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The objective was to test the hypothesis that net energy (NE) of diets is not increased by reducing soybean meal (SBM) and increasing crystalline amino acids (CAA) in diets fed to group-housed pigs on an ad libitum basis. Two “normal protein” diets with 17 and 14% crude protein (CP) were formulated. One diet was based on corn, SBM, and no CAA and the other diet was based on corn, SBM, and crystalline Lys, Met, and Thr. Four additional diets containing 13, 12, 11, or 10% CP were formulated by reducing SBM and increasing crystalline Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val, and Phe. Growing pigs (n = 24; initial body weight = 29.9 ± 2.4 kg) were randomly allocated to 6 calorimeter chambers with 4 pigs per chamber. The 6 chambers were allotted to the six diets using a 6 × 6 Latin square design with six 15-d periods providing 6 replicate chambers per diet. Pigs had ad libitum access to diets throughout the experiment except during the fasting periods. Consumption of O2 and production of CO2 and CH4 were measured, and fecal and urine samples were collected for 6 d after 7 d of adaptation. Fasting heat production (FHP) was determined for 12 h following a 24 h fasting period. Diets, fecal samples, and lyophilized urine samples were analyzed for gross energy (GE) and N. Data were analyzed using contrasts statements to determine linear and quadratic effects of reducing dietary protein. Results indicated that feed intake, fecal and urine GE output, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and GE, total heat production (THP), FHP, and retained energy were not different between pigs fed the 17 and the 14% CP diets (Table 1). The respiratory quotient (RQ) of pigs fed the 17% CP diet was less (P = 0.045) compared with the 14% CP diet. Digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in the 17% CP diet were greater (P < 0.05) than in the 14% CP diet, but NE was not different between these 2 diets. Feed intake, GE intake, and fecal GE output of pigs were linearly (P = 0.044) increased by reducing CP in diets, but reducing diet CP did not affect ATTD of dry matter or GE or urine GE excretion. Total heat production, FHP, retained energy, and DE, ME, and NE were also not affected by reducing CP in diets. In conclusion, reducing CP of diets for pigs by reducing SBM and increasing CAA did not increase NE of the diet when fed to group-housed pigs on an ad libitum basis, and dietary CP does not appear to influence diet NE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that growth performance and health status of pigs will not be reduced if hybrid rye is included in diets at the expense of corn during the initial 5 wk post-weaning. A total of 128 weanling pigs (5.6 ± 0.5 kg) were randomly allotted to 32 pens and 4 dietary treatments. Pigs were fed experimental diets for 35 d in three phases with days 1 to 7 being phase 1, days 8 to 21 being phase 2, and days 22 to 35 being phase 3. Within each phase, a control diet primarily based on corn and soybean meal was formulated, and three additional diets were formulated by including 8.0, 16.0, or 24.0% (phase 1), 16.0, 32.0, or 48.0% (phase 2), and 20.0, 40.0, or 60.3% (phase 3) hybrid rye in the diet at the expense of corn. Pig weights were recorded at the start and conclusion of each phase, fecal scores were visually assessed every other day on a pen basis, and blood samples were obtained from 1 pig per pen on days 21 and 35. Results indicated that average daily gain (ADG) in phase 1 increased (linear, P < 0.05) as the inclusion of hybrid rye increased, but no other differences in ADG were observed. Average daily feed intake linearly increased in phase 1, phase 3, and overall (P < 0.05) as hybrid rye inclusion increased in the diets, and gain:feed was negatively impacted by the inclusion of hybrid rye in the diet (phase 1, linear, P < 0.05; phases 2, 3, and overall, quadratic, P < 0.05). No differences in average fecal scores or diarrhea incidence were observed. On days 21 and 35, blood urea N increased (linear, P < 0.05) as hybrid rye increased in the diets; and on day 21, serum total protein also increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing hybrid rye inclusion in the diet. Mean blood hemoglobin concentration on day 35 increased and then decreased as hybrid rye inclusion increased (quadratic, P < 0.05). On day 21, interleukin (IL) 2 and IL 10 decreased and then increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) as hybrid rye inclusion increased. On day 35, IL 8 and IL 12 increased and then decreased (quadratic, P < 0.05) and interferon-gamma decreased and then increased (quadratic, P < 0.01) as hybrid rye inclusion increased. In conclusion, the ADG of pigs was not different among treatments, but at the highest hybrid rye inclusion level, pigs consumed more feed than if corn was fed and gain:feed was reduced with increasing hybrid rye in diets. Differences in blood serum cytokines indicate the immune system was affected differently when hybrid rye instead of corn was fed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that increasing levels of a novel phytase increases the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients in diets fed to young pigs. A negative control (NC) diet based on corn, soybean meal, and canola meal that contained approximately 0.83% phytate (i.e. 0.23% phytate-bound P) was formulated to be deficient in Ca, P, and standardized ileal digestible amino acids (AA). Five additional diets were formulated by adding 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 phytase units/kg of the novel phytase to the NC diets. Eighteen ileal-cannulated pigs (17.81 ± 1.71 kg) were allotted to a 6 × 3 incomplete Latin square design with six diets and three 11-day periods. There were three pigs per diet in each period; therefore, there were nine replicate pigs per diet. The initial 5 d of each period was considered an adaptation period to the diet. For each period, fecal samples were collected via anal stimulation on days 6, 7, 8, and 9, whereas ileal digesta were collected on days 10 and 11 using standard procedures. Results indicated that the AID of crude protein, indispensable AA, and dispensable AA was increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) as the concentration of microbial phytase increased in the diets. Dietary inclusion of the novel phytase at 1,000 or 2,000 FTU/kg increased the AID of total AA from 73.7% to 79.8%. Increasing levels of microbial phytase increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) the AID of dry matter and minerals (i.e. Ca, P, K, Mg, Cu) in the diets. Likewise, a linear increase (P < 0.05) in the AID of ash and Na was observed as the inclusion level of phytase increased in the diets. Increasing levels of microbial phytase increased (linear, P < 0.01) the AID of gross energy (GE) and starch in the diets. A quadratic (P < 0.05) increase in the ATTD of ash, Ca, P, K, and Cu in experimental diets was observed as the concentration of microbial phytase increased in the diets. The ATTD of Mg and GE also increased (linear; P < 0.05) as concentration of dietary phytase increased. In conclusion, the novel microbial phytase used in this experiment was effective in increasing the AID of dry matter, GE, starch, minerals, and AA, as well as the ATTD of gross energy and minerals in diets formulated to be deficient in Ca, P, and AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in feed phosphates are increased by microbial phytase when fed to growing pigs. Monocalcium phosphate (MCP), monosodium phosphate (MSP), and magnesium phosphate (MgP) from volcanic deposits were used in the experiment. Three corn-soybean meal based diets that contained 0, 500, or 4,000 units of microbial phytase (FTU), but no feed phosphates, were formulated. Nine additional diets were formulated by adding each of the three feed phosphates to the three basal diets. A P-free diet was also formulated to estimate the basal endogenous loss of P, and therefore, 13 diets were used in the experiment. A total of 117 growing barrows (initial body weight: 15.56 ± 1.68 kg) were allotted to the 13 diets with 9 pigs per diet. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates equipped with a feeder and a nipple drinker. Installation of a screen floor under the slatted floor allowed for collection of feces. Diets were fed for 10 d, with the initial 5 d being a period of adaptation to the diet followed by a collection period of 4 d. During the experiment, pigs were fed equal amounts of feed twice daily at 0800 and 1600 h. Results indicated that the ATTD and STTD of P in all diets increased with the inclusion of 500 or 4,000 FTU, but the ATTD and STTD of P in the feed phosphates were not affected by the inclusion of phytase. This indicates that the increases in ATTD and STTD of P that were observed in the mixed diets when phytase was used were due to the release of P from phytate in corn and soybean meal and not from an increase in digestibility of P in feed phosphates. However, MgP had a lower (P  < 0.05) ATTD and STTD of P than MCP and MSP. In conclusion, microbial phytase does not increase the digestibility of P in MCP, MSP, or MGP, but the digestibility of P in MgP is less than in MCP and MSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was hypothesized that hybrid rye may replace corn in diets for growing and finishing pigs without impacting growth performance, carcass characteristics, or meat quality. A total of 128 pigs (23.69 ± 2.51 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments with 8 replicate pens per treatment. Phase 1 and 2 diets were fed for 35 d each and phase 3 diets were fed for 27 d. Within each phase, pigs were fed a control corn and soybean meal diet or a diet in which 33, 66, or 100% of the corn in the control diet was replaced with hybrid rye. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased (linear, P < 0.05) in phase 1 with increased dietary inclusion of hybrid rye. In phase 3, gain:feed (G:F) increased and then decreased (quadratic, P < 0.05) with more hybrid rye in the diet. Overall ADG, ADFI, and G:F did not differ among treatments. Diet did not impact most carcass traits, but loin (visual) and backfat (instrumental L*) color were paler (linear, P < 0.05) with greater inclusion of hybrid rye in the diet. Organ weights increased (linear, P < 0.05) with increased dietary hybrid rye. In conclusion, pigs fed hybrid rye consumed less feed in phase 1, resulting in reduced ADG, but growth performance for the entire growing-finishing period did not differ among treatments. Hybrid rye may replace all the corn in growing and finishing pig diets without diminishing growth performance or carcass quality, but feed intake may be reduced at high inclusion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The hypothesis was that apparent ileal digestibility (AID), basal endogenous losses, and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) are not affected by adding acid to collection containers or bags used to collect ileal digesta from pigs. Methods: Twenty-four growing barrows (initial body weight: 77.8±4.5 kg) that were fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were fed diets for three 7-d periods. An N-free diet and 3 diets containing corn, soybean meal, or wheat middlings as the sole source of AA were used. Within each period, each of the 4 diets were fed to 6 pigs. Among the 6 pigs, digesta from 3 pigs were collected in bags containing no HCl, whereas 40 mL of 3 N HCl was included in the bags used to collect digesta from the remaining 3 pigs. Every other bag collected from each pig was emptied into a container without adding HCl, whereas the remaining bags were added to a container along with 40 mL of 3 N HCl for each bag. All digesta were stored at -20°C immediately after collection. Data were analyzed using a model that included feed ingredient, HCl in bags, HCl in containers, and all 2-way and 3-way interactions as fixed effects. No 3-way interactions were significant, and data were, therefore, reanalyzed independently for each diet as a 2×2 factorial. Results: There were no interactions between adding HCl to collection bags and to containers, and no effects of adding HCl to collection bags or containers for AID, basal endogenous losses, or SID of most AA were observed. Conclusion: It is not necessary to add acid to digesta collection bags or collection containers if ileal digesta are stored at -20°C immediately after collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean meal (SBM) from China, Argentina, Brazil, the USA and India was collected to evaluate their performances in the diet of Pacific white shrimp. SBM samples were analysed for proximate composition, amino acid profiles, sugars, fibres, macro and micro minerals. A growth trial was conducted using SBM‐based test diets (350 g kg−1 protein and 80 g kg−1 lipid), and a digestibility trial was carried out from digestibility diets formulated by mixing the basal diet and test ingredients (70:30) on a dry matter basis. Significantly higher growth (as standardized Thermal growth coefficient) was observed in shrimp fed SBM from China over Brazilian SBM. However, growth performances of shrimp fed SBM sourced from USA, Argentina and India were not different to that of Chinese and Brazilian SBM. No significant differences were observed for apparent dry matter, energy and protein digestibility coefficients (<0.05) of SBM among the countries. The differences observed in the ingredient chemical profile of SBM between countries were not reflected in the growth and digestibility data of shrimp. These results highlight the importance of multiple variables influencing the biological value of soybean meals and that simplified generalizations such as country of origin, poorly define the quality of an ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in a new source of corn protein are greater than in corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and that corn protein may be included in diets for weanling pigs. In experiment 1, the SID of AA was determined in two sources of DDGS (DDGS-1 and DDGS-2) and in corn protein. Results indicated that SID of most AA was greater (P < 0.05) in DDGS-2 and corn protein than in DDGS-1, but corn protein contained more digestible AA than both sources of DDGS. In experiment 2, the DE and ME in corn, the two sources of DDGS, and corn protein were determined. Results demonstrated that DE (dry matter basis) in corn protein was greater (P < 0.05) than in corn, but ME (dry matter basis) was not different between corn and corn protein. However, DE and ME in corn (dry matter basis) were greater (P < 0.05) than in DDGS-1 and DDGS-2. In experiment 3, 160 weanling pigs were allotted to four treatments in phases 1 and 2 and a common diet in phase 3. Corn protein was included at 5% to 10% in phases 1 and 2 at the expense of plasma protein and enzyme-treated soybean meal. Results indicated that although differences in average daily gain and gain to feed ratio were observed in phase 1, no differences among treatments were observed for the overall experimental period. In conclusion, the concentration of digestible AA is greater in corn protein than in DDGS; DE and ME in corn protein are also greater than in DDGS; and up to 10% corn protein may be included in phase 1 and phase 2 diets for weanling pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to determine the interactive effects of reducing particle size of corn and pelleting on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), fiber, fat, calcium, and phosphorus, N balance, and net energy (NE) in corn-soybean meal diets fed to pigs. Six corn-soybean meal-based diets were arranged in a 3 × 2 factorial with 3 particle sizes of corn (i.e., 700, 500, or 300 μm) and 2 diet forms (i.e., meal or pelleted). Pigs were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water. Pigs (n = 24; initial body weight = 29.52 kg; SD = 1.40) were housed in indirect calorimetry chambers and allotted to the 6 diets using a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 6 chambers (i.e., 4 pigs/chamber) and six 15-day periods. Fecal and urine samples were quantitatively collected during a 6-day period following 7 days of adaptation and O2 consumption and CO2 and CH4 productions were measured during fed and fasting states. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and chamber and period as random effects. Contrast coefficients were used to determine effects of diet form, linear effects of particle size, and the interaction. Results indicated that reducing the particle size of corn increased the ATTD of GE and of acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) in meal diets, but not in pelleted diets (interaction, P < 0.001; Table 1). The ATTD of Ca was reduced in diets containing 500 μm corn by pelleting to a greater extent than in diets containing 300 or 700 μm corn by pelleting (interaction, P = 0.004), but regardless of corn particle size, the ATTD of P was less (P = 0.037) in pelleted diets compared with meal diets. The ATTD of N increased to a greater extent in meal diets than in pelleted diets as particle size was reduced (interaction, P = 0.021). The NE of diets increased as particle size of corn was reduced from 500 to 300 μm in meal diets and from 700 to 500 μm in pelleted diets (interaction, P = 0.004). The ATTD of GE, N, and AEE, and the NE of diet were greater (P < 0.05) in pelleted than in meal diets, but the ATTD of Ca and P was greater (P < 0.05) in meal diets than in pelleted diets. The ATTD of total dietary fiber and N retention were not affected by diet form or particle size of corn. In conclusion, reducing the particle size of corn from 700 to 300 μm increases the NE of a corn-soybean meal diet due to increased ATTD of GE, N, and AEE, but the increment in NE or the ATTD of nutrients depends on diet forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of energy in growing pigs. It was hypothesized that increasing phytase doses improves energy digestibility. The database was constructed using 4 studies (PIC, L 800 × Camborough sows or TN Tempo × TN70 breeds; average body weight of 26.5 kg at sampling), contributing 220 data points. Pigs were fed corn or corn-wheat based diets with soybean meal, canola meal, rice bran, wheat middlings or DDGS. All studies had a negative control (NC) diet deficient in total Ca, dig P, standardized ileal digestible amino acids and without feed phosphates. The analyzed total Ca, total P, phytate P and calculated net energy ranged from 0.46 to 0.53%, 0.37 to 0.43%, 0.24 to 0.30%, and 2,441 to 2,472 kcal/kg, respectively. The NC was supplemented with PhyG at 250, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 FTU/kg. Digesta were collected using ileal T-cannulation (9-10 replicates/treatment, Latin square design). Data were analyzed using the Fit Model platform of JMP 14.0 with trial code as a random effect. Phytase dose response (using analyzed phytase activity) was analyzed with exponential curve fitting. The AID of gross energy and the ileal digestible energy (DE, kcal/kg) improved with 1,000 or 2,000 FTU/kg PhyG treatments vs. NC (P < 0.05, Table 1). Increasing the PhyG dose exponentially increased (P < 0.1) the AID of gross energy (%) and the ileal DE. Ileal DE improvement above NC increased exponentially (P < 0.06) up to 120.8 and 132.6 kcal/kg at 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg, respectively. In conclusion, PhyG supplementation improved ileal DE in growing pigs in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA), concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), and the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in a new source of fermented soybean meal (Fermex 200) are greater than in conventional soybean meal (SBM-CV). In experiment 1, 9 barrows (initial body weight: 9.17 ± 1.03 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and allotted to a triplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. A nitrogen-free diet and 2 diets that contained cornstarch and SBM-CV or Fermex 200 as the sole source of crude protein (CP), and AA were formulated. Results indicated that there were no difference between SBM-CV and Fermex 200 for SID of CP and AA. In experiment 2, 24 growing pigs (initial body weight: 14.19 ± 1.18 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates. Pigs were allotted to a corn-based diet or 2 diets that contained corn and SBM-CV or corn and Fermex 200. Feces and urine samples were collected using the marker-to-marker approach with 5-d adaptation and 4-d collection periods. Results indicated that the concentration of DE and ME in Fermex 200 were not different from DE and ME in SBM-CV. In experiment 3, 40 barrows (initial body weight: 11.01 ± 1.38 kg) were allotted to 1 of 4 diets with 10 replicate pigs per diet. Four diets were formulated to contain Fermex 200 or SBM-CV and either 0 or 1,000 units/kg of microbial phytase. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates. Fecal samples were collected as explained for experiment 2. Results indicated that the STTD of P in Fermex 200 was greater (P < 0.01) than in SBM-CV, but the addition of microbial phytase to the diets increased the ATTD and STTD of P in SBM-CV, but not in Fermex 200 (interaction; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the SID of AA and concentrations of DE and ME in Fermex 200 were not different from values determined for SBM-CV, but the STTD of P was greater in Fermex 200 than in SBM-CV if microbial phytase was not added to the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that values for standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in corn, wheat, and wheat middlings obtained using the direct procedure are not different from values obtained using the difference procedure. Sixteen ileal-cannulated barrows (initial BW: 69.5 ± 5.0 kg) were allotted to a replicated 8 × 4 Youden Square design with 8 diets and 4 periods. Each period consisted of 5 d of adaptation to the diet and 2 d of collection of ileal digesta. Four diets were based on soybean meal (SBM), corn, wheat, or wheat middlings as the only AA-containing ingredients. Three additional diets were based on a mixture of SBM and corn, SBM and wheat, or SBM and wheat middlings, and an N-free diet was also used. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the SID of crude protein (CP) and AA for the 4 diets containing SBM, corn, wheat, or wheat middlings as the sole source of AA were calculated using the direct procedure. The AID and SID of CP and AA for the 3 mixed diets containing SBM and corn, wheat, or wheat middlings were also calculated and the contribution of digestible AA from SBM was subtracted from the AID or SID values for the diets. The AID or SID of AA in corn, wheat, and wheat middlings were subsequently calculated by difference. Results indicated that the AID values for a few AA were lower (P < 0.05) if the direct procedure was used instead of the difference procedure, regardless of ingredient. The AID of Trp was greater in corn and wheat middlings, and the SID of Trp in corn and wheat middlings tended to be greater, if the direct procedure rather than the difference procedure was used, but that was not the case for wheat (interaction, P < 0.05 and P < 0.10, respectively). However, for all other indispensable AA, and for most of the dispensable AA, the SID of AA in corn, wheat, and wheat middlings was not different between the difference procedure and the direct procedure. Therefore, values for SID of AA in cereal grains and fiber-rich ingredients may be determined using either the direct or the difference procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean expellers may be produced by dry extrusion and mechanical oil pressing of soybeans, but there is limited information about the nutritional value of expellers produced via this procedure. Therefore, 2 experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and total dietary fiber (TDF), and concentrations of DE, ME, and NE are greater in soybean expellers than in soybean meal (SBM) when fed to growing pigs. Pigs were the offspring of Line 359 boars mated to Camborough females (Pig Improvement Company, Hendersonville, TN). In experiment 1, nine growing barrows (initial BW: 55.98 kg ± 13.75 kg) with T-cannulas installed in the distal ileum were allotted to 1 of 3 diets using a triplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 periods. Two diets were formulated to contain 35% soybean expellers or 33% SBM as the sole source of AA. A N-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous losses of AA. Ileal digesta were collected on days 6 and 7 of each 7-d period. Results indicated that the SID of most indispensable and dispensable AA were greater (P < 0.05) or tended (P < 0.10) to be greater in soybean expellers than in SBM. In experiment 2, a corn-based diet and 2 diets based on corn and each of the 2 soybean products were formulated. Twenty-four growing barrows (initial BW: 44.88 kg ± 2.17 kg) were allotted to 1 of the 3 diets with 8 pigs per diet. Urine and fecal samples were collected for 4 d after 5 d of adaptation. Results indicated that the ATTD of energy and TDF was not different between soybean expellers and SBM, but the ATTD of TDF in the 2 soybean products was greater (P < 0.05) than in corn. Concentrations of DE and ME in soybean expellers were greater (P < 0.05) compared with corn or SBM. Soybean expellers had greater (P < 0.05) calculated NE compared with SBM, but there was no difference in NE between corn and soybean expellers. In conclusion, values for SID of most AA and DE, ME, and NE in soybean expellers were greater than in SBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the variations in nutrient quality of soybean meal (SBM) that is a result of differences in production location and processing specifications, a study was conducted to determine the fluctuations in apparent digestibility coefficients of differently sourced SBM fed to Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei). Twenty‐four SBM‐based diets were formulated by mixing a basal diet and test ingredients on a dry matter basis (70:30 ratio), while 1% chromic oxide was used as the inert marker. The digestibility trial was carried out in a semi‐closed recirculation system with six replicate groups per treatment (mean shrimp weight of 10.2 g). Significant differences were observed for apparent dry matter, energy and protein digestibility coefficients (p < .05 was considered significant) among 24 sources of SBM and digestibility values ranged from 45% to 90%, 56% to 93% and 87% to 98%, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, lignin, raffinose and trypsin inhibitor were screened as the key chemical characteristics in SBM that influenced digestibility of nutrients in Pacific white shrimps. Variations in growth performances of shrimp were in line with the variations in apparent digestibility coefficients of SBM verifying the importance of digestibility data in shrimp feed formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that Cu hydroxychloride improves nutrient digestibility and alters the concentration of microbial protein in the small intestine or large intestine by pigs fed a corn-soybean meal diet or a diet based on corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Twenty-four barrows (33.3 ± 3.4 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 levels of DDGS (0% or 45%) and 2 levels of supplemental Cu from Cu hydroxychloride (0 or 150 mg/kg). A 2-period switch back design with the 4 diets and 6 replicate pigs per diet in each period was used resulting in 12 replicate pigs per diet for the 2 periods. The initial 9 d of each period was considered an adaptation period to the experimental diets. For each period, feces were collected on days 10, 11, and 12, and ileal digesta were collected for 8 h on days 13 and 14. Results indicated that inclusion of 45% DDGS to diets reduced (P < 0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA and the AID and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein. In contrast, inclusion of DDGS to diets increased (P < 0.05) the AID and the ATTD of acid hydrolyzed ether extract and the concentration of microbial protein in the hindgut (P < 0.05). However, the total concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in ileal digesta and in feces from pigs fed the DDGS diets were not different from concentrations in pigs fed diets without DDGS. The AID and ATTD of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein were not affected by dietary Cu concentrations, but the AID and ATTD of acid hydrolyzed ether extract were greater (P < 0.05) in diets supplemented with Cu hydroxychloride compared with diets without Cu hydroxychloride. There was also a reduction (P < 0.05) in the concentration of microbial protein and a tendency for a reduction (P < 0.10) in the total concentration of VFA in feces when diets were supplemented with Cu hydroxychloride. In conclusion, supplementation of Cu hydroxychloride to diets improved AID and ATTD of acid hydrolyzed ether extract and reduced the concentration of microbial protein in the large intestine and this effect was observed in diets containing DDGS as well as in diets without DDGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that excess dietary Leu affects metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in growing pigs. Forty barrows (initial body weight [BW]: 30.0 ± 2.7 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates and allotted to 5 dietary treatments (8 replicates per treatment) in a randomized complete block design. The 5 diets were based on identical quantities of corn, soybean meal, wheat, and barley and designed to contain 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, or 300% of the requirement for standardized ileal digestible Leu. Initial and final (day 15) BW of pigs were recorded. Daily feed consumption was also recorded. Urine and fecal samples were collected for 5 d following 7 d of adaptation to the diets. At the end of the experiment, blood and tissue samples were collected to analyze plasma urea N (PUN), plasma and hypothalamic serotonin, tissue BCAA, serum and tissue branched-chain α-keto acids, and messenger ribonucleic acid abundance of genes involved in BCAA metabolism. Results indicated that acid detergent fiber, average daily feed intake, and gain-to-feed ratio decreased (linear, P < 0.05) as dietary Leu increased. A trend (linear, P = 0.082) for decreased N retention and decreased (linear, P < 0.05) biological value of dietary protein was also observed, and PUN increased (linear, P < 0.05) as dietary Leu increased. A quadratic reduction (P < 0.05) in plasma serotonin and a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in hypothalamic serotonin were observed with increasing dietary Leu. Concentrations of BCAA in liver increased (linear, P < 0.001), whereas concentrations of BCAA in skeletal muscle decreased (linear, P < 0.05) as dietary Leu increased. Concentration of α-ketoisovalerate was reduced (linear and quadratic, P < 0.001) in liver, skeletal muscle, and serum, and α-keto-β-methylvalerate was reduced (linear, P < 0.001; quadratic, P < 0.001) in skeletal muscle and serum. In contrast, α-keto isocaproate increased (linear, P < 0.05) in liver and skeletal muscle and also in serum (linear and quadratic, P < 0.001) with increasing dietary Leu. Expression of mitochondrial BCAA transaminase and of the E1α subunit of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase increased (linear, P < 0.05) in skeletal muscle as dietary Leu increased. In conclusion, excess dietary Leu impaired growth performance and nitrogen retention, which is likely a result of increased catabolism of Ile and Val, which in turn reduces availability of these amino acids resulting in reduced protein retention, and excess dietary Leu also reduced hypothalamic serotonin synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that concentrations of soluble (SDF), insoluble (IDF), and total dietary fiber (TDF) in feed ingredients used in diets for pigs and poultry analyzed using Method AOAC 2011.25 are greater than values determined using Method AOAC 991.43. A second objective was to determine the variation that may exist among 3 laboratories using the 2 methods with the AnkomTDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer (Ankom Technology, Macedon, NY). The 3 laboratories were the Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center (MAFIC) at China Agricultural University, Trouw Nutrition, and Hans H. Stein Monogastric Nutrition Laboratory at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). All laboratories analyzed SDF and IDF in feed ingredients in duplicate or triplicate using both methods AOAC 991.43 and 2011.25 with the AnkomTDF Dietary Fiber