High-fiber diets for fattening pigs

Objective:  To establish the feasibility and benefits offered by implementing pig diets with high fiber content. Design/methodology: A bibliographic review of the concept of the practical application of diets for pigs with the inclusion of fibrous ingredients. Results: Formulating high-fiber pig diets maintains or improves productive performance and offers additional gut health benefits. Study limitations/implications: The lack of knowledge of the net energy and digestible amino acid values of the fibrous ingredients limits the adequate formulation of diets for pigs. Findings/conclusions: The inclusion of high fiber ingredients in the diet for pigs can partially substitute traditional ingredients reducing costs and obtaining health benefits.Objective: To establish the feasibility and benefits of implementing high-fiber diets for pigs. Design/Methodology: A literature review of the practical application of pig diets with the inclusion of fibrous ingredients was carried out. Results: The formulation of high-fiber diets for pigs maintains or improves productive performance and provides additional gut health benefits. Study Limitations/Implications: Lack of information about the net energy and amino acid digestibility values of fibrous ingredients limits the proper formulation of pig diets. Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of high-fiber ingredients in pig diets can partially replace traditional ingredients, consequently reducing costs and providing health benefits

Synchronization of the estrous during a short period, using a low dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) in primiparous and multiparous ewes

Objective: To evaluate the effect of reducing the synchronized luteum phase and of applying eCG on reproductive response variables and hormone profile in primiparous and multiparous ewes. Design/methodology/approach: The experimental design was completely randomized with a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial array. Eight-one ewes were divided by their reproductive activity: primiparous (n=38) and multiparous (n=43). The percentage of presentation of estrus and pregnancy were analyzed with a c2 test. The estrus onset and duration for an analysis of variance and the Tukey test of comparison of means. The P4 concentration was performed using the PROC MIXED procedure, which included fixed effects of the treatment and day and the interaction of the two. Results: The response in estrus presentation was not different between treatments, however; the onset and duration of estrus were affected by physiological state and the synchronized luteum phase. P4 concentrations in serum were higher in primiparous ewes than in multiparous ewes. There were no differences in pregnancy rate or prolificity by principal effects. Limitations on study/implications: The estrus onset and duration varied by effects of the reproductive physiological status and the duration of the synchronized luteum phase (6 and 12 d), Therefore, it must be taken into account when artificial insemination is performed at a fixed time. Findings/conclusions: The combination of cronolone sponges with 100 IU eCG during short (6 d) are effective for the synchronization of estrous. The P4 concentrations in serum were higher in primiparous ewes, but this was not determinant for increasing gestation and prolificity in treated ewes.Objective: To evaluate the reduction effect of the synchronized luteal phase and the eCG application in the reproductive variables and hormone profile response of primiparous and multiparous ewes. Design/Methodology/Approach: The experimental design was completely random, with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Based on their reproductive activity, the 81 specimens were divided into primiparous (n=38) and multiparous (n=43) ewes. The estrous and pregnancy stages were analyzed using the c2 test. An analysis of variance and the Tukey’s mean comparison test were used to determine the start and the duration of the estrous. P4 concentration was measured using the PROC MIXED which influenced the fixed effects of the treatment and the day, as well as their interaction. Results: There was no difference between treatments, regarding the occurrence of the estrous; however, its start and duration were not impacted by the physiological state and the synchronized luteal phase. P4 concentrations in plasm were higher in primiparous ewes than in multiparous ewes. The main effects did not impact the pregnancy and the prolificity rates. Study Limitations/Implications: The variation in the start and the duration of the estrous was caused by the physiological reproductive state and the duration of the synchronized luteal phase (6 and 12 days). Therefore, these effects should be taken into account when the artificial insemination takes place at a fixed period. Finding/Conclusions: The combination of the cronolone sponges with 100 UI of eCG during short periods (6 days) effectively synchronizes the estrous. P4 concentrations in serum were higher in primiparous ewes, although these concentrations were not a determining factor in the increase of pregnancy and prolificity

Evaluation of herbal choline in productive performance and blood metabolites of ewes

