Effects of concentration of corn distillers dried grains with solubles and enzyme supplementation on cecal microbiota and performance in broiler chickens

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - With the increasing production of ethanol for biofuels, a by-product of corn-based ethanol fermentation, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) is...     

Effects of replacing soybean meal with pumpkin seed cake and dried distillers grains with solubles on milk performance and antioxidant functions in dairy cows

Pumpkin seed cake (PSC), a byproduct of pumpkin seed oil processing, is used in ruminant feed as a beneficial protein source. Experiments were conducted to evaluate PSC as a substitute for soybean meal in the diets of lactating cows based on performance, rumen fermentation, antioxidant function and nitrogen partitioning. Six multiparous lactating cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment with 27-day periods. The cows were randomly divided into three treatment groups: group (1) was fed a diet containing no PSC (0PSC), and groups (2) and (3) were fed diets in which soybean meal was replaced with PSC and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) at levels of 50% (50PSC) and 100% (100PSC), respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous and contained identical roughage but different proportions of PSC and DDGS. Replacement of soybean meal with PSC and DDGS did not influence rumen degradation, milk performance, rumen fermentation, DM intake or apparent total tract digestibility, and nitrogen partitioning between milk, feces and urine did not differ in the animals fed the three diets. However, compared with a diet containing no PSC, the total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzymes (total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) activities (P < 0.05) were increased in the animals that received the 50PSC and 100PSC diets. In contrast, addition of PSC significantly reduced concentrations of aspartate transaminase (P < 0.05), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) in the plasma. These results demonstrate that PSC can be completely substituted for soybean meal in the diet of dairy cows without any negative impact on milk performance, rumen fermentation or apparent digestibility and that this dietary change improves antioxidant functions and blood parameters in dairy cows, indicating that PSC has the potential for use as a feed source for dairy cows.     

Effects of corn distillers dried grains with solubles and xylanase on growth performance and digestibility of diet components in broilers

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (cDDGS) and xylanase in corn-based diets on growth performance and digestibility of diet components in broiler chickens. The experiment was a 3×4 factorial design with diets containing 3 levels of cDDGS (0, 100 and 200 g/kg) and 4 levels of xylanase (0, 1200, 2400 and 3600 U/kg). The diets were fed to 720 Cobb 500 chicks for 42 days. Excreta was collected at 18–21 days to measure coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and ileal digesta was collected at 42 days to measure coefficients of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD). Dietary cDDGS caused poor (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from 1 to 21 and 22 to 42 days, but increased (P<0.05) feed intake (FI) at 1–21 days. Inclusion of xylanase increased (P<0.05) FI by 4–5% at 1–21 days, and did not affect (P≥0.05) FCR in either period. In the two growing periods, cDDGS decreased (P<0.05) the CTTAD of dry matter (DM), and the CIAD of DM and hemicelluloses, whereas xylanase increased (P<0.05) the digestibility of DM and hemicellulose by 5% and 20%, respectively. There were significant interactions (P<0.05) between cDDGS and xylanase for BWG and energy digestibility. In comparison with the 100 g/kg cDDGS diet, the inclusion of 200 g/kg cDDGS led to poorer (P<0.05) FCR at 22–42 days, and lower (P<0.05) CTTAD of DM at 18–21 days. There were no differences (P≥0.05) in most growth parameters between the doses of xylanase at 1200, 2400 and 3600 U/kg. Xylanase at 2400 U/kg increased (P<0.05) CTTAD of DM compared with the lower dose, but 3600 U/kg xylanase showed no further improvement (P≥0.05) on digestibility measurements. The results suggest that supplementing xylanase to diets containing cDDGS can improve growth performance and digestibility of diet components in broilers.     

