Swine Day, 2014

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Open Access
Effects of diet bulk density on mixing uniformity
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) Thomas, Lori L.; Stark, Charles R.; Fahrenholtz, C. H.; Coble, Kyle F.; Hayashi, S.; Saensukjaroenphon, Marut; Woodworth, Jason C.; Goodband, Robert D.; crstark; jwoodworth; goodband
The objective of this study was to determine how the time required to create a uniformly mixed batch of feed is influenced by diets that differ in bulk density. Three 60-lb batches of a corn-soybean meal–based diet (high bulk density) or a high-fiber diet (low bulk density) containing 30% dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS), and 19% wheat midds were prepared. The ingredients for each batch were placed in a 60-lb capacity experimental double-ribbon mixer with all batches containing 0.35% table salt. Ten samples were obtained from different parts of the mixer for each batch of feed after 60, 120, and 240 sec of mixing time. Ten additional samples were taken as the feed was discharged from the bottom of the mixer after 240 sec. The three batches of each diet type were mixed and sampled using the same procedures and were considered separate observations, making 3 replications for each mixing time within diet type. The CV among 10 samples collected at each mix time was used to determine mixer efficiency by measuring Cl concentration (Quantabs, Environmental Test Systems, Elkhart, IN). After 60 sec of mixing, the corn-soybean meal–based diet achieved a CV of less than 10%; however, the high-fiber diet required 240 sec to achieve a CV of less than 10%. In conclusion, using this experimental ribbon mixer, diet bulk density affected the time required to mix a batch of feed thoroughly, which suggests that feed manufacturers should reevaluate mixing times when using low-bulk-density ingredients such as DDGS and wheat midds. Further research is needed to verify these results in large-scale commercial mixers.
Open Access
Effects of electrostatic particle ionization on air quality, emissions, and growth performance of pigs housed in a thermo-regulated facility
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) De Jong, Jon A.; Card, Korrin N.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Baumgartner, M.; Tomlinson, Peter J.; jderouch; ptomlin
Two identical 200-head nurseries at the Kansas State University Segregated Early Weaning Facility were used for 5 consecutive all-in, all-out groups to determine the effect of electrostatic particle ionization (EPI) on air quality, emissions, and growth performance of pigs housed in a thermo-regulated facility. During five 6-wk periods (13 to 51 lb BW), the EPI system was used in one barn for a complete group and then used in the other barn for the next group. At the beginning of each 6-wk trial period, pigs were randomly allotted to pens based on average pig weight. Air measurements and pig growth were measured every week throughout the studies. Overall, when active, the EPI system reduced (P < 0.05) 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 μ dust particles in the barn and dust particles/ft3 at the exhaust fan. There were no differences (P > 0.10) for in-barn air ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations and no significant differences (P > 0.10) in ammonia concentrations in the dust between the control and EPI barn. The EPI system tended to improve (P = 0.09) ADG, which led to a tendency for improved (P = 0.06) final BW. No differences were detected (P > 0.10) for ADFI or F/G. The EPI system improved barn and exhaust air by removing particulate matter from suspension, which tended to improve growth rate in 13- to 51-lb pigs.
Open Access
Determining the optimal sampling method to estimate the mean and standard deviation of pig body weights within a population
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) Paulk, Chad B.; Tokach, Michael D.; Dritz, Steven S.; Nelssen, Jim L.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Goodband, Robert D.; mtokach; dritz; jnelssen; jderouch; goodband
The accuracy and precision of pig subsampling methods can determine the swine producer’s ability to sell pigs at optimal market BW and reduce economic discounts. The first objective of this experiment was to determine the time required to weigh pigs for different sampling methods used to estimate the mean and SD of a population. The second objective was to define the optimal sampling method considering the time required to weigh pigs as well as the precision and accuracy of each sampling method. A total of 68 pens of pigs (359 × 1050, PIC, Hendersonville, TN; 169.8 lb BW) in 2 commercial finishing facilities with 20 to 35 pigs per pen were used. Pens of pigs were blocked by location within barn and randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 17 pens per treatment. The 4 treatments included (1) selecting and weighing the heaviest and lightest pig per pen; and (2), (3), and (4) weighing the first 5, 10, and 15 pigs out of the pen, respectively. The time required for 2 people to complete each treatment was recorded. To determine the total barn time required to conduct a specific sample, the time required to weigh the specific number of pigs per pen was multiplied by n pens. The accuracy and precision for estimating the mean BW and SD for each sampling method was determined by using datasets A and C reported in Paulk (20144). The precision was determined by calculating a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the sample means and SD. The time taken to select and weigh the heaviest and lightest pigs in a pen (Treatment 1) did not differ from weighing 5 pigs per pen (Treatment 2). Increasing the number of pigs weighed per pen (Treatments 3 and 4) increased (P < 0.05) the amount of time to weigh a single pen. Based on these results, the number of pens for each treatment that can be weighed without influencing weighing time was determined to be 15 pens (30 pigs), 15 pens (75 pigs), 9 pens (90 pigs), and 6 pens (90 pigs) from Treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. For dataset A, these 4 sampling methods had a similar CI range for estimating the mean BW and SD. For dataset C, Treatments 1 (30 pigs) and 2 (75 pigs) had a reduced CI range for estimating the mean BW compared with Treatments 3 (90 pigs) and 4 (90 pigs); however, Treatments 2 (75 pigs) and 3 (90 pigs) had a reduced CI range for estimating the SD compared with Treatments 1 (30 pigs) and 4 (90 pigs). Therefore, we conclude that swine producers should weigh 5 pigs from 15 pens to estimate the mean BW and SD within a barn.