Objective: Evaluate the effect of different levels of protected herbal choline (CHP) on productive performance, carcass characteristics and blood metabolites in female lambs. Design/methodology/approach: Fifty-two Hampshire x Suffolk (29.95 ± 3.90 kg initial live weight) were assigned to one of four treatments: 0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 % choline kg-1 dry matter. The experimental design was completely randomized, and linear or quadratic tendencies were detected. Results: There were not treatment effects on productive variables, back fat and Longissimus dorsi muscle area with the addition of protected herbal choline in the diet (p>0.05). CHP linearly increased the concentration of cholesterol, glucose, albumins, globulins, total proteins (p<0.05) and phosphatidylcholine (p<0.10). The concentration of triglycerides had a quadratic response (p<0.05) to the addition of CHP. Study limitations/implications: The level of choline supplementation in sheep depends on whether the source is herbal or synthetic. Findings/conclusions: The addition CHP in female lamb diets increased the serum phosphatidylcholine concentration, changed the concentration of protein and lipid metabolites; however, productive performance was not improved. Key words: sheep, energetic metabolites, lambs, herbal choline.Objective: To evaluate the effect of different levels of protected herbal choline (CHP) on productive performance, carcass characteristics, and serum metabolites in ewes. Design/Methodology/Approach: Fifty-two Hampshire × Suffolk ewes (29.95 ± 3.90 kg of initial live weight, PV) were randomly assigned to one within four treatments: 0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9% choline kg-1 dry matter (MS). The experimental design was complete randomized, in order to detect linear or quadratic trends. Results: No treatment effects were detected in the production variables, GD and AML with the addition of protected herbal choline in the diet (p>0.05). CHP linearly increased the concentration of cholesterol, glucose, albumins, globulins, total proteins (p≤0.05) and phosphatidylcholine (p≤0.10). The triglyceride concentration had a quadratic response (p≤0.05) to the addition of CHP. Study limitations/Implications: The level of choline supplementation in sheep depends on whether the source is herbal or synthetic. Findings/Conclusions: The addition of CHP in ewe diets raised the concentration of phosphatidylcholine, modified the concentration of protein and lipid metabolites. However, no improvements in production were found

Search for Multimessenger Sources of Gravitational Waves and High-energy Neutrinos with Advanced LIGO during Its First Observing Run, ANTARES, and IceCube

Astrophysical sources of gravitational waves, such as binary neutron star and black hole mergers or core-collapse supernovae, can drive relativistic outflows, giving rise to non-thermal high-energy emission. High-energy neutrinos are signatures of such outflows. The detection of gravitational waves and high-energy neutrinos from common sources could help establish the connection between the dynamics of the progenitor and the properties of the outflow. We searched for associated emission of gravitational waves and high-energy neutrinos from astrophysical transients with minimal assumptions using data from Advanced LIGO from its first observing run O1, and data from the Antares and IceCube neutrino observatories from the same time period. We focused on candidate events whose astrophysical origins could not be determined from a single messenger. We found no significant coincident candidate, which we used to constrain the rate density of astrophysical sources dependent on their gravitational-wave and neutrino emission processes

Multi-objective optimization of methionine+cysteine levels in diets for growing pigs

