in the fecal samples of the pigs increased with the kefir treatments. Interestingly, the number of coliform groups as opportunistic pathogens was reduced in the fecal samples of pigs treated with kefir. We found out that treatment with kefir enhanced the innate immunity of post-weaned pigs though the reduction of IL-6 as a proinflammatory cytokine and an increase in IgG as an immunoglobulin, enhancing immunological defense against pathogens. Finally, after treatment with kefir, we observed that the ADG of post-weaned pigs increased to 135.6% but FCR decreased to 92.2%. Therefore, this study shows that fermented kefir can be used as a functional feed additive and an antibiotic alternative in order to improve both the innate immune system and growth performance of post-weaned pigs.

scholarly journals Chito-oligosaccharide as growth promoter replacement for weaned piglets: performance, morphometry, and immune system

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 3253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Raele Oliveira ◽  
Caio Abércio da Silva ◽  
Raúl Jorge Hernan Castro-Gómez ◽  
Arturo Pardo Lozano ◽  
David Fernandes Gavioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Spleen Weight ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Intestinal Length ◽  
Diet Formulation ◽  
Duodenal Ph

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chito-oligosaccharide (COS) against two growth promoter antibiotics, colistin and lincomycin, with respect to growth performance, incidence of diarrhea, visceral characteristics, morphometry, and serum immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgG, and IgM). A total of 96 Pen Ar Lan® piglets (48 barrows and 48 females), weaned at 17 days and with body weight (BW) 5.33 ± 0.37 kg, were subjected to the evaluation of growth performance and serum. Twenty-four animals, females, 35-day-old and with BW 6.86 ± 0.64 kg, were used for the assessment of histology and visceral organ weight. The three treatments were a basic diet formulation supplemented with COS (100 mg kg-1), colistin (40 mg kg-1), or lincomycin (4.4 mg kg-1). The antibiotic treatments showed higher average daily gain (ADG) than COS treatment during the period of 49 to 63 days; whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher and incidence of diarrhea was lower for the colistin treatment than for other treatments. The spleen weight and the small intestinal length were higher and duodenal pH was lower for COS than for antibiotics. Morphometry indicated greater villus height and higher ratio of villus height to crypt depth with colistin than with COS and a lower lesion score compared with other treatments. The serum IgA concentration was higher for COS in 35-day-old piglets. According to the results, COS was not efficient to replace colistin as a growth promoter for piglets weaned at 17 days; however, the results related to the immune system suggested that COS is a potentially promising product during weaning.

scholarly journals PSVI-17 The organic feed additive Calica+ improves growth performance and shows anticoccidial effects in broilers

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 201-201
Author(s):  
Yan Martel-Kennes ◽  
Caroline Decaux ◽  
Carl Julien
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Eimeria Species ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Cashew Nut Shell Liquid ◽  
Broiler Performance ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Cashew Nut

Abstract Development of natural alternatives to drugs is necessary for the poultry industry not only for organic production, but also for limiting drug resistance and for complying with upcoming regulations. Two pen trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of Calica+, an activated vegetal oil from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), on broiler performance and on coccidiosis in different conditions. The first trial was conducted in Eimeria vaccination conditions with commercial Coccivac-B52. The second one was realized in Eimeria challenge conditions, induced by an oral administration of 200,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species harvested from field isolates. In Eimeria vaccination conditions trial, Calica+ improved average daily gain (ADG) (+4.5%, P < 0.05) during the overall growing period and decreased levels of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) (−44.1%, P < 0.05), at Eimeria excretion peak (days 17–20), compared to untreated broilers. However, no significant effect of Calica+ on Eimeria intestinal lesions was observed. Overall ADG in Calica+-treated birds was not significantly different compared to nicarbazin-monensin anticoccidial medication (P = 0.8362) but showed higher feed conversion ratio (FCR; +6.0%, P < 0.05). In Eimeria challenge conditions trial, Calica+ feeding treatment improved ADG after infection, during the period from d20 to d36 of age (+4.4%, P < 0.05) compared to untreated birds. Compared with nicarbazin-monensin medication, Calica+-treated birds showed higher FCR (+3.5%, P < 0.05), but comparable ADG (P = 0.3145). Interestingly, birds fed the treatment with Calica+ showed a trend of increased plasmatic levels of IL-1ß compared to untreated broilers (+25.6%, P = 0.0676), suggesting an immune activation as a potential mechanism of action for Calica+. In summary, Calica+ showed beneficial growth performance and anticoccidial effects in these two different trial conditions. This feed additive could be involved in a strategy to reduce the use of anticoccidial medication in broiler production.

