Feeding Practices and Use of Lysine and Methionine in Pigrationing on Intensified Pig Breeding in the West Center and Hauts Bassins Regions of Burkina Faso

The aim of the study was to assess feeding practices and the use of lysine and methionine in pig rationing on intensified and semi-intensive pig breeding in the Koudougou and Bobo-Dioulasso areas. To this end, a cross-sectional survey was carried out on 87 breeding in these towns. A Discriminant Factorial Analysis (DFA) confirming a k-means classification of the data collected was used to retain 71 breeding divided into three breeding classes: Class A (32.4% of breeding), Class B (14.08%) and Class C (53.52%). The results show that the majority of pig breeders were men between the ages of 36 and 59. Average herd sizes were 35 ± 28;79 ± 42 and 89 ± 21 pigs for Classes A, B and C respectively. The main breeds of pig found on the breeding were crossbred, Large white, local, Landrace and Duroc. Class A (26.1%), B (30%) and C (15.8%) breeders were familiar with both lysine and methionine. Class A breeders distributed feed staggered (65.2%) and in rations (34.8%). Lysine (13%) and methionine (8.7%) were purchased at 5250 FCFA/kg. Those in class B distributed feed staggered (50%) and in the form of rations (50%), in which they incorporated lysine (30%) and methionine (30%) purchased at a cost of 2500 FCFA/kg and 3000 FCFA/kg respectively. Rationing and staggered feeding were practiced by 23.7% and 76.3% of Class C breeders respectively. Only lysine purchased at 3400 FCFA/kg was incorporated into rations by 10.5% of breeders. The high cost of lysine and methionine was incriminated by Class A (100%), B (33.3%) and C (50%) breeders. In conclusion, intensive pig breeding, the practice of rationing and the incorporation of the amino acids lysine and methionine are of ascending importance from classes C, A to B. The high cost of feedstuffs, particularly lysine and methionine, compromises their use in rations, which could have a negative impact on expected breeding performance. The screening and use of feeds rich in and/or enriched with these amino acids, through the development or adaptation of technologies, could improve the efficiency of rations and the productivity of intensive pig breeding in Burkina Faso.

Excess dietary Lys reduces feed intake, stimulates jejunal CCK secretion and alters essential and non‑essential blood AA profile in pigs

Background Commercial diets are frequently formulated to meet or exceed nutrient levels including those of lim-iting essential amino acids(AA)covering potential individual variations within the herd.However,the provision of dietary excess of AA,such as Lys,may lead to reduced appetite and growth in pigs.The mechanisms modulat-ing these responses have not been extensively investigated.This study evaluated the effect of Lys dietary excesses on performance and satiety biomarkers in post weaning pigs.Methods Twenty-four pigs aged 21 d and weighing 6.81±0.12kg(mean±SEM)were individually housed and offered 1 of 4 dietary treatments for 3weeks:a diet containing a standardized ileal digestible Lys reaching 100%(T0),120%(T1),150%(T2)or 200%(T3)of the NRC(2012)requirements.At the end of the experiment,blood samples from the cephalic vein of the T0 and T3 groups were obtained for AA analysis.In addition,primary intestinal cultures from T0 pigs were used,following their humane killing,to evaluate the effect of Lys on gut hormone secretion and AA sensors gene expression under ex vivo conditions.Results Feed intake was linearly reduced(P<0.001)and the weight gain to feed ratio reduced(P<0.10)with increased dietary levels of Lys during the third-and first-week post weaning,respectively.Cholecystokinin con-centration(P<0.05)and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and the solute carrier family 7 member 2(P<0.10)gene expression was enhanced in proximal jejunum tissues incubated with Lys at 20mmol/L when compared to the control(Lys 0mmol/L).Plasma Lys and Glu(P<0.05)concentration increased in the T3 compared to T0 pigs.In contrast,plasma levels of His,Val,Thr,Leu(P<0.05)and Gln(P<0.10)were lower in T3 than T0 pigs.Conclusion The present results confirm that excess dietary Lys inhibits hunger in pigs.Moreover,the results provide evidence of pre-and post-absorptive mechanisms modulating these responses.Lys dietary excesses should be nar-rowed,when possible,to avoid negative effects of the AA on appetite in pigs.

