Abstract
Enogen® Feed Corn (EFC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) hybrids contain a trait for expression of heat-stable alpha amylase in the grain. Alpha amylase is an enzyme responsible for breakdown of starch in the small intestine; supplementation of exogenous alpha amylase to pigs may result in greater starch digestibility and thus improved gain efficiency. A total of 288 pigs (Line 600 × 241, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 41.6 kg) were utilized in an 82-d trial to determine if replacing conventional yellow dent corn (CONV) with EFC in diets with or without distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) influences growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments balancing for initial BW. There were 9 pens per treatment with 8 pigs per pen (an equal number of barrows and gilts per pen). Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (CONV or EFC) and 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. Pigs were weighed approximately every 2 wk and at the beginning of each phase. On d 82, pigs were transported to a commercial abattoir for processing and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen as the experimental unit. There were no corn source by DDGS interactions (P > 0.05) observed for overall performance or carcass characteristics. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) was marginally greater (P < 0.089) for pigs fed EFC than CONV with no evidence (P > 0.196) for difference in average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain efficiency (G:F), hot carcass weight (HCW), or other carcass traits. Addition of DDGS decreased (P < 0.047) overall ADG and G:F. Pigs fed DDGS had marginally lower (P < 0.071) HCW, less (P < 0.050) backfat depth, greater (P < 0.026) loin depth, and greater (P < 0.020) percentage lean and carcass fat iodine value (IV). In summary, addition of 25% DDGS to the diet decreased ADG and increased carcass fat IV. Pigs fed EFC tended to have improved overall ADG; however, G:F and carcass characteristics were not different between corn sources. These results suggest that EFC, although not beneficial, may be used as a substitute for CONV without any deleterious effects on growth performance. Further research should be conducted to understand if addition of EFC to swine diets could be beneficial in younger pigs exhibiting decreased pancreatic α-amylase secretion following weaning, or whether heat treatment of diets, such as pelleting, may influence the response to EFC.