Background Exogenous xylanase can increase utilization of fiber and energy when included in diets for pigs,and xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)may improve growth performance of pigs by modulating intestinal fermentation.How...Background Exogenous xylanase can increase utilization of fiber and energy when included in diets for pigs,and xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)may improve growth performance of pigs by modulating intestinal fermentation.However,it is unclear if a stimbiotic(i.e.,a combination of xylanase and XOS)has superior effects compared with a xylanase alone,and there is a lack of data demonstrating if xylanase fed to lactating sows influences growth performance of weanling pigs.Therefore,two hypotheses were tested:1)xylanase and stimbiotic improve growth performance,apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of gross energy(GE)and total dietary fiber(TDF),digestible energy(DE),and intestinal health of weanling pigs and 2)offspring of sows fed xylanase in lactation have greater growth performance after weaning than offspring of sows fed no xylanase during lactation.Methods One hundred and twenty pigs were weaned from sows fed a diet without xylanase,and 120 pigs were weaned from sows fed a lactation diet containing 16,000 beechwood xylanase units per kg(initial weight:5.81±0.50 kg).Pigs were allotted to a 2×3 factorial with two sow groups(lactation diet without or with xylanase)and three dietary treatments(i.e.,control,control plus xylanase,or control plus stimbiotic).Results There were no interactions between sow treatment and post-weaning pig treatment,and sow treatment did not impact post-weaning growth or ATTD of GE and TDF in weaned pigs.From d 15 to 28 post-weaning,the ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE were greater(P<0.05)for pigs fed the diet with stimbiotic than if fed the xylanase diet or the control diet,and pigs fed the xylanase diet had greater(P<0.05)ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE than pigs fed the control diet.From d 29 to 42 post-weaning,pigs fed the diets with xylanase or stimbiotic had greater(P<0.05)ADG,ATTD of GE and TDF,and DE than pigs fed the control diet.Conclusions Pigs fed xylanase or stimbiotic had greater ATTD of GE and TDF,greater DE,and greater overall ADG,G:F,and final body weight on d 42 post-weaning than pigs fed the control diet,but feeding sows xylanase in lactation did not influence post-weaning growth performance.展开更多
This study was conducted at Fafan Research Center, Golajo research site to evaluate the effect of Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on growth performance of short-eared Somali goat breed. A total...This study was conducted at Fafan Research Center, Golajo research site to evaluate the effect of Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on growth performance of short-eared Somali goat breed. A total of fifteen yearling indigenous short-eared Somali goat breeds with an initial weight of 15.2 ± 0.30 kg were assigned to three treatment groups using completely randomized design. Pigeon pea (Pp) and Moringa stenopetala (MS) feeds were formulated using 0%, 5%, and 10% inclusion levels of MSLM and PPLM as experimental diets, respectively. The feed of the experiment was prepared in two levels (2 kg of Moringa stenopetala and 2 kg of pigeon pea) and was supplemented to experimental animals in treatments one and two, respectively. The average e initial body weight of selected male goats was 18.82 ± 0.37, 18.8 ± 0.37 and 17.8 ± 0.37 kg under treatment groups T1, T2 and control respectively. Data was analyzed using general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS computer package Version 9.0 (SAS, 2002). The final weights gain (FWG) of goats on T1 and T2 of experimental group was significantly (P 0.05) the final weight gain of goat supplemented on Moringa stenopetala (T1) and pigeon pea levels (T2). The mean average weight gains (AWG) obtained from the supplemented group in this study were 7.50 ± 0.37 and 7.82 ± 0.37 kg for T1 and T2, whereas mean weight gains for un-supplemented goats were found to be 6.26 ± 0.37 kg. Feeding of dried Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves mixture improved body weights and average daily body weight gain without affecting feed intake and overall health of Somali goat breed. As Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves are rich nitrogen/protein source, they can be used effectively as substitute for conventional concentrate in the diet of growing goats at small holder farmer’s level where they can be grown in abundance. Therefore, for higher quality of forage and higher total DM yield for animal feeding, moringa should be harvested at wider harvesting intervals of at least 6th- to 8th-week intervals. Similarly, for pigeon peas, 4- to 6-week harvesting interval can result in optimum forage as well as feed quality and resulted in better growth performances for Somali short-eared goat breeds.展开更多
Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total trac...Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.展开更多