Interactions between maternal parity and feed additives drive the composition of pig gut microbiomes in the post‑weaning period

Background Nursery pigs undergo stressors in the post-weaning period that result in production and welfare chal-lenges.These challenges disproportionately impact the offspring of primiparous sows compared to those of mul-tiparous counterparts.Little is known regarding potential interactions between parity and feed additives in the post-weaning period and their effects on nursery pig microbiomes.Therefore,the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes and the influence of sow parity on pig fecal microbi-ome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning.At weaning,piglets were allotted into three treat-ment groups:a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu(Con),a group fed a commercial prebiotic only(Preb)based on an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,and a group fed the same prebiotic plus Zn and Cu(Preb+ZnCu).Results Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and mul-tiparous sows,fecal microbiome composition was different(R^(2)=0.02,P=0.03).The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to multiparous offspring at d 0 and d 21 post-weaning(P<0.01),with differences in community composition observed at d 21(R^(2)=0.03,P=0.04).When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment,only the Preb diet triggered significant microbiome distinc-tions between primiparous and multiparous offspring(d 21:R^(2)=0.13,P=0.01;d 42:R^(2)=0.19,P=0.001).Composi-tional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments were observed only at d 21(R^(2)=0.12,P=0.001).Pigs in the Con group gained significantly more weight throughout the nursery period when compared to those in the Preb+ZnCu group.Conclusions Nursery pig gut microbiome composition was influenced by supplementation with an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract,with varying effects on performance when combined with pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu or for offspring of different maternal parity groups.These results indicate that the development of nursery pig gut microbiomes is shaped by maternal parity and potential interactions with the effects of dietary feed additives.

Effect of Complete Feed Feeding Level and Morning Glory on Growing Pig Performance

A total of 60 castrated male pigs (Yorkshire x Duroc, initially 17.36 kg) were used in a 42-day trial to evaluate the effect of complete feed feeding level and morning glory on growth performance of growing pigs. Pigs were allotted to pens and randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: A) completed feed fed ad libitum;B) complete feed fed at 75% of intake of treatment A, and C) treatment B with ad libitum availability of morning glory. The design was a completely randomized design (CRD) with five pens (replications) of each treatment with four pigs per pen. Average daily feed intake (dry matter basis) was higher (P < 0.001) for pigs fed treatment A (1420 g/d) compared to treatment B (1048 g/d) as expected, with treatment C intermediate (1178 g/d;1048 g/d complete feed + 130 g/d morning glory). Average daily weight gain of pigs fed ad libitum was greater (P < 0.001) than pigs restricted fed with pigs which provide morning glory intermediate (871, 674 and 714 g, respectively). Feed efficiency improved (P < 0.024) for pigs fed the restricted feed level compared to pigs fed complete feed ad libitum or pigs restricted fed but provided morning glory (1.63, 1.56 and 1.65, respectively). For economics, feeding complete feed ad libitum improved (P < 0.001) income over feed cost compared to restricted feeding or providing morning glory (USD 41.48, 33.42, and 33.89/pig, respectively). In conclusion, feeding growing pigs a complete diet ad libitum resulted in the greatest growth rate and profitability. Offering morning glory (Ipomoea. aquatica) to pigs fed a restricted level of complete feed did improve final body weight, but the extra cost of feeding morning glory offset this advantage resulting in similar profitability on an income over feed cost basis.