Open Access
Formation of fines during the pelleted feed manufacturing process and the resulting differences in nutrient composition of fines and pellets
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) De Jong, Jon A.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Tokach, Michael D.; Goodband, Robert D.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Dritz, Steven S.; Erceg, Jake A.; McKinney, L.; Smith, G.; jderouch; mtokach; goodband; jwoodworth; dritz
A 3-wk study was conducted at a commercial feed mill in northwest Iowa to determine where the formation of fines occurs during pelleted feed manufacturing and if differences are present in nutrient composition between fines and pellets. During the study, 1,781pelleted feed samples were collected from 4 swine and 2 turkey diets. Samples were collected from 4 different locations throughout the mill to determine progression of fines formation during the manufacturing process. These locations included the pellet mill, pellet cooler, fat coater, and at load-out. Samples were taken on 7 to 10 different runs for each diet throughout the 3-wk period. Pellet durability index (PDI) and percentage fines were determined for all samples, and nutrient analysis was determined on a pooled sample from each run within diet. Nutrient analysis was determined via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) at the processing site and via wet chemistry at a commercial lab. Overall, PDI was different (P < 0.05) between locations in the mill. Pellet durability index increased from the pellet mill to the fat coater but then decreased between the fat coater and load-out. The largest increase in PDI was seen between the cooler and fat coater. Percentage fines decreased (P < 0.05) from the pellet mill to the cooler, but then increased as pellets went to the fat coater and then to load-out. The largest increase in fines was found between the cooler and fat coater and between the fat coater and loadout (5.6 and 6.5%). Dry matter and crude fiber were greater (P < 0.05) and fat tended to be greater (P < 0.08) in fines than in pellets as determined by NIR, whereas CP was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the fines than in pellets. These differences were verified by wet chemistry results. Wet chemistry also found that fines tended to be higher (P < 0.05) in ADF, but fines were similar in Ca and P compared with pellets. In conclusion, fines increased as pellets were moved from the pellet mill to the load-out area. Pellet durability index improved from the pellet mill to the fat coater due to the removal of moisture in the pellet but then worsened at load-out, most likely due to the addition of fat, which may have started to soften the pellets. Both NIR and wet chemistry found that fines were higher in fiber and fat but lower in CP than pellets. These differences in nutrient content of the pellets compared with fines and the possibility of fines refusal at the feeder may lead to poorer pig performance. More research is needed to determine if fines formation can be reduced in the mill and if differences in nutrient composition of fines compared with pellets could lead to performance differences in pigs.
Open Access
Effects of different feed mills and conditioning temperature of pelleted diets on nursery pig performance and feed preference from 14 to 50 lb
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) De Jong, Jon A.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Tokach, Michael D.; Goodband, Robert D.; Dritz, Steven S.; jderouch; mtokach; goodband; dritz
A total of 644 pigs (PIC 1050 or 327 × 1050, initial BW~14 lb) were used in 3 experiments to determine possible explanations for poorer pig performance in previous studies with pigs fed pelleted diets compared with those fed meal diets. Therefore, we examined feed pelleted from different mills as well as conditioning temperature as factors influencing our previous results. In Experiment 1, pens of pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 10 pens per treatment and 7 pigs per pen. The 3 dietary treatments used the identical corn-soybean meal–based formulation and were mixed from the same batch of ingredients. Experimental diets were: (1) feed mixed at mill B but pelleted in mill A; (2) feed mixed and pelleted at mill B; and (3) feed mixed at mill B and fed in meal form. Experiment 2 was a feed preference study where pens of pigs were randomly allotted to the same diets as Experiment 1 with 4 pens per treatment and 7 pigs per pen. Pens contained 2 feeders, each containing 1 of 3 treatment diets. Feeders were rotated once daily within each pen for the entire 33-d study with three diet comparisons tested: 1 vs. 2, 1 vs. 3, and 2 vs. 3. In Experiment 3, pens of pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments and fed for 16 d with 14 pens per treatment and 5 pigs per pen. Similar to Experiment 1, all diets used the identical corn-soybean meal–based formulation and were mixed from the same batch of ingredients. The experimental diets were: (1) feed mixed at mill A and fed in meal form; (2) feed mixed at mill A, but pelleted at mill B; (3), (4), and (5) feed mixed and pelleted at mill A at a conditioning temperature of 140, 160, or 180˚F, respectively. In Experiment 1, pigs fed the mill-B pelleted diet had the greatest (P < 0.05) ADG, whereas pigs fed the mill-A pelleted diet had the lowest (P < 0.05) ADG, with the meal diet from mill B intermediate (Table 6). There were no differences in ADFI among the three experimental diets. The mill-A pelleted diet significantly worsened (P < 0.05) F/G and final BW compared with the mill-B pelleted diet, whereas the mill-B mash diet only tended (P < 0.06) to worsen F/G compared with the mill-B pelleted diet. In Experiment 2 for comparison 1, pigs consumed more (P < 0.05) of the mill-B pelleted diet than the mill-A pelleted diet, which translated into pigs eating 70% of their daily intake from the mill B pellet (Table 7). For comparison 2 and 3, pigs fed either the mill-A or mill-B pellet consumed more feed (P < 0.05) than the mill B diet fed in mash form, with the pellets equated to 90% of their daily intake. For Experiment 3, there were no differences among the three diets pelleted under increasing conditioning temperatures at mill A, so they were combined for analysis (Table 8). Pigs fed the meal diet had improved (P < 0.05) ADG compared with pigs fed the mill-A pellet with the mill-B pellet fed pigs intermediate. For ADFI, both mill-B and mill-A pellet-fed pigs had reduced (P < 0.05) intake compared with the meal diet but improved (P < 0.05) F/G. Final BW was reduced when pigs were fed the mill-A pelleted diet compared with the mash diet, with the pigs fed the mill-B pellet intermediate. In our study, conditioning temperature did not seem to explain the differences between mill-related growth performance differences observed in Experiments 1 and 2. More research is needed to fully elucidate the reason why pig performance may differ when the same feed is processed in different mills.
