Dietary supplementation with inosine-5′-monophosphate improves the functional, energetic, and antioxidant status of liver and muscle growth in pigs

Inosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-IMP) is an essential nucleotide for de novo nucleotide biosynthesis and metabolism of energy, proteins, and antioxidants. Nucleotides are conditionally essential, as they cannot be produced sufficiently rapidly to meet the needs of the body in situations of oxidative stress or rapid muscle growth. A deficient intake of nucleotides can result in decreased ATP and GTP synthesis and impaired metabolism. We demonstrated that supplementation of finishing pig diets with 5′-IMP reduces the relative weight of the liver, and increases oxygen consumption during mitochondrial respiration without changing the ADP/O ratio, indicating an increase in the respiratory efficiency of liver mitochondria. We also observed a reduction in liver lipid peroxidation and an increase in muscle creatine. Moreover, 5′IMP supplementation increases slaughter weight, lean meat yield, sarcomere length, and backfat thickness in finishing barrows, demonstrating influence on protein metabolism. We suggest that 5′-IMP supplementation increase the mitochondrial respiratory capacity when the liver metabolic activity is stimulated, enhances antioxidant defense, and promotes muscle growth in finishing barrows.

221 Camelina Meal as an Alternative Ingredient in Growing-finishing Pig Diets

The objective of this experiment was to determine the most effective inclusion rate of camelina meal (CM) in growing-finishing pig diets. Pigs (n = 192; 11 wk old), balanced for sex and initial weight, were assigned to 4 dietary treatments (6 pens/treatment; 8 pig/pen). Treatments consisted of a non-GMO corn-soybean meal-based control diet (CON), and CON containing 5% CM (5%CM), 10% (10%CM), or 15% (15%CM) camelina meal. Feed deliveries and pigs were weighed every other week to calculate ADG, ADFI, and Gain:Feed on a pen basis. Focal pigs (5/treatment) were harvested at 23 wk of age at the University of Minnesota abattoir for meat quality analysis (drip loss, pH, fat depth, belly firmness, loin marbling score, shelf life) and the remaining pigs were harvested at a commercial abattoir. Before harvest, real-time ultrasonic measurements of back fat depth and loin eye area were collected on all pigs. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix with dietary treatment as a fixed effect and pen as the experimental unit with data collected over time considered as repeated measures. Pigs fed CON diet consumed more feed than pigs fed CM diets (P = 0.002; Table 1). Pigs fed CON diet exhibited higher (P = 0.002) ADG than pigs consuming 10%CM and 15%CM diets. These differences resulted in heavier (P = 0.003) CON-fed pigs at marketing than 10%CM or 15%CM-fed pigs. There were no significant differences in Gain:Feed, any carcass or meat quality traits analyzed (data not shown). These results suggest that supplementing 5% CM in corn-soybean meal-based diets will not negatively influence growth performance, carcass traits, or meat quality of growing-finishing pigs.

Effectiveness and costs of interventions to reduce the within-farm Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence on pig farms in the Netherlands

Background The parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is recognized as one of the major foodborne pathogens with a high human disease burden. To control T. gondii infections in pigs, European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) advises serological testing of pigs and audits of pig farms to identify risk factors for T. gondii infection. In line with this approach, the aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness and costs of intervention measures implemented to reduce the T. gondii seroprevalence on finishing pig farms in the Netherlands. A crossover clinical trial was conducted at five case farms were their own control and the cross-over moment was the implementation of interventions to reduce risk factors. Each of the case farms had a farm-specific intervention strategy with one principal intervention measure (neutering of cats, professional rodent control or covering food storage). Results All finishing pig farms (n = 5) showed a reduction in T. gondii seroprevalence within one year of implementing the intervention strategy. Cat neutering (n = 3) and feed coverage (n = 1) showed statistically significant reductions in seroprevalence. Rodent control (n = 1) did not show a statistically significant reduction. The estimated reduction in seroprevalence in response to the neutering of cats and feed coverage were 67 and 96 %, respectively. Conclusions Our work demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the within-farm T. gondii seroprevalence within one year after interventions were implemented to reduce T. gondii risk factors. This information is essential and encouraging for policy makers, food business operators, and farmers to implement in their risk assessment and to apply to food safety control systems.

The influence of particle size of Enogen Feed corn and conventional yellow dent corn on nursery and finishing pig performance, carcass characteristics and stomach morphology