Background:The addition of synthetic methionine to growing pig diets should consider the requirements of the methionine+cysteine complex, as most cysteine is obtained through dietary methionine. Objective: To determine an optimal level of methionine+cysteine (Met+Cys) in growing pig diets. Methods: Ninety-nine hybrid (Yorkshire×Landrace×Duroc) barrows were used in a completely randomized design (initial body weight: 25.90±3.99 kg). Nine levels of Met+Cys (0.500, 0.525, 0.550, 0.575, 0.600, 0.625, 0.650, 0.675, and 0.700%) were evaluated during 35 days. To determine a multi-objective optimal level of Met+Cys, growth performance and strongly related carcass traits were evaluated. Results: Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed:gain ratio (FGR) showed a linear response to the dietary Met+Cys level (p0.05). Carcass characteristics were not affected by the Met+Cys concentration (p>0.05). The multi-objective optimal level for ADG, ADFI, and FGR was 0.667% Met+Cys. Conclusions: According to our results, 0.667% Met+Cys is the best concentration in diets for growing pigs.Antecedentes: a adição de metionina em dietas para suínos em crescimento deve ser feita para atender às exigências do complexo metionina+cisteína (Met+Cis), porque grande parte da cisteína é obtida através da dieta com metionina. Objetivo: determinar o nível multiobjetivo ótimo de Met+Cis em dietas para suínos em crescimento. Métodos: noventa e nove suínos machos castrados híbridos (Yorkshire×Landrace×Duroc) foram utilizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com peso inicial de 25,90±3,99 kg. Nove níveis de Met+Cis (0,500, 0,525, 0,550, 0,575, 0,600, 0,625, 0,650, 0,675 y 0,700%) foram avaliados em suínos em crescimento por 35 d. Para determinar o nível multiobjetivo ótimo de Met+Cis, foram consideradas as variáveis de comportamento de crescimento e características do canal que mantêm uma forte inter-relação. Resultados: a ingestão média diária de alimentos (ADFI) e a conversão alimentar (FGR) mostraram uma resposta linear ao nível de Met+Cis na dieta (p0,05). As características da carcaça não foram afetadas pela concentração de Met+Cis na dieta (p>0,05). Com ADFI, FGR e ADG, o nível ótimo de Met+Cis foi obtido, encontrando este nível em 0,667%. Conclusões: os resultados indicam que 0,667% de Met+Cis é a melhor concentração na dieta para suínos em crescimento.Antecedentes: Las dietas para cerdos en crecimiento deben adicionarse con metionina sintética para suplir los requerimientos del complejo metionina+cisteína (Met+Cis), pues ellos producen gran parte de la cisteína que requieren a partir de la metionina dietaría. Objetivo: determinar el nivel óptimo multiobjetivo de Met+Cis en dietas para cerdos en crecimiento. Métodos: noventa y nueve machos castrados híbridos (Yorkshire×Landrace×Duroc) se utilizaron en un diseño completamente al azar (peso vivo inicial: 25,90±3,99 kg). Se evaluaron nueve niveles de Met+Cys (0,500, 0,525, 0,550, 0,575, 0,600, 0,625, 0,650, 0,675 y 0,700%) durante 35 d. Para determinar el nivel óptimo multiobjetivo de Met+Cis se consideraron las variables de rendimiento de crecimiento y características de la canal que mantienen una fuerte interrelación. Resultados: el promedio de consumo de alimento diario (ADFI) y la conversión alimenticia (FGR) mostraron una respuesta lineal al nivel de Met+Cis en la dieta (p0,05). La concentración de Met+Cis tampoco afectó las características de la canal (p>0,05). El nivel óptimo multi- objetivo de Met+Cis para ADFI, FGR y ADG fue 0,667%. Conclusión: los resultados indican que 0,667% de Met+Cis es la mejor concentración en la dieta para cerdos en crecimiento

Use of protected methionine in diets for finishing pigs

Objective:  To evaluate the replacement of DL-Met (regular) with protected DL-Met (MP) in the growth performance of finishing pigs. Design/methodology/approach: 50 pigs were used (56.85 ± 2.02 kg initial body weight), distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. Treatments consisted of replacing regular Met with MP (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) in diets for pigs in finishing I and II stages. Results: In finishing I, the average daily gain, final body weight and back fat thickness increased linearly (p ? 0.05) as the MP in the diet increased; and the feed: gain ratio (FGR) decreased linearly (p = 0.07). In finishing II, MP improved linearly (p ? 0.10) feed intake, FGR, and longuissimus muscle area.  Study limitations/implications: The feeding of pigs with the addition of protected amino acids improves growth performance. Findings/conclusions: The addition of protected methionine in finishing pigs diets improves some growth performance variables.Objective: To evaluate the substitution of regular DL-methionine (RM) by protected DL-methionine (PM) in the productive performance of finishing pigs. Design/Methodology/Approach: 50 pigs (56.85 ± 2.02 kg of live weight) distributed in a completely randomized experimental design were used. The treatments consisted of the substitution of MR by MP (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) in diets for finishing I and II pigs. Results: As the MP in the diet increased, the gain of final live weight (LWF) and backfat thickness (BFT) in finishing I increased linearly (p ≤ 0.05), while feed:gain ratio (FGR) decreased linearly (p = 0.07). PM at finishing II phase linearly (p ≤ 0.10) improved feed intake, FGR, and longissimus muscle area. Study Limitations/Implications: Feeding pigs by including protected amino acids improves their productive response. Findings/Conclusions: The use of protected methionine in diets for finishing I pigs improves some productive response variables