Background The protein sources in pig diets strongly rely on soybean meal,but its production has been associated with soil degradation,deforestation and loss of biodiversity.Microalga Spirulina can be a potentially mo...Background The protein sources in pig diets strongly rely on soybean meal,but its production has been associated with soil degradation,deforestation and loss of biodiversity.Microalga Spirulina can be a potentially more sustainable alternative to soybean meal,but comprehensive information about its use in growing pigs is still lacking.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial to full replacement of dietary soybean meal with Spirulina on the growth and carcass traits of growing pigs and on the chemical and physical attributes of the meat.Methods Eighty-eight pigs,gilts and barrows mixed together,with initial body weight of 52.4±4.2 kg,were allotted into 4 isoenergetic,isoproteic,and isoaminoacidic dietary treatments,which included a conventional control diet based on cereals and soybean meal and one of 3 diets formulated by replacing nearly 33%,66%or 100%soybean with Spirulina.Each treatment had 2 pens(11 pigs/pen),which were equipped with electronic feeders that were able to record individual feed intake.After 138 d on feed,at 174.9±6.4 kg body weight,the pigs were slaughtered,and the carcass traits and meat quality parameters from loin samples were assessed.Results The palatability of feeds was not depressed in pigs fed Spirulina,even when the soybean was completely replaced by the microalga.The incorporation of Spirulina in the diets in place of soybean did not impair the growth rate or feed efficiency,irrespective of the extent of replacement.The carcass traits and yield of commercial cuts were comparable for all Spirulina-included compared with those of the soybean-based groups,and the same was found for the chemical and physical attributes of loin meat.Conclusion The results obtained at the herd and slaughter levels revealed that the replacement of soybean meal with Spirulina did not negatively affect the growth or carcass traits of growing pigs or the main attributes of meat.Therefore,this study provides,for the first time,insights into the technical possibility of switching growing pig feeding systems toward more environmentally sustainable diets by including a microalga originating from landless feed production systems,which does not result in soil degradation or loss of biodiversity.展开更多
Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive ...Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.展开更多
This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor desig...This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.展开更多
Background Addressing the shortage of high-quality protein resources,this study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal(SBM)with different levels of enzymolysis-fe rmentation compound protei...Background Addressing the shortage of high-quality protein resources,this study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal(SBM)with different levels of enzymolysis-fe rmentation compound protein feed(EFCP)in the diets of growing—finishing pigs,focusing on growth perfo rmance,nutrients digestibility;carcass traits,and meat quality.Methods Sixty DLY(Durdcx LandracexYorkshire)pigs with an initial body weight of 42.76±2.05 kg were assigto 5 diietary treatments in a 2×2+1 factorial design.These dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal diet(CON),untreated compound protein feed(UCP)substitution 50%(U50)and 100%SBM(U100)diets,and EFCP substitution 50%(EF50)and 100%SBM(EF100)diets.Each treatment had 6 pens(replicates)with 2 pigs per pen,and the experiment lasted 58 d,divided into phaseⅠ(1-28 d)and phaseⅡ(29-58 d).Following phaseⅠ,only the CON,U50,and EF50 groups were continued for phaseⅡ,each with 5 replicate pens.On d 59,a total of 15 pigs(1 pig/pen,5pens/treatment)were euthanized.Results During phaseⅠ,the EF50 group had a higher average daily gain(ADG)in pigs(P<0.05)compared to the CON group,whereas the U50 group did not have a significant difference.As the substitution ratio of UCP and EFCP increased in phaseⅠ,there was a noticeable reduction in the final body weight and ADG(P<0.05),along with an increase in the feed-to-gain ratio(F/G)(P<0.05).In phaseⅡ,there were no significant differences in growth performance among the treatment groups,but EF50 increased the apparent digestibility of several nutrients(including dry matter,crude protein,crude fiber,acid detergent fiber,ash,gross energy)compared to U50.The EF50 group also exhibited significantly higher serum levels of neuropeptide Y and ghrelin compared to the CON and U50 groups(P<0.05),Moreover,the EF50 group had higher carcass weight and carcass length than those in the CON and U50groups(P<0.05),with no significant difference in meat quality.Conclusions The study findings suggest that replacing 50%SBM with EFCP during the growing-finishing period can improve the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,and carcass traits of pigs without compromising meat quality This research offers valuable insights into the modification of unconventional plant protein meals and developing alternatives to SBM.展开更多
