Swine Day, 1990

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/2097/2452

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

Open Access
Postfinishing mineralization of skeletal tissue in replacement gilts
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:50:22Z) Nicholson, R.I.; Fitzner, G.E.; Hines, Robert H.; Goodband, Robert D.; Hancock, Joe D.; jhancock; goodband
Thirty-two crossbred gilts averaging 250 /b were selected for the experiment at the conclusion of the finishing phase. Eight of the gilts were slaughtered on d 0 to serve as a pretreatment control group. The remaining 24 gilts were assigned to three dietary treatments to provide daily 100% (14 g/d Ca and 11.3 g/d P), 150% (22.5 g/d Ca and 16.6 g/d P), and 200% (29.9 g/d Ca and 22.0 g/d P) of the Ca/P level consumed per d during the finishing phase. These gilts were slaughtered 35 d later at 291 lb. Gilts receiving 29.9 g/d Ca and 22.0 g/d P yielded ribs that had the highest values for percent ash, bending moment, and modulus of elasticity. Femurs did not differ in any bone characteristics because of treatment; however, the 3rd metacarpal bone showed the highest percent ash and greatest bending moment at the intermediate level of Ca/P.
Open Access
Comparison of two atrophic rhinitis vaccines for young pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:50:10Z) Schoneweis, D.A.; Hines, Robert H.
Two farrowing groups (340 pigs) were used to evaluate two atrophic rhinitis vaccines (Atrobac III and Tocivac for the young pig. Both vaccines were effective, because no clinical evidence of atrophic rhinitis was observed for either treatment during the experiment. Although the swine herd had been observed in previous farrowing do have various degrees of conjunctivitis, none was observed in the pigs vaccinated with either vaccine. Weight gains of pigs at 14 d and 35 d postweaning were the same for each treatment.
Open Access
Effect of acidification on starter pig performance and nutrient digestibility
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:49:55Z) Weeden, T.L.; Hansen, J.A.; Richardson, K.L.; Nelssen, Jim L.; jnelssen
One hundred ninety-six pigs (21 d of age and 12.3 lb initial wt) were used to evaluate the effect of adding an organic acid blend (OAB) to starter diets on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. The four dietary treatments consisted of a control diet and the GAB replacing corn at 3, 4.5, and 6 lb/ton in both phases 1 and 2. In phase 1 (0 to 14 d) diets, contained 20% dried skim milk, 20% dried whey, and 5% soybean oil. Phase 2 diets (15 to 35 d) contained 10% dried whey and 5% soybean oil. There was no response in ADG, FI, or F/G to the addition of OAB to starter diets in either phase 1 or phase 2. Fecal samples were collected on d 12 (phase 1) of the experiment via rectal massage, and apparent digestibility of nitrogen and dry matter were calculated using chromic oxide (.25%) as an indigestible marker. Nitrogen and dry matter digestibility decreased linearly with increasing levels of OAB. This trial demonstrates that addition of OAB has no effect on performance when pigs consumed high milk-product diets.