Effectiveness and optimum level of protected methionine in fattening pig diets

Background: Methionine (Met) requirements have not been clearly established for fattening pigs due to their metabolic interrelationships and its bioavailability for protein synthesis. Objective: To determine the optimum level of regular crystalline or protected Met in pig diets from nursery to finishing. Methods: A total of 48 crossbred pigs (11.74±1.72 kg of initial body weight) were used. The treatments consisted of adding four levels (0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15% in addition to dietary content) and two types of Met (regular and protected) to pig diets. Results: Nursery, Finishing I, and II pigs fed protected Met increased daily feed intake (DFI; p≤0.10). Protected Met raised daily weight gain (DWG) in nursery pigs and increased backfat thickness (BT) in nursery and grower pigs (p≤0.10). In Finishing I pigs, protected Met increased DWG and improved carcass characteristics (p≤0.10). In nursery and grower pigs, an extra 0.15% Met decreased feed:gain ratio (FGR; p≤0.10). In grower and Finishing II pigs fed extra 0.05% Met improved DWG and extra 0.10% Met reduced plasma urea concentration (p≤0.10). Conclusions: Feeding protected Met in pig diets increases DWG, DFI and BT. Increasing 0.05-0.15% Met level improves FGR, DWG, potentially reducing nitrogen excretion to the environment.Antecedentes: os requisitos de metionina (Met) para suínos de engorda não foram claramente estabelecidos devido às suas relações metabólicas e sua biodisponibilidade para a síntese de proteínas. Objetivo: determinar o nível ideal de Met regular ou protegida em dietas para suínos de engorda. Métodos: foram utilizados 48 suínos híbridos (11,74±1,72 kg de peso vivo inicial). Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro níveis (0,00, 0,05, 0,10, 0,15% mais) e dois tipos (regular e protegida) de Met em dietas para suínos de engorda. Resultados: suínos no início, finalização I e II alimentados com Met protegida aumentaram o consumo diário de ração (DFI; p≤0,10). Met protegido aumentou o ganho de peso diário (DWG) em suínos na iniciação e, aumentou espessura da gordura dorsal (BT) em suínos em iniciação e crescimento (p≤0,10). Nos suínos finalização I, Met protegido aumentou DWG e melhorou as características do canal (p≤0,10). Para suínos de iniciação e crescimento, 0,15% extra de Met diminuiu conversão alimentar (FGR; p≤0,10). No crescimento e finalização II, a adição de 0,05% de Met melhoraram o DWG e com 0,10% reduziram a concentração de uréia (p≤0,10). Conclusões: o uso de Met protegida melhora DWG, DFI e BT. O nível de Met aumentado de 0,05-0,15% melhora FGR e DWG; além disso, a excreção de nitrogênio ambiental pode ser diminuída.Antecedentes: los requerimientos de metionina (Met) para cerdos en crecimiento no han sido claramente establecidos, lo que se debe a sus relaciones metabólicas y su biodisponibilidad para la síntesis proteica. Objetivo: determinar el nivel óptimo de Met regular o protegida en dietas para cerdos en crecimiento. Métodos: Se utilizaron un total de 48 cerdos híbridos (11,74±1,72 kg peso vivo inicial). Los tratamientos consistieron en niveles incrementales (0,00, 0,05, 0,10, 0,15% adicionales al contenido de la dieta) y dos tipos de Met (regular y protegida) en la dieta. Resultados: los cerdos en iniciación, Finalización I, y II, alimentados con Met protegida tuvieron un mayor consumo diario de alimento (DFI; p≤0,10). La Met protegida aumentó la ganancia diaria de peso (DWG) durante la etapa de iniciación, e incrementó el grosor de la grasa dorsal (BT) en iniciación y levante (p≤0,10). Durante Finalización I, la Met protegida aumentó la DWG y mejoró las características de la canal (p≤0,10). Durante iniciación y levante, 0,15% extra de Met disminuyó la conversión alimenticia (FGR; p≤0,10). Los cerdos en levante y Finalización II alimentados con 0,05% extra de Met mejoraron la DWG y con 0.10% extra de Met redujeron la concentración de urea en plasma (p≤0,10). Conclusiones: el uso de Met protegida incrementa DWG, DFI y BT. El aumento del nivel de Met de 0,05-0,15% mejora FGR y DWG, y podria disminuir la excreción de nitrógeno al ambiente