[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding compound probiotics on the growth performance and intestinal flora of Kunming mice.[Methods]Twelve healthy 2-week-old Kunming male mice with bo...[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding compound probiotics on the growth performance and intestinal flora of Kunming mice.[Methods]Twelve healthy 2-week-old Kunming male mice with body weight of(11.09±0.43)g were selected.They were randomly divided into two treatment groups,namely blank control group(NC)and compound probiotics group(CB+LR+BS),with six mice in each group.The two groups were fed with commercial basal diet,and the compound probiotic experimental group was fed with basal diet supplemented with compound probiotics,in which the contents of Clostridium butyricum spores,Lactobacillus reuteri and Bacillus subtilis spores were 1×1010,1×1011 and 1×1010 CUF/kg,respectively.The body weight,feed intake and water intake of mice were counted every 4 d,and the experimental period was 13 d.On the 13 th day,the cecal contents of the mice were collected for analysis.[Results]There was no significant change in body weight and feed intake when compound probiotics were added to the diet.However,the addition of compound probiotics reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli,urease-negative Helicobacter typhlonius and Salmonella enterica,while increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Anaerostipes hadrus,and the contents of IgG and IgM increased significantly(P<0.05).[Conclusions]In summary,the addition of compound probiotics could significantly improve the structure of intestinal microbial flora,increase the quantity of beneficial bacteria,reduce the quantity of harmful bacteria,and improve the immune function of mice.展开更多
The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was desig...The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.展开更多
This study investigated the effect of Israel grass in feed formulation on growth performance of local chicken.The study was conducted from October 2023 until January 2024 in Kampong Chheutel Institute of Technology.Th...This study investigated the effect of Israel grass in feed formulation on growth performance of local chicken.The study was conducted from October 2023 until January 2024 in Kampong Chheutel Institute of Technology.The CRD(Completely Randomized Design)was used with 4 treatments and 4 replications.The local chicks were purchased from local famer at 1 day old and kept in whole pen by feeding commercial feed.At 21 days old the total 320 chicks were allocated into experimental treatments.The 4 feed formulas based on the level of Israel grass added such as 0,5%,7%and 9%,were called T1(control),T2,T3 and T4 respectively.The result showed that body weight gain,feed intake,ADG(Average Daily Gain)and FCR(Feed Conversion Ratio)in all treatments were not significantly different(p>0.05).However,there was strong correlation between living weight with carcass of al treatments,but no difference among carcass percentage of local chicken for all different diet in this study.In conclusion,the Israel grass did not affect growth performance of local chickens and can be used to replace some expensive feed ingredient,such as rice bran.展开更多
Aniso-dose glycyrrhiza polysaccharide was injected into abdominal cavity of mice. The effect of glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth performance and immune ruction of mice was determined. The results showed that the g...Aniso-dose glycyrrhiza polysaccharide was injected into abdominal cavity of mice. The effect of glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth performance and immune ruction of mice was determined. The results showed that the growth performance and immune function of mice were improved and there were significant differences among the treatment groups and control group.展开更多
In order to investigate the effects of probiotics on growth performance, blood biochemical indexes and economic benefits of Cherry Valley ducks, different probiotics were added into the feed of Cherry Valley ducks. To...In order to investigate the effects of probiotics on growth performance, blood biochemical indexes and economic benefits of Cherry Valley ducks, different probiotics were added into the feed of Cherry Valley ducks. Total 240 1-d-old Cherry Valley ducks were selected, and they were randomly divided into 4 groups, including 1 control group and 3 treatment groups. There were 3 replicates for each group and there were 20 ducks for each replicate. The ducks in the control group were fed the basal diet, and the ducks in the 3 treatment groups were fed the basal diet added with Lactobacillus, Bacillus natto and florfenicol, respectively. The test lasted for 42 d. The results showed that the addition of Lactobacillus and Bacillus natto could improve the average daily weight gain and final average weight （P〈0.05） of Cherry Valley ducks, and reduce the glutamic-pyruvic transaminase ac- tivity, alkaline phosphatase activity and serum urinary nitrogen content in duck blood （P〈0.05） and reduce the creatinine content and total cholesterol content in Cherry Valley ducks （P〉0.05）; at the same time, adding probiotics to feed could also in- crease the grass economic benefits of Cherry Valley ducks. In overall, the effects of adding probiotics were better than those of adding antibiotic.展开更多