Open Access
Effect of L-carnitine on starter pig performance and fat utilization
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:49:25Z) Weeden, T.L.; Hansen, J.A.; Fitzner, G.E.; Li, D.F.; Blum, S.A.; Nelssen, Jim L.; Goodband, Robert D.; jnelssen; goodband
Three hundred early-weaned pigs with average initial weights of 12.3 and 13.2 lb, respectively, were utilized in two 5-wk experiments to determine the effect of L-carnitine on growth Performance. Diets contained 20% dried skim and 20% dried whey in phase 1 ( 0 to 14 d) for both experiments and 20 and 10% dried whey, respectively for experiments 1 and 2 in phase 2 (15 to 35 d). In experiment 1, L-carnitine at levels of 0, 500, and 1000 ppm was combined with 0 or 10% soybean oil in phase 1, levels were reduced by 50% in phase 2 to 0, 250, and 500 ppm L-carnitine and 0 or 5% soybean oil. There was no improvement in pig performance from addition of either L-carnitine or soybean oil in phase 1. In phase 2 and for the cumulative 5 wk experiment, soybean oil addition improved average daily gain (ADG) but had no effect on feed intake (Fl) or feed/gain (F/G). Feed efficiency was improved linearly as the level of L-carnitine was increased in phase 2, however, there was no effect on ADG or Fl. In experiment 2, L-carnitine levels in phase 1 were 0 and 1000 ppm, combined with levels of 0, 250, and 500 ppm in phase 2. Addition of L-carnitine improved ADG and increased FI, but had no effect on F/G the first 2 wk postweaning. In phase 2, increasing the level of L-carnitine resulted in improved F/G. Feed intake was decreased as L-carnitine level increased. There was no effect on ADG in phase 2 or during the cumulative 5 wk experiment from level of L-carnitine fed. Feed efficiency improved and FI decreased over the 5 wk trial as the level of L-carnitine increased. Based on the results of these experiments, addition of L-carnitine shows the potential to improve F/G by 11 to 16% in phase 2 and 7 to 9 % for the overall starter phase.
Open Access
Feed mills for on-farm feed manufacturing
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:48:25Z) Murphy, James P.; Harner, Joseph P.; jmurphy; jharner
Quality feed can be manufactured on farm using hammer or roller mills for particle size reduction and volumetric or weighing devices for proportioning ingredients. An understanding of each of the seven steps involved will enhance the ability to manufacture a quality feed for maximum feed efficiency at a feasible price.
Open Access
Consumer evaluation of retail hams from different production processes
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:48:13Z) Waldner, D.N.; Dikeman, Michael E.; Stroda, Sally L.; Campbell, R.E.; Kropf, Donald H.; mdikeman; dkropf; sstroda
Consumers evaluated hams from the four minimum protein-fat-free categories labeled 1) ham (H), 2) ham with natural juices (HNJ), 3) ham-water added (HWA) and 4) ham and water product (HWP) for juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability. Shear force and cooking loss data were also obtained. The HNJ product was rated higher for flavor and overall acceptability, whereas the Hand HWP were found to be the least desirable. The HWP was rated the most juicy; the H product was scored the least juicy. Peak shear force was lower for the HWP than for the other ham types; however, all hams were acceptably tender. The HWA and HWP had the least amount of cooking loss.
Open Access
Protein sparing effect of a fermentation product in pig diets from weaning to market
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:47:11Z) Swanson, J.A.; Hancock, Joe D.; jhancock
One hundred eighty pigs (avg wt of 21.11b) were used in an experiment to determine if a fermentation product improves performance and reduces last rib fat thickness in pigs when added to a low-protein diet regimen. Treatments were: 1) positive control (19-16-14% crude protein regimen during the nursery-growing-finishing phases); 2) positive control plus 2.50 lb/ton fermentation product; 3) low-protein regimen (17-14-12% crude protein during the nursery-growing-finishing phases); 4) low-protein regimen plus 1.25 lb/ton fermentation product; 5) low-protein regimen plus 2.50 lb/ton fermentation product; and 6) low-protein regimen plus 5.00 lb/ton fermentation product. As addition of fermentation product was increased from 0 to 5.00lb/ton in the low-protein regimen, average daily feed intake (ADFI) of nursery pigs decreased linearly. However, average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) tended to be best for pigs fed 1.25 lb/ton of fermentation product compared to other treatments. During the growing and finishing phases, feeding the low-protein regimen reduced performance compared to the positive control. Compared to pigs fed the positive control, feeding 2.50 lb/ton of fermentation product tended to decrease ADFI and ADG but improved F/G. Feeding 2.50 and 5.00 lb/ton fermentation product reduced ADG and ADFI, and worsened F/G for pigs fed the low-protein regimen. Overall (from 21 to 220 lb), feeding the fermentation product at more than 1.25 lb/ton in the low-protein diet regimen tended to reduce performance, and pigs fed the low protein diets with or without the fermentation product had poorer performance (ADG, ADFI, F/G, and last rib fat thickness) than pigs fed the 19-16-14% crude protein diets.