Analyzer. The 9 test ingredients were wheat, soybean meal, rapeseed meal, sugar beet pulp, peas, horse beans, native pea starch, and 2 samples of corn; 1 from Europe and 1 from China. All ingredient samples, with the exception of Chinese corn, were procured by Trouw Nutrition, ground to pass through a 0.5 mm screen, subsampled, and sent to MAFIC and UIUC. Data were analyzed using SDF, IDF, and TDF as response variables, replication as random effect, and method and location as fixed effects over all ingredients and within each ingredient. When averaged among 9 different ingredients, results indicated that SDF, IDF, and TDF values were not different with either method or at any laboratory. However, the concentration of IDF in corn, wheat, peas, and sugar beet pulp determined using Method AOAC 991.43 was greater (P < 0.05) compared with 2011.25. Soluble dietary fiber determined using Method AOAC 2011.25 was greater (P < 0.05) in corn, rapeseed meal, soybean meal, and sugar beet pulp compared with 991.43. There was no difference in TDF determined with either method, except for wheat having greater (P < 0.05) TDF when determined using Method AOAC 991.43. Interlaboratory variation for SDF, IDF, and TDF was 0.38, 0.87, 1.20, respectively, with Method AOAC 991.43 and 0.40, 0.93, and 1.27, respectively, with 2011.25. Therefore, values determined with the AnkomTDF Analyzer are repeatable among laboratories and can be used in feed formulation worldwide. In conclusion, it is recommended that Method AOAC 991.43 be used to determine SDF, IDF, and TDF in feed ingredients and diets for pigs and poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvent extracted soybean meal (SBM) is generated using different varieties of soybeans grown under a range of conditions and then processed at different crushing plants. Due to its competitive cost and availability, it is a popular plant‐based protein source for shrimp feed formulations. However, there is limited information about effects of variations in the nutritional composition of soybean meal have on performances of shrimp. Hence, the present study was designed to determine the effects of different soybean sources on the growth performances of Litopenaeus vannamei. Two growth trials were conducted with iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐lipidic (350 g/kg protein and 80 g/kg lipid) test diets formulated with 25 sources of soybean meal. Trial one incorporated 14 treatments including a soy‐based diet containing 517 g/kg SBM (eight replicates) and this soy source was then replaced with 13 different soybean sources (four replicates per treatment). The second trial used the same basal diet and 11 different sources of soybean meal (Total 12 diets) with five replicates per treatment. Both growth trials were conducted with a stocking density of 10 shrimps/aquarium in a semi‐closed recirculating system and the initial weight of shrimps for trials 1 and 2 were 0.23 g ± 0.02 and 0.67 g ± 0.02 respectively. During the two trials, shrimp were fed four times/day assuming a FCR of 1.8, over 42 days for trial 1 and 35 days for trial 2. Results indicated that there are differences among sources of soybean meal for standardized percentage TGC. Diet 21 that contained SBM4550 had the largest value for TGC whereas the lowest value for TGC was observed for shrimp fed diet 17 that contained SBM45536. According to the statistical analysis that was used to interpret the growth performance data from the complete chemical profile of the SBM, phosphorous, phytate‐phosphorous and total phytic acid levels had positive correlations (p < 0.005) with TGC whereas raffinose (p = 0.086) had a negative correlation with TGC. Results of this work indicates phosphorous, phosphorous in phytic acid and total phytic acid and raffinose are important components in SBM that may have significant effects on the growth performances of pacific white shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of drying method on the composition of ileal digesta and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in feed ingredients fed to pigs. The hypothesis was that oven drying of ileal digesta samples results in loss of N and AA, and therefore, in greater calculated values for SID of CP and AA compared with lyophilized samples. In Exp. 1, eight barrows (13.8 ± 0.5 kg BW) were equipped with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and randomly allotted to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and four periods, for a total of eight replicate pigs per diet. Three diets containing three different sources of soybean meal as the sole source of AA and an N-free diet were used. In Exp. 2, 18 cannulated growing barrows (72.5 ± 9.2 kg BW) were allotted to a completely randomized design with three diets and six replicate pigs per diet. The three diets included two diets based on two sources of distillers dried grains with solubles and an N-free diet. In both experiments, ileal digesta samples were collected for 8 h on days 6 and 7 of the 7-d feeding period. At the conclusion, two representative sub-samples were collected from each ileal digesta sample. One sub-sample was lyophilized and the other was oven dried at 60 °C using a forced air oven. Results indicated that in both experiments, DM was greater (P < 0.05) in lyophilized samples than in oven dried samples. There was no difference in the SID of CP between the two drying methods. However, except for Ala and Val in Exp. 1, the concentration of AA (88% DM-basis) was greater (P < 0.05) in lyophilized samples than in oven dried samples, which resulted in reduced calculated values for basal endogenous losses of AA. Therefore, values for the SID of AA (except for Ala in Exp. 1 and Trp and Gly in Exp. 2) were greater (P < 0.05) when calculated from oven dried samples than from lyophilized samples. In conclusion, regardless of the diet, oven drying of ileal digesta samples does not result in loss of N, but appears to damage or convert AA to other N-containing compounds, which results in reduced estimates for basal endogenous losses and greater calculated values for SID of AA. Thus, freeze drying of ileal digesta samples is recommended when data for the SID of AA are calculated for feed ingredients fed to pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that pigs fed diets supplemented with exogenous phytase reduce mucin synthesis in the small intestine, increase protein hydrolysis in the stomach, increase breakdown of phytate along the gastrointestinal tract, and increase mineral and AA digestibility. A diet based on corn, soybean meal, and canola meal was formulated to meet requirements for growing pigs except for Ca and P, which were lower than requirements. Three additional diets were formulated by adding 750, 1,500, or 3,000 units of phytase (FTU) per kilogram to the basal diet. Eight growing barrows (38.45 ± 3.06 kg) were prepared with a T-cannula in the duodenum and another T-cannula in the distal ileum. Pigs were housed individually and allotted to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four pigs and four periods in each square. Each period lasted 14 d with the initial 7 d being the adaptation period to the diets. Pigs were fed twice daily in combined amounts equal to 3.2 times the estimated requirement for maintenance energy. Results indicated that the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca and P increased (linear and quadratic, P ≤ 0.05) as phytase inclusion increased. However, values for AID of Ca and P were not different from values for ATTD of Ca and P, indicating that there is no net absorption of Ca and P in the hindgut. The apparent duodenal digestibility (ADD) of Ca and P was ~30% and 10% to 20%, respectively, indicating some digestion in the stomach of both Ca and P. A quadratic increase (P < 0.05) of the AID of GE was observed with the breakpoint around 1,500 FTU, but there was a negative linear (P ≤ 0.001) effect of dietary phytase on the ATTD of GE. Phytase did not affect mucin synthesis in the small intestine, protein hydrolysis in the stomach, or ileal digestibility of dispensable and indispensable AA. However, degradation of higher phytate esters (IP6 and IP5) into lower phytate esters (IP4 and IP3) and inositol increased as dietary phytase increased, indicating that it is possible to completely degrade dietary phytate if microbial phytase is included by at least 3,000 FTU in the diet. In conclusion, supplementing diets with phytase resulted in increased degradation of phytate and phytate esters and improved digestibility of Ca and P, but phytase did not change intestinal mucin synthesis, gastric protein hydrolysis, or the AID of AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA, CP, and GE, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of CP and GE, and the apparent hindgut digestibility of CP and GE by growing pigs may be improved by supplementing diets with two direct-fed microbials (DFM) containing different Bacillus strains. Twenty-four growing barrows (initial BW: 22.69 ± 1.48 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were individually housed and randomly allotted to a three diet, three period design with 24 pigs and three 21-d periods. There were eight pigs per diet in each period for a total of 24 observations per diet. Three diets that were based on corn, soybean meal, and distillers dried grains with solubles were formulated. The control diet contained no DFM, but two additional diets contained two different Bacillus strains (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or Bacillus subtilis). Feed was provided in mash form in two daily meals at 0800 and 1600 hours. The initial 12 d of each period was the adaptation period to the diet. Fecal and urine samples were collected from days 13 to 18, and ileal digesta were collected for 8 h on days 20 and 21. Results indicated that there were no differences among diets in ATTD of CP, but the AID of CP was reduced (P < 0.05) for the B. subtilis diet compared with control and B. amyloliquefaciens diets. Therefore, the apparent hindgut digestibility of CP was greater (P < 0.005) in pigs fed the B. subtilis diet compared with the other diets. The AID of total indispensable, total dispensable, and total AA was greater (P < 0.05) in the B. amyloliquefaciens diet compared with the control diet. There were no differences among diets in ATTD of GE, but the AID of GE was greater for the B. amyloliquefaciens diet than for the control and the B. subtilis diets (P < 0.001). Therefore, the apparent hindgut digestibility of GE was less (P < 0.05) in the B. amyloliquefaciens diet compared with the other diets. The DE (DM basis) for the B. subtilis diet was greater (P < 0.05) compared with the control and the B. amyloliquefaciens diets. In conclusion, supplementation of Bacillus spp. to diets fed to growing pigs may increase the AID of AA and GE, but there appears to be differences among strains of Bacillus spp. in their impact on AA and energy digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that microbial xylanases may contribute to the degradation of fiber in wheat and wheat-based diets and in corn and corn-based diets along the intestinal tract of pigs. Twenty-four growing barrows (initial BW: 28.51 ± 1.86 kg) were prepared with a T-cannula in the proximal duodenum and another T-cannula in the distal ileum and allotted to a replicated 12 × 4 Youden square design with 12 diets and four 18-d periods. Two diets based on corn and soybean meal (SBM) or corn, SBM, and 30% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were formulated and two diets based on wheat and SBM or wheat, SBM, and 30% wheat middlings were also formulated. The four diets were formulated without microbial xylanase, or with one of two microbial xylanases (xylanase A or xylanase B) for a total of 12 diets. Feces and urine were collected on days 8 to 13, ileal digesta were collected on days 15 and 16, and duodenal digesta were collected on days 17 and 18 of each period. The apparent duodenal digestibility (ADD), apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, nutrients, and dietary fiber were calculated. Results indicated that the AID of GE in corn-SBM or wheat-SBM diets was greater (P < 0.05) than in the corn-SBM-DDGS and wheat-SBM-wheat middlings diets, but no difference was observed for the AID of dietary fiber between wheat-SBM and wheat-SBM-wheat middlings diets. The ATTD of dietary fiber was also greater (P < 0.05) in corn-SBM and wheat-SBM diets compared with corn-SBM-DDGS and wheat-SBM-wheat middlings diets, which indicates that the concentration of dietary fiber may influence the degree of fermentation of fiber. Inclusion of xylanase A or B improved (P < 0.05) the ADD and the ATTD of dietary fiber in wheat-based diets, indicating activity of xylanase in the gastro-intestinal tract of pigs. Inclusion of xylanase A improved (P < 0.05) the concentration of DE and ME in wheat-SBM-wheat middlings diets and xylanase B improved (P < 0.05) the concentration of DE in wheat-based diets and improved (P < 0.05) the concentration of the ME in wheat-SBM diet. In conclusion, the xylanases used in this experiment improved the digestibility of dietary fiber in the stomach and hindgut and improved the energy status of pigs fed wheat-based diets, but not of pigs fed corn-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that productivity of sows fed diets containing canola meal produced from high-protein or conventional varieties of canola seeds is not different from that of sows fed corn- soybean meal (SBM) diets. A total of 180 sows (initial BW: 207.8 ± 29.11 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 diets with 36 to 40 sows per diet. A 2-phase feeding program was used with gestation diets fed from day 7 of gestation to farrowing and lactation diets fed during the lactation period and from weaning to first estrus. The 5 diets within each phase consisted of a control diet based on corn and SBM, 2 diets were based on corn and high-protein canola meal (CM-HP) that was included to replace 50 or 100% of the SBM in the control diet, and 2 diets contained conventional canola meal (CM-CV) included to replace 50 or 100% of the SBM in the control diet. Soybean hulls were included in diets fed during gestation to standardize the concentration of NDF to approximately 13% in all diets. However, no soybean hulls were used in lactation diets resulting in increased concentrations of NDF as the dietary concentration of CM-HP or CM-CV increased. Results of the experiment indicated that there were no differences in sow BW changes during gestation, in sow BW on day 1 post-farrowing, or at weaning due to dietary treatments. No differences were observed among diets in ADFI during gestation or lactation or in the number of total pigs born, pigs born alive, still-born pigs, or weaned pigs per litter. Likewise, no differences were observed among diets in litter birth weight, live litter birth weight, litter BW at weaning, or litter ADG. As the inclusion level of CM-HP or CM-CV increased, the percentage of pigs surviving during the lactation period increased (linear, P < 0.05), but the wean to first estrus interval also increased as the dietary concentration of CM-CV increased (linear, P < 0.05). Average pig BW at weaning and pig ADG decreased (linear, P < 0.05) as the inclusion level of CM-HP increased. No differences were observed between CM-HP and CM-CV with the exception that pigs born from sows fed CM-CV during gestation had greater (P < 0.05) average live pig birth weight compared with pigs born from sows fed CM-HP during gestation. Results of this experiment indicate that CM-HP or CM-CV may replace all SBM in diets fed to sows during gestation and lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that corn source and drying temperature influence the ileal digestibility of starch and amino acids (AA), as well as apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and total dietary fiber (TDF) in diets for growing pigs. Two corn sources (i.e., soft or hard endosperm) were procured, and sources were divided into two drying batches (i.e., 35 or 120 oC). Therefore, four corn sources were used. In experiment 1, ten pigs (67.00 ± 2.98 kg) with a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with five diets and five periods giving ten replicates per diet. A nitrogen-free diet and four diets containing each source of corn as the only AA source were formulated. Data were analyzed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included corn source, drying temperature, and the interaction between corn source and drying temperature. Results indicated that neither source nor drying temperature influenced the apparent ileal digestibility of starch in corn (Table 1), but the standardized ileal digestibility of most AA was less (P < 0.05) in corn dried at 120 oC compared with corn dried at 35 oC. In experiment 2, 40 pigs (20.82 ± 1.74 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to four diets with ten replicate pigs per diet. The four corn-based diets used in experiment 1 were also used in experiment 2. Feces and urine were collected using the marker-to-marker approach with 5-day adaptation and 4-day collection periods. Data were analyzed as explained for experiment 1. Results indicated that diets containing hard endosperm corn had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of TDF compared with diets containing soft endosperm corn. The ATTD of GE and the concentration of metabolizable energy (ME) in hard endosperm corn were also greater (P < 0.05) compared with soft endosperm corn. Diets containing corn dried at 120 oC had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of TDF compared with diets containing corn dried at 35 oC, but drying temperature did not influence ATTD of GE or ME. In conclusion, endosperm hardness did not influence the digestibility of AA and starch; however, drying corn at 120 oC resulted in reduced digestibility of AA. Hard endosperm corn had greater ATTD of GE and TDF, but drying temperature did not influence energy digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that feeding low protein diets to weanling pigs reduces diarrhea with no effects on growth performance from wean to finish or on carcass characteristics. In Exp. 1, 160 pigs (BW: 6.88 ± 0.36 kg) were allotted to 5 diets with 4 pigs/pen and 8 pens/diet. Five phase 1 diets were fed from d 1 to 14 and included the positive control (PC; CP = 23%) with an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP), the negative control (NC; CP = 23%) without the AGP, the NC containing 25% rolled oats (RO), and 2 diets containing 17% CP and 0 or 25% RO. Phase 2 diets were fed from d 14 to 35 and included the PC (CP =21 %) with an AGP, the NC (CP = 21%) without the AGP, the NC containing 20% RO, and 2 diets containing 19% CP and 0 or 25% RO. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and replicate as random effect. Results from Exp. 1 indicated that pigs fed the 17% CP diet without RO had decreased (P < 0.05) diarrhea scores compared with the NC diet containing RO. Pigs fed the 17% CP diet containing RO had reduced (P < 0.05) G:F compared with the NC diet, but there was no difference among pigs fed the other 4 diets. In Exp. 2, 160 pigs (BW: 6.29 ± 1.00 kg) were allotted to 4 diets with 5 pigs/pen and 8 pens/diet in a wean to finish experiment with 6 phases. Phase 1 and 2 diets were fed for 14 d each, phase 3 was fed for 18 d, and phase 4, 5, and 6 diets were each fed for 35 d. In Phase 1, four diets included the PC diet (CP = 23%) with an AGP, the NC diet (CP = 23%) without the AGP, and 2 diets containing 19% CP or 17% CP and no AGP. In Phase 2, four diets included the PC diet (CP = 22%) with an AGP, the NC diet (CP = 22%) without the AGP, and 2 diets containing 20% CP or 19% CP and no AGP. All pigs were fed common conventional diets from Phase 3 to market. Data were analyzed as in Exp 1. Overall results from Exp. 2 indicated that there were no differences among treatments in the growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs from wean to finish. In conclusion, feeding low protein diets to weanling pigs reduced post-weaning diarrhea and may replace antibiotic growth promoters without affecting growth performance or carcass characteristics at the time of marketing of pigs although slight reductions in growth performance in the nursery phase may be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of increased microbial phytase on total tract digestibility of P in feed phosphates when fed to growing pigs. A source of monocalcium phosphate (MCP), monosodium phosphate (MSP), and magnesium phosphate (MgP) were procured. Three basal diets were formulated to contain 0, 500, and 4,000 units of microbial phytase (FTU) and no addition of feed phosphates. Nine phosphate-containing diets were formulated by adding each of the 3 feed phosphates and 3 levels of phytase. A P-free diet was formulated to determine the basal endogenous P loss. A total of 117 growing barrows (BW = 15.56 kg; SD = 1.68) were divided into 3 blocks of 39 pigs and allotted to the 13 diets for a total of 9 pigs per diet. During the experiment, pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates equipped with a slatted floor, a feeder, and a nipple drinker. Fecal samples were quantitatively collected for 4 days after 5 days of adaptation using the marker-to-marker approach. Fecal samples were dried and ground before analysis. Fecal samples, feed ingredients, feed phosphates, and diet samples were analyzed for P, Ca, and dry matter and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) were calculated. The ATTD and STTD of P in the 3 feed phosphates were calculated using difference procedure. The statistical model included the level of phytase and the P source as the fixed effects and the random effects of period and replicate within period. Contrast statements were used to test for linear and quadratic effects