Animal Sciences and Industry

Effects of ractopamine HCl dose and treatment period on pig performance in a commercial finishing facility

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of ractopamine HCl dose and treatment period on pig performance in a commercial finishing facility Main, R.G.; Dritz, S.S.; Tokach, M.D.; Goodband, R.D.; Nelssen, J.L.; DeRouchey, J.M. Objective: To evaluate effects of ractopamine HCl (RAC) dose and treatment period on growth performance and carcass composition in a commercial finishing environment. Materials and methods: In Experiment One, a total of 880 pigs (PIC L337 × C22; initially 106.5 ± 0.5 kg) were allotted to four treatments, including doses of 0, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 ppm of RAC for 21 days before slaughter. In Experiment Two, 1035 gilts (initially 103.2 ± 0.62 kg) were allotted to nine treatments. Treatments included doses of 5 or 10 ppm RAC for 7, 14, 21, or 28 days before slaughter and a control treatment without RAC. Results: In Experiment One, average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), and carcass yield increased (linear, P < .05) with increasing dose of RAC. The largest numeric differences were observed as RAC dose increased from 0 to 5 ppm. In Experiment Two, ADG and G:F were greater (P < .05) for pigs fed 5 ppm RAC for 14, 21, or 28 days and for pigs fed 10 ppm for all treatment periods than for control pigs. Carcass yield was greater in pigs fed 10 ppm RAC (P < .05) than in pigs fed 5 ppm RAC or in the controls. RAC dose (5 ppm versus 10 ppm) did not affect carcass lean measures (P > .16). Implications: Feeding RAC at 5 to 10 ppm for 14 to 28 days before slaughter increases ADG, G:F, and carcass yield of pigs reared in a commercial finishing environment.

Determining the accuracy of gestation feed drops

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Determining the accuracy of gestation feed drops Schneider, J.D.; Tokach, M.D.; Dritz, S.S.; Nelssen, J.L.; DeRouchey, J.M.; Goodband, R.D. Objective: To determine the accuracy of three different types of gestation feed drops. Materials and methods: Econo, Accu, and Ultra feed drops (Automated Production Systems, Assumption, Illinois) were attached to feed lines at three angles (90˚, 75˚, and 60˚). Feed was collected and weighed at settings of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 lb (0.9, 1.8, 2.7, 3.6, and 4.65 kg) for the Econo and Accu feed drops and 2, 4, 6, and 8 lb for the Ultra feed drops. Results: There was a drop type × angle × feed level interaction (P < .01) for the feed settings versus the actual amount dropped. At 90˚, the relationship between the feeder setting (x) and actual quantity of feed dropped was best described by the regression equation (1.156x + 0.244) for the Econo, (1.010x + 0.072) for the Accu, and (1.009x + 0.231) for the Ultra feed drops. At 75˚, the regression equations were (1.014x – 0.139) for the Econo, (0.997x + 0.057) for the Accu, and (1.005x + 0.156) for the Ultra feed drops. At 60˚, the regression equations were (0.689x – 0.076) for the Econo, (0.989x – 0.249) for the Accu, and (0.951x + 0.026) for the Ultra feed drops. Implications: The type of feed drop and its angle relative to the feed line influences the amount of feed dispensed at a feeder setting. The Accu and Ultra feed drops more accurately dispense the correct amount of feed than the Econo feed drops.

Effects of creep feeder design and feed accessibility on preweaning pig performance and the proportion of pigs consuming creep feed

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of creep feeder design and feed accessibility on preweaning pig performance and the proportion of pigs consuming creep feed Sulabo, R.C.; Tokach, M.D.; DeRouchey, J.M.; Dritz, S.S.; Goodband, R.D.; Nelssen, J.L. Objective: To determine the effects of creep feeder design and feed accessibility on preweaning performance and the proportion of eaters of creep feed. Materials and methods: A total of 54 sows and their litters were assigned to three treatments: rotary feeder with hopper, rotary feeder without hopper, and pan feeder. A creep diet with 1.0% chromic oxide was offered ad libitum from Day 18 until weaning (Day 21). Fecal samples were collected from piglets with sterile swabs 3 to 12 hours before weaning. Piglets were categorized as “eaters” when either of the two fecal samples was colored green; otherwise, they were categorized as “non-eaters.” Pigs were weighed Days 0 (birth), 18, and 21, and litter creep-feed disappearance was determined daily. Results: There were no differences (P > .05) in preweaning gains and weaning weights of pigs and litters using the different types of creep feeder. Litters provided creep feed using the rotary feeder with the hopper had 2.7 times lower total creep-feed disappearance than litters using the rotary feeder without the hopper and the pan feeder (P < .001). However, the rotary feeder with the hopper produced the highest proportion of pigs consuming creep feed within the litter (80%; P < .001). Implications: The proper choice of creep feeder is essential to manage creep feeding and to maximize the number of eaters in the litter. A creep feeder with a hopper may create more eaters with less feed wastage.

Feed additives for swine: Fact sheets – prebiotics and probiotics, and phytogenics

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Feed additives for swine: Fact sheets – prebiotics and probiotics, and phytogenics Jacela, J.Y.; DeRouchey, J.M.; Tokach, M.D.; Goodband, R.D.; Nelssen, J.L.; Renter, D.G.; Dritz, S.S. There is increasing pressure for livestock producers to minimize the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in food animals. Supplementing beneficial microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract is one potential alternative. A diverse population of beneficial and potentially harmful microorganisms exists in the gastrointestinal tract of the pig. In a healthy animal, a delicate balance between these two groups of organisms is maintained. However, during times of stress, such as during weaning in the case of piglets, this balance may be affected and can lead to a rapid growth of harmful microorganisms. This may result in poor performance or disease. Thus, prebiotics and probiotics have been the subject of much research over the years as potential replacements for antibiotic growth promoters in pigs.