Open Access
Utilization of surimi-like products from pork with sex-odor in restructured, precooked pork roasts
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:46:14Z) Garcia Zepeda, C.M.; Kastner, Curtis L.; Hunt, Melvin C.; Kenney, P.B.; Schwenke, J.R.; Schleusener, D.S.; Kropf, Donald H.; ckastner; dkropf; hhunt
Surimi-like materials from boar and sow muscle and Alaska pollack surimi were evaluated at a 5% inclusion level in a restructured, precooked (158°F) pork roast. Meat batches were formulated to contain 95% chunked ham muscles and either 5 or 0% surimi-like or surimi binder, either 0.2 or 1.0% NaCl, and 0.5% phosphate. The surimi washing process did not remove or decrease boar taint intensity of the binder or enhance instrumental and sensory textural characteristics of the finished product. Products without binder were comparable or superior in textural and microbial characteristics to those with binders. Increasing salt content had detrimental effects on TBA (rancidity) and color but enhanced product textural attributes. Fish surimi did not have greater structural integrity than washed boar counterparts.
Open Access
Effects of modified atmosphere packaging and carcass chill rate on pork loins
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:44:26Z) Sorheim, O.; Hunt, Melvin C.; Menninen, M.; Warren, K.E.; Kropf, Donald H.; dkropf; hhunt
Use of 10% oxygen in a modified gas atmosphere package resulted in more off-odor, higher microbial counts, and a less desirably colored loin and loin chops. Furthermore, it reduced chop display life and is not recommended.
Open Access
Bone-in pork loins: modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf-life
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:43:59Z) Warren, K.E.; Hunt, Melvin C.; Marksberry, C.L.; Sorheim, O.; Kropf, Donald H.; hhunt; dkropf
Modified atmosphere packaging with 100% carbon dioxide was used to investigate changes in daily gas composition, as well as the influence of fat trim level and location of loin in the box on shelf life characteristics. Length of storage was the primary factor influencing shelf life of whole loins and their retail chops. Although microbial qualities was acceptable in loins stored up to d 19, sirloin and blade discoloration was obvious at 11-13 d. Storage for more than 11 d reduced the display life of retail chops to 1-2 d. Shelf life characteristics of bone-in pork loins were superior with this packaging system compared to more traditional systems.
Open Access
Analysis of Kansas Hog Enterprise returns from 1981-1990
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:42:42Z) Langemeier, Michael R.; mlange
Estimated historical return distributions for farrow-to-finish, feeder pig finishing, and feeder pig producing operations in Kansas from 1981-1990 were examined. Average returns per head were the highest and downside risk was the lowest for farrow-to-finish operations over this period. However, the required investment in buildings, equipment, and breeding stock per head was also higher for this operation. Thus, a tradeoff exists between returns per head and capital requirements per head.
Open Access
The costs and returns associated with corn-, milo-, and wheat-based swine diets
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:42:30Z) Langemeier, Michael R.; mlange
Feed costs per hundred weight for farrow-to-finish operations in Kansas were generally lower for a milo-based diet than for corn-based or wheat-based diets. Use of corn and wheat in the diet was economical for short periods of time only. Feed costs were found to be consistently higher and returns per head consistently lower when com and wheat were fed over the entire farrowing to market period.
Open Access
Litter size for gilts fed higher levels of folic acid and Riboflavin during gestation
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:42:18Z) Zhang, C.; Li, D.; Nelssen, Jim L.; Davis, Duane L.; davis; jnelssen
We fed gilts diets containing either additional folic acid throughout gestation (1.5 g/ton, 4.5 lb/gilt daily), additional riboflavin (100 mg/gilt daily) from d 4 to 10 of gestation, both folic acid and riboflavin, or neither supplement All diets provided all KSU recommended allowances for all other nutrients. Neither farrowing rate nor litter size was affected by the treatments.