of increasing phytase in diets and the model included diet as the fixed effect and period and replicate as the random effects. Pig was the experimental unit. Results indicated that the ATTD and STTD of P in all diets increased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of 500 or 4,000 FTU, but the ATTD and STTD of P in feed phosphates were not affected by the inclusion of phytase (Table 1). This indicates that the increases in ATTD and STTD of P that were observed in the mixed diets when phytase was used were due to the release of P from phytate in corn and soybean meal and not from an increase in digestibility of P in feed phosphates. However, MgP had a lower (P < 0.05) STTD of P than MCP and MSP. In conclusion, microbial phytase does not increase the digestibility of P in MCP, MSP, or MgP, but the digestibility of P in MgP is less than in MCP and MSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to test the hypothesis that digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA), and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in soybean meal produced from a new variety of soybeans (Photoseed) are not different from conventional soybean meal (SBM-CV). In Exp. 1, thirty pigs (18.3 ± 1.3 kg) were randomly allotted to a corn diet or 2 diets containing corn and Photoseed or corn and SBM-CV. Pigs were housed in metabolism crates and feces and urine were collected for 4 days after 5 days of adaptation. Feces and urine were analyzed for gross energy and DE and ME were calculated for each ingredient. The statistical model included ingredient as fixed effect and replicate as random effect and pig was the experimental unit. Results indicated that DE and ME of Photoseed were not different from DE and ME in SBM-CV (Table 1). In Exp. 2, nine barrows (30.0 ± 1.5 kg) with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were allotted to a triplicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design with 3 diets and 3 periods in each square. An N-free diet and diets containing SBM-CV or Photoseed were used. Pigs were housed individually in fully slatted pens and ileal digesta were collected on d 6 and 7 of each period. Digesta samples were lyophilized, ground, and analyzed for AA, and SID of AA was calculated. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and square, period, and pig as random effects, and pig was the experimental unit. Results indicated that the SID of Arg, Ile, and Lys were not different between the two ingredients (Table 2), but the SID of other indispensable AA were greater (P < 0.05) in SBM-CV than in Photoseed. In Exp. 3, forty-eight barrows (12.0 ± 1.6 kg) were allotted to 6 diets with 8 pigs per diet. The SBM-CV or Photoseed were included in diets with 3 levels of microbial phytase (0, 500, or 1,000 units/kg). Pigs were housed in metabolism crates and feces were collected quantitatively for 4 days after 5 days of adaptation. Fecal samples were dried and analyzed for P and the STTD of P was calculated. The statistical model included ingredient, phytase, and the interaction between ingredient and phytase as fixed effects and replicate as the random effect. The pig was the experimental unit. Results indicated that inclusion of phytase in the diets increased (P < 0.05) the STTD of P, but STTD of P in Photoseed was not different from the STTD in SBM-CV (Table 3). In conclusion, no differences in DE and ME, STTD of P, and SID of some indispensable AA between Photoseed and SBM-CV were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic acids are bound to cell wall polymers in corn and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and contribute to the low digestibility of fiber in corn-based ingredients. Phenolic acids link arabinoxylans to lignin and may substitute sidechains of arabinoxylans, which precludes fermentation. To develop enzymes to aid in separating phenolic acids from arabinoxylans, the natural fermentation of phenolic acid in the intestinal tract of pigs needs to be known. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that phenolic acids are poorly fermented by pigs. A corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet and a corn-SBM-DDGS diet were fed to 24 pigs (initial body weight: 61.71 ± 5.39 kg) in a randomized complete block design with 4 blocks and a total of 12 pigs per diet. Diets were fed for 22 d; feces were collected during the last 5d. Concentrations of phenolic acids were analyzed in diets and feces using reversed phase ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS with pig as the experimental unit. Results indicated that concentrations of bound phenolic acids were greater (P < 0.05) in feces from pigs fed the corn-SBM-DDGS diet than from pigs fed the corn-SBM diet (Table 1). Disappearance (%) of free coumaric acid and bound ferulic acid in the intestinal tract of pigs was not different between the 2 diets. In contrast, disappearance of bound coumaric acid was greater (P < 0.05) from the corn-SBM diet than from the corn-SBM-DDGS diet, but disappearance of bound ferulic acid and bound coumaric acid was less than 50% confirming that phenolic acids may hinder fermentation. In conclusion, ferulic acid and coumaric acid appear to be barriers for fermentation of arabinoxylans in pigs and enzymes that release phenolic acids may be needed to increase fermentation of corn fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothesis that apparent ileal digestibility (AID), basal endogenous losses, and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA are not affected by adding acid to collection containers or bags used to collect ileal digesta from pigs was tested. Twenty-four barrows (initial BW: 77.8 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were fed diets for three 7-d periods. Corn, soybean meal, and wheat middlings were the sole AA sources in each diet and an N-free diet was also used. Within each period, each of the 4 diets was fed to 6 pigs. Among the 6 pigs, digesta from 3 pigs were collected in bags containing no HCl, whereas 40 mL of 3N HCl was included in the bags used to collect digesta from the remaining 3 pigs. Every other bag collected from each pig was emptied into a container without adding HCl, whereas the remaining bags were added to a container along with 40 mL of 3N HCl for each bag. All digesta were stored at -20 °C immediately after collection. Data were first analyzed using a model that included feed ingredient, HCl in bags, HCl in containers, and all 2-way and 3-way interactions as fixed effects. No 3-way interactions were significant, and data were, therefore, analyzed independently for each diet as a 2 × 2 factorial. Results indicated that there were no interactions between adding HCl to collection bags and to containers, and no effects of adding HCl to collection bags or containers for AID, basal endogenous losses, or SID of most AA were observed (Table 1). In conclusion, if digesta are stored at -20 °C immediately after collection, it is not necessary to add acid to digesta collection bags or collection containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothesis that the nutritional value of corn protein (approximately 50% protein) is greater than in two sources of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS1 and DDGS2) was tested. In Exp. 1, eight ileal-cannulated barrows (37.1 ± 2.4 kg) were allotted to a Latin square and fed a N-free diet or diets based on corn protein, DDGS1, or DDGS2. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SAS with treatment and replicate being fixed and random effects, respectively. Concentrations of standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA were greater (P < 0.05) in corn protein than in DDGS (Table 1). In Exp. 2, 32 barrows (16.5 ± 0.9 kg) in metabolism crates received diets based on, corn, corn protein, DDGS1, or DDGS2. Data were analyzed as in Exp. 1. Corn protein had greater (P < 0.01) ME compared with DDGS1 and DDGS2 (Table 1). In Exp. 3, 160 pigs (6.02 ± 0.84 kg) were allotted to 4 treatments with 8 pens per treatment. Phase 1 and 2 diets contained 0, 5, 5, or 10% and 0, 2.5, 7.5, or 10% corn protein, respectively, which replaced enzyme-treated soybean meal (HP300) or plasma in phase 1 or HP300 in phase 2. Diets were formulated using ME and SID AA values from Exp. 1 and 2. A common phase 3 diet was used. Data were analyzed as in Exp. 1. At the end of phase 1, BW was reduced (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the diet with the greatest inclusion of corn protein, but there was no difference at the end of the experiment (Table 2). Fecal score tended (P = 0.066) to be reduced in phase 2 for pigs fed the greatest inclusion of corn protein. In conclusion, corn protein has greater ME and digestible AA than DDGS and may reduce fecal scores of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that increasing levels of phytase increases mineral digestibility and bone ash by pigs fed diets containing 0.23%, 0.29%, or 0.35% phytate-P. Within each level of phytate, 5 diets were formulated based on corn, soybean meal, and canola meal to contain 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG). In addition, 3 reference diets were formulated by adding a commercial Buttiauxella phytase (PhyB) at 1,000 FTU/kg to the 3 diets containing no PhyG. A randomized complete block design with 144 pigs (12.70 ± 4.01 kg), 18 diets, and 8 replicate pigs per diet was used. Pigs adapted to diets for 15 d followed by 4 d of fecal collection. Femurs were collected on the last day. Data were analyzed as a 3 × 5 factorial with 3 levels of phytate-P and 5 levels of phytase, and contrast statements were used to compare 1,000 FTU of PhyG with PhyB. Pig was the experimental unit. Diets containing 0.35% phytate-P had reduced (P < 0.01) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca, P, Mg, and K compared with diets containing 0.23% or 0.29% phytate-P, but inclusion of phytase increased (P < 0.01) ATTD of Ca, Na, and K (Table 1). Phytase increased ATTD of P and Mg, but to a greater extent in diets with 0.23 or 0.29% phytate-P than in diets with 0.35% phytate-P (interaction, P < 0.05). Phytase increased bone ash, but to a greater extent if there was 0.35 rather than 0.23 or 0.29% phytate-P in the diets (interaction, P < 0.05). PhyG increased ATTD of P more (P < 0.05) than PhyB. In conclusion, the novel consensus phytase is effective in increasing bone ash and ATTD of Ca, P, Na, Mg and K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of an enzyme premix (xylanase and cellulase) in diets based on corn or sorghum and fed to growing pigs improves the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and total dietary fiber (TDF) and concentration of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME). Two basal diets based on corn and soybean meal or sorghum and soybean meal were formulated. Four additional diets were formulated by adding 40% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or 40% wheat middlings to each of the 2 basal diets. Each of these 6 diets were formulated either without or with an enzyme premix that contained xylanase and cellulase. A total of 144 pigs (61.7 ± 5.3 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 12 diets and 12 replicate pigs per diet. Pigs were housed individually and adapted to the diets for 12-d, then moved to metabolism crates and after 4 d, urine and feces were collected for 5 d. Data were analyzed as 2 × 2 × 3 factorial with 2 types of diets, two enzymes treatments, and three by-product inclusions. The pig was the experimental unit. The ATTD of gross energy (GE), and DE and ME improved (P < 0.01) if enzymes were added to the diets regardless of the grain source or by-product inclusion (Table 1). No effect of enzymes on ATTD of TDF was observed, ATTD of TDF was greater if DDGS rather than wheat middlings was added to the corn diet (grain source × by-product interaction, P < 0.05). In conclusion, addition of enzymes may have the potential to improve the ATTD of GE, and DE and ME in mixed diets based on corn or sorghum and both without and with inclusion of DDGS or wheat middlings. 