Open Access
Effects of wheat source and particle size in pelleted diets on finishing pig growth performance, caloric efficiency, and carcass characteristics
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) De Jong, Jon A.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Tokach, Michael D.; Goodband, Robert D.; Paulk, Chad B.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Jones, Cassandra K.; Stark, Charles R.; Dritz, Steven S.; jderouch; mtokach; goodband; jwoodworth; jonesc; crstark; dritz
A total of 576 pigs (PIC 327 × 1050; initially 96 lb BW) from 2 consecutive finishing groups were used to determine the effects of wheat source and particle size of pelleted diets on finishing pig growth performance, caloric efficiency, and carcass characteristics. Pigs were allotted randomly to pens upon entry into the finisher. Pens of pigs were balanced by initial BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 12 replications per treatment and 8 pigs per pen in two groups of finisher pigs. The experimental diets all had the same wheat-soybean meal formulation, with the 6 treatments formed by including the wheat from 1 of 2 sources (hard red winter vs. soft white winter) that were processed to 1 of 3 mean particle sizes (200, 400, or 600 μ). All diets were fed in pelleted form. Overall, feeding hard red winter wheat improved (P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and caloric efficiency on both an ME and NE basis compared with soft white winter wheat. There was a tendency (P < 0.07) for a quadratic particle size × wheat source interaction for ADG, ADFI, and both DM and GE digestibility because the lowest ADG, ADFI, and both DM and GE digestibility values were for 400-μ hard red winter wheat, and the highest were for 400-μ soft white winter wheat. No significant (P > 0.10) main effects were detected of particle size, or of particle size within wheat source. Finally, dietary treatments did not affect carcass characteristics. In conclusion, decreasing wheat particle size from 600 to 200 μ in pelleted diets had no effect on growth performance. Feeding hard red winter wheat improved ADG and ADFI compared with feeding soft white winter wheat.
Open Access
Effects of hard red winter wheat particle size in meal diets on finishing pig growth performance, diet digestibility, and caloric efficiency
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) De Jong, Jon A.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Tokach, Michael D.; Goodband, Robert D.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Paulk, Chad B.; Jones, Cassandra K.; Stark, Charles R.; Dritz, Steven S.; jonesc; crstark; jderouch; mtokach; goodband; jwoodworth; dritz
A total of 288 pigs (PIC 327 × 1050; initially 96.4 lb) were used in an 83-d study to determine the effects of hard red winter wheat particle size on finishing pig growth performance, diet digestibility, and caloric efficiency. Pens of pigs were balanced by initial BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatments with 8 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. The same wheat-soybean meal–based diets were used for all treatments. Diets were fed in three phases in meal form. The 3 dietary treatments were hard red winter wheat ground with a hammer mill to 730, 580, or 330 μ. From d 0 to 40, decreasing wheat particle size decreased (linear; P < 0.05) ADFI but improved (quadratic; P < 0.05) F/G and caloric efficiency (CE), with no change in ADG. From d 40 to 83, decreasing wheat particle size increased (quadratic; P < 0.05) ADG and improved (linear; P < 0.05) F/G and CE, with no change in ADFI. Overall from d 0 to 83, decreasing wheat particle size improved (linear; P < 0.05) F/G and CE on both an ME and NE basis, with no difference in ADG or ADFI. Finally, reducing wheat particle size improved (linear; P < 0.05) DM and GE digestibility. In summary, fine-grinding hard red winter wheat was detrimental to feed intake in early finishing, but improved ADG in late finishing and improved F/G in both periods and overall. Dry matter and GE digestibility as well as CE were all improved for the overall period with fine-grinding wheat. Grinding wheat from 730 to 330 improved the caloric content on an NE basis by 100 kcal/lb.
Open Access
Generating equations using meta-analyses to predict iodine value of pork carcass back, belly, and jowl fat
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) Paul, Chad B.; Bergstrom, J. R.; Tokach, Michael D.; Dritz, Steven S.; Burnett, Derris D.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Goodband, Robert D.; Nelssen, Jim L.; Gonzalez, John M.; mtokach; dritz; jderouch; goodband; jnelssen; johngonz
Meta-analyses used data from existing literature to generate equations to predict finishing pig back, belly, and jowl fat iodine value (IV) followed by a prospective study to validate these equations. The final database included 24, 21, and 29 papers for back, belly, and jowl fat IV, respectively. For experiments that changed dietary fatty acid composition, initial diets (INT) were defined as those fed before the change in diet composition and final diets (FIN) were those fed after. The predictor variables tested were divided into 5 groups: (1) diet fat composition (dietary % C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, essential fatty acid [EFA], UFA, and iodine value product) for both INT and FIN diets; (2) duration of feeding the INT and FIN diets; (3) ME or NE of the INT and FIN diet; (4) performance criteria (initial BW, final BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F); and (5) carcass criteria (HCW and backfat thickness). PROC MIXED in SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) was used to develop regression equations. Evaluation of models with significant terms was then conducted based on the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The optimum equations to predict back, belly, and jowl fat IV were: backfat IV =84.83 + (6.87*INT EFA) - (3.90*FIN EFA) - (0.12*INT d) - (1.30*FIN d) - (0.11*INT EFA*FIN d) + (0.048*FIN EFA*INT d) + (0.12*FIN EFA*FIN d) - (0.0132*FIN NE) + (0.0011*FIN NE*FIN d) - (6.604*BF); belly fat IV = 106.16 + (6.21*INT EFA) - (1.50*FIN d) - (0.11*INT EFA*FIN d) - (0.0265*INT NE) + (0.00152*INT NE*FIN d) - (0.0816*HCW) - (6.35*BF); and jowl fat IV = 85.50 + (1.08*INT EFA) + (0.87*FIN EFA) - (0.014*INT d) - (0.050*FIN d) + (0.038*INT EFA*INT d) + (0.054*FIN EFA*FIN d) - (0.0146*INT NE) + (0.0322*INT BW) - (0.993*ADFI) - (7.366*BF), where INT EFA = initial period dietary essential fatty acids, %; FIN EFA = final period dietary essential fatty acids, %; INT d = initial period days; FIN d=final period days; INT NE = initial period dietary net energy, kcal/lb; FIN NE = final period dietary net energy, kcal/lb; BF = backfat depth, in.; ADFI = average daily feed intake, lb; INT BW = BW at the beginning of the experiment, lb. Dietary treatments from the validation experiment (see “Influence of Dietary Fat Source and Feeding Duration on Pig Growth Performance, Carcass Composition, and Fat Quality,” p. 210) consisted of a corn-soybean meal control diet with no added fat or a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with main effects of fat source (4% tallow, 4% soybean oil, or a blend of 2% tallow and 2% soybean oil) and feeding duration (d 0 to 42, 42 to 84, or 0 to 84). The back, belly, and jowl fat IV equations tended to overestimate IV when actual IV values were less than approximately 65 g/100 g and underestimate belly fat IV when actual IV values were greater than approximately 74 g/100 g or when the blend or soybean oil diets were fed from d 42 to 84. Overall, with the exceptions noted, the regression equations were an accurate tool for predicting carcass fat quality based on dietary and pig performance factors.