Feeding dried distillers grains with solubles to lactating beef cows: impact of excess protein and fat on cow performance,milk production and pre-weaning progeny growth

Multiparous Angus×Simmental cows (n=54, 5.22±2.51 years) with male progeny were fed one of two diets supplemented with either dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or soybean meal (CON), from calving until day 129 postpartum (PP) to determine effects of excess protein and fat on cow performance, milk composition and calf growth. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and consisted of rye hay and DDGS (19.4% CP; 8.76% fat), or corn silage, rye hay and soybean meal (11.7% CP; 2.06% fat). Cow–calf pairs were allotted by cow and calf age, BW and breed. Cow BW and body condition score (BCS; P⩾0.13) were similar throughout the experiment. A weigh-suckle-weigh was performed on day 64 and day 110±10 PP to determine milk production. Milk was collected on day 68 and day 116±10 PP for analysis of milk components. Milk production was unaffected (P⩾0.75) by dietary treatments. Milk urea nitrogen was increased at both time points in DDGS compared with CON cows (P<0.01). Protein was decreased (P=0.01) and fat was increased (P=0.01) in milk from DDGS compared with CON cows on day 68 PP. Compared to CON, DDGS decreased medium chain FA (P<0.01) and increased long chain FA (P<0.01) at both time points. Saturated FA content of milk was decreased (P<0.01) at both time-points in DDGS compared with CON cows, which resulted in an increase (P<0.01) in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA, including cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid. Daily gain of the DDGS calves was increased (P=0.01) compared with CON calves, resulting in heavier BW on day 129 (P=0.01). Heavier BW of DDGS calves was maintained through weaning (P=0.01). Timed-artificial insemination (TAI) rates were greater for cows fed DDGS compared with cows fed CON (P<0.02), but dietary treatment had no effect on overall pregnancy rates (P=0.64). In summary, feeding DDGS to lactating beef cows did not change cow BW or BCS, but did improve TAI rates and altered milk composition compared with CON. As a result, male progeny from cows fed DDGS during lactation had greater average daily gain and were heavier at day 129 and at weaning compared with male progeny from cows fed a control diet.     

Late gestation diet supplementation of resin acid-enriched composition increases sow colostrum immunoglobulin G content,piglet colostrum intake and improve sow gut microbiota

Resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) mainly containing tall oil fatty acid with an active component of resin acid (RA) can improve the microbial population in the digestive system, change the microbial fermentation, and improve the feed conversion ratio. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of RAC on sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and gut microbiota. Tall oil fatty acid and RA are commonly termed RAC and CLA, pinolenic, abietic, dehydrobiotic acids are characteristic components of RAC. The experiment was conducted in three trials in three respective herds. Sows were fed with a control diet and the same diet supplemented with 5 g RAC/day per sow during the last week of gestation. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing technique was used to assess sows’ faecal microbiota populations at farrowing. Colostrum nutritional composition, acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulin (Ig) content were also assessed. Individual piglets were weighed at birth and 24 h after the birth of first piglets in order to calculate CY and later at 3 to 4 weeks to calculate average daily gain. The RAC-fed sows had significantly higher IgG levels (P<0.05) in all three herds but treatment did not influence colostrum IgA and IgM concentration. There were no significant differences in colostrum protein, lactose and fat content in sows of the two diet groups (P>0.05), but those fed RAC had higher levels of colostrum serum amyloid A. Colostrum yield was significantly higher in RAC-fed sows in herds 2 and 3 with heavier piglets between 3 and 4 weeks of age (P<0.05), but not in herd 1 (P>0.05). Resin acid-enriched composition supplementation significantly increased some beneficial and fermentative bacteria (Romboutsia and Clostridium sensu stricto) than the control diet (P<0.01) while some opportunistic pathogens (Barnesiella, Sporobacter, Intestinimonas and Campylobacter), including Proteobacteria, were suppressed. Therefore, RAC added to the sow diet at late pregnancy increases colostrum IgG, colostrum availability for neonate piglets, and seems to promote better maternal intestinal microbial sources.     