Genetic parameters of drinking and feeding traits of wean-to-finish pigs under a polymicrobial natural disease challenge

Background:The pork industry faces unprecedented challenges from disease,which increases cost of production and use of antibiotics,and reduces production efficiency,carcass quality,and animal wellbeing.One solution is to improve the overall resilience of pigs to a broad array of common diseases through genetic selection.Behavioral changes in feeding and drinking are usually the very first clinical signs when animals are exposed to stressors such as disease.Changes in feeding and drinking behaviors in diseased pigs may reflect the way they cope with the challenge and,thus,could be used as indicator traits to select for disease resilience.The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters of feeding and drinking traits for wean-to-finish pigs in a natural polymicrobial disease challenge model,to estimate genetic correlations of feeding and drinking traits with growth rate and clinical disease traits,and to develop indicator traits to select for disease resilience.Results:In general,drinking traits had moderate to high estimates of heritability,especially average daily water dispensed,duration,and number of visits(0.44 to 0.58).Similar estimates were observed for corresponding feeding traits(0.35 to 0.51).Most genetic correlation estimates among drinking traits were moderate to high(0.30 to 0.92)and higher than among feeding traits(0 to 0.11).Compared to other drinking traits,water intake duration and number of visits had relatively stronger negative genetic correlation estimates with treatment rate and mortality,especially across the challenge nursery and finisher(−0.39 and−0.45 for treatment rate;−0.20 and−0.19 for mortality).Conclusion:Most of the recorded drinking and feeding traits under a severe disease challenge had moderate to high estimates of heritability,especially for feed or water intake duration and number of visits.Phenotypic and genetic correlations among the recorded feeding traits under disease were generally low but drinking traits showed high correlations with each other.Water intake duration and number of visits are potential indicator traits to select for disease resilience because of their high heritability and had moderate genetic correlations with treatment and mortality rates under severe disease.

Feeding Effect of Growing-Finishing Pigs under Fine Division of Feeding Stages

In order to study the feeding effect of fine division of feeding stages on the growing-finishing pigs,96 healthy Duroc × Landrace ×Yorkshire hybrid commercial pigs with similar age in days,size,and body weight about 15 kg,half boars and half sows,randomly divided into3 treatments( each treatment repeated 4 times,and each repetition 8 pigs). According to the body weight division standard,three stages,four stages,and five stages of feeding were adopted separately. The daily ration of with different nutrition levels was used,body weight and feed consumption were measured,and effects of different feeding methods on body weight increase,feed utilization,and economic benefits of growing-finishing pigs. The results showed that compared with the three-stage feeding,the body weight of five-stage and four-stage feeding increased by 4. 18%( P < 0. 01) and 2. 41%( P < 0. 05),respectively,and the body weight of five-stage feeding increased by 1. 74%( P < 0. 05) compared with that of four-stage feeding; the daily feed consumption of five-stage and four-stage feeding increased 3. 10%( P < 0. 01) and 1. 70%(P <0. 01),respectively,and the daily feed consumption of five-stage feeding was 1. 37% higher than that of four-stage feeding. The feed cost of five-stage feeding and four-stage feeding increased 3. 32%( P < 0. 01) and 1. 61%( P < 0. 05) separately,and the feed cost of five-stage feeding was 1. 69% higher than that of four-stage feeding( P < 0. 01). The income from average body weight increase of five-stage and fourstage feeding increased by 5. 47%( P < 0. 01) and 3. 59%( P < 0. 01) respectively,and the benefit of average body weight increase of fivestage feeding was 1. 81% higher than that of four-stage feeding( P > 0. 05). The crude protein consumption from average body weight increase of five-stage and four-stage feeding decreased by 2. 28%( P < 0. 01) and 1. 68%( P < 0. 01),respectively; the crude protein consumption from average body weight increase of five-stage feeding was 0. 67% lower than that of four-stage feeding; the feed conversion ratio of five-stage feeding,four-stage feeding,and three-stage feeding was 2. 92,2. 93,and 2. 95 respectively. The results showed that compared with the threestage feeding,the four-stage and five-stage feeding could significantly increase the body weight of the growing-finishing pigs,improve the feed utilization level and improve the economic benefits,and the effect of five-stage feeding was better than the four-stage feeding.

