Effectiveness of feed restriction to improve feed efficiency in finishing pigs

Objective:  To review the effects of restricted feeding in finishing pigs on production efficiency and meat quality. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of feeding management in pigs fed ad libitum, restricted and their combination was carried out. Results: Feeding restriction decreases the growth rate, but if the restriction is moderate, better feeding efficiency can be obtained. The feed restriction followed by feed ad libitum gets compensatory growth, that equals or improves continuous free access feeding. Study limitations/implications: The feed restriction implementation can be useful to improve feed efficiency and in periods that is necessary to slow down growth. Findings/conclusions: Moderate feed restriction (-10%) of finishing pigs improves feed efficiency. Feed restriction of less than 20% for 30 days, followed by ad libitum feed promotes compensatory growth and improves feed efficiency.Objective: To review the effects of restricted feeding in finishing pigs on production efficiency and meat quality.Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of feeding management in pigs fed ad libitum, restricted and their combination was carried out.Results: Feeding restriction decreases the growth rate, but if the restriction is moderate, better feeding efficiency can be obtained. The feed restriction followed by feed ad libitum gets compensatory growth, that equals or improves continuous free access feeding.Study limitations/implications: The feed restriction implementation can be useful to improve feed efficiency and in periods that is necessary to slow down growth.Findings/conclusions: Moderate feed restriction (-10%) of finishing pigs improves feed efficiency. Feed restriction of less than 20% for 30 days, followed by ad libitum feed promotes compensatory growth and improves feed efficiency

Unconventional plants as a source of phytochemicals for broiler chicken

The purpose of this review is to know the mode of action and commercial application of unconventional plants as growth promoters in poultry production. Numerous reports have demonstrated the efficacy of plant phytochemicals as antioxidants, antimicrobial and immune-stimulants. Thus, the use of additives of natural origin in poultry feed represents a viable option to replace or reduce the use of antibiotics and growth promoters in broilers.Objective: To carry out a review to know the modes of action and the commercial application of unconventional plants as growth promoters in broiler chicken production.Design / Methodology/Approach: A bibliographic review of unconventional and commonly used plants was carried out, which have shown efficacy as growth promoters on broiler chickens.Results: Numerous reports have demonstrated the efficacy of phytochemicals present in plants as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and immune-stimulants.Limitations of the study / Implications: Alternative use of unconventional plants can help to develop sustainable production systems and the production of innocuous meat products.Findings / Conclusions: The use of additives of natural origin in poultry feed represents a viable option to replace or reduce the use of antibiotics and growth promoters on broiler chickens

Sincronización de estros en ovejas mediante protocolo de 6 días con CIDR de primera, segunda y tercera reutilización