Supplementing sow diets with palm oil during late gestation and lactation: effects on milk production,sow hormonal profiles and growth and development of her offspring

The supplementing of sow diets with lipids during pregnancy and lactation has been shown to reduce sow condition loss and improve piglet performance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental palm oil (PO) on sow performance, plasma metabolites and hormones, milk profiles and pre-weaning piglet development. A commercial sow ration (C) or an experimental diet supplemented with 10% extra energy in the form of PO, were provided from day 90 of gestation until weaning (24 to 28 days postpartum) in two groups of eight multiparous sows. Gestation length of PO sows increased by 1 day (P<0.05). Maternal BW changes were similar throughout the trial, but loss of backfat during lactation was reduced in PO animals (C: −3.6±0.8 mm; PO: −0.1±0.8 mm; P<0.01). Milk fat was increased by PO supplementation (C day 3: 8.0±0.3% fat; PO day 3: 9.1±0.3% fat; C day 7: 7.8±0.5% fat; PO day 7: 9.9±0.5% fat; P<0.05) and hence milk energy yield of PO sows was also elevated (P<0.05). The proportion of saturated fatty acids was greater in colostrum from PO sows (C: 29.19±0.31 g/100 g of fat; PO: 30.77±0.36 g/100 g of fat; P<0.01). Blood samples taken on 105 days of gestation, within 24 h of farrowing, day 7 of lactation and at weaning (28±3 days post-farrowing) showed there were no differences in plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, non-esterified fatty acids, insulin or IGF-1 throughout the trial. However, circulating plasma concentrations of both glucose and leptin were elevated during lactation in PO sows (P<0.05 and P<0.005, respectively) and thyroxine was greater at weaning in PO sows (P<0.05). Piglet weight and body composition were similar at birth, as were piglet growth rates throughout the pre-weaning period. A period of 7 days after birth, C piglets contained more body fat, as indicated by their lower fat-free mass per kg (C: 66.4±0.8 arbitrary units/kg; PO: 69.7±0.8 arbitrary unit/kg; P<0.01), but by day 14 of life this situation was reversed (C: 65.8±0.6 arbitrary units/kg; PO: 63.6±0.6 arbitrary units/kg; P<0.05). Following weaning, PO sows exhibited an increased ratio of male to female offspring at their subsequent farrowing (C: 1.0±0.3; PO: 2.2±0.2; P<0.05). We conclude that supplementation of sow diets with PO during late gestation and lactation appears to increase sow milk fat content and hence energy supply to piglets. Furthermore, elevated glucose concentrations in the sow during lactation may be suggestive of impaired glucose homoeostasis.     

Fractionation of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) by sieving and winnowing

Four commercial samples of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were sieved. All sieved fractions except for the pan fraction, constituting about 90% of original mass, were then winnowed with an air blast seed cleaner. Sieving was effective in producing fractions with varying composition. As the particle size decreased, protein and ash contents increased, and total carbohydrate (CHO) decreased. Winnowing sieved fractions was also effective in shifting composition, particularly for larger particle classes. Heavy sub-fractions were enriched in protein, oil and ash, while light sub-fractions were enriched for CHO. For protein, the combination of the two procedures resulted in a maximum 56.4% reduction in a fraction and maximum 60.2% increase in another fraction. As airflow velocity increased, light sub-fraction mass increased, while the compositional difference between the heavy and light sub-fractions decreased. Winnowing three times at a lower velocity was as effective as winnowing one time at a medium velocity. Winnowing the whole DDGS was much less effective than winnowing sieved fractions in changing composition, but sieving winnowed fractions was more effective than sieving whole DDGS. The two combination sequences gave comparable overall effects but sieving followed by winnowing is recommended because it requires less time. Regardless of combinational sequence, the second procedure was more effective in shifting composition than the first procedure.     

Composition of corn and distillers dried grains with solubles from dry grind ethanol processing

Increase in the demand for ethanol has resulted in growth in the dry grind (DG) ethanol industry. In DG processing, the whole corn kernel is fermented, resulting in two main coproducts, ethanol and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Marketing of DDGS is critical to the economic stability of DG plants. The composition of DDGS can vary considerably; this reduces market value. Factors that cause variation in composition need to be evaluated. The objective was to determine the relationship between composition of corn and composition of DDGS. Samples of corn and DDGS were obtained from a DG ethanol plant and analyzed for protein, fat, starch and other nutrients. Concentrations of protein, fiber and starch were similar to published data for corn but were higher for DDGS. Coefficients of variation for protein fat and fiber concentrations were similar for corn and DDGS. There were no significant correlations between concentrations of components in corn and those in DDGS. Variation in the composition of DDGS was not related to variation in corn composition and probably was due to variation in processing streams or processing techniques. This implies that reducing the variation in composition of DDG will require modification of processing strategies.     