scholarly journals Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal microbial composition of weaned pigs fed multi-enzyme supplemented diets

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangwoo Park ◽  
Wenting Li ◽  
Benoit St-Pierre ◽  
Qiong Wang ◽  
Tofuko Awori Woyengo
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Fecal Bacteria ◽  
Weaned Pigs ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Bacterial Composition ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Fecal Score

Abstract A study determined the effects of supplementing corn-based diets for weaned pigs with multi-enzymes on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, fecal score, and fecal microbial composition. A total of 132 pigs (initial body weight = 7.23 kg) that had been weaned at 21 d of age and fed a drug-free nursery diet for 7 d were housed in 33 pens of 4 barrows or gilts, blocked by body weight and gender, and fed 3 experimental diets at 11 pens per diet. The diets were corn-based diet without or with multi-enzyme A or B. Multi-enzyme A supplied 4,000 U of xylanase, 150 U of β-glucanase, 3,500 U of protease, and 1,500 U of amylase per kilogram of diet. Multi-enzyme B was the same as multi-enzyme A except that it supplied amylase at 150 U/kg, and that its source of amylase was different from that of multi-enzyme A. All diets contained phytase at 1,000 U/kg. The diets were fed for 35 d in 2 phases; phase 1 for the first 14 d and phase 2 for the last 21 d of the trial. Fecal score was determined daily during the first 7 d of the trial. Fecal samples were collected from rectum of 1 pig per pen on days 2, 7, 14, and 35 of the trial for determining bacterial composition. Also, fresh fecal samples were collected from each pen on days 41 and 42 to determine ATTD of nutrients. Multi-enzyme B increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) for phases 1 and 2. For the overall study period, multi-enzyme B increased (P < 0.05) ADG from 262 to 313 g, and average daily feed intake (ADFI) from 419 to 504 g. Multi-enzyme A increased (P < 0.05) overall ADG from 262 to 290 g, but did not affect ADFI. Multi-enzyme A or B did not affect ATTD of gross energy, but increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of ether extract from 30% to 36% or 37%, respectively. Multi-enzyme A did not affect fecal score; however, multi-enzyme B tended to decrease (P = 0.09) fecal score, implying that it tended to decrease diarrhea. Firmicutes were the most abundant phylum of fecal bacteria (its relative abundance ranged from 58% to 72%). Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were the 2nd and 3rd most abundant phyla of fecal bacteria. Neither multi-enzyme affected fecal bacterial composition. In conclusion, the addition of multi-enzyme A or B to phytase-supplemented corn-based diet for weaned pigs can improve their growth performance and fat digestibility. However, multi-enzyme B was more effective than multi-enzyme A in terms of improving the growth performance of weaned pigs fed corn-based diet.

scholarly journals The effect of herbal feed additive on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Lipiński ◽  
Zofia Antoszkiewicz ◽  
Sylwia Kotlarczyk ◽  
Magdalena Mazur-Kuśnirek ◽  
Joanna Kaliniewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Efficiency Index ◽  
Energy Concentration ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Feed Conversion

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristics, the chemical composition of breast muscles and selected meat quality parameters in broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on 1080 Ross 308 chickens, which were randomly divided into six groups with six replicates per group. In experimental groups, dietary energy concentration was reduced by 0.10 or 0.25 MJ kg−1, and the diets were or were not supplemented with the Superliv herbal formula at 500 g t−1 of diet. A statistical analysis revealed that Superliv had a beneficial influence on the final body weights (BWs) of birds, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), European Efficiency Index (EEI) and the proportion of heart relative to total carcass weight. However, meat acidity measured 15 min post mortem was higher in experimental groups. A decrease in dietary energy concentration contributed to a highly significant increase in the water-holding capacity (WHC) of meat and natural drip loss, an increase in pH15, an increase in color lightness, a decrease in redness, an increase in the fat content of meat, and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration.