Effects of liquid feeding of corn condensed distiller's solubles and whole stillage on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and sensory traits of pigs

Background： The immense growth in global bioethanol production has greatly increased the supply of by-products such as whole stillage and condensed distiller＇s solubles, which could be potentially used for animal feeding. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of liquid feeding high levels of corn condensed distiller＇s solubles（CCDS） and whole stillage（CWS） on growth performance, carcass characteristics, belly firmness and meat sensory traits of pigs.Methods： A total of 256 pigs were blocked by sex and initial BW（13.5 ± 2.5 kg）, and pens of pigs（8 pigs/pen） were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments（8 pens/treatment）： 1） corn-soybean meal based diet as control, 2） 25%CWS ＋ 5% CCDS, 3） 19.5% CWS ＋ 10.5% CCDS, and 4） 19.5, 26, and 32.5% CWS ＋ 10.5, 14, and 17.5% CCDS in phases 1（28 d）, 2（38 d）, and 3（60 d）, respectively. Inclusion levels of CCDS and CWS for Treatments 1, 2, and 3 were fixed during all the three phases of the experiment. Inclusion levels of CWS and CCDS were on 88% dry matter basis. The liquid feeding system delivered feed from the mixing tank to feed troughs by high-pressure air, had sensors inside feed troughs, and recorded daily feed intake on the basis of a reference feed intake curve. The pigs were fed 5 to 10 times per day with increasing frequency during the experiment.Results： Control pigs had greater（P 0.10） dressing percentage, loin muscle depth, and lean percentage were observed among the four treatments. Inclusion of CWS and CCDS reduced（P 0.10） the overall like,flavor, tenderness and juiciness of loin chops when compared with the control group.Conclusion： In conclusion, our results indicate that including 30–50% of a mixture of whole stillage and condensed distiller＇s solubles in the growing-finishing diets may reduce growth performance, carcass weight and belly firmness, but does not affect pork sensory traits.

Feeding Management and Disease Prevention and Control of Pet Guinea Pigs

Guinea pig is widely used in clinical drug experiments as a laboratory animal.Because of its small and lovely size,guinea pig is often kept as a pet by many families.However,there are few reports on the feeding management and disease prevention and control of pet guinea pigs.This article introduced the experience and technology of feeding management and disease prevention of pet guinea pigs,in order to provide a reference for the feeding management and disease prevention of pet guinea pigs.

Fermented liquid feed for pigs： an ancient technique for the future

Fermented liquid feed is feed that has been mixed with water at a ratio ranging from 1：1.5 to 1：4. By mixing with water lactic acid bacteria and yeasts naturally occurring in the feed proliferate and produce lactic acid, acetic acid and ethano which reduces the pH of the mixture. This reduction in pH inhibits pathogenic organisms from developing in the feed. In addition, when this low pH mixture is fed, it reduces the pH in the stomach of pigs and prevents the proliferation of pathogens such as coliforms and Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract. For piglets, the use of fermented liquid feed offers the possibility of simultaneously providing feed and water, which may facilitate an easier transition from sow＇s milk to solid feed. Secondly, offering properly produced fermented liquid feed may strengthen the role of the stomach as the first line of defense against possible pathogenic infections by lowering the pH in the gastrointestinal tract thereby helping to exclude enteropathogens. Finally, feeding fermented liquid feed to pigs has been shown to improve the performance of suckling pigs, weaner pigs and growing-finishing pigs. In this review, current knowledge about the use of fermented liquid feed in pig diets will be discussed. This will include a discussion of the desirable properties of fermented liquid feed and factors affecting fermentation. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of fermented liquid feed will be discussed including its effects on gastrointestinal health, intestinal pH and the types of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract as well as the effects of fermented liquid feeds on pig performance.

Consuming fermented distillers＇ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) feed reveals a shift in the faecal microbiota of growing and fattening pigs using 454 pyrosequencing