In this study,the effects of compound Chinese herbal medicine on growth performance and occurrence of diarrhea in weaned piglets were investigated.A compound Chinese herbal medicine that consisted of Astragalus membra...In this study,the effects of compound Chinese herbal medicine on growth performance and occurrence of diarrhea in weaned piglets were investigated.A compound Chinese herbal medicine that consisted of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula,Epimedium sagittatum,massa medicata fermentata,Atractylodes macrocephala,malt,Glycyrrhiza uralensis,Angelica sinensis and Crataegus pinnatifida,was crushed and then passed through a 500-mesh sieve.The obtained powder was added to the basal diet of weaned piglets.A total of 100 healthy crossbred weaned piglets,aging 26±2 days,were selected.They were randomly divided into 5groups（20 piglets/group） in according to principles of similar parity（3-5）,similar body weight and half male and half female.The piglets in the control group were fed with basal diet.For the piglets in the I,II and III groups,0.4%,0.7% and 1.0%of Chinese herbal medicine additive were added to the basal diets,respectively.The basal diet of piglets in the IV group was added with 30 mg/kg of oxytetracycline.The results showed the incidences of diarrhea in I,II and III groups were4.85%,5.14% and 5.63% lower than that of control groups（P〈0.05）.There was no significant difference in incidence of diarrhea between the control and the IV groups.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to evaluate growth performance of hybrid progenies of 10 grass carp （Ctenopharyngodon idella） populations from different ge- ographical origins （Foshan population, Zhaoqing population, ...[Objective] This study aimed to evaluate growth performance of hybrid progenies of 10 grass carp （Ctenopharyngodon idella） populations from different ge- ographical origins （Foshan population, Zhaoqing population, Jingzhou population 1, Jingzhou population 2, Jingzhou population 3, Ezhou population, Yiyang population, Changsha population 1, Changsha population 2 and Jiangsu population）. [Method] Fifteen hybrid combinations were established with these ten grass carp populations and cultured in the same pond. The body mass of hybrid progenies was measured at the age of 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 months, respectively. Using body mass at the age of 4 months as a concomitant variable, the growth performance of proge- nies from different hybrid combinations was analyzed by covariance analysis. [Re- suit] The average body mass of hybrid progenies of Jingzhou population 2 c2 x Foshan population $ reached the maximum （1 892.90 g） at the age of 18 months, which was 3.51%-32.36% higher than that of other hybrid progenies. Multiple com- parison analysis showed that average body mass of hybrid progenies of Jingzhou population 2 2 x Foshan population ♂ and Jingzhou population 1 ♀× Foshan population ♂ was significantly higher than that of other hybrid progenies （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] In the production process, Jingzhou population 2 ♀ × Foshan popula- tion 5 and Jingzhou population 1 ♀×Foshan population ♂ can be used to pro- duce high-quality fries, thereby greatly improving economic benefits. This study laid the foundation for establishment of rapid-growing grass carp core populations.展开更多
Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varyin...Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostfidium butyricum （C. butyficum） on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Eschefichia coli （E. coil） K88. Methods： The chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment （NC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coil K88 challenge and positive control treatment （PC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coil K88. C. buO/ricum probiotic treatment （CB） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 x 107 cfu C. buO/ricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment （CS） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Results： The body weight （BW） and average day gain （ADG） in the broilers of CB group were higher （P 〈 0.05） than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of interleukin-4 （IL-4） at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower （P 〈 0.05） at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower （P 〈 0.05） at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at 7, 14, and 21 d post-challenge. In comparison to PC birds, the CB birds had lower （P 〈 0.05） jejunum crypt depth during the whole experiment. The birds in CB or CS treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） activities of amylase and protease at 3, 7, and 14 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） activity of lipase at 3, 7 d post-challenge than PC birds.展开更多