Oxidative status and fertility of ewes supplemented coffee pulp during estrous ¤ synchronization and early pregnancy

Background: it is known that coffee pulp can modify the oxidative status and fertility in dairy cows. Objective: to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with coffee pulp on the antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and reproductive characteristics of ewes during estrous synchronization and early gestation. Methods: forty Dorset-Suffolk crossbred ewes with 3 or 4 parturitions were allocated to two treatments: T0 (n = 21), ewes supplemented with 450 g of a control feed; and T1 (n = 19), ewes supplemented with 450 g of the feed with 25% coffee pulp. Supplementation began 14 days before estrous synchronization and ended 25 days after breeding. During estrous synchronization, progestogen (CIDR, Controlled Internal Drug Release) was inserted and left in situ for 11 days. Eighteen hours later, estrous detection began with the aid of rams. Blood samples were collected at different times of synchronization and during early pregnancy to determine antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and blood progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 and 60 days after CIDR removal. Results: supplementation with coffee pulp did not affect estrous onset, estrous response or progesterone concentration, but fertility decreased from 100 to 78.95%. The antioxidant capacity measured using the FRAP technique was greater in coffee pulp supplemented ewes only before progestogen insertion. Coffee pulp did not modify lipid oxidation; however, this variable was affected by sampling time, decreasing after progestogen removal to its lowest values at 22 days into pregnancy. Conclusion: although supplementation with coffee pulp at 25% in the concentrate increased antioxidant capacity of ewes before insertion of progestogen, it is not recommended to use this percentage during synchronization or early pregnancy since it can negatively affect gestation rate.Antecedentes: a polpa de café pode modificar o estado oxidativo e a fertilidade em vacas leiteiras. Objetivo: avaliar a polpa de café na capacidade antioxidante, oxidação da gordura e nas características reprodutivas das ovelhas durante sincronização do estro e gestação inicial. Métodos: quarenta ovelhas cruzas Suffolk e Dorset de 3 e 4 nascimentos foram agrupadas no T0 (n = 21), suplementação com 450 g de alimento controle e T1 (n = 19), suplementação com 450 g de alimento com 25% de polpa de café. A suplementação iniciou 14 dias antes da sincronização do estro e terminou 25 dias depois do acasalamento. O hormônio progestina (CIDR, dispositivo intravaginal de libertação controlada de fármaco) foi inserido por 11 dias. Dezoito horas depois da retirada iniciouse a detecção do estro. Fizeram-se amostras de diferentes tempos do período e da gestação inicial para determinar a capacidade antioxidante, oxidação dos lipídeos e concentração de progesterona. Realizou-se o diagnóstico de gestação 30 e 60 dias depois de remover o CIDR. Resultados: a suplementação com a polpa de café não afetou o início do estro, a resposta ao estro e a concentração de progesterona, mas a fertilidade decresceu de 100 a 78,95%. A capacidade antioxidante que foi medida pela técnica de FRAP foi maior nas ovelhas suplementadas com a polpa de café somente antes da inserção do progestágeno. A polpa de café não modificou a oxidação dos lipídeos; no entanto, estes foram modificados pelo tempo de amostra, decrescendo depois de remover o progestágeno até 22 dias de gestação. Conclusão: ainda que a polpa de café a 25% de concentração incrementa a capacidade antioxidante antes da inserção do progestágeno, não é recomendado este percentual para as ovelhas durante a sincronização do estro e a gestação inicial, já que decresce a porcentagem de gestação.Antecedentes: se sabe que la pulpa de café puede modificar el estado oxidativo y la fertilidad en vacas lecheras. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos del suministro dietario de pulpa de café y su capacidad antioxidante, oxidación lipídica, y características reproductivas en ovejas durante la sincronización del estro y la gestación temprana. Métodos: cuarenta ovejas cruzadas Suffolk x Dorset de 3 y 4 partos fueron asignadas a dos grupos: T0 (n = 21), suplementación con 450 g de alimento (grupo testigo); y T1 (n = 19), suplementación con 450 g de alimento con 25% de pulpa de café. La suplementación inició 14 días antes de la sincronización del estro y terminó 25 días después del apareamiento. El progestágeno (CIDR, Dispositivo Intravaginal de Liberación Controlada) fue insertado en los animales por 11 días. Dieciocho horas después de su retiro se inició la detección de estros. Se muestreó a diferentes tiempos después de la sincronización y durante la gestación temprana para determinar capacidad antioxidante, oxidación lipídica y concentración de progesterona. El diagnóstico de preñez se realizó 30 y 60 días después de la remoción del CIDR. Resultados: la suplementación con pulpa de café no afectó el inicio del estro, la respuesta al estro ni la concentración de progesterona. Sin embargo, la fertilidad disminuyó de 100 a 78,95%. La capacidad antioxidante, medida mediante la técnica FRAP, fue mayor en ovejas suplementadas con pulpa de café, pero solo antes de la inserción del progestágeno. La pulpa de café no modificó la oxidación lipídica; sin embargo, si fue modificada por el tiempo de muestreo, decreciendo desde la remoción del progestágeno hasta los 22 días de preñez. Conclusión: aunque la suplementación del concentrado con 25% de pulpa de café incrementó la capacidad antioxidante antes de la inserción del progestágeno, no se recomienda ese porcentaje durante la sincronización y gestación temprana, ya que redujo el porcentaje de gestación de las ovejas