scholarly journals Effects of Microencapsulated Blends of Organics Acids (OA) and Essential Oils (EO) as a Feed Additive for Broiler Chicken. A Focus on Growth Performance, Gut Morphology and Microbiology

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Stamilla ◽  
Antonino Messina ◽  
Sabrina Sallemi ◽  
Lucia Condorelli ◽  
Francesco Antoci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Acids ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Gut Morphology ◽  
Dietary Treatments

The goal of the trial was testing the effects of a blend of organic acids and essential oils dietary supplementation on growth performance and gut healthiness in broiler chickens. In total, 420 male Ross 308 chicks (1-day old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: basal (BD) and organic acids and essential oils (OA&EO) diets (three replicates/treatment; 70 broilers/replicate). BD group received commercial diets whereas OA&EO group basal diets + 5 g/kg of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils. OA&EO treatment improved the average daily gain (p < 0.01) and feed conversion ratio at 37–47 days compared to BD treatment. OA&EO treatment improved gut morphology mostly at ileum and duodenum levels in terms of villi height, crypt depth, number of villi, mucosa thickness and villi area at 24 and 34 sampling days. A certain selective action against Clostridium perfringens in ileum of OA&EO group was shown at 33 (p = 0.053) and 46 days (p = 0.09) together with lower median values for Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci, Mesophilic bacteria and Clostridium perfringens at ceca level. Overall, organic acids and essential oils supplementation improved growth performance in the final growth stage and some morphological gut traits and reduced to a certain extent Clostridium perfringens count in ileum.

scholarly journals PSVIII-3 Beneficial effect of cashew nutshell liquid-based supplements in vaccinated broilers against coccidiosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 254-254
Author(s):  
Caroline Decaux ◽  
Luigi Pomponi ◽  
Carl Julien
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Eimeria Species ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Intestinal Lesion ◽  
Eimeria Infection

Abstract Vaccination has been developed over the years to counter coccidiosis; however, its effectiveness varies, and it is difficult to exploit due in particular to the young age of chickens at slaughter. Cashew nutsell liquid (CNSL) supplements have shown beneficial effects on growth performance and anticoccidial effects in Eimeria-challenged broilers. However, CNSL effects during an Eimeria infection in vaccinated chickens against coccidiosis need to be determined especially for organic production. Broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis were housed in pens and received one of the following treatments: 1) non-infected, non-treated (blank control); 2) infected, non-treated (negative control); 3) infected, nibarbazin/monensin shuttle program (positive control); 4) infected, Calica+ (CNSL-based formulation). Eimeria infection was induced by an oral administration of 200,000 sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria species harvested from field isolates. The trial was performed with 8 pens of 45 birds per treatment. Performance data and oocyst counts were analyzed by a mixed model including treatment as fixed effect and pen as random effect. Intestinal lesion scores were analyzed by category analyses. Calica+ improved average daily gain (ADG) (+7.4%, P &lt; 0.05) and showed a trend to reduce feed conversion ratio (FCR) (−1.8%, P &lt; 0.07) during the overall growing period (days 0–35), compared to infected and untreated broilers. Birds fed Calica+ also showed higher ADG than birds on nibarbazin/monensin shuttle program (+7.2%, P &lt; 0.05). Calica+ did not change levels of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) at Eimeria excretion peak (6 days after inoculation) but it showed a trend to reduce the Eimeria tenella intestinal lesion scores (p&lt; 0.0685). In summary, the CNSL-based formulation Calica+ showed beneficial growth performance and anticoccidial effects in vaccination conditions against coccidiosis. This organic feed additive could be involved in an anticoccidiosis strategy that includes vaccination.

scholarly journals Effects of Diet Supplemented with Excess Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Redox Status in Weaned Pigs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 359
Author(s):  
Dongxu Ming ◽  
Caiyun Huang ◽  
Wenhui Wang ◽  
Zijie Wang ◽  
Chenyu Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Concentration ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Growth Promoter ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Weaned Pigs ◽  
Large White ◽  
Diarrhea Incidence