Open Access
Price discovery and basis risk for live hogs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:42:05Z) Schroeder, Ted C.; Goodwin, B.K.; tcs
The short- and long-run daily price relationships between cash and futures markets for live hogs were examined over the 1975-89 period. Price discovery generally originates in the futures market with about 65% of new information being passed from the futures to the cash market. However, at times, especially during large price moves that are not necessarily anticipated in the futures market, the cash market price relies less on the futures market. The very short-term basis for hogs is fairly stable, with approximately 85% of yesterday's nearby-basis persisting today. Generally, little can be gained by speculating on basis from day to day. The farther from futures contract delivery they are, the more the futures and cash price diverge from each other, reflecting the fact that they represent different markets. Hedgers liquidating futures positions prior to the contract delivery month face larger basis risk than those liquidating positions in the contract month.
Open Access
The effects of dietary threonine and porcine somatotropin dosage on nitrogen balance in finishing swine
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:41:54Z) Swanson, J.A.; Schricker, B.R.; Li, D.F.; Hansen, J.A.; Goodband, Robert D.; Nelssen, Jim L.; goodband; jnelssen
Fifteen crossbred barrows were utilized to determine the effects of porcine somatotropin (pST) administration in combination with increasing dietary threonine levels on nitrogen retention and growth performance. Barrows averaging 147.3 lb were allotted in a split-plot arrangement with pST dosage (0, 4, or 8 mg/d) as the whole plot, and dietary threonine level (.45, .55, .65, .75, and .85%) as the subplot. These threonine values ranged from 112 to 212% of the dietary threonine estimate for finishing pigs (NRC 1988). All pigs within each pST dosage treatment received each diet for an 8-d period in a Latin square design. Diets were fed for a 4-d adaptation period followed by a 4-d total collection of feces and urine. Pigs were also weighed and bled at the end of each 8-d period. Increasing threonine level increased average daily gain (ADG), reduced feed intake (ADFI), and improved feed efficiency (F/G). Porcine somatotropin had no effect on ADG; however, pigs injected with 4 or 8 mg/d had numerical increases in ADG as threonine level increased. Feed efficiency improved as pST dosage increased. Daily threonine intake increased as dietary threonine level increased. However efficiency of threonine utilization for gain became poorer for control pigs as threonine intake increased, but pST-treated pigs had little change in efficiency of threonine utilization up to the .75 and .85% threonine levels for 4 and 8 mg/d pST dosages, respectively. There was a threonine x pST interaction for plasma urea concentrations, with control pigs having little change in urea concentrations whereas pigs injected with 4 mg/d pST had a decrease then an increase in urea concentrations and pigs injected with 8 mg/d had continual decrease in urea concentrations. Nitrogen retention (g/d) and percent nitrogen retention increased as dietary threonine level increased. However, pigs injected with either 4 or 8 mg/d pST had greater increases in nitrogen retention than control pigs. Biological value also improved as dietary threonine level increased, but again showed a greater improvement for pST-treated pigs than control pigs. These results indicate improvements in growth performance and nitrogen retention for finishing pigs fed increasing threonine levels. However, the data also indicated that the magnitude of response to added threonine was greater for pST-treated pigs, suggesting a possible threonine requirement of approximately .65% or 18 g/d.