Estrus synchronization( is a vital strategy in sheep production and is accomplished most often via controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices. Reuse of CIDR devices can reduce operating costs and ewe exposure to progesterone (P4), but remains controversial. A comparison was made of the effects of new and reused natural progesterone-releasing intravaginal (CIDR) devices in six-day protocols on reproductive performance variables and blood serum progesterone concentrations in multiparous ewes. A total of 172 sheep (average body weight = 59 kg) were randomly distributed into four treatments: CIDR1 (control group, new devices), CIDR2 (second-use), CIDR3 (third-use) and CIDR4 (fourth-use). The variables ewes in estrus, pregnancy rate, fertility rate and parturition type did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments. Estrus onset was later (P≤0.05) in CIDR1 (40 ± 10 h) than in CIDR2 (31 ± 9 h).  Ewes in estrus ranged from 93 to 100 %,  average pregnancy rate was 80.8 %, average fertility  rate was 80.2 % and the prolificacy index was 1.26. The single delivery rate was higher (P≤0.05) than the double delivery rate in all four treatments. Intravaginal CIDR devices can be used in ewes up to four times in six-day estrus synchronization protocols without affecting reproductive variables.El objetivo del estudio fue comparar el efecto de dispositivos intravaginales liberadores de progesterona natural (CIDR) nuevos y reutilizados en protocolos de 6 días sobre el desempeño reproductivo y en las concentraciones de progesterona en suero sanguíneo de ovejas multíparas. Un total de 172 ovejas con peso corporal promedio de 59 kg se distribuyeron al azar en cuatro tratamientos: CIDR1 (grupo testigo con dispositivos nuevos) y CIDR2, CIDR3, CIDR4 (con 6, 12 y 18 días de uso, respectivamente). En cuanto al inicio de estro, hubo diferencia (P≤0.05) únicamente entre el tratamiento con CIDR nuevos (40 ± 10 h) y CIDR de segundo uso (31 ± 9 h). En las variables presencia de estro, porcentaje de gestación, porcentaje de fertilidad y tipo de parto no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (P>0.05) entre tratamientos. La presencia de estro osciló entre 93 y 100 %, el valor promedio de gestación fue 80.8 %, 80.2 % para fertilidad y 1.26 para el índice de prolificidad. Los porcentajes de partos sencillos fueron mayores (P≤0.05) a los partos dobles en los cuatro tratamientos. Se concluye que el uso de CIDR en protocolos de 6 días permite que los dispositivos sean utilizados hasta por cuatro ocasiones con buenos resultados

Recommendation of Choline Inclusion in Lambs’ Diet

ABSTRACT Objective: Establish an inclusion recommendation of choline (herbal or synthetic) in fattening lamb’s diet based on productive performance and blood metabolites. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review of herbal and synthetic choline supplementation in the diet of fattening lambs was carried out. Results: The addition of protected choline chloride (50% purity) in the lamb’s diet should be less than 2.5 g/ kg DM in order not to cause a detrimental effect on the productive performance. On the other hand, the inclusion of herbal choline in lambs’ diet should be greater than 6g/ kg DM to have positive effects on body gain and feed conversion. Study limitations/implications: It is necessary establish the requirement for choline in fattening lambs, because studies where choline is supplemented show that the contribution of conventional ingredients is insufficient. Findings/conclusions: The inclusion of herbal (6 g / kg DM) and synthetic (2.5 g / kg DM) choline in lamb´s diet improves body gain and modifies energy metabolites.Objective: To establish an inclusion recommendation for choline (herbal or synthetic) in fattening lambs’diet based on productive performance and blood metabolites.Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review was carried out of herbal and synthetic choline supplementation in the diet of fattening lambs.Results: The addition of protected choline chloride (50% purity) in the lamb’s diet should be less than 2.5g/kg DM in order not to cause a detrimental effect on the productive performance. On the other hand, the inclusion of herbal choline in lambs’ diet should be greater than 6 g/kg DM to have positive effects on body gain and feed conversion.Study Limitations/Implications: It is necessary to establish the requirement for choline in fattening lambs because studies where choline is supplemented show that the contribution of conventional ingredients is insufficient.Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of herbal (6 g/kg DM) and synthetic (2.5 g/kg DM) choline in lambs’ diet improves body weight gain and modifies energy metabolite

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves as growth promoter in lambs’ diets

Objective: To evaluate the dietary inclusion of neem leaves on the productive and biochemical performance of fattening lambs. Design/methodology: Forty male lambs were assigned according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of neem at 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g kg-1 dry matter by 35 days.  Results: The inclusion of neem leaf in the diet did not affect productive performance (P>0.05), while protein and energy metabolites were modified (P≤0.05). Study limitations/implications: The bioactive compounds present in neem modified the metabolites related to protein and energy metabolism, although these changes did not reflect improvements in productive performance. Conclusions: The inclusion of dietary neem (2.5-7.5 g kg-1) has no effect on the productive performance, although it modifies some energy and protein metabolites.Objective: To evaluate the dietary inclusion of neem leaves on the productive and biochemical performance of fattening lambs. Design/methodology: Forty male lambs were assigned according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of neem at 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g kg-1 DM for 35 days.  Results: The inclusion of neem leaf in the diet did not affect the productive performance (P>0.05), while protein and energy metabolites were modified (P≤0.05). Limitations on study/implications: The bioactive compounds present in neem modified the metabolites related to protein and energy metabolism, although these changes did not reflect improvements in the productive performance. Conclusions: The inclusion of dietary neem (2.5-7.5 g kg-1) has no effect on the productive performance, although it does modify some energy and protein metabolites