3Enz = enzyme premix supplied by ADM Animal Nutrition, Quincy, IL, USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that values for standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in cereal grains and fiber rich ingredients obtained using the direct method are not different from values obtained using the difference method. Sixteen ileal-cannulated barrows (69.45 ± 5.01 kg) were allotted to an 8 diets × 4 period Youden square design. Each period consisted of 5 d of adaptation and 2 d of ileal digesta collection. Four diets were based on soybean meal (SBM), corn, wheat, or wheat middlings as the only AA-containing ingredients. Three additional diets were based on a mixture of SBM and corn, wheat, or wheat middlings and a N-free diet was also used. The SID of AA in the 4 diets containing SBM, corn, wheat, or wheat middlings as the sole source of AA were calculated using the direct method. The SID of AA in corn, wheat, and wheat middlings were also calculated by difference from the 3 diets containing SBM and corn, wheat, or wheat middlings by subtracting the contribution from SBM of each AA from the SID values for the mixed diet. Data were analyzed using a model that included the method of determination of AA digestibility as the fixed effect, and pig and period as random effects. There was no difference between the direct and the difference method for the SID of most AA in corn, wheat, and wheat middlings, although the SID of Trp was lower (P < 0.05) for the difference method than values derived by the direct method for both corn and wheat middlings (Table 1). Therefore, values for SID of AA in cereal grains or fiber-rich ingredients could be obtained using either the direct method or the difference method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that a Buttiauxella phytase expressed in T. reesei can compensate the reduction in standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P, Ca, digestible energy (DE), and standardized ileal digestible (SID) AA in diets for pigs without impaired growth performance. A positive control diet (PC) was formulated to meet the requirement for STTD P and total Ca (0.33% STTD P and 0.60% Ca). A negative control diet (NC) was formulated with 0.18% STTD P and 0.45% Ca and with reduction of DE by 43 kcal/kg and SID AA by 0.01-0.02% vs. PC. Adding 250, 500, or 1,000 phytase units (FTU) per kg to the NC diet for a total of 5 experimental diets formulated three additional diets. A total of 155 pigs (BW: 8.77 ± 1.38 kg) were allotted to the 5 treatments, and there were 8 replicate pens per treatment. The experiment was conducted for 21 d. Pigs were weighed at the beginning and conclusion of the experiment, and daily feed allotments were recorded. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain: feed ratio (G:F) were calculated for each treatment. Data were analyzed using contrast statements to compare PC and NC, PC and phytase, and to determine linear and quadratic effects of phytase. Results indicated that pigs fed the NC diet had reduced (P < 0.05) ADG and G:F compared with pigs fed the PC diet (Table 1). Adding phytase to NC increased ADFI (linear, P < 0.05) and ADG (quadratic, P < 0.05) with the greatest values for the 1,000 FTU treatment. Including phytase in the diet also resulted in a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) in G:F. In conclusion, Buttiauxella phytase may be included in diets with reduced nutrients and energy for weanling pigs without compromising pig growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA by growing pigs is not influenced by dietary AA. In Exp. 1, thirty cannulated pigs (BW:31.4 ± 3.9 kg) were allotted to 5 diets. Four diets were formulated to contain 4.7 to 30.4% CP, by including 10, 30, 50, or 70% soybean meal. An N-free diet was used to determine the basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. The model included diet as a fixed variable and polynomial contrasts were used to test linear and quadratic effects of dietary AA. The SID of CP, Lys, Phe, and Thr decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary AA increased (Table 1). However, this effect was primarily a result of the SID of AA in the diet containing 30.4% CP and the SID of CP and most AA was not affected by dietary AA if diets contained 4.7 to 22.1% CP. In Exp. 2, twenty-four cannulated pigs (BW:22.8 ± 1.7 kg) were used. Pigs were allotted to a quadruplicated 6 × 2 Youden square design with 6 diets and 2 periods. Five diets were formulated to contain 6.8 to 31.8% CP, by including 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50% soy protein concentrate. An N-free diet was also used. Data were analyzed as for Exp. 1. The SID of His and Lys decreased quadratically (P < 0.05) with increased dietary AA (Table 2). However, if dietary CP was 26.6% or less, no effect of dietary AA on SID of CP and most indispensable AA was observed. In conclusion, the SID of most AA is not influenced by dietary AA if dietary CP does not exceed around 26%. Hence, the SID of AA in feed ingredients may be determined in diets containing AA below, at, or slightly above requirements without impacting results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that energy and nutrient digestibility and concentrations of DE and ME are greater in soybean expellers than in soybean meal (SBM) fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, two diets based on soybean expellers or SBM as the sole source of AA and an N-free diet were formulated. Nine cannulated barrows (BW: 55.98 ± 13.75 kg) were allotted to a triplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 3 diets and 3 periods. Ileal digesta were collected on d 6 and 7 of each 7-d period. The statistical model included ingredient as fixed effect and square, period, and animal as random effects. Results indicated that the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of most AA were greater (P < 0.05) or tended to be greater (P < 0.10) in soybean expellers compared with SBM (Table 1). In Exp. 2, a corn-based diet and 2 diets based on corn and each of the 2 soybean products were formulated. Twenty-four barrows (BW: 44.88 ± 2.17 kg) were allotted to 1 of the 3 diets with 8 pigs per diet. Urine and fecal samples were collected for 4 d after 5 d of adaptation. The statistical model included diet or ingredient as fixed effect and replicate as random effect. Results indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE was not different among pigs fed the 3 diets. Concentrations of DE and ME in soybean expellers were greater (P < 0.05) compared with SBM, but the ATTD of total dietary fiber was not different between the 2 soybean products. In conclusion, values for SID of most AA and the DE and ME in soybean expellers were greater than in SBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to 1) test the hypothesis that a minimum adaptation period to diets used in ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility experiments with pigs is needed and 2) to test the null-hypothesis that ileal digestibility and basal endogenous losses of AA are not affected by the indigestible marker used. Eight ileal-cannulated barrows with an initial BW of 58.1 ± 4.3 kg were randomly allotted to a 2-period crossover design with 2 diets and 4 pigs per diet in each period. A soybean meal-based diet and an N-free diet were prepared. Both diets contained 0.4% chromium oxide, 0.4% titanium dioxide, and 0.4% Celite (a source of acid insoluble ash; AIA). Pigs were provided feed in a daily amount of 3 times the maintenance requirement for metabolizable energy, and 2 equal meals were provided each day. Ileal digesta samples were collected from 0800 to 2000 h on each day during the two 9-d collection periods. There was no period by diet interactions observed. Marker concentrations in ileal digesta were analyzed separately for each day, and the point where the concentration of each marker was stabilized in the digesta was determined using a linear broken-line analysis. For pigs fed the soybean meal diet, the breakpoints for Cr, Ti, and AIA in ileal digesta were 2.70, 2.45, and 3.77 d, respectively. In pigs fed the N-free diet, the breakpoints for Cr, Ti, and AIA in ileal digesta were 2.52, 2.39, and 2.29 d, respectively. Based on the pooled data, the basal endogenous losses of most AA calculated using Cr as an indigestible marker were less (P < 0.05) than the values calculated using Ti, but greater (P < 0.05) compared with values calculated based on AIA. The standardized ileal digestibility of most AA in soybean meal calculated using Cr or Ti as a digestibility marker were greater (P < 0.05) than the digestibility values calculated using AIA. In conclusion, 3 d of adaptation is required before markers are stabilized in the ileal outflow if Cr or Ti is used as an indigestible marker and 4 d of adaptation is required if AIA is the marker. Values for AA digestibility calculated using Cr or Ti as the marker are not different, but greater compared with values calculated using AIA as the marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments determined the SID of AA in a high-lysine sorghum cultivar, followed by a growth trial to determine its effects on pig performance using increasing feed-grade AA at the expense of soybean meal. In Exp. 1, ten barrows (initially 25.9 kg) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 diets in a 5-period, cross-over design. Experimental diets included a corn-based diet, a diet containing high-lysine sorghum, or two diets with either white or red sorghum cultivars. The fifth experimental diet was N-free to determine endogenous AA loss. In corn, SID CP, lysine, methionine, threonine, and valine were greater (P < 0.020) than sorghum-based diets, with no evidence for differences among the sorghum cultivars. In Exp. 2, a total of 293 pigs (initially 