Degradation and fermentation characteristics of wheat coproducts from flour milling in the pig intestine studied in vitro.

Use of wheat (Triticum aestivum) flour milling coproducts (WFM) in pig diets may ameliorate high feed cost. However, digestibility of WFM is lower than feed grains, and limited information exists about their fermentation characteristics. In vitro degradation and fermentation characteristics of 6 WFM samples (2 Shorts, 2 Millrun, middlings, and bran) with varying fiber and protein contents were studied.

Growth performance and nutrient digestibilities in nursery pigs receiving varying doses of xylanase and β-glucanase blend in pelleted wheat- and barley-based diets.

In 2 experiments, dose response efficacy of a xylanase and β-glucanase blend (XB) on growth performance and ileal nutrient digestibility was investigated in nursery pigs fed pelleted wheat (Triticum aestivum)- and barley (Hordeum vulgare)-based diets. A basal diet (meeting NRC [1998] specifications for 6 to 30 kg BW, except for 5% lower DE) was supplemented with XB to give 4 diets (0, 50, 100, and 200 g/t). The xylanase and β-glucanase blend was formulated to contain guaranteed activity of 12,200 and 1520 units/g, respectively.

Effects of individual or combined xylanase and phytase supplementation on energy, amino acid, and phosphorus digestibility and growth performance of grower pigs fed wheat-based diets containing wheat millrun.

The objective of these studies was to determine if dietary enzymes increase the digestibility of nutrients bound by nonstarch polysaccharides, such as arabinoxylans, or phytate in wheat millrun. Effects of millrun inclusion rates (20 or 40%), xylanase (0 or 4,375 units/kg of feed), and phytase (0 or 500 phytase units/kg of feed) on nutrient digestibility and growth performance were investigated in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with a wheat control diet (0% millrun). Diets were formulated to contain 3.

Sites of nutrient digestion in growing pigs: effect of dietary fiber.

The impact of dietary fiber on fecal digestion is well-known and provides a comprehensive approach toward nutrient digestibility and availability. Little quantitative information is available on digestion of fiber in the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The objectives of this study were to obtain a method allowing the quantification of the digestive process in different segments of the GIT and to study the impact of dietary fiber on nutrient digestibility.

Effects of guar gum and cellulose on digesta passage rate, ileal microbial populations, energy and protein digestibility, and performance of grower pigs.

Dietary guar gum and cellulose were studied as purified soluble and insoluble nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) sources, respectively. A control diet containing 14% cornstarch was formulated. A 7% guar gum, a 7% cellulose, and a 7% guar gum + 7% cellulose diet were formulated by adding the NSP to the control diet at the expense of cornstarch (wt/wt), forming a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement.

The efficacy of an Escherichia coli-derived phytase preparation.

Five experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of an Escherichia coli-derived phytase on phytate-P use and growth performance by young pigs. The first experiment involved time course, pH dependence, and phytase activity studies to investigate the in vitro release of P from corn, soybean meal, and an inorganic P-unsupplemented corn-soybean meal negative control diet. In Exp.

Reducing environmental pollution using animal feed enzymes.

The global livestock population is estimated to be close to 4 billion animals, and to produce around 500 million tons of manure annually (Baidoo, 2003). This is expected to increase in the future with the projected greater demand for meat for human consumption. The problem of manure disposal is exacerbated by the concentration of animal production in increasingly large units, to obtain economies of scale and keep up with the demand for cheap food.

Dietary betaine supplementation affects energy metabolism of pigs.

The effect of dietary betaine supplementation on energy partitioning in growing pigs under energy-restricted dietary conditions was assessed. The effect of betaine on the adaptation in energy metabolism of pigs over time after a change in diet and housing also was studied. Six groups of 14 group-housed barrows were assigned to one of two experimental diets: control or betaine-supplemented (0 or 1.

Timing and causes of piglet mortality in alternative and conventional farrowing systems.

The causes and timing of piglet mortality were studied in different farrowing systems. In the first experiment 198 litters were recorded in three systems, two of which allowed the sows to move freely, and the third restricted them in conventional crates. More piglets were weaned from the conventional crates than from the open systems and they grew more quickly.

Supplementary biotin for sows: effect on claw integrity.

Eighty female pigs were fed, from 25 kg liveweight, either basal diets calculated to provide 32 micrograms available biotin/kg (control diet) or basal diets supplemented with 350 micrograms biotin/kg. Their claws were examined and lesions recorded at 170 days of age and when each of their first four litters was weaned. The incidence of horn 'defects' (superficial bruises, abrasions and cuts in the soft heel) remained at a low level throughout the trial.

Supplementary biotin for sows: effect on reproductive characteristics.

Eighty female pigs were fed from 25 kg liveweight either basal diets calculated to provide 32 micrograms available biotin/kg (control diet) or basal diets supplemented with 350 micrograms biotin/kg. Reproductive performance was studied over four parities. Sows receiving supplementary biotin returned to oestrus 2.