Open Access
Influence of dietary fat source and feeding duration on pig growth performance, carcass composition, and fat quality
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) Stephenson, Ethan W.; Vaughn, Mathew A.; Burnett, Derris D.; Paulk, Chad B.; Tokach, Michael D.; Dritz, Steven S.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Goodband, Robert D.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Gonzalez, John M.; mtokach; dritz; jderouch; goodband; jwoodworth; johngonz
A total of 160 finishing pigs (PIC 327 × 1050; initially 100.5 lb) were used in an 84-d experiment to evaluate the effects of dietary fat source and feeding duration on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality. Dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal control diet with no added fat or a 3 × 3 factorial with main effects of fat source (4% tallow, 4% soybean oil, or a blend of 2% tallow and 2% soybean oil) and feeding duration (d 0 to 42, 42 to 84, or 0 to 84). One pig was identified in each pen on d 0, and biopsy samples of the back, belly, and jowl fat were collected on d 0, 41, and 81. At the conclusion of the study, all pigs were harvested, carcass characteristics were measured, and back, belly, and jowl fat samples were collected. Overall (d 0 to 84), there were no differences between fat sources for growth and carcass characteristics; however, pigs fed diets with added fat from d 0 to 84 had improved (P < 0.036) F/G compared with pigs fed a control diet without added fat. Pigs fed added fat throughout the entire study also had improved (P < 0.042) ADG and F/G and heavier d-84 BW (P < 0.006) compared with pigs fed additional fat for only period 1 or 2. Adding fat for the entire study increased (P < 0.032) backfat and tended to reduce (P < 0.083) fat-free lean index compared with pigs fed the control diet without added fat. Added fat also increased (P < 0.05) iodine value (IV) compared with pigs fed the control diet. Increasing the feeding duration of soybean oil or a blend of soybean oil and tallow decreased monounsaturated and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids relative to feeding tallow (duration × fat source interaction, P < 0.05), with the greatest changes in C18:1 and C18:2, respectively. In conclusion, feeding added fat improved ADG and F/G; however, feeding soybean oil for increasing duration, either alone or in a blend with tallow, negatively affected the fatty acid composition and IV of finishing pigs.
Open Access
Effects of feeding different dietary net energy levels to growing-finishing pigs when dietary lysine is adequate
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-26) Nitikanchana, Sureemas; Dritz, Steven S.; Tokach, Michael D.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Goodband, Robert D.; White, Bradley J.; dritz; mtokach; jderouch; goodband; whiteb
A total of 543 pigs (PIC 1050 × 327: PIC Hendersonville, TN) were used in 2 consecutive experiments with initial BW of 105 and 125 lb in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. The objective was to validate the regression equations predicting growth rate and feed efficiency of growing-finishing pigs based on dietary NE content by comparing actual and predicted performance. Thus, the 5 treatments included diets with: (1) 30% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), 20% wheat middlings, and 4 to 5% soybean hulls (low-energy); (2) 20% wheat middlings and 4 to 5% soybean hulls (low-energy); (3) a corn-soybean meal diet (medium-energy); (4) diet 2 supplemented with 3.7% choice white grease (CWG) to equalize NE level to diet 3 (medium-energy); and (5) a corn-soybean meal diet with 3.7% CWG (high-energy). In Experiments 1 and 2, increasing dietary NE increased (linear, P < 0.01) final weight, ADG, and improved feed efficiency but decreased (P < 0.11) ADFI. Only small differences were observed between the predicted and observed values of ADG and feed efficiency, except for the low-energy diet containing the highest fiber content (30% DDGS, wheat middlings and soy hulls; diet 1). Carcass weight and carcass yield increased (linear, P = 0.01) with increasing dietary NE. Also, backfat depth increased (linear, P = 0.01), loin depth decreased (quadratic, P = 0.05), and lean percentage decreased (linear, P = 0.01) with increasing dietary NE (linear, P = 0.01). Jowl iodine value (IV) also decreased with increasing dietary NE. No differences (P > 0.26) in net energy caloric efficiency (NEE) on a live weight basis were observed with increasing dietary NE. Nevertheless, feeding 30% DDGS (diet 1) resulted in a poorer (P = 0.05) NEE on a carcass basis compared with feeding the other diets. In conclusion, the prediction equations provided a good estimate of growth rate and feed efficiency of growing-finishing pigs fed different levels of dietary NE except for the pigs fed low-energy diet containing highest fiber content (diet 1). These predictions of growth performance can be used to model the economic value of different dietary energy strategies.