Coffee pulp supplementation prior to breeding improves oxidative status without affecting fertility of primiparous ewes

Background: Coffee pulp has a high content of antioxidants capable of modifying the oxidative status in small ruminants. However, high amounts for a prolonged time can reduce fertility. Objective: To determine the effect of two inclusion levels of coffee pulp during estrous synchronization on reproductive variables and oxidative status of primiparous ewes. Methods: Sixty Suffolk x Dorset primiparous ewes were distributed into three treatments in a completely randomized design; T0: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet, Tl: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 5% coffee pulp, T2: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 10% coffee pulp. Supplementation was given for 16 days before estrus synchronization and until the beginning of the breeding season. A progestogen (CIDR®) was inserted for ll days and a dose of PGF2a was applied two days prior to its withdrawal. Estrus detection started 12 hours after CIDR withdrawal. Blood samples were obtained during the supplementation period to measure oxidative status, antioxidant capacity, glucose and insulin, and up to 9 days after breeding to determine progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 and 60 days post-breeding. An analysis of repeated measures of mixed effects and frequency analysis were carried out. Results: Inclusion of coffee pulp for a short period prior to breeding did not affect reproductive parameters, nor progesterone, glucose or insulin concentrations (p>0.05); however, antioxidant capacity increased, while lipid oxidation showed an opposite trend (p0,05); porém, a capacidade antioxidante nas ovelhas foi aumentada, enquanto a oxidação lipídica seguiu uma tendência inversa (p0,05); sin embargo, la capacidad antioxidante se incrementó, mientras que la oxidación lipídica siguió una tendencia inversa (p<0,05). Conclusión: La inclusión hasta de 10% de pulpa de café en la dieta de ovejas por 16 días previo al empadre mejora el estado oxidativo sin ocasionar efectos adversos en el porcentaje de preñez, estro o prolificidad