The objective of this study was to investigate pig fed by Bacillus coagulans-fermented distillers＇ dried grains with solubles （DDGS） on the faecal microbial composition and diversity using 454 pyrosequencing. Healthy crossbred （Durocx Yorkshirex Landrace） growing and fattening pigs （n=48）, with an average initial body weight of 65 kg, were divided into two groups （24 replicates per group; four pens per group; six pigs per pen）, and given either DDGS feed as the control, or B. coagulans-fermented DDGS feed as the treatment. Faecal samples were collected on day 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. DNA was extracted, and the V3-V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified. The fermented DDGS feed affected the relative abundance of bacteria populations at the phylum, genus, and species levels. At the genus level, the consumption of fermented DDGS feed led to higher relative abundances of faecal Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, and Bacillus, and lower relative abundances of faecal Escherichia, Ruminococcus, Dialister, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae than in the control. At the species level, the consumption of fermented DDGS feed led to higher relative abundances of faecal Prevotella sp., Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus mucosae, Lactobacillus reuteri, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium sp., and Roseburia sp., and lower relative abundances of faecal Prevotella copri, Escherichia coil, Ruminococcus gnavus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Dialister sp. than in the control. Principal coordinates analysis indicated a distinct separation in the faecal microbial communities of pigs that were fed the fermented and unfermented DDGS feed. Fermented DDGS feed significantly increased the average daily gain （ADG） of pigs, and significantly decreased the average daily feed intake （ADFI） of feed and feed/gain （F/G）. Thus, our results demonstrate a beneficial shift in the faecal microbiota of pigs consuming fermented DDGS feed, with potential applications in livestock production.

Chinese herb feed additives improved the growth performance, meat quality, and nutrient digestibility parameters of pigs

Background:Since the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a critical concern worldwide due to severe threats to human health and environment,we are in need of finding alternatives to antibiotics in pig breeding,maintaining the health of pigs,and getting high-quality pork.As traditional Chinese herbs(TCH)are rich natural resources in China and show great benefits to human health we propose to transfer this abundant resource into animal production industry as additives.Methods:Three groups of Chinese herbs(groups A,B,and C)were used as feed additives in the diet for pigs.In total 32 pigs were arranged in four groups(groups A,B,C,and control group,NC),fed in the same facility,eight pigs(one group)in each colony,free drinking,for 120 days.The feed:gain ratio(F/G),meat quality,total protein,and amino acid concentration of muscle were checked in the experiments.Results:After 120 days of feeding,the feed:gain ratio(F/G)of pigs in groups A,B,and C was decreased 17.56%,9.31%,and 13.86%compared with NC treatment,respectively.The diets supplemented with Chinese herbs improved meat quality,increased loin eye area(especially group A and C showed significant difference,P<.001),the total protein(increased ratio vs NC was A=4.54%,B=0.38%and C=3.53%),amino acid concentration of muscle,increased the villus height:crypt depth ratio,and induced positive effects on serum biochemical parameters and immune function(serum TC and TG concentrations were significantly lower than those in the NC group,P<.05.).Conclusions:The use of Chinese herbal feed additives can reduce the cost of pig breeding and produce high-quality pock.The combination of these effects would contribute to better absorption ability of the intestinal tract and yield a better growth performance.

Effects on Growth Performance and Feed Digestibility of Hainan Black Pigs by Adding Lysine in Low Protein Diet

[Objective] The paper was to study the effects on growth performance and feed digestibility of Hainan black pigs by adding lysine in low prntein diet. [Method] A tntal of 36 Hainan black pigs with the body weight of （46.34±3.06） kg were randomly divided into three groups： con- trol group （protein level 15%, lysine level 0.83%）, experimental grnup 1 （protein level 13%, 0.83%）, and experimental group II （protein level 13%, lysine level 1.03）, each group had three replicates of four pigs. The trial lasted 35 d. [Result] The growth performance of Hainan black pig in grnup II had no significan! difference with that in contrail group （P〉0.05）. The apparent digestibility of chide protein and phosphorus of Hainan black pigs in Group II increased significantly （P〈0.05）, which were increased by 10.08% and 11.85% respectively compared to the control group; the apparent digestibility of calcium was increased, but the difference was not signifieant （P〉0.05）. [Conclusion] It will not reduce the growth performance of Hainan blaek pig when the protein level of diet is reduced by 2% and Ihe lysine level is increased to 1.03%. It is recommended that the diet can be used in the production of llainan black pig.