Open Access
Effects of 30% dried distillers grains with solubles and 5% added fat prior to slaughter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economics of finishing pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Coble, Kyle F.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Tokach, Michael D.; Goodband, Robert D.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Dritz, Steven S.; jderouch; mtokach; goodband; jwoodworth; dritz
Two groups of pigs (n = 1,258, initially 233.2 lb; group 1 PIC 337 × 1050; group 2 PIC 327 × 1050) were used in a 20-d experiment to determine the effects of 30% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and 5% added fat prior to slaughter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economics of finishing pigs. There were a total of 20 replications per treatment. All pigs were fed a common diet with 30% DDGS until 20 d prior to slaughter, at which point they were weighed and allotted to dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with 2 diet types, a corn-soybean meal–based diet with or without 30% DDGS and added fat of 0 or 5% (group 1 = tallow; group 2 = choice white grease). Diets were formulated on a standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine basis and balanced on an SID lysine to NE ratio. There were no treatment × group interactions for any of the measured responses, so data for the two groups were combined for analysis. For the overall experiment, there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for a diet type × added fat interaction for ADG; this interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for F/G and caloric efficiency on an ME and NE basis. These were the result of pigs fed the diet with 30% DDGS having greater ADG and F/G improvements when fat was included compared with those fed the corn-soybean meal–based diet without DDGS. For the caloric efficiency interaction, pigs fed 30% DDGS had an improvement with added fat, whereas those fed the corn-soybean meal–based diet with added fat had worse caloric efficiency than pigs fed the corn-soy diet without added fat. Although diet type did not affect final live weight, pigs fed the diet containing DDGS had reduced HCW (P < 0.05), which was the result of reduced carcass yield (P < 0.05). Adding 5% fat to the diet containing DDGS did not improve carcass yield. Jowl fat iodine value was increased by added fat (P < 0.05) and feeding DDGS (P < 0.05). For economics, there was a diet type × added fat interaction (P < 0.05) for cost per pound of gain, which was the result of a larger increase in cost for pigs fed added fat in the corn-soybean meal–based diet compared with the diet containing DDGS. Income over feed cost did not differ among dietary treatments. In conclusion, adding 5% fat to finishing pig diets containing 30% DDGS approximately 20 d prior to slaughter improved ADG and F/G but did not overcome the reduction in carcass yield from feeding DDGS.
Open Access
Effects of pelleting and diet type on growth performance, carcass yield, and iodine value of finishing pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Nemechek, Jeremiah E.; Tokach, Michael D.; Dritz, Steven S.; Goodband, Robert D.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Woodworth, Jason C.; mtokach; dritz; goodband; jderouch; jwoodworth
A total of 288 pigs (PIC 327 × 1050, initially 107.0 lb BW) were used in an 87-d trial to determine the effects of diet form and corn oil on growth performance, carcass yield, and iodine value (IV) of growing-finishing pigs. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with the main effects of diet form and oil source. The 2 diet forms were meal or pellet. The 3 dietary formulations were: (1) corn-soybean meal–based control, (2) control with 30% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and 19% wheat middlings, and (3) control with 3% corn oil. No diet form × diet formulation interactions were observed for growth performance, HCW, or carcass yield. Overall (d 0 to 87), pigs fed pelleted diets had increased (P < 0.05) ADG, decreased (P < 0.05) ADFI, and improved (P < 0.05) F/G compared with pigs fed meal diets. Diet form did not influence HCW or carcass yield. Pigs fed diets containing DDGS and wheat middlings had decreased (P < 0.05) ADG compared with pigs fed the control or corn oil diets. Feeding the corn oil diet resulted in decreased (P < 0.05) ADFI compared with pigs fed the diet with DDGS and wheat middlings, with pigs fed the control diet intermediate. Feed efficiency followed dietary energy, with pigs fed the corn oil diet having the best (P < 0.05) F/G, pigs fed DDGS and wheat middlings diet having the worst, and pigs fed the control intermediate. Pigs fed the diet with DDGS and wheat middlings had decreased (P < 0.05) HCW and carcass yield compared with pigs fed the control or corn oil treatments. No interaction was detected between diet form and oil source for belly fat IV. Pigs fed pelleted diets had increased (P < 0.05) belly fat IV compared with those fed meal diets, regardless of diet formulation. Belly fat IV was greatest (P < 0.05) for pigs fed DDGS and wheat middlings, lowest for pigs fed the control, and intermediate for pigs fed the corn oil diets. An interactive effect between diet form and oil source was detected (P < 0.05) for shoulder fat IV, caused by an increase in shoulder fat IV from feeding pelleted diets for the control or corn oil treatments. Thus, with the exception of the lack of increase in IV in pigs fed the pelleted DDGS and wheat middlings diet, feeding pelleted diets increased carcass fat IV. Furthermore, we found no evidence that the source of fat (endogenous vs. supplemental) in pelleted diets affected the IV response to pelleting.