Effects of lysine intake during late gestation and lactation on blood metabolites, hormones, milk composition and reproductive performance in primiparous and multiparous sows

Modern genotype primiparous and multiparous sows (Yorkshire x Landrace, n=48) were used to evaluate effects of dietary lysine intake during late gestation and lactation, and their interaction on reproductive performance. Sows were randomly allotted to two gestation lysine (G, 0.6% or 0.8% lysine) treatments based on parity in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, and each treatment had 12 replicates comprising 1 sow. Then all the sows were assigned to two lactation lysine (L, 1.0% or 1.3% lysine) treatments within parity and gestation treatments in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design, and each treatment comprised six replicates with 1 sow/replicate during lactation. Feeding higher lysine level during gestation increased sow body weight and backfat thickness (P=0.001) and body condition was better (P=0.001) in multiparous than that of primiparous sows. Both of the lysine levels during lactation and parity influenced sow body condition and reproductive performance (P<0.05). Higher lysine intake during lactation increased the concentrations of total solids (P=0.024), protein (P=0.001) and solids not-fat (P=0.042) in colostrum and total solids (P=0.001), protein (P=0.001), fat (P=0.001) and solids not-fat (P=0.005) in milk. Protein concentration of milk was greater (P=0.001) in multiparous sows than that of primiparous sows. Feeding of high lysine diets resulted in an increment of plasma urea N (P=0.010; P=0.047) and a decrease of creatinine (P=0.045; P=0.002) on the day of postfarrowing and weaning, respectively. Furthermore, as lysine intake increased, the secretions of insulin, FSH, and LH were increased (P<0.05) and multiparous sows showed higher (P<0.05) concentrations of FSH and LH pulses on the day of postfarrowing and weaning, respectively. These results indicated that higher lysine intake than that recommended by NRC [NRC, 1998. Nutrient Requirements of Swine, 10th ed. National Academy Press, 458 Washington, DC] could improve sow performance during late gestation and lactation. Furthermore primiparous sows need higher lysine intake than multiparous sows. Moreover, nutritional impacts on reproduction may be mediated in part through associated effects on circulating LH concentration.     

Effects of dietary energy and lysine intake during late gestation and lactation on blood metabolites, hormones, milk composition and reproductive performance in multiparous sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different energy and lysine intake on reproductive performance of multiparous sows during late gestation and lactation. Thirty-six sows were allocated to six dietary treatments in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement and each treatment had six replicates. Three energy levels and two lysine levels were used during late gestation and lactation. The results demonstrated that higher lysine intake improved (p < 0.05) the body condition of sows during both periods and their reproductive performance during lactation. Both, dietary energy and lysine level had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the composition of colostrum and milk. In general, dietary treatments had no effect on blood metabolites and hormones. These results suggest that energy levels recommended by the National Research Council (1998) for sows are enough; however, higher lysine levels than those recommended could improve reproductive performance during late gestation and lactation in multiparous sows.     