Efectividad del aceite de canola en dietas de cerdos para mejorar el perfil lipídico de la carne

The objective of this study was to determine the maximum level of inclusion of canola oil (CO) in diets for finishing pigs, to increase the content of oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids and improve the Ω6:Ω3 ratio in meat, without affecting the productive performance, carcass characteristics and physicochemical characteristics of the meat. The treatments were: the gradual substitution of soybean oil (6 %) for CO in diets for pigs at finishing stage I and II (0, 2, 4 and 6 % of CO). The experimental units were 48 castrated pigs with initial live weight of 50.00 ± 4.5 kg, evaluated for four weeks at each stage. With the data obtained, an ANOVA was performed, and linear or quadratic trends were detected (P≤0.10). At finishing stage I, the average daily gain decreased with the inclusion of 2 % of CO, although the incorporation of 2 and 4 % of CO had no effect. At finishing stage II, a level between 2-4 % of CO reduced average daily feed intake and improved feed conversion (P≤0.05). The addition of CO did not modify the characteristics of the carcass and did not affect the physicochemical characteristics of the meat (P≥0.10). CO in the diet increased the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and oleic acid (P≤0.05); it reduced linoleic acid (P≤0.03), polyunsaturated fatty acids (P≤0.07) and the Ω6:Ω3 ratio (P≤0.01). In conclusion, the addition of CO (2-6 %) in the diet of finishing pigs gradually increases the content of oleic acid and MUFAs, in addition, it improves the Ω6:Ω3 ratio in pork, without affecting the productive variables and the quality of the meat.El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el nivel máximo de inclusión de aceite de canola (AC) en dietas para cerdos en finalización, para incrementar el contenido de ácido oleico y ácidos grasos insaturados y mejorar la relación Ω6: Ω3 en la carne, sin afectar el comportamiento productivo, características de la canal y fisicoquímicas de la carne. Los tratamientos fueron: la sustitución gradual de aceite de soya (6%) por AC en dietas para cerdos en etapa de finalización I y II (0, 2, 4 y 6% de AC). Las unidades experimentales fueron 48 cerdos machos castrados con peso vivo inicial de 50.00 ± 4.5 kg, evaluados durante cuatro semanas en cada etapa. Con los datos obtenidos se realizó un ANDEVA y se detectaron tendencias lineales o cuadráticas (P≤0.10). En finalización I la ganancia de peso disminuyó con la inclusión de 2% de AC, aunque la incorporación de 2 y 4% de AC no tuvo efecto. En finalización II, un nivel entre 2-4% de AC redujo el consumo de alimento y mejoró la conversión alimenticia (P≤0.05). La adición de AC no modificó las características de la canal y no afectó las características fisicoquímicas de la carne (P≥0.10). El AC en la dieta aumentó la concentración de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (AGMI) y ácido oleico (P≤0.05); redujo el ácido linoleico (P≤0.03), ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (P≤0.07) y la relación Ω6:Ω3 (P≤0.01). En conclusión, la adición de AC (2-6%) en la dieta de cerdos en finalización incrementa gradualmente el contenido de ácido oleico y de AGMI, además, mejora la relación Ω6:Ω3 en la carne de cerdo, sin afectar las variables productivas y la calidad de la carne

Estrategias nutricionales para mejorar la respuesta productiva de cerdos en engorda.