Open Access
Effects of high levels of dietary niacin from nicotinic acid on growth and meat quality of finishing pigs raised during summer
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Flohr, Joshua R.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Tokach, Michael D.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Dritz, Steven S.; Goodband, Robert D.; Houser, Terry A.; Felder, C. A.; Prusa, K. J.; jderouch; mtokach; jwoodworth; dritz; goodband; houser
A total of 1,232 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 59.4 lb) were used in a 98-d study to evaluate the influence of increasing dietary niacin supplementation on growth, body temperatures, and meat quality of pigs raised in a commercial facility during the summer. There were 28 pigs per pen and 11 pens per treatment. Basal diets contained corn, soybean meal, and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). The four dietary treatments were formed by adding increasing levels of nicotinic acid as the source of niacin (Lonza, Allendale, NJ) at 14, 172, 331, and 490 mg/lb of complete feed. On d 57, 58, and 59, rectal temperatures and skin temperatures on the top of the shoulder and rump were collected from 2 pigs per pen (1 barrow and 1 gilt). On d 98, 2 pigs per pen (1 barrow and 1 gilt) were visually selected as the heaviest pigs in the pen and were harvested for carcass and meat quality data. Carcass traits, pH decline, and subjective loin color and marbling scores were measured at a commercial abattoir. Afterward, a 15.7-in. segment of the loin was used for meat quality analysis, including measurements of ultimate pH and purge loss. Boneless chops (1 in. thick) were cut from the loin segment and were used to determine 24-h drip loss, subjective color and marbling, objective lean color values (L*, lightness; a*, redness; and b*, yellowness), and muscle niacin concentrations. Average daily temperatures within the barn ranged from 63.8 to 85.5°F throughout the length of the study, with daily low temperatures from 59.9 to 81.0°F and daily high temperatures from 66.1 to 93.3°F. Overall, temperature was cooler than expected for the facility compared with normal seasonal increases associated with the summer months. Time × day interactions (P < 0.01) were observed for rectal, shoulder, and rump temperatures; however, body temperature was not consistently influenced by dietary niacin concentrations during the collection period. Overall (d 0 to 98), increasing dietary niacin did not influence ADG or F/G, but it tended (linear; P = 0.07) to increase ADFI. Increasing niacin supplementation did not influence carcass traits; however, for meat quality, it did increase (linear; P < 0.01) pH decline at 45 min and 21 h postmortem. Increases (linear; P < 0.05) in a* and b* were observed for chops from pigs fed increasing niacin, but subjective chop color scores were not affected by increasing niacin supplementation. In summary, dietary niacin above the animal’s requirement estimate did not consistently influence rectal or skin temperatures and had negligible influences on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality parameters.
Open Access
Effects of copper sources (copper sulfate and mintrex cu) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, barn cleaning, and economics in finishing pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Coble, Kyle F.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Tokach, Michael D.; Dritz, Steven S.; Lawrence, B. V.; Escobar, J.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Goodband, Robert D.; Boettger, N.; jderouch; mtokach; dritz; jwoodworth; goodband
A total of 1,196 mixed-sex pigs (PIC 337 × 1050, initially 56.7 lb) were used in a 111-d study. Pens of pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized incomplete block design, with 26 pigs per pen (similar number of barrows and gilts) and 7 to 8 pens per treatment. All diets contained 17 ppm copper from copper sulfate (CuSO4) in the premix and were formulated on a standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine basis at 0.05% below the estimated requirement of the average pig weight during each feeding phase. Treatments included a control diet with no added Cu, diets with either 50 ppm of added Cu from CuSO4 or Mintrex Cu (Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO), or 125 ppm of added Cu from CuSO4. The diet containing 50 ppm of Cu from Mintrex Cu and the diet with 125 ppm of Cu from CuSO4 were fed for either the first half of the finishing period (d 0 to 42), at which time they were switched to the control diet, or for the entire duration of the finishing period (d 0 to 111). Overall (d 0 to 111), ADG did not differ among treatments; however, pigs fed either 50 or 125 ppm of Cu from CuSO4 throughout the study had greater ADFI (P < 0.05) than pigs fed either the control or diet with 50 ppm of added Cu from Mintrex Cu fed only in early finishing. As a result, F/G was poorer (P < 0.05) for pigs fed either 50 or 125 ppm of added Cu from CuSO4 fed continuously compared with those fed 50 ppm of Cu from Mintrex Cu only in early finishing. Manure texture, and more importantly, pen wash time, did not differ among treatments, but manure buildup was 1.44 times more likely (P < 0.05) to occur in pens where pigs were fed 125 ppm of added Cu from CuSO4 for the first 42 d of the finishing period compared with those fed no added Cu. For carcass characteristics, pigs fed 50 ppm of Cu from Mintrex Cu in early finishing had reduced backfat (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the control or 50 ppm of added Cu from CuSO4 or Mintrex Cu throughout the study. For economics, pigs fed 50 ppm of Cu from CuSO4 throughout the study had a higher (P < 0.05) total feed cost than the control and diets with 125 ppm of added Cu from CuSO4 fed in early finishing, and 50 ppm of added Cu from Mintrex Cu fed for the first 42 d. Cost per pound of gain was higher (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 50 or 125 ppm of Cu from CuSO4 for the entire study than for pigs fed the control diet or the diet with 50 ppm of added Cu from Mintrex Cu fed for the first 42 d, with pigs fed the other diets having intermediate responses. No differences were detected in either carcass gain value or IOFC among treatments. In summary, pigs fed 50 ppm of Cu from Mintrex Cu for the first 42 d of the finishing period had a better F/G compared with pigs fed 50 or 125 ppm of added Cu from CuSO4 for the complete finishing period, but more research is needed to fully elucidate the appropriate source, level, and duration of feeding Cu to maximize growth performance and economic return.
Open Access
Effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine level in diets containing tribasic copper chloride on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Coble, Kyle F.; Dritz, Steven S.; Usry, J.; Nemechek, Jeremiah E.; Tokach, Michael D.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Goodband, Robert D.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Hill, G. M.; dritz; mtokach; jderouch; goodband; jwoodworth
A total of 1,248 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 63.8 lb) were used in a 120-d experiment to study the effects of increasing standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) in diets with or without 150 ppm added Cu from tri-basic copper chloride (TBCC) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fat quality. Pens of pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 26 pigs (similar number of barrows and gilts) per pen and 8 replications per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of added TBCC (0 or 150 ppm of Cu) and SID Lys (85, 92.5, and 100% of the pig’s estimated requirement). Diets were corn-soybean meal–based with 30% dried distillers grains with solubles and 15% bakery meal. Overall (d 0 to 120), no TBCC × Lys interactions (P > 0.10) were observed for growth performance. Adding dietary TBCC tended (P < 0.10) to increase ADG and improve F/G. As SID Lys increased, ADG increased and F/G improved (linear; P < 0.05). Final BW increased (linear; P < 0.05) as SID Lys increased, and if pigs were fed diets containing TBCC (P < 0.05); however, only HCW increased with increasing SID Lys (linear; P < 0.05). Backfat iodine value (IV) was not affected by treatment; however, increasing the SID Lys level tended to increase jowl fat IV only in pigs fed TBCC (TBCC × Lys linear; P < 0.10). Feeding TBCC decreased (P < 0.02) liver a* values, resulting in decreased redness of the liver and increased (P < 0.01) liver Cu concentrations. Feed cost per pig, cost per pound of gain, and gain value all increased (linear; P < 0.05) as SID Lys increased when calculated on a constant days basis. As a result, IOFC was $2.19 lower (linear; P < 0.02) when pigs were fed only 85% of their estimated SID Lys requirement compared with those fed 100% of their requirement. The value of the weight gained during the experiment tended to increase (P < 0.10) for pigs fed diets containing TBCC. When calculating cost on a constant weight basis, adjusted F/G was improved (P < 0.05), and facility costs tended to be lower (P < 0.10) for pigs fed TBCC. Facility cost decreased (linear; P < 0.01) as SID Lys increased. In conclusion, feeding 150 ppm Cu from TBCC tended to increase ADG and F/G. More importantly, these results suggest that 100% of the estimated SID Lys requirement should be fed to achieve the highest net return when pigs are fed for a constant number of days and that TBCC cannot compensate for deficient SID Lys concentrations in finishing pig diets.