Effects of l-carnitine in the distillers dried grains with solubles diet of sows on reproductive performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation because DDGS contain about 10% crude fat, which is largely composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. l-carnitine serves an important function in fatty acids β-oxidation, and also has antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of l-carnitine in the DDGS diet of gestating and lactating sows on reproductive performance, milk composition and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. One hundred and twenty sows (Landrace×Large white, mean parity 4.2, initial BW 230 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n=30 sows/treatment). Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial with two levels of dietary DDGS (0 v. 250 g/kg in gestating diets and 400 g/kg in lactating diets) and two levels of dietary l-carnitine (0 v. 100 mg/kg in gestating diets and 0 v. 200 mg/kg in lactating diets). Distillers dried grains with solubles had no significant effect on litter size but significantly reduced the birth weights and weaning weights of piglets (P<0.05). Distillers dried grains with solubles reduced the antioxidant enzyme activities (P<0.05) and increased the malondialdehyde level in the plasma of sows on day 60 of gestation (P=0.004) and day 14 of lactation (P=0.008). The compositions of colostrum and milk were not affected by inclusion of DDGS and dietary l-carnitine (P>0.05). Supplementing the diets with l-carnitine had no significant effect of total litter size (P>0.05) but increased the number of piglets born alive and piglets weaned, birth weight and weaning weight of piglets and litter weight at birth and weaning (P<0.05). l-carnitine supplementation also increased the concentration of l-carnitine in milk and l-carnitine status of piglets (P<0.05). The antioxidant enzyme activities of new born and weaning piglets were increased (P<0.05) by maternal dietary l-carnitine but this did not extend to finishing pigs. In conclusion, including DDGS in the sows diet could induce oxidative stress, which may be associated with the reduced individual birth and weaning weight of piglets. Dietary l-carnitine supplementation improved the antioxidant and l-carnitine status of sows, which may be associated with the improved reproduction and piglet performance and the antioxidant status of piglets at birth and weaning. There were no interactions between DDGS and l-carnitine.     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid or betaine on the growth performance and fatty acid composition in backfat and belly fat of finishing pigs fed dried distillers grains with solubles

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or betaine on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition in backfat and belly fat of pigs fed distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Thirty-two (60±2 kg) crossbred barrows (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshine) were assigned to one of four diets randomly: (1) the control diet containing no corn DDGS (control group); (2) the diet containing 30% corn DDGS (DDGS-fed group); (3) the diet containing 30% corn DDGS and 10 g/kg CLA (CLA-fed group); (4) the diet containing 30% corn DDGS and 1 g/kg BET (BET-fed group). The pigs fed DDGS showed that the percentages of C18:2, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and iodine value (IV) increased, while C18:1, saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) decreased. Pigs fed the DDGS+CLA or DDGS+betaine diets showed the increased percentage of SFA, and the decreased percentage of C18:2, PUFA and IV. In conclusion, results confirmed that the diets containing 30% DDGS had no detrimental effects on growth performance, but increased the percentage of PUFA and IV and decreased the percentage of SFA and MUFA in the backfat and belly fat. However, supplementation with CLA or BET can part reverse these effects on carcass fat in finishing pigs.     

High-protein diet during gestation and lactation affects mammary gland mRNA abundance, milk composition and pre-weaning litter growth in mice

We evaluated the effect of a high-protein diet (HP) on pregnancy, lactational and rearing success in mice. At the time of mating, females were randomly assigned to isoenergetic diets with HP (40% w/w) or control protein levels (C; 20%). After parturition, half of the dams were fed the other diet throughout lactation resulting in four dietary groups: CC (C diet during gestation and lactation), CHP (C diet during gestation and HP diet during lactation), HPC (HP diet during gestation and C diet during lactation) and HPHP (HP diet during gestation and lactation). Maternal and offspring body mass was monitored. Measurements of maternal mammary gland (MG), kidney and abdominal fat pad masses, MG histology and MG mRNA abundance, as well as milk composition were taken at selected time points. HP diet decreased abdominal fat and increased kidney mass of lactating dams. Litter mass at birth was lower in HP than in C dams (14.8 v. 16.8 g). Dams fed an HP diet during lactation showed 5% less food intake (10.4 v. 10.9 g/day) and lower body and MG mass. On day 14 of lactation, the proportion of MG parenchyma was lower in dams fed an HP diet during gestation as compared to dams fed a C diet (64.8% v. 75.8%). Abundance of MG α-lactalbumin, β-casein, whey acidic protein, xanthine oxidoreductase mRNA at mid-lactation was decreased in all groups receiving an HP diet either during gestation and/or lactation. Milk lactose content was lower in dams fed an HP diet during lactation compared to dams fed a C diet (1.6% v. 2.0%). On days 14, 18 and 21 of lactation total litter mass was lower in litters of dams fed an HP diet during lactation, and the pups' relative kidney mass was greater than in litters suckled by dams receiving a C diet. These findings indicate that excess protein intake in reproducing mice has adverse effects on offspring early in their postnatal growth as a consequence of impaired lactational function.     