Open Access
Effects of daily administration of porcine somatotropin on performance of growing pigs (55 to 130 lb)
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:39:15Z) Fitzner, G.E.; Weeden, T.L.; Healy, B.J.; Schricker, B.R.; Hines, Robert H.; Nelssen, Jim L.; Goodband, Robert D.; Kropf, Donald H.; Hancock, Joe D.; jnelssen; dkropf; goodband; jhancock
Sixty crossbred barrows initially weighing 55.7 lb were used to evaluate six experimental treatments during a 5-wk growth trial. Pigs received one of three levels of dietary lysine (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0%) and were injected daily with either 3 mg porcine somatotropin (pST) or placebo. During the first 2 wk of the trial, there was no effect from either pST injection or increasing level of dietary lysine on average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). Also, there was no effect of pST injections on feed conversion (F/G), but those pigs fed diets containing higher levels of lysine showed improved F/G. During the entire 5-wk period, pigs administered pST gained faster than placebo-injected pigs. During the 5-wk trial, there was a nonsignificant reduction in ADFI for pigs injected with pST compared with those receiving placebo injections. Increasing the level of dietary lysine also resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in ADFI. Pigs injected daily with pST showed a 10% improvement in (F/G) when compared with placebo-injected pigs. Increasing the dietary lysine level from 1.0 to 2.0% resulted in a 10% improvement in F/G for both pST- and placebo-injected pigs. Tenth rib fat depth and average backfat thickness were both reduced in pST-treated pigs compared with placebo-injected pigs.
Open Access
Effect of extrusion on the nutritional value of soybeans and sorghum grain in finishing pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:38:53Z) Fitzner, G.E.; Weeden, T.L.; Gugle, Terry L.; Hines, Robert H.; Hancock, Joe D.; jhancock
A total of 112 finishing pigs (avg initial wt of 139 lb) was used to determine the effects of adding extruded soybeans and/or sorghum grain to diets for finishing pigs. Treatments were: 1) sorghum-soybean meal control (sorghum-SBM), 2) extruded soybeans and ground sorghum, 3) SBM and extruded sorghum, and 4) extruded soybeans and sorghum. All diets were isocaloric and isolysinic. Using extruded soybeans and/or sorghum improved efficiency of gain compared to the sorghum-SBM control. This response was apparently related to the improved digestibilities of dry matter and nitrogen with the use of extruded ingredients. Optimum digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen was achieved when just the sorghum was extruded, but optimum growth performance (ie., efficiency of gain) was achieved when extruded sorghum and soybeans were added to the diet.
Open Access
Low test-weight sorghum for growing-finishing swine
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:38:41Z) Hansen, J.A.; Thaler, R.C.; Goodband, Robert D.; Nelssen, Jim L.; Hines, Robert H.; Hancock, Joe D.; goodband; jhancock; jnelssen
Two growth studies were conducted to determine the effects of substituting lower test-weight sorghum (35 lb/bu as LOW or 45 lb/bu as MED) for normal test-weight sorghum (55 lb/bu NORM), in growing and finishing swine diets. One-hundred twelve pigs (50 lb initial wt) were fed for 28 d in the grower study and 80 pigs (120 lb initial wt) were fed for 51 d in the finisher study. Diets were formulated to contain .80 and .65% lysine for the grower and finisher trials, respectively, using NORM and soybean meal; LOW and MED were substituted on a wt/wt basis for NORM. The fourth treatment evaluated was a 50:50 (wt:wt) blend of LOW/NORM. Apparent dry matter and nitrogen digestibility were determined on d 14 of the grower trial using chromic oxide as a nondigestible marker. In the grower study, pigs fed the NORM or MED had similar growth rates, daily feed intakes, and feed conversions. However, pigs fed the LOW diet tended to grow slower and convert feed to gain less efficiently than pigs fed either the NORM or MED diets. Similarly, pigs fed the LOW/NORM blend tended to perform at a level intermediate to pigs fed the MED and LOW diets. Dry matter and N digestibilities paralleled the numeric trends noticed in the performance data, and significant differences were detected between NORM or MED and the LOW or LOW/NORM. In the finishing trial, pigs fed the NORM or MED gained at similar rates and had similar feed efficiencies, but pigs fed the LOW or blend had poorer feed/gain and slightly poorer growth rates. In a companion study, chicks fed the sorghums had linear reductions in growth rate and feed conversions when fed diets containing reduced test-weight sorghum. Overall, LOW sorghum can be expected to cause a 5 to 7% reduction in gains and a 7 to 12% reduction in feed/gain when fed to growing and finishing pigs. Similar reductions are observed for chicks (6 to 7% reduction in growth rate; 4 to 5% reduction in feed/gain). Medium sorghum has an equal feeding value to NORM sorghum for both growing and finishing swine and a slightly lower feeding value for chicks.