Open Access
Effects of added zinc during the grower and/or finisher phase on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs fed diets with or without ractopamine HCl
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Paulk, Chad B.; Tokach, Michael D.; Dritz, Steven S.; Gonzalez, John M.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Goodband, Robert D.; mtokach; dritz; johngonz; jderouch; goodband
A total of 1,197 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050) were used in a 72-d study to determine the effects of added zinc from zinc oxide (ZnO) fed in grower (d 0 to 45; initially 129.6 lb) and finisher (d 45 to 72; initially 218.3 lb) pig diets with or without ractopamine HCl (RAC; Paylean; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pens were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a split-plot design. The whole plot consisted of diets with or without 75 ppm added Zn from d 0 to 45, and the subplots were diets with or without 75 ppm added Zn and with or without 10 ppm RAC from d 45 to 72. All diets contained 50 ppm Zn supplied from the premix. No interactions were observed. Addition of 75 ppm Zn during either period or both periods did not influence overall pig growth performance or carcass characteristics. Pigs fed RAC had improved (P < 0.03) ADG, F/G, final BW, HCW, loin depth, and fat-free lean index compared with pigs fed the control diet. In conclusion, feeding RAC improved the performance of growing-finishing pigs, but additional Zn did not.
Open Access
Effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine level and added tribasic copper chloride on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economics in finishing pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Coble, Kyle F.; Dritz, Steven S.; Usry, J.; Tokach, Michael D.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Goodband, Robert D.; Woodworth, Jason C.; dritz; mtokach; jderouch; goodband; jwoodworth
A total of 1,267 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 58.3 lb) were used in a 120-d study. Before initiating the trial, pigs were fed a common diet for 9 d containing 188 ppm Cu from tribasic copper chloride (TBCC). On d 0, pens of pigs were allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 26 to 27 pigs (similar number of barrows and gilts) per pen and 6 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design. Whole-plot treatments were 2 levels of the estimated standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) requirement (92.5 or 100%). Within each level of Lys, there was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with either 0 or 150 ppm Cu from TBCC with two feeding durations (60 or 120 d). All diets were corn-soybean meal–based with 30% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and contained 17 ppm of Cu from copper sulfate (CuSO4) provided by the trace mineral premix. Overall (d 0 to 120), no TBCC × SID Lys interactions were observed for growth performance, final BW, or caloric efficiency. Pigs fed 100% of the SID Lys requirement had increased (P < 0.05) ADG and final BW as well as improved F/G, compared with those fed 92.5% of the estimated requirement. The improvements in F/G also led to improvements in caloric efficiency on both an ME and NE basis. For carcass characteristics, a significant TBCC × SID Lys interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for carcass yield and backfat depth. Hot carcass weight and ADG were improved (P < 0.05) in pigs fed 100% SID Lys compared with those fed 92.5% and tended (P < 0.10) to improve in pigs fed TBCC compared with those not fed TBCC. Economically, pigs fed 92.5% of their SID Lys requirement had lower (P < 0.05) total feed cost, cost per pound of gain, and value of the weight gained during the experiment (gain value) compared with those fed 100% SID Lys. Despite the increased feed cost, income over feed cost (IOFC) was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 100% compared with those fed 92.5% of the estimated Lys requirement. When economics were calculated on a constant weight basis, pigs fed 92.5% SID Lys had poorer (P < 0.05) adjusted F/G. The lower ADG for pigs fed 92.5% of their SID Lys requirement resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in facility cost compared with those fed 100% of their SID Lys requirement because of the increased time required for those pigs to reach the assumed market weight of 275 lb. In conclusion, increasing SID Lys from 92.5 to 100% resulted in increased ADG, HCW, HCW ADG, and improved F/G. There were no differences among pigs fed different TBCC feeding strategies, but pigs fed 150 ppm Cu from TBCC had increased yield and HCW, which led to an increase in HCW ADG and improved HCW F/G.