Effects of particle size distribution,compositional and color properties of ground corn on quality of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)

Oftentimes, corn processors believe that ground corn (raw material) and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are interrelated in certain quality parameters. Yet, previous studies, although rather limited, have not established this relationship. In this study, six ground corn samples and their resulting DDGS were analyzed for particle size distribution (PSD), using a series of six selected US standard sieves: Nos. 8, 12, 18, 35, 60, and 100, and a pan. The original sample and sieve sized fractions were measured for contents of moisture, protein, oil, ash and starch, and surface color. Total carbohydrate (CHO) and total non-starch CHO were also calculated. Results show that the geometric mean diameter (d_gw) of particles varied with individual corn and DDGS samples, and that d_gw of DDGS was larger than that of corn (0.696 vs. 0.479 mm, average values), indicating that during conversion of corn to DDGS, certain particles became enlarged. For d_gw and mass frequency of individual particle size classes, the relationship between ground corn and DDGS varied, but PSD of the whole sample was well correlated between them (r = 0.807). Upon conversion from corn to DDGS, on an average, protein was concentrated 3.59 times; oil, 3.40 times; ash, 3.32 times; and total non-starch CHO, 2.89 times. There were some positive correlations in contents of protein and non-starch CHO and in L value between corn and DDGS. Yet, variations in nutrients and color attributes were larger in DDGS than in corn. For either corn or DDGS, these variations were larger in sieved fractions than in the whole fraction. Raw material, processing method and addition of yeasts are among major factors considered for causing larger variations in these attributes among DDGS. The study partially supports the common belief by processors that quality attributes of corn affect those of DDGS.     

Pilot scale fiber separation from distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) using sieving and air classification

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), the coproduct of fuel ethanol production from cereal grains like corn, is mainly used as cattle feed and is used at low inclusion levels in poultry and swine diets because of high fiber content. Elusieve process, the combination of sieving and air classification (elutriation), was developed in laboratory scale to separate fiber from DDGS to result in a low fiber product which would be more suitable for poultry and swine. In this pilot scale study, DDGS was sieved at a rate of 0.25 kg/s (1 ton/h) into four sieve fractions using a sifter and the three largest sieve fractions were air classified using aspirators to separate fiber on a continuous basis. Results were similar to laboratory scale. Nearly 12.4% by weight of DDGS was separated as Fiber product and resulted in two high protein products that had low fiber contents. Payback period for the Elusieve process in an existing dry grind plant processing corn at the rate of 2030 metric tonnes/day (80,000 bushels/day) would be 1.1 yr.     

Particle size distribution of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and relationships to compositional and color properties

Eleven distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), processed from yellow corn, were collected from different ethanol processing plants in the US Midwest area. Particle size distribution (PSD) by mass of each sample was determined using a series of six selected US standard sieves: Nos. 8, 12, 18, 35, 60, and 100, and a pan. The original sample and sieve sized fractions were measured for surface color and contents of moisture, protein, oil, ash, and starch. Total carbohydrate (CHO) and total non-starch CHO were also calculated. Results show that there was a great variation in composition and color among DDGS from different plants. Surprisingly, a few DDGS samples contained unusually high amounts of residual starch (11.1-17.6%, dry matter basis, vs. about 5% of the rest), presumably resulting from modified processing methods. Particle size of DDGS varied greatly within a sample and PSD varied greatly among samples. The 11 samples had a mean value of 0.660mm for the geometric mean diameter (d(gw)) of particles and a mean value of 0.440mm for the geometric standard deviation (S(gw)) of particle diameters by mass. The majority had a unimodal PSD, with a mode in the size class between 0.5 and 1.0mm. Although PSD and color parameters had little correlation with composition of whole DDGS samples, distribution of nutrients as well as color attributes correlated well with PSD. In sieved fractions, protein content, L and a color values negatively while contents of oil and total CHO positively correlated with particle size. It is highly feasible to fractionate DDGS for compositional enrichment based on particle size, while the extent of PSD can serve as an index for potential of DDGS fractionation. The above information should be a vital addition to quality and baseline data of DDGS.     

