A novel barley β-glucan extract (Glucagel TM) in combination with flax or coconut oil influences cholesterol and triglyceride levels in growing rats

A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to test the hypothesis that inclusion of a novel P-glucan extract (GlucagelTM) in cholesterol-free synthetic diets containing coconut oil or flax oil would lower circulating total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels in growing rats. Inclusion of Glucagel™ (100 g/kg) tended to decrease TC levels (P=0.07), however TC level was not influenced by oil type (P>0.05). A significant interaction (P0.05), respectively. Faecal digestibility of fat was reduced by 7% (P=0.08) in rats fed coconut oil plus P-glucan. These data suggest that reduced TG levels caused by addition of p-glucan may be mediated in part by reduced fat digestion in the small intestine, an effect most likely caused by the unique gel-forming properties of Glucagel

Optimisation of nutrient use to maximise profitability and minimise nitrogen excretion in pig meat production systems

Reduction of environmental mineral pollution, while maintaining profitability, is one of the major challenges faced by the pig industry today. This paper describes a computer-based growth simulation study undertaken to demonstrate how economic profitability can be maintained whilst the environmental effects associated with nitrogen wastes are minimised. For this purpose, a computer program linking a linear program, a stochastic pig growth model and a genetic algorithm (GA) was developed. The objective function to be maximised by the GA is the weighted difference of gross margin and nitrogen excretion cost. Simulations were conducted to investigate how different pig genotypes (fat, normal, lean) and different relative economic weighting of gross margin (1) and nitrogen excretion (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 or 120) affect the nitrogen excretion and profitability under practical or GA optimised feeding strategies in Switzerland. In all the cases investigated, nitrogen excretion is reduced and profitability increased when the pigs are from a leaner genotype. Across all genotypes a 45% reduction in nitrogen excretion can be achieved with only a 3.5% drop in profitability when diets designed to maximise profitability and minimise nitrogen excretion are fed. The maximal nitrogen retentions observed were 44.9%, 52.6% and 57% for the fat, normal and lean genotypes respectively. It is concluded that a more sustainable pork meat production system can be achieved by using better genotypes and optimising the diet composition.7 page(s

Dietary bovine colostrum increases villus height and decreases small intestine weight in early-weaned pigs

This experiment examined the effect of dietary spray-dried bovine colostrum on intestinal histology and organ weights in early-weaned pigs. In a randomised complete block design, twelve 14-day-old weaner pigs were offered a diet containing either 5% spray-dried bovine colostrum or no colostrum (control). Diets were formulated to contain 14.8 MJ/kg DE, 1.26% available lysine and to meet or exceed requirements for other nutrients. Piglets were offered the diets for a period of 14 days. No effect of diet on growth rate or feed intake was observed (p>0.10). Small intestine weight was reduced by 12% in piglets consuming dietary bovine colostrum (p0.10). Collectively, these results suggest a positive effect of dietary bovine colostrum on intestinal morphology and immune status in early-weaned pigs

Global optimisation applied to pig nutrition

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The number of villus and crypt CD4+ T cells in the jejunum of piglets increases after weaning

This experiment tested the hypothesis that an IgG-fortified bovine colostrum powder (Immulac) fed before and for 24 h after weaning would reduce inflammatory responses associated with weaning

Bovine colostrum supplementation increases villous height in sucking pigs

In the present experiment, the hypothesis that provision of supplementary colostrum (reconstituted spray-dried bovine colostrum "Immulac") in the diet of sucking piglets improves small intestine (SI) gut morphology was tested

Improved gut morphology in pre-weaned piglets does not reduce the effect of weaning on villous height

At weaning marked changes in piglet small intestine morphology occur, characterised by a dramatic reduction in villous height. Oral administration oflgG and IGF-I may improve gut integrity, growth and function. In the present experiment, it was hypothesised that providing a supplementary source of IgG and IGF-I for piglets during the lactation period would improve gut morphology, and may reduce the impact of weaning on gut integrity

A bovine colostrum product in a weaner diet increases growth and reduces days to slaughter

The aim of this study was to examine whether a bovine colostrum powder rich in IgG and added to a starter diet would increase post-weaning performance and reduce days to slaughter