Open Access
Processing method affects the nutritional value of low-inhibitor soybeans for nursery pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:38:13Z) Lewis, A.J.; Jones, D.B.; Giesemann, M.A.; Healy, B.J.; Hancock, Joe D.; jhancock
One hundred weanling pigs (16.5 lb avg initial wt) were used in a 35-d growth assay to determine the effects of processing method (roasting in a Roast-A-Tron roaster vs extrusion in an Insta-Pro extruder) on the nutritional value of Williams 82 soybeans with (+K) and without (-K) gene expression for the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor. Treatments were: 1) soybean meal with added soybean oil, 2) + K roasted, 3) + K extruded, 4) -K roasted, and 5) -K extruded. All diets were corn-based and formulated to contain .92% lysine and 3.50 Mcal/kg DE for d 0 to 14 of the experiment and .76% lysine and 3.49 Mcal/kg DE for d 14 to 35 of the experiment. From d 0 to 14, pigs fed extruded soybeans (+K and -K) ate more feed (greater ADFI), grew faster (greater ADG), and were more efficient (better F/G) than pigs fed roasted soybeans. From d 14 to 35 and overall, the same effects were noted, i.e., pigs fed extruded soybeans had greater ADFI and ADG and better F G than pigs fed roasted soybeans. Also, pigs fed -K soybeans were more efficient than pigs fed +K soybeans. The average performance of all pigs fed diets containing the roasted and extruded soybeans was not different from that of pigs fed diets with soybean meal and added soybean oil, although diets with -K extruded soybeans consistently supported numerically greater rates and efficiencies of gain. Extrusion processing yielded soybean products of greater nutritional value than roasting, and -K soybeans were of greater nutritional value than +K soybeans when roasted or extruded.
Open Access
Interrelationship between hypersensitivity to soybean proteins and growth performance in early-weaned pigs
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-04-15T21:37:46Z) Li, D.F.; Reddy, P.G.; Blecha, Frank; Klemm, R.; Nelssen, Jim L.; Goodband, Robert D.; jnelssen; blecha; goodband
One hundred twenty-five pigs were orally infused with 6 g/d of either dried skim milk, soybean meal (48% CP), soy protein concentrate, extruded soy protein concentrate, or experimental soy protein concentrate from 7 to 11 d of age and then fed a diet containing the corresponding protein sources from weaning (d 21) to 35 d of age. All pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal diet containing 10% dried whey, 1.25% lysine, and 3% soybean oil for the remaining 21 d of the experiment. Skin-fold thickness following intradermal injection of protein extracts, xylose absorption, and anti-soy immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers were measured on d 6 postweaning. A total of 25 pigs (five pigs/treatment) was euthanized on d 7 postweaning. Villus height and crypt depth from duodenum samples were measured. These measurements were obtained to elucidate a relationship between the hypersensitivity responses to soybean products and growth performance of baby pigs. Pigs fed diets containing soybean meal had a lower rate of gain (ADG), lower villus height, higher serum anti-soy IgG titers, and increased skin-fold thickness following intradermal injection compared to those fed dried skim milk. Pigs fed other soy proteins also had lower ADG from d 0 to 14 postweaning; however, pigs fed moist-extruded soy protein concentrate tended to have higher ADG and improved feed utilization when compared to those pigs fed soybean meal. Skin-fold thickness and antisoy IgG titers were negatively correlated with ADG at d 14 postweaning. Results indicate that a model including skin-fold thickness and anti-soy IgG titers provided a good estimate of nursery pig growth performance (R2=.33). Villus height was related to ADG at d 14 postweaning (R2=.40). A combination of skin-fold thickness, anti-soy IgG titers, xylose absorption, villus height, and crypt depth provided the best estimate of growth performance (R2=.65) for early-weaned pigs.