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo reducir y/u optimizar la concentración de algunos nutrimentos en las dietas de cerdos de engorda que puede resultar benéfica en la formulación de raciones. Se realizaron 3 experimentos para evaluar el nivel de lisina, el uso de alcaloides y xilanasas en dietas para cerdos de engorda. En el experimento 1 se determinaron los niveles óptimos biológicos (NOB) de lisina total para cerdos en las etapas de crecimiento y finalización en el comportamiento productivo, las características de la canal, y la concentración de urea en plasma. El NOB para ganancia diaria de peso (GDP), conversión alimenticia, y ganancia de carne magra fue 0.88% de lisina total; mientras que el NOB para consumo de alimento fue 0.961% de lisina total. En el experimento 2 se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de cerdas en engorda (crecimiento-finalización), alimentadas con dietas bajas en proteína adicionadas con una mezcla de alcaloides. La inclusión de alcaloides a la dieta de crecimiento con 14.5% de PC aumentó la GDP (p≤0.07) y el CAL (p≤0.04). En finalización la inclusión de alcaloides no mejoró la respuesta productiva ni las características de la canal de las cerdas. En el experimento 3 se evaluó el comportamiento productivo de cerdos en iniciación, para determinar si la suplementación con xilanasas compensa la reducción de energía y/o proteína en dietas a base de sorgo y pasta de soya. La inclusión de xilanasas a la dieta compensó la reducción de energía y proteína, pudiéndose reducir 105 kilocalorías kg-1 y 2% PC, respectivamente, sin afectar las variables productivas ni las características de la canal. _______________ NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF PIGS. ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to reduce and/or to optimize the concentration of some nutrients in the diets for fattening pigs which can be beneficial in formulating rations. Three experiments were conducted to assess the level of lysine, the use of alkaloids and the addition of xylanase in diets for fattening pigs. In experiment 1, the optimum biological levels total lysine (OBL) for pigs were determined for growing and finishing stages of growth for growth performance, carcass characteristics, and plasma urea nitrogen concentration. The OBL for average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion and lean gain was 0.88% total lysine, while the OBL for feed intake was 0.961% total lysine. In experiment 2, it was evaluated the growth performance of growing-finishing gilts fed low- protein diets supplemented with a mixture of alkaloids. The inclusion of alkaloids to the growing diet with 14.5% CP increased ADG (p≤0.07) and feed intake (p≤0.04). The addition of alkaloids in finishing diets did not improve growth performance and carcass characteristics of gilts. In experiment 3, the growth performance of nursery pigs was evaluated to determine if xylanase supplementation compensates the reduction of metabolizable energy and/or crude protein in diets based on sorghum-soybean meal. The inclusion of xylanase compensated the reduction of energy and protein in the diet, being able to reduce 105 kcal kg-1 and 2% CP, respectively, without affecting growth performance nor carcass characteristics.Tesis (Doctorado en Ciencias, especialista en Ganadería).- Colegio de Postgraduados, 2013.Consejo Nacional de la Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT)

Practical application of the ideal protein concept in pigs: Ideal protein for pigs