The research was implemented to assess the safety of feeding excess of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) to 108 Duroc × Landrace × Large White weaned pigs (BW = 8.38 ± 0.47 kg). Pigs were weaned at 28 d and randomly distributed to one of three diets with six replicates and six pigs per replicate (three males and three females). Pigs in the control group were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet (without growth promoter) while the two experimental diets were supplied with 7.5 and 75.0 mg/kg PQQ·Na2, respectively. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion (F:G), diarrhea incidence, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ index and general health were determined. Diets supplementation with 7.5 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 in weaned pigs could increase ADG during the entire experimental period (p < 0.05). And there was a tendency to decrease F:G (p = 0.063). The F:G of weaned pigs fed 7.5 and 75.0 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 supplemented diets was decreased by 9.83% and 8.67%, respectively, compared to the control group. Moreover, pigs had reduced diarrhea incidence (p < 0.01) when supplemented with PQQ·Na2. No differences were observed between pigs supplemented with 0.0, 7.5 and 75.0 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 diets on hematological and serum biochemical parameters as well as histological assessment of heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney. At day 14, pigs had increased activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), and the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased (p < 0.01) with PQQ·Na2 supplementation. At day 28, pigs had increased activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (p < 0.01), GSH-Px (p < 0.01), CAT (p < 0.05) and T-AOC (p < 0.01), and serum concentration of MDA was lower (p < 0.01) with PQQ·Na2 supplementation. In conclusion, PQQ·Na2 can improve weaned pigs growth performance and serum antioxidant status. Meanwhile high PQQ·Na2 inclusion of 75.0 mg/kg does not appear to result in harmful effects on growth performance of pigs.

PSIII-16 Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs Fed Barley Differing in Fermentable Starch and Fiber Profile

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 175-176
Author(s):  
Joaquin J Sanchez Zannatta ◽  
L F Wang ◽  
Eduardo Beltranena ◽  
Aaron D Beattie ◽  
Rex N Newkirk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Steam Explosion ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Weaned Pigs ◽  
Cereal Grain ◽  
Hulled Barley

Abstract Barley grain containing more fermentable starch or fiber might be an attractive energy source in weaned pig diets due to benefits on gut health. Barley rapidly-fermentable carbohydrates may serve as prebiotic and slowly-fermentable fiber may decrease diarrhea in weaned pigs. Steam-explosion processing may disrupt the fiber matrix of hulls, increasing slowly-fermentable fiber of barley. To explore, 220 pigs were fed 1 of 5 diets containing 60% cereal grain: 1) low-fermentable hulled barley (LFB); 2) LFB steam-exploded (LFB-E; 1.2 MPa, 120 s); 3) high β-glucan (10% DM) hull-less barley (HFB); 4) high amylose (17% DM) hull-less barley (HFA); or 5) low-fermentable wheat (LFW). Diets were fed starting 1-week post-weaning and formulated to provide 2.4 and 2.3 Mcal net energy (NE)/kg, 5.5 and 5.1 g standardized ileal digestible lysine/Mcal NE for phase 1 (day 1–14) and phase 2 (day 15–35), respectively. For the entire trial (day 1–35), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of pigs did not differ among diets. Gain:feed (G:F) did not differ between LFB and LFW diets, but steam-explosion of hulled barley reduced (P &lt; 0.05) G:F. Feces consistency did not differ between LFB and LFW diets, but was better (P &lt; 0.05) for LFB than HFB, HFA and LFB-E diets. For phase 1, G:F of pigs was lower (P &lt; 0.05) for LFB-E diet than LFW diet. For days 22–28, LFB-E diet had greater (P &lt; 0.01) ADFI than HFA diet and tended (P = 0.09) to have a greater ADG than HFB diet. In conclusion, hulled or hull-less barley grain replaced wheat grain without affecting growth performance in weaned pigs. Hulled barley increased feces consistency. Steam-explosion of hulled barley did not increase growth performance of weaned pigs. Barley grain is an attractive energy source for weaned pigs for managing growth and feces consistency.