Phytogenic feed additives alleviate pathogenic Escherichia coli-induced intestinal damage through improving barrier integrity and inhibiting inflammation in weaned pigs

Background:This study was conducted to investigate the effects of each phytogenic feed additive(PFA;PFA1,bitter citrus extract;PFA2,a microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol;PFA3,a mixture of bitter citrus extract,thymol,and carvacrol;PFA4,a premixture of grape seed,grape marc extract,green tea,and hops;PFA5,fenugreek seed powder)on the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,intestinal morphology,and immune response in weaned pigs infected with Escherichia coli(E.coli).Results:A total of 634-week-old weaned pigs were placed in individual metabolic cages and assigned to seven treatment groups.The seven treatments were as follows:1)NC;basal diet without E.coli challenge,2)PC;basal diet with E.coli challenge,3)T1;PC+0.04%PFA1,4)T2;PC+0.01%PFA2,5)T3;PC+0.10%PFA3,6)T4;PC+0.04%PFA4,7)T5;PC+0.10%PFA5.The experiments lasted in 21 d,including 7 d before and 14 d after the first E.coli challenge.In the E.coli challenge treatments,all pigs were orally inoculated by dividing a total of 10 mL of E.coli F18 for 3 consecutive days.The PFA-added groups significantly increased(P<0.05)average daily gain and feed efficiency and decreased(P<0.05)the fecal score at d 0 to 14 post-inoculation(PI).Tumor necrosis factorαwas significantly lower(P<0.05)in the PFA-added groups except for T1 in d 14 PI compared to the PC treatment.The T3 had a higher(P<0.05)immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A concentration compared to the PC treatment at d 7 PI.Also,T3 showed significantly higher(P<0.05)villus height:crypt depth and claudin 1 expression in ileal mucosa,and significantly downregulated(P<0.05)the expression of calprotectin compared to the PC treatment.Conclusions:Supplementation of PFA in weaned pigs challenged with E.coli alleviated the negative effects of E.coli and improved growth performance.Among them,the mixed additive of bitter citrus extract,thymol,and carvacrol showed the most effective results,improving immune response,intestinal morphology,and expression of tight junctions.

Effects of corn gluten feed inclusion at graded levels in a corn-soybean diet on the ileal and fecal digestibility of growing pigs

Background： This study aimed to determine the effect of the inclusion of corn gluten feed （CGF） on the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids and the apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of energy in growing pigs. The study was performed using 16 barrows （weight, 45.3 ±4.5 kg） that were fitted with a T cannula at the terminal ileum. There were four treatments： a corn-soybean diet without CGF and three corn-soybean diets containing increasing levels of CGF （65, 130, and 195 g/kg）. Data were analyzed according to a randomized complete block design, four blocks with four pigs each （one pig per treatment）. The trend of the response （linear or quadratic） was determined using orthogonal contrasts, and when a linear effect was determined, a linear equation was obtained. Results： The results showed that the inclusion up to 195 g/kg of CGF in the corn-soybean diet did not diminish the ileal digestibility （apparent and standardized） of protein and amino acids （P 〉 0.05）, except that of phenylalanine, cystine, and proline. A linear decrease （P 〈 0.05） per gram of CGF added to the diet in the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of phenylalanine （0.011 and 0.015 percentage units, respectively）, cystine （0.048 and 0.043 percentage units, respectively）, and proline （0.045 and 0.047 percentage units, respectively） was noted. Similarly, ileal digestibility of dry matter and energy were adversely affected （reduced by 0.028 and 0.025 percentage units, respectively, per gram of CGF increment in the diet）. A significant （P 〈 0.05） linear reduction in total tract digestibility with increase in CGF amount in the diet was observed for energy （0.027 percentage units）, dry matter （0.027 percentage units）, crude protein （0.020 percentage units）, and neutral detergent fiber （0.041 percentage units） per gram of CGF added to the diet. Conclusion： CGF did not affect the ileal digestibility of protein and most amino acids but reduced the ileal and total tract digestibility of energy.