Growth and development of offspring following supplementation of sow diets with oil during mid to late gestation

This study aimed to determine the consequences of altering the fatty acid profile of sow diets during mid-to-late gestation; oils of different fatty acid composition were chosen as energy supplements to provide diets with different fatty acid profiles. Forty-eight multiparous sows were used to evaluate the effects of fat supplementation from day 60 of gestation until parturition. Sows were allocated to either 3 kg/day of commercial sow pellets (control; C) or an experimental diet consisting of 3 kg/day of commercial sow pellets supplemented with 10% extra energy in the form of excess pellets (E), palm oil (P), olive oil (O), sunflower oil (S) or fish oil (F). From days 0 to 60 of gestation, all sows were given 3 kg/day of sow pellets as for the C group. The E diet resulted in the heaviest piglets at birth whereas the offspring of O and S sows were the lightest at birth. The offspring of S sows remained lighter throughout the pre-weaning period, and were also the leanest by 14 days of age. In contrast, pigs born to S sows possessed more fat by the time they reached commercial end point (≈140 days of age). In conclusion, altering the fatty acid profile of the sow diet during the second half of gestation has long-term consequences for the development of their offspring.     

Effects of genistein or soy milk during late gestation and lactation on adult uterine organization in the rat

In utero and lactational exposure to estrogenic agents has been shown to influence morphological and functional development of reproductive tissues. Thus, consumption of dietary phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, during pregnancy and lactation could influence important periods of development, when the fetus and neonate are more sensitive to estrogen exposure. In this study, reproductive outcomes after developmental exposure to isoflavones were examined in Long-Evans rats maternally exposed to isoflavones via a commercial soy beverage or as the isolated isoflavone, genistein. Most reproductive endpoints examined at birth, weaning, and 2 months of age were not significantly modified in pups of either sex after lactational exposure to soy milk (provided to the dams in place of drinking water) from birth until weaning. However, soy milk exposure induced a significant increase in progesterone receptor (PR) in the uterine glandular epithelium of the 2-month-old pups. In pregnant dams treated with genistein (GEN; 15 mg/kg body weight) by gavage, from Gestational Day 14 through weaning, PR expression in the uterine glandular epithelium from 2-month-old GEN-treated females (postexposure) was also significantly increased. Diethylstilbesterol (DES) also stimulated uterine PR expression only in the glandular but not luminal epithelial cells. However, unlike DES, in utero/lactational exposure to GEN did not increase expression of the proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), in the luminal epithelial cells of the 2-month-old rat uteri. These experiments demonstrate that developmental exposure to dietary isoflavones, at levels comparable to the ranges of human exposure, modify expression of the estrogen-regulated PR in the uterus of sexually mature rats weeks after exposure ended. Since the PR is essential for regulating key female reproductive processes, such as uterine proliferation, implantation, and maintenance of pregnancy, its increased expression suggests that soy phytoestrogen exposure during reproductive development may have long-term reproductive health consequences.     