Objective:  To know the importance of the formulation of “ideal protein” diets for nursery-growing pigs. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of the concept of ideal protein and low-protein in pigs diets to determine their practical application in commercial production. Results: Low-protein diets in pig production is an environmentally friendly strategy. The 3 percentage units of reduction in CP is the maximum level when only crystalline lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan are available. However, when there is a greater number of synthetic amino acids, the reduction in CP can be in a range of 4-5 percentage units.  Study limitations/implications: Market conditions allow the incorporation of lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan into the diet. Potentially in a short time the availability and price of valine could be considered within commercial diets. However, at the moment the inclusion of other AA is not permissible due to the low availability and high price in the market. Findings/conclusions: Low-protein diets should be used in the production of pigs, since it maintains or improves the productive variables and reduces the environmental impact, due to the reduction of nitrogen excretion to the environment.Objective: To determine the importance of the formulation of “ideal protein” diets for starting-growing pigs. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of the concept of ideal protein and low-protein in pig diets was carried out to determine their practical application in commercial production. Results: Low-protein diets in pig production are an environmentally friendly strategy. The 3 percentage units of reduction in CP is the maximum level, when only crystalline lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan are available. However, when there is a greater number of synthetic amino acids, the reduction in CP can range from 4 to 5 percentage units. Study limitations/implications: Market conditions allow the incorporation of lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan into the diet. Potentially, owing to its availability and price, valine could be considered as part of commercial diets in a short time. However, the inclusion of other AA is not currently viable, as a result of their low availability and high market price. Findings/conclusions: Low-protein diets should be used in pig production, since they maintain or improve the productive variables and reduce the environmental impact, as a result of the reduction of nitrogen excretion to the environmen

Dietas para cerdos en iniciación incluyendo salvado de trigo y adicionadas con xilanasas

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the addition of xylanase in nursery pig diets with a high amount of wheat bran (WB) and two energy levels. Growth performance, carcass characteristics and plasma urea concentration were assessed. Forty-eight hybrid barrows were used (7.98 kg initial body weight and 28 d of age), allotted in a completely randomized design. Treatments (T) were: T1, control diet: 3350 Kcal; T2: 3275 Kcal + xylanase; T3: 3350 Kcal + xylanase; T4: 3350 Kcal + WB + xylanase; T5: 3275 Kcal + WB + xylanase; T6: 3350 + WB + xylanase. The variables were analyzed with ANOVA and treatment means were compared with Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.1). For average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, final body weight and fat free lean gain (FFLG), better response was observed in pigs fed diets without WB (p ≤ 0.1) where xylanase compensated energy reduction. The inclusion of xylanase in WB diets reduced the ADG and final body weight (p ≤ 0.1). Supplementation with WB did not change backfat thickness, longissimus muscle area (LMA) and lean meat percentage (p > 0.1). The backfat thickness and LMA were not affected (p > 0.1) by reducing energy in diets without WB (p > 0.1). In conclusion, diets high in wheat bran content affect growth performance variables, but it is offset by the addition of xylanase, as long as the energy matrix is observed.Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar la adición de xilanasas en dietas con alta cantidad de salvado de trigo (ST) y dos niveles de energía para cerdos en iniciación sobre la respuesta productiva, características de la canal y concentración de urea en plasma. Se utilizaron 48 cerdos híbridos castrados de 7.98 kg de peso inicial y 28 d de edad, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar. Los tratamientos (T) fueron: T1, dieta testigo: 3350 Kcal de EM kg-1; T2: 3275 Kcal de EM kg-1 + xilanasas; T3: 3350 Kcal de EM kg-1+ xilanasas; T4: 3350 Kcal de EM kg-1+ ST + xilanasas; T5: 3275 Kcal de EM kg-1+ ST + xilanasas; T6: 3350 de EM kg-1+ ST + xilanasas. Los datos se analizaron con ANOVA, las medias de los tratamientos se compararon con la prueba de Tukey (p ≤ 0.1). Para la ganancia de peso (GDP), consumo de alimento, peso final (PVF) y ganancia de carne magra (GCM) se observó mejor respuesta en cerdos alimentados sin ST (p ≤ 0.1); compensando las xilanasas la reducción de energía. La inclusión de xilanasas en dietas con ST redujo la GDP y el pVF (p ≤ 0.1). La inclusión de ST no modificó la grasa dorsal (GD), área del músculo longissimus (AML) y GCM (p > 0.1). La GD y AML no fueron afectadas al reducir la energía en las dietas sin ST (p > 0.1). Las dietas con alto contenido de salvado de trigo afectan las variables productivas; aunque se compensa con la adición de xilanasas mientras se respete la matriz energética