9.6 kg) were used. Dietary treatments were randomly assigned 20 d after weaning and consisted of a corn-based diet, a diet based on conventional sorghum, and 4 diets with high-lysine sorghum with 10 replications/treatment. The corn-based, conventional sorghum, and the first high-lysine sorghum (low) diets each contained the same amount of soybean meal with varying amounts of feed-grade AA. The 3 remaining high-lysine sorghum diets included incrementally increasing amounts of feed-grade AA (low-medium, medium-high, and high), replacing soybean meal. Overall, there was no evidence for differences in ADG or ADFI between treatments. However, pigs fed the high-lysine sorghum with the greatest amount of feed-grade AA had decreased G:F (P = 0.045) compared with those fed other experimental diets. In summary, SID AA values for the high-lysine sorghum in this study were not different from sorghum cultivars; however, these values were all lower when compared with corn. When nursery diets were formulated on an equal SID AA basis, there were no differences in ADG among pigs fed any of the diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that there are no differences in composition, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), or standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in wheat middlings sourced from flour mills in Europe or in the U.S. For both experiments, ten sources of wheat middlings were used. Five sources were procured from Europe and the other five sources were procured from the U.S. The ten sources of wheat middlings varied in starch from 79 to 286 g/kg (as-fed) and total dietary fiber varied from 324 to 508 g/kg. In experiment 1, 88 castrated male pigs (27.2 ± 2.5 kg) were individually housed in metabolism crates and allotted to eleven diets with eight replicate pigs per diet. A corn-soybean meal diet and ten diets containing corn, soybean meal, and each source of wheat middlings as the only energy sources were formulated. Feces and urine were collected using the marker-to-marker approach with 5-day adaptation and 4-day collection periods. The ATTD of GE and the concentration of digestible energy (DE) in wheat middlings from one of the European sources were less (P < 0.05) than in the other sources. Likewise, wheat middlings from Europe had reduced concentrations of DE and metabolizable energy (12.10 and 11.42 MJ/kg, dry matter basis) compared with wheat middlings from the U.S (12.69 and 12.32 MJ/kg, dry matter basis). In experiment 2, eleven pigs (52.8 ± 3.6 kg) with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were allotted to an 11 × 8 Youden square design with eleven diets and eight periods resulting in eight replicates per diet. A nitrogen-free diet and ten diets containing each source of wheat middlings as the only AA-containing ingredient were formulated. Results indicated that the SID of most AA in wheat middlings from two of the European sources was less (P < 0.05) than in the other sources. As a consequence, the average SID of AA for wheat middling from Europe was less than the SID of AA in wheat middlings from the U.S. In conclusion, energy concentrations and AA digestibility values for wheat middling from Europe were less than in wheat middlings from the U.S., which is likely due to increased concentration of dietary fiber in wheat middlings from Europe. Greater variability in energy and AA digestibility values was also observed in the five sources of wheat middlings from Europe compared with wheat middlings from the U.S., which is possibly a result of differences among European flour mills in the production process. • Wheat middlings from Europe contain more fiber than U.S. wheat middlings. • Wheat middlings from Europe contain less energy than wheat middlings from the U.S. • Amino acid digestibility is greater in U.S. than in European wheat middlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soybean meals from different origins have different chemical composition. • The metabolizable energy (ME) in soybean meal is greater than book values. • The ME in soybean meal from India is less than in soybean meal from other origins. An experiment was conducted to compare the nutritional composition and the concentration of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of soybean meal (SBM) from the leading soybean producing countries in the world when fed to growing pigs. Five sources of SBM from Argentina, China, and the United States, and 4 sources from Brazil and India were used. A basal diet based on maize and 23 diets based on maize and each source of SBM were formulated. Twenty-four growing barrows (initial BW: 25.0 ± 1.7 kg) were allotted to a 24 × 7 Youden square design with 24 diets and 7 periods of 14 days. Pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for total but separate collection of feces and urine. The coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of gross energy (GE) and concentrations of DE and ME in each diet were calculated using the direct procedure and the DE and ME in each source of SBM were then calculated by difference. Results indicated that there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for Brazilian SBM (17.6 MJ/kg) to have greater concentration of GE than SBM from China and the United States (17.3 MJ/kg). The CATTD of GE in SBM from the United States (0.85), China (0.86), and Argentina (0.86) was greater (P < 0.05) than in SBM from India (0.83). Values for the concentration of DE and ME were calculated on a dry matter basis. Concentrations of DE and ME in Indian SBM were the least (P < 0.05) among countries, and Argentinian SBM had a greater concentration of DE and ME than SBM from the United States. There were no differences in the CATTD of GE among sources of SBM within each country and no differences in the concentration of DE or ME were observed among sources of SBM within Argentina or the United States. However, there were differences in the concentration of DE and ME among sources of SBM collected in India and in China, and a tendency (P < 0.10) for differences in the concentration of ME among sources of SBM collected in Brazil. Therefore, based on the four or five sources of SBM collected from each country it was concluded that SBM from Argentina and the United States were less variable than those from the other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses that microbial phytase improves the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) in bakery meal and that corn may be replaced by bakery meal in diets for weanling pigs without negative effects on growth performance. Two sources of bakery meal were used in experiment 1 and one of these sources was also used in experiment 2. In experiment 1, eighty weanling barrows (initial body weight: 14.25 ± 1.91 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 10 diets and 8 replicate pigs per diet. Two basal diets based on each source of bakery meal (i.e., bakery meal 1 and bakery meal 2) were formulated without addition of microbial phytase. Eight additional diets were formulated by adding 500, 1000, 1500, or 3000 units of microbial phytase to each of the 2 basal diets. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism crates and feces were collected quantitatively for 4 d after 5 d of adaptation. Results indicated that greater increases in apparent total tract digestibility and STTD of P were observed in bakery meal 1 compared with bakery meal 2 when phytase was added to diets (interaction, quadratic, P < 0.05). In the second experiment, 160 newly weaned pigs (initial body weight: 7.17 ± 0.94 kg) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 8 pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. A 2-phase feeding program was used with d 1–14 being phase 1 and d 15–35 being phase 2. A control diet, containing primarily corn, soybean meal, and no bakery meal was formulated in each phase. Four additional diets in each phase were formulated by replacing 250, 500, 750, or 1000 g/kg of corn in the control diet with bakery meal. Results indicated that for the overall 5-wk nursery period, increasing concentrations of bakery meal tended (linear, P = 0.064) to reduce average daily gain and reduced (linear, P < 0.01) gain to feed ratio of pigs, whereas blood indicators of energy and protein utilization were not affected. In conclusion, digestible P in bakery meal may be increased by including microbial phytase in the diets, but a full replacement of corn with bakery meal in diets for weanling pigs may reduce growth performance. • Microbial phytase increases digestibility of P in bakery meal. • Phytase efficiency depends on the amount of phytate present in bakery meal. • Replacing corn with bakery meal reduces gain to feed ratio of weanling pigs. • Bakery meal does not affect protein utilization and fecal scores of weanling pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Autoclaving soybean meal at 150 °C reduces concentration of digestible amino acids. • Lysine and cysteine most negatively affected by autoclaving. • Autoclaving soybean meal at 150 °C reduces concentration of metabolizable energy. Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that both the degree of heating and the time heat is applied will affect standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA), and concentrations of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) in soybean meal (SBM) fed to growing pigs. One source of SBM was divided into 9 batches and used in 2 experiments. One batch was not autoclaved and considered the control. Two batches were autoclaved at 110 °C for 15 or 30 min and 6 batches were autoclaved at 150 °C for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 min. In Exp. 1, a corn-based diet and 9 diets based on corn and each source of SBM were fed to 20 barrows (43.6 kg) that were used in a replicated 10 × 4 Youden square design. Urine and fecal samples were collected for 5 days after 7 days of adaptation. In Exp. 2, nine cornstarch-based diets included 400 g/kg of each of the 9 sources of SBM. An N-free diet was also used. Ten growing barrows (36.8 kg) with a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a 10 × 7 Youden square design with 10 diets and 7 periods. Ileal digesta were collected on d 6 and 7 of each 7-d period. Results from the experiments indicated that the ATTD of GE, and the DE and ME, the SID of crude protein (CP) and all AA were less (P < 0.001) if SBM was autoclaved at 150 ºC than at 110 ºC. The ATTD of GE, the DE and ME, and the SID of CP and AA were not affected by increasing duration of autoclaving at 110 °C, but there were linear reductions (P < 0.001) in ATTD of GE, in DE and ME, and in SID of all AA if duration of autoclaving was increased at 150 ºC. These observations demonstrate that over-heating of SBM not only results in reduced SID of AA, but ATTD of GE will also be impaired with a subsequent reduction in concentrations of DE and ME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]