Effects of balancing crystalline amino acids in diets containing heat-damaged soybean meal or distillers dried grains with solubles fed to weanling pigs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate if adjustments in diet formulations either based on total analysed amino acids or standardized ileal digestible (SID) amino acids may be used to eliminate negative effects of including heat-damaged soybean meal (SBM) or heat-damaged corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets fed to weanling pigs. In Experiment 1, four corn–SBM diets were formulated. Diet 1 contained non-autoclaved SBM (315 g/kg), and this diet was formulated on the basis of analysed amino acid concentrations and using SID values from the AminoDat® 4.0 database. Diet 2 was similar to Diet 1 in terms of ingredient composition, except that the non-autoclaved SBM was replaced by autoclaved SBM at 1 : 1 (weight basis). Diet 3 was formulated using autoclaved SBM and amino acid inclusions in the diet were adjusted on the basis of analysed total amino acid concentrations in the autoclaved SBM and published SID values for non-autoclaved SBM (AminoDat® 4.0). Diet 4 also contained autoclaved SBM, but the formulation of this diet was adjusted on the basis of analysed amino acids in the autoclaved SBM and SID values that were adjusted according to the degree of heat damage in this source of SBM. Pigs (160; initial BW: 10.4 kg) were allotted to the four treatments with eight replicate pens per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Diets were fed to pigs for 21 days. The gain to feed ratio (G : F) was greater (P<0.05) for pigs fed Diet 1 compared with pigs fed the other diets and pigs fed Diet 4 had greater (P<0.05) G : F than pigs fed Diet 2. In Experiment 2, 144 pigs (initial BW: 9.9 kg) were allotted to four diets with eight replicate pens per diet. The four diets contained corn, SBM (85 g/kg) and DDGS (220 g/kg), and were formulated using the concepts described for Experiment 1, except that heat-damaged DDGS, but not heat-damaged SBM, was used in the diets. Pigs fed Diet 1 had greater (P<0.05) G : F than pigs fed Diet 2, but no differences were observed for G : F among pigs fed diets containing autoclaved DDGS. Results demonstrate that the negative effects of heat damage of SBM or DDGS may be ameliorated if the reduced concentration and digestibility of amino acids in heat-damaged SBM or DDGS is taken into account in diet formulation. Further research is needed to improve the prediction of the ileal digestibility of amino acids in heat-processed ingredients used in practical diet formulations.     

Dietary fibre for gestating sows: effects on parturition progress, behaviour, litter and sow performance

In pig production, parturition progress is a key event for sow's reproductive performance, evaluated by piglet survival and piglets' performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of feeding a high-fibre (HF) diet during gestation on parturition progress and reproductive performance of sows. Forty-two primiparous sows (Large-White × Landrace crossbred) were fed during gestation either a control diet (C diet; 2.40 kg/day, 3.2% crude fibre, in % of dry matter (DM)), or a HF diet (2.80 kg/day, 12.4% crude fibre, in % of DM). All sows received 33 MJ digestible energy per day. Continuous video recordings were done on the parturition day to determine postural changes (standing, sitting, lying) and behavioural activities (nesting behaviour, uterine contractions, restlessness, social behaviour towards piglets) during parturition. Duration of parturition and individual birth intervals were also measured. Piglets' growth was evaluated by weekly weighing from birth until weaning, at 26.5 days of age. Sows were weighed and backfat thickness was measured at mating, on day 105 of gestation, on the 1st day post partum, and at weaning. Durations of parturition and of birth intervals were not affected by the gestation diet and averaged 211 ± 12 min and 16.5 ± 0.9 min (mean ± s.e.), respectively. During the parturition progress, the gestation diet did not affect the frequency and the time devoted to postural and behavioural activities. Dietary treatment during gestation did not influence duration of gestation and weaning-to-oestrus interval, as well as litter size, and number of stillborn and weaned piglets. Piglet weight at birth did not differ between gestation dietary treatments but piglets nursed by HF sows showed a 13.5% greater growth rate during the 1st week of life (P < 0.01) and tended to be heavier at weaning (P = 0.06) compared with C piglets. The HF sows were leaner at the end of gestation (P < 0.05), but variations of sows' weight during gestation and lactation were not affected by the gestation diet. All sows lost the same amount of backfat thickness during lactation. During lactation, the average daily feed intake was not significantly affected by the gestation diet. This study shows that substituting a control diet for a HF diet during gestation has limited effects on farrowing progress and reproductive performance, but improved piglets' growth rate during the 1st week of life and tended to increase their live weight at weaning.