Abstract
Choline and water-soluble vitamins are essential nutrients for monogastric species. Choline is involved in cell structure and function making it a crucial nutrient in cognitive, cardiovascular and liver health. Additionally, choline along with methionine, betaine, folic acid and vitamin B12 are considered methyl donors and play important roles in DNA methylation. Choline deficiency symptoms can include fatty liver, neuromuscular issues, poor immune function and poor growth rates which can affect animal production profitability. While the Swine NRC (2012) has set forth dietary requirements, there is a lack of current information related to how the levels of methyl-containing compounds differ in varying ingredients. Improvements in analytical testing procedures, changes to the genetic makeup of crops, and current processing methods collectively influence nutrient concentrations in feedstuffs. The purpose of this project was to sample and analyze numerous samples of corn dried distiller grains with solubles (corn DDGS) and wheat collected in 2019 to permit quantification of choline and other methyl-containing compounds. Thirty-two corn DDGS samples and 23 wheat samples were collected from 12 states within the United States. Samples were then analyzed at Eurofins Scientific (Des Moines, IA) for dry matter, amino acid, choline, betaine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 concentrations. In general, corn DDGS exhibited lower analyzed methyl-containing nutrient concentrations when compared with wheat (Table 1). Methionine and folic acid contents of both ingredients were similar to those reported by the Swine NRC (2012). However, analyzed choline levels were 20% lower for corn DDGS and 18% higher for wheat than those reported by the Swine NRC. The lack of updated information related to choline and betaine in these two feedstuffs would suggest there may be inaccuracies in formulating diets to meet the requirements for optimal growth and health of pigs.