Open Access
Comparison of soybean oil and different sources of corn oil on nursery pig growth performance
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Jordan, Kyle E.; Goncalves, Marcio Antonio Dornelles; Nemechek, Jeremiah E.; DeJong, Jon A.; Tokach, Michael D.; Goodband, Robert D.; Dritz, Steven S.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Woodworth, Jason C.; mtokach; goodband; dritz; jderouch; jwoodworth
A total of 350 pigs (PIC 1050; initially 26.45 ± 0.09 lb and 45 d of age) were used in a 21-d study to compare the effects of soy oil and 2 sources of corn oil on nursery pig growth performance. The 7 dietary treatments consisted of a corn-soybean meal–based control diet with no added oil or the control diet with 2.5 or 5% soybean oil (NE = 3,422 kcal/lb) or corn oil from 2 different sources (NE = 3,383 kcal/kg for both sources). There were 5 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment. Pig weight and feed disappearance were measured on day 0, 7, 14, and 21 of the trial to determine ADG, ADFI, and F/G. Overall (d 0 to 21), increasing corn or soybean oil improved (linear; P < 0.02) ADG, F/G, and final (d-21) BW, but a source × level interaction was observed (P < 0.05) for ADG, F/G, and caloric efficiency (CE; caloric intake/total BW gain). For ADG, increasing soy oil or corn oil source 1 from 2.5 to 5% increased ADG, whereas increasing corn oil source 2 from 2.5 to 5% decreased ADG. Feed efficiency also improved at a greater rate for pigs fed increasing corn oil source 1 compared with the other oil sources. Caloric efficiency was not influenced by soy oil or corn oil source 2 but was improved (linear, P < 0.05) as corn oil source 1 increased in the diet. The improved CE for corn oil source 1 indicated that the energy value of this source was underestimated. In conclusion, soybean or corn oil improved ADG and F/G as expected; however, growth performance varied among the 3 oil sources. This study shows the benefits of adding an oil source in late-phase nursery pig diets to achieve improved ADG, F/G, and CE, but more research is needed to determine the cause of the varied responses between corn oil sources.
Open Access
Effects of standardized ileal digestible tryptophan:lysine ratio on growth performance and economics of finishing pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Goncalves, Marcio Antonio Dornelles; Tokach, Michael D.; Dritz, Steven S.; Touchette, K. J.; Bello, Nora M.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Woodworth, Jason C.; Goodband, Robert D.; mtokach; dritz; nbello; jderouch; jwoodworth; goodband
The high usage of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in swine diets and the economical availability of feed-grade tryptophan have allowed swine nutritionists to include L-tryptophan in practical diet formulations. The objective of these experiments was to determine the effects of different standardized ileal digestible tryptophan:lysine (SID Trp:Lys) ratios on growth performance and economics in finishing pigs. Three 21-d growth experiments with a total of 1,166, 1,099, and 1,132 gilts (337 × 1050; PIC, Hendersonville, TN) and initial BW of 66.0 ± 1.8, 122.2 ± 4.3, and 156.9 ± 2.8 lb were used in Experiments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. At the beginning of each experiment, pigs were weighed in pens, and pens were ranked by average BW and randomly assigned dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design based on BW. Each experiment had 6 pens per treatment with 23 to 28 pigs per pen. Dietary treatments contained 30% DDGS and were 14.5, 16.5, 18.0, 19.5, 21.0, 22.5, and 24.5% SID Trp:Lys ratio. The SID Trp:Lys ratio was increased by adding crystalline L-Trp to the control diet at the expense of corn. Diets were formulated to ensure that lysine was the second limiting amino acid throughout the experiment. From 66.0 to 100.6 lb, ADG increased up to 19.5% SID Trp:Lys ratio then had marginal changes at higher ratios (quadratic, P < 0.02), whereas F/G improved through 21.0% SID Trp:Lys ratio then also had marginal changes at higher ratios (quadratic, P < 0.004). Income over feed cost (IOFC) increased quadratically (P < 0.02) up to 24.5% SID Trp:Lys ratio. From 122.2 to 165.2 lb, pigs fed increasing SID Trp:Lys ratio had increased ADG (linear, P < 0.03); however, the higher magnitude of improvement in ADG was through the 18% SID Trp:Lys ratio, with a subtle increase up to the highest SID Trp:Lys ratio. Feed efficiency and IOFC were not statistically different between treatments. From 156.9 to 200.8 lb, ADG, F/G, and IOFC improved (quadratic, P < 0.04) through 21.0% SID Trp:Lys ratio, then was poorer for pigs fed the 2 highest SID Trp:Lys ratios. In conclusion, these studies provide good evidence to formulate diets for finishing pigs with at least 18.0% SID Trp:Lys ratio because the growth and economic risk of formulating diets below that ratio is considerably greater than formulating diets above that ratio.
Open Access
Effects of an algae-modified montmorillonite clay on growth performance of nursery pigs fed diets contaminated with low levels of deoxynivalenol
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2015-04-24) Fowler, Suzy Q.; Frobose, Hyatt L.; Tokach, Michael D.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Dritz, Steven S.; Goodband, Robert D.; Nelssen, Jim L.; mtokach; jderouch; dritz; goodband; jnelssen
A total of 360 barrows (PIC 1050; initially 25.1 lb and 45 d of age) were used in a 21-d growth trial to evaluate the effects of an algae-modified montmorillonite clay (AMMC) on nursery pig performance when fed diets contaminated with low levels of deoxynivalenol (DON). Pigs were allotted to pens by weight, and pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial with main effects of DON (0, 1.5 ppm, or 3.0 ppm) and AMMC inclusion (0, 0.17%, or 0.50% ). There were 5 pigs per pen and 8 pens per treatment. Mycotoxin analyses were conducted on the main ingredients at NDSU3 and LDA Labs4, and the results were used in diet formulation. Naturally contaminated wheat (6.03 ppm DON) was used to produce diets with desired DON levels. No significant DON × AMMC interactions were observed during the entire study. Overall (d 0 to 21), increasing DON concentration in the diet decreased (1.22 vs. 1.10 vs. 1.07 lb; linear, P < 0.001) ADG and d-21 BW as a result of decreased ADFI (2.13 vs. 2.05 vs. 2.11 lb; quadratic, P < 0.01) and poorer feed efficiency (1.49 vs. 1.50 vs. 1.64; linear, P < 0.001). As expected, DON-related growth reductions were most marked from d 0 to 7 (15 to 22% lower) and least distinct in the final period, d 14 to 21 (5 to 6% lower). Incorporating AMMC at increasing levels had no effect on ADG, ADFI, feed efficiency, or final BW. Overall, the results of this study reinforce prior research showing that even low levels of DON significantly reduce nursery pig growth, but the addition of AMMC does not offset the deleterious effects of DON.