159 Evaluation of Bacillus Subtilis PB6 Probiotic (CLOSTAT® 500) on Feedlot Phase Growth Performance, Efficiency of Dietary Net Energy Utilization, and Fecal and Subiliac Lymph Node Salmonella Prevalence

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 119-120
Author(s):  
Zachary K Smith ◽  
Paul Rand R Broadway ◽  
Keith Underwood ◽  
Warren C Rusche ◽  
Julie Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Fecal Samples

Abstract Yearling beef steers (n = 238; initial BW=402 ± 31.2 kg) were used to evaluate a Bacillus subtilis probiotic on growth performance, dietary net energy (NE) utilization, carcass characteristics, and fecal and subiliac lymph node Salmonella prevalence during a 140-d finishing period. Steers were allotted to 24 pens (n = 9 to 10 steers/pen) and assigned to one of two treatments (12 pens/treatment): no probiotic (CON) or 0.50 g·steer-1·d-1 of a Bacillus subtilis PB6 probiotic (CLOSTAT® 500, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA; CLO). Steers were transitioned to a 90% concentrate diet (DM basis) over 14-d. Steers were fed once daily at 0700 h; bunks were managed according to a slick bunk management. Fecal samples were collected on d 1, 28, 56, 112, and 140 from each pen (n = 5 steers/pen) via rectal palpation and composited by pen for determination of Salmonella prevalence. Upon harvest, subiliac lymph nodes were obtained from 60 steers in CON and 57 steers in CLO. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design; pen was the experimental unit; α of 0.05 determined significance. No differences were detected (P ≥ 0.25) between treatments for live or carcass-adjusted average daily gain, dry matter intake, gain efficiency, dietary NE utilization, nor calculated dietary NE content based upon performance. No differences were detected between treatments for any carcass traits (P ≥ 0.15). Salmonella was not recovered in any fecal samples except on d 112, where steers from CLO had a numerically lower (P = 0.17; 8.3 vs. 25.0%) incidence of fecal Salmonella compared to CON and on d 140 fecal, where Salmonella incidence did not differ (P = 0.34; 0.0 vs. 8.3%) for CON and CLO, respectively. Salmonella was not recovered in any subiliac lymph nodes. These data indicate that CLO did not influence growth performance or Salmonella prevalence.

scholarly journals Impact of a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance, feed intake, and carcass traits of finishing steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1162-1172
Author(s):  
Tassilo Brand ◽  
Martin Hünerberg ◽  
Tim A McAllister ◽  
Maolong He ◽  
Atef M Saleem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Liver Abscesses ◽  
Finishing Steers

Abstact: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic feed additive (Digestarom [DA]; Biomin, Getzersdorf, Austria) on growth performance, feed intake, carcass traits, fatty acid composition, and liver abscesses of finishing steers. One hundred twenty Angus × Charolais crossbred steers (488 ± 26.5 kg) were used in a 110-d feeding experiment. Steers were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to 12 pens with 10 steers per pen. Each pen was allocated to one of three diets. Each diet contained 86.5% barley, 10.0% barley silage, and 3.5% vitamin and mineral supplement on a dry matter (DM) basis. The diets contained 0, 0.05, and 0.1 g DA/kg complete diet (DM basis), to achieve average daily DA intakes of 0 (control), 0.5 (LowDA), and 1.0 g (HighDA) per steer. Diets were prepared once daily and provided ad libitum. Two pens per treatment were equipped to record individual feed intake behavior. Steers were weighed every 28 d and carcass traits and liver scores were recorded at slaughter. Dry matter intake (average: 9.34 kg/d) did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) among diets. Average daily gain tended to increase linearly as DA increased (control: 1.82; LowDA: 1.87; and HighDA: 1.95 kg/d; P &lt; 0.09), but gain:feed ratio was not affected. Supplementation of DA affected longissimus muscle area quadratically (P = 0.05) with the largest area observed for LowDA. However, dressing percentage decreased linearly in response to increasing level of DA (P &lt; 0.01). Total abscessed livers were not affected, whereas proportion of severe liver abscesses was numerically lower with DA (30.8% and 42.5% for LowDA and HighDA) compared to the control (50%).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document