Enogen Feed corn is a variety developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL) that has been genetically modified to contain an α-amylase enzyme trait (SYT-EFC). Originally, Enogen feed corn was developed for the ethanol industry due to its reduction in viscosity of the corn mash, thus eliminating the need to add a liquid form of the α-amylase enzyme. However, there is potential application for Enogen Feed corn to be used in livestock diets due to the increase in α-amylase enzyme potential to increase starch digestibility. A more common method of increasing starch digestibility in corn is to finely grind it to reduce particle size. This increases the surface area and allows for greater interaction with digestive enzymes. We hypothesized that pigs fed Enogen feed corn potentially could achieve similar gain:feed ratio (G:F) at larger particle sizes than conventional corn because of the differences in starch digestibility. In Exp. 1, a total of 360 pigs (DNA 200 × 400, Columbus, NE; initially 6.6 ± 0.1 kg BW) were used with 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (300, 600, or 900 µm). Overall, there was a corn source × particle size interaction (linear, P = 0.027) for G:F. There was no effect due to particle size when pigs were fed conventional yellow dent corn, but in pigs fed Enogen Feed corn, G:F increased with decreasing particle size. Neither corn source nor particle size affected (P > 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). In Exp. 2, a total of 323 pigs (241 × 600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 50.0 ± 1.3 kg) were used with 9 pigs per pen and 6 pens per treatment. Treatments were identical as Exp. 1. Overall, corn source had no effect on finishing pig ADG, ADFI or G:F. For corn particle size, ADG and G:F increased (linear, P < 0.014) and ADFI decreased (P = 0.043) as particle size decreased. For stomach morphology, there was a tendency for a corn source × particle size interaction (P = 0.055) for keratinization score with keratinization increasing linearly (P = 0.001) as particle size of the corn decreased for yellow dent corn with no change in keratinization score as particle size decreased for Enogen Feed corn. In summary, reducing corn particle size improved G:F with no major differences observed between corn sources for overall pig performance.

Evaluation of Tail Lesions of Finishing Pigs at the Slaughterhouse: Associations With Herd-Level Observations

The prevalence of tail lesions evaluated at the slaughterhouse varies considerably between herds. These lesions result mainly from tail biting, a harmful behavior with multifactorial origin. This study sought to investigate if a batchwise inspection of tails at slaughterhouse could be a useful method to estimate the animal welfare situation in finishing pig herds, and if so, what type and detail of tail scoring such an inspection should utilize. We investigated the distribution of different types of tail lesions and how well their scoring at slaughterhouse was associated with the situation recorded on-farm by a veterinarian as part of routine herd health visits. We also wanted to determine if animal welfare-related herd-level parameters, recorded by herd veterinarians during herd health visits, are associated with tail scoring at the slaughterhouse. A total of 10,517 pigtails from 84 herds were scored for this study. Herd data were collected from the national health classification register for pig farms in Finland and also included annual herd production quality data collected by the slaughterhouse. The scores of the tails varied considerably between the herds. On average, 48.1% (sd = 19.3) of the tails with an average length of 30.4 cm (sd = 2.7) were fully intact, 37.3% (13.9) had healed (length = 26.4, sd = 5.1 cm), 12.4% (9.0) (length = 28.9, sd = 4.3 cm) had minor acute wounds, and 2.3% (2.1) (length = 24.2, sd = 6.0 cm) had major acute wounds. Proportions of different tail lesions at slaughterhouse were associated with or tended to be associated with the following herd-level parameters in regression models: use of wood as enrichment (p < 0.1), one health parameter (leg problems other than arthritis, p < 0.05), and long-term animal welfare estimate (annual mortality, p < 0.05). Detailed tail evaluation at the slaughterhouse shows potential in estimating the tail lesions and long-term welfare level on the farm. By recording only one type of tail condition (such as tails with major acute lesions) at the slaughterhouse, it is not possible to estimate the total tail lesion situation in the herds before slaughter. A more detailed scoring similar to the one used in this trial is recommended.

Influence of Enogen Feed corn and conventional yellow dent corn in pelleted or meal-based diets on finishing pig performance and carcass characteristics

Genetic modification of corn has enhanced the use of different corn hybrids in animal agriculture. Enogen Feed corn, developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL), has potential for use in livestock diets due to increase α-amylase enzyme in the corn thus improving starch digestibility. In addition, the pelleting process also increases starch gelatinization which increases its digestibility by the pig, increasing growth rate and improving feed efficiency. Therefore, pelleting Enogen Feed corn might prove to provide a greater response in growth performance than conventional yellow dent corn. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of corn source and diet form on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. A total of 288 pigs (53.0 ± 0.5 kg) were used with 8 pigs per pen and 9 pens per treatment in a 72-d study. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and diet form (meal or pellet). For overall (d 0 to 72) performance, no interactions between corn source and diet form were observed. There was a tendency (P < 0.10) for slightly improved average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) for pigs fed conventional yellow dent corn compared to those fed Enogen Feed corn. For feed form, pigs fed pelleted diets had increased (P < 0.001) ADG and G:F compared to pigs fed meal diets. For carcass characteristics, pigs fed pelleted diets had increased hot carcass weight compared to pigs fed meal diets (P < 0.001). In summary, feeding pelleted diets to finishing pigs increased ADG and improved feed efficiency compared to those fed meal-based diets. There were no major differences between observed corn sources or interactions between corn source and diet form on growth performance.