Time-restricted feeding downregulates cholesterol biosynthesis program via RORγ-mediated chromatin modification in porcine liver organoids

Background: Time-restricted feeding(TRF) is a dieting strategy based on nutrients availability and diurnal rhythm,shown to improve lipid metabolism efficiency. We have demonstrated previously that retinoic acid-related(RAR)orphan receptor(ROR) γ is the primary transcription factor controlling cholesterol(CHO) biosynthesis program of animals. However, the functional role of RORγ in liver physiology of pigs in response to TRF has not been determined, largely due to the lack of functional models and molecular tools. In the present study, we established porcine liver organoids and subjected them to restricted nutrients supply for 10-h during the light portion of the day.Results: Our results showed that TRF regimen did not alter hepatocyte physiology, including unchanged cell viability, caspase 3/7 enzyme activity and the gene signature of cell proliferation in porcine liver organoids,compared to the control group(P > 0.05). Furthermore, we found that TRF downregulated the hepatic CHO biosynthesis program at both mRNA and protein levels, along with the reduced cellular CHO content in porcine liver organoids(P < 0.05). Using unbiased bioinformatic analysis of a previous ChIP-seq data and ChIP-qPCR validation, we revealed RORγ as the predominant transcription factor that responded to TRF, amongst the 12 targeted nuclear receptors(NRs)(P < 0.05). This was likely through RORγ direct binding to the MVK gene(encoding mevalonate kinase). Finally, we showed that RORγ agonists and overexpression enhanced the enrichment of cofactor p300, histone marks H3 K27 ac and H3K4me1/2, as well as RNA polymerase II(Pol-II) at the locus of MVK, in TRF-porcine liver organoids, compared to TRF-vector control(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that TRF triggers the RORγ-mediated chromatin remodeling at the locus of CHO biosynthesis genes in porcine liver organoids and further improves lipid metabolism.

Energy Saving on Distribution of Liquid Animal Feeds at Pigsty Farms

This paper focused on the task of reducing power consumption and improving energy efficiency in the technological process of distribution liquid feeds in a pigsty. The liquid feeds in a pigsty are distributed to the stables via pipelines. A centrifugal pump driven by an electric motor is used to supply the liquid feed and to move it through the pipeline. The electric motor is the major electric energy consumer in the process. As shown by experimental data and as following the theory, there is a non-linear relation between the electric motor power, the pump throughput and feed humidity. The purpose of the paper is to calculate such an optimal value of the electric motor power that provides the minimal energy consumption on the process of feed distribution. The problem is solved by the Lagrange multiplier method of nonlinear mathematical programming, taking into account geometrical parameters of the pipeline, humidity and portions volumes of distributed feed. The energy saving effect is estimated and reducing power consumption is shown.

Effect of Supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae into Low Quality Local-Based Feeds on Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Late Starter Local Pigs

The study aimed at evaluating the effect of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae into low quality local-based feeds on performance and nutrient digestibility of late starter to grower stage local pigs. There were total 16 late starter local pigs fed with four treatment feeds based on block design with four pigs in each treatment. The four treatment feeds offered consisted of： commercial starter feeds Charoen Pokphand 552 （To）, basal feeds ＋ yeast 2% of daily feeds requirement （T0, basal feeds ＋ yeast 4% of daily feeds requirement （T2） and basal feeds ＋ yeast 6% of daily feeds requirement （T3）. Feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, protein and crude fiber digestibility were evaluated in the study. The findings showed that supplementing S. cerevisiae into low quality local-based diet improved 0.9%-2.7% feeds＇ crude protein, 10%-19% feeds intake, 1%-6% daily weight gain, 3%-4% crude protein digestibility and 4%-5% crude fiber digestibility, but reduced feeds conversion efficiency by 0.3-0.4. The conclusion drawn is that supplementing S. cerevisiae （yeast） up to 6% improved performances of starter local pigs fed low quality feeds and performed the similar result with feeding commercial starter feeds Charoen Pokphand 552. Further research by widening the range and increasing the level of yeast supplementation could be done.

Contribution of additives Cu to its accumulation in pig feces: study in Beijing and Fuxin of China

Massive amounts of pig manure are produced by intensive pig farm in China, and the composition of pig manure has changed much due to the use of feed additives. However, little is known about the exact Cu （copper） feed as additives or present as contaminants in pig feed and the residues in feces. One hundred and thirty-seven feeds and one hundred and forty-two fecal samples from 48 pig farms were collected in Beijing and Fuxin cities in 1999 and 2005, respectively. The concentrations of Cu were in the range of 6.86-395.19 mg/kg in the feed samples, and the mean values were in the order of weaner〉 grower-finisher〉 sow＇s feeds. The high concentrations over EU recommendations implied that excessive levels of Cu are fed on many pig farms in Beijing and Fuxin. Cu was also present in high concentrations in feces, and concentrations were highly variable. Cu concentrations in the feces from grower-finisher and weaner pigs were significantly greater than feces of sows. The super-intensive and small-scale farms had higher levels of Cu in feces than the middle farms. Cu concentrations in pig feces were approximately 5-times greater than in pig feeds. Feed management in grower-finisher pigs on super-intensive and small-scale pig farms is needed to reduce high Cu concentrations in feces and risks to soil contamination while feces are land-applied.

Potential relevance of pig gut content transplantation for production and research

It is becoming increasingly evident that the gastrointestinal microbiota has a significant impact on the overall health and production of the pig.This has led to intensified research on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota,factors affecting it,and the impact of the microbiota on health,growth performance,and more recently,behavior of the host.Swine production research has been heavily focused on assessing the effects of feed additives and dietary modifications to alter or take advantage of select characteristics of gastrointestinal microbes to improve health and feed conversion efficiency.Research on faecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) as a possible tool to improve outcomes in pigs through manipulation of the gastrointestinal microbiome is very recent and limited data is available.Results on FMT in humans demonstrating the transfer of phenotypic traits from donors to recipients and the high efficacy of FMT to treat Clostridium difficile infections in humans,together with data from pigs relating GI-tract microbiota composition with growth performance has likely played an important role in the interest towards this strategy in pig production.However,several factors can influence the impact of FMT on the recipient,and these need to be identified and optimized before this tool can be applied to pig production.There are obvious inherent biosecurity and regulatory issues in this strategy,since the donor's microbiome can never be completely screened for all possible non-desirable microorganisms.However,considering the success observed in humans,it seems worth investigating this strategy for certain applications in pig production.Further,FMT research may lead to the identification of specific bacterial group(s) essential for a particular outcome,resulting in the development of banks of clones which can be used as targeted therapeutics,rather than the broader approach applied in FMT.This review examines the factors associated with the use of FMT,and its potential application to swine production,and includes research on using the pig as model for human medical purposes.

Structures and characteristics of carbohydrates in diets fed to pigs: a review

The current paper reviews the content and variation of fiber fractions in feed ingredients commonly used in swine diets.Carbohydrates serve as the main source of energy in diets fed to pigs.Carbohydrates may be classified according to their degree of polymerization: monosaccharides,disaccharides,oligosaccharides,and polysaccharides.Digestible carbohydrates include sugars,digestible starch,and glycogen that may be digested by enzymes secreted in the gastrointestinal tract of the pig.Non-digestible carbohydrates,also known as fiber,may be fermented by microbial populations along the gastrointestinal tract to synthesize short-chain fatty acids that may be absorbed and metabolized by the pig.These non-digestible carbohydrates include two disaccharides,oligosaccharides,resistant starch,and non-starch polysaccharides.The concentration and structure of non-digestible carbohydrates in diets fed to pigs depend on the type of feed ingredients that are included in the mixed diet.Cellulose,arabinoxylans,and mixed linked β-(1,3)(1,4)-D-glucans are the main cell wall polysaccharides in cereal grains,but vary in proportion and structure depending on the grain and tissue within the grain.Cell walls of oilseeds,oilseed meals,and pulse crops contain cellulose,pectic polysaccharides,lignin,and xyloglucans.Pulse crops and legumes also contain significant quantities of galacto-oligosaccharides including raffinose,stachyose,and verbascose.Overall,understanding the structure,characteristics and measurable chemical properties of fiber in feed ingredients may result in more accurate diet formulations,resulting in an improvement in the utilization of energy from less expensive high-fiber ingredients and a reduction in reliance on energy from more costly cereal grains.