140 Influence of Enogen Feed Corn and Conventional Yellow Dent Corn in Pelleted or Meal-based Diets on Finishing Pig Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Previous research has indicated that starch gelatinization during the pelleting process is greater for Enogen® Feed corn compared to conventional yellow dent corn. Increasing starch gelatinization in the pellet increases the starch digestibility in the pig, which potentially leads to increased growth rate. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding Enogen Feed corn in meal or pellet form on finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 288 pigs (53.0 ± 0.5 kg) were used with 8 pigs/pen and 9 pens/treatment in a 72-d study. Treatments were arranged in a 2×2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and diet form (meal or pellet). Main effects of corn source and diet form as well as their interactions were tested. Pelleting parameters were established with a target conditioner temperature of 82.2°C and corn moisture of 13 to 14%. When pelleting the diets, the conditioning temperature for conventional yellow dent corn averaged 68.4°C and Enogen Feed corn averaged 67.7°C. The hot pellet temperature for conventional yellow dent corn averaged 75.1°C and 75.8°C for Enogen feed corn. For overall performance (d 0 to 72), no interactions between corn source and diet form were observed (P > 0.05). There was a tendency (P < 0.10) for slightly improved average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) for pigs fed conventional yellow dent corn compared to those fed Enogen Feed corn. Pigs fed pelleted diets had increased (P < 0.001) ADG, G:F, and hot carcass weight compared to pigs fed meal diets. In summary, feeding pelleted diets to finishing pigs increased ADG and G:F compared to those fed meal-based diets. There were no major differences observed between corn sources or interactions between corn source and diet form on growth performance.

186 Effects of a Phytogenic Feed Additive (Aromex® Pro) and Narasin (Skycis®) on Finishing Pig Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Feed additives are commonly used in finishing pig diets to improve growth performance and carcass characteristics; however, data is limited on the interaction of various feed additives. The objective of this study was to determine the individual and combined effects of a phytogenic feed additive (Aromex® Pro) and narasin (Skycis®) on finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. The study was conducted at a commercial research facility using a RCBD with 4 dietary treatments: Control (no Aromex® Pro or Skycis®); Aromex (as Control with 90.7 g/ton Aromex® Pro); Skycis (as Control with 13.6 g/ton Skycis®); Aromex + Skycis (as Control with 90.7 g/ton Aromex® Pro and 13.6 g/ton Skycis®). Diets were based on corn, soybean meal, and corn germ meal and were fed using a 3-phase program. Diets were formulated to the same nutrient levels across treatments that met or exceeded nutrient recommendations (NRC, 2012), with the feed additive added at the expense of corn. Pigs were placed on test at 40.6 ± 4.7 kg and harvested in 2 equal groups at 122.4 ± 2.2 kg. Thirteen blocks were used with pens of 34 pigs for 1,768 total pigs. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with pen as the experimental unit, fixed effect of treatment, and random effect of block. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of treatment on start or end weights, overall ADG (live or carcass weight), overall ADFI, or any carcass characteristics. Overall G:F (live and carcass weight) for Aromex and Skycis was similar (P > 0.05) to each other and greater (P < 0.05) than Control. Aromex + Skycis had G:F (live and carcass weight) similar to Control and Aromex, but less than Skycis. In conclusion, including Aromex® Pro and Skycis® in finishing diets improved feed efficiency, but those effects were not additive.

201 Impact of Water Flow Rate on Finishing Pig Performance

A survey of South Dakota pork producers in 2019 demonstrated that water flow rate for nipple drinkers was highly variable among barns. Sixty-eight percent had water flow rates above the recommended rate of 500–1,000 mL/min (NSNG, 2010). The objective of this study was to determine the impact of water flow rate on finishing pig performance during the summer months. A total of 396 mixed-sex pigs, in two groups, were utilized in a 77-day trial (34.55 to103.8 kg BW) with 6 pigs/pen. Pens were assigned to one of three water flow rates (high, medium, low) based on the 3-hole diameters of the commercial water nipples used in the facility (2.0, 1.0, 0.80 mm; n = 22 pens/treatment). Daily water usage was recorded for each treatment along with room temperature, outside temperature, and relative humidity. Individual pen water flow rate was recorded every two weeks. At every diet phase change (26± 2.6 days), feed disappearance and individual pig body weight were recorded. Water flow rates averaged 1846±188, 906±214, 508±100 mL/min for high, medium, and low flow rates, respectively. Daily water disappearance for high, medium, and low treatments were 6.8, 2.3, 1.7±3.2 liters/pig, respectively. Final body weight (BW; 103.8±7.4 kg) did not differ. Daily gain (ADG) from 34.5±4.5 to 55.5±4.6 kg BW was greatest (P < 0.05) for high treatment. Daily intake (ADFI) and gain:feed (G:F) from 55.5±4.6 to 79.1±5.3 kg BW were greatest (P < 0.05) for high treatment. Cumulative ADFI was 2.27, 2.18, 2.16±0.16 kg (P < 0.05) in high, medium, and low flow ranges, respectively. There was no differences in cumulative ADG or G:F. Water flow rate had a significant impact on ADFI although there was minimal impact on gain and G:F. Water nipples should be regularly checked as part of normal barn maintenance to ensure adequate, but not excessive, water is available.