Background: Weanling pigs, with immature immune system and physiological function, usually experience postweaning diarrhea. This study determined the effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation on growth ...Background: Weanling pigs, with immature immune system and physiological function, usually experience postweaning diarrhea. This study determined the effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea, and immunity of weaned pigs challenged with lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Methods: In Experiment(Exp.) 1,144 weaned piglets were weaned at 21 d and randomly assigned to six groups,with six replicates per group and four pigs per replicate, receiving a control diet(CON) or diet supplemented with antibiotics(AB) or C. butyricum(CB)(0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.8%), respectively. All diets in Exp. 1 were a highly digestible basal diet, with 3,000 mg/kg zinc oxide supplied in the first 2 wk only. In Exp. 2, 180 piglets were weaned at 21 d and randomly assigned to five groups, with six replicates per group and six pigs per replicate, receiving CON, AB, or CB(0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.6%) diets. The digestibility of diets was lower than those in Exp. 1, and did not include zinc oxide. At 36 d of Exp. 2, 12 piglets were selected from each of the CON and 0.4% CB groups, six piglets were intraperitoneally injected with LPS(50 μg/kg body weight) and the other six piglets with normal saline;animals were killed at 4 h after injection to collect blood, intestine, and digesta samples for biochemical analysis.Results: In Exp. 1, CB and AB diets had no effect on growth performance of piglets. In Exp. 2, 0.4% CB decreased feed-gain ratio(P < 0.1), diarrhea score(P < 0.05), and increased duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height and jejunal villus height/crypt depth(P < 0.05). The 0.4% CB decreased the plasma tumor necrosis factor(TNF) α(P < 0.05) but increased ileal mucosa IL-10 and TLR2 mRNA expression(P < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.4% CB altered the microbial profile, with Bacillus and Ruminococcaceae UGG-003 at genus level and Lactobacillus casei and Parasutterella secunda at species level were higher than CON in colonic content(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary C. butyricum supplementation had positive effects on growth of weaned piglets with less digestible diets. There was a tendency to reduce the feed-gain ratio, which could reduce feed costs in pig production. Moreover, C. butyricum decreased post-weaning diarrhea by improving the intestinal morphology,intestinal microflora profile, and immune function.展开更多
Background： The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and incre...Background： The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and increased nitrogen release into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and plasma metabolites of pigs of different genotypes. Methods： Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups （Chinese conventional diet with low protein/energy ratio or National Research Council diet with high protein/energy ratio; n = 24 per treatment） in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Blood and muscle samples were collected at the end of the nursery, growing, and finishing phases. Results： We observed significant interactions （P 〈 0.05） between breed and diet for total fat percentage, intramuscular fat （IMF） content, protein content in biceps femoris （BF） muscle, and plasma urea nitrogen （UN） concentration in the nursery phase; for average daily gain （ADG）, average daily feed intake （ADFI）, dry matter, IMF content in psoas major （PM） muscle, and plasma total protein and albumin concentrations in the growing phase; and for drip loss and plasma UN concentration in the finishing phase. Breed influenced （P 〈 0.05） growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, but not plasma metabolites. Throughout the trial, Landrace pigs showed significantly higher （P 〈 0.0_5） ADG, ADFI, dressing percentage, lean mass rate, and loin-eye area than did Bama mini-pigs, but significantly lower （P 〈 0.0.5） feed/gain ratio, fat percentage, backfat thickness, and IMF content. Dietary protein/energy ratio influenced the pH value, chemical composition of BF and PM muscles, and plasma activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and plasma concentration of UN. Conclusions： Compared with Landrace pigs, Bama mini-pigs showed slower growth and lower carcass performance, but had better meat quality. Moreover, unlike Landrace pigs, the dietary protein/energy ratio did not affect the growth performance of Bama mini-pigs. These results suggest that, in swine production, low dietary protein/energy ratio may be useful for reducing feed costs and minimizing the adverse effects of ammonia release into the environment.展开更多
Objective:To discuss the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(G.uralensis) Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang and to provide important data supporting the appl...Objective:To discuss the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(G.uralensis) Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang and to provide important data supporting the application of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide.Methods:A total of100 Kunming mice aged 3 weeks old were randomly divided into 5 groups with 20 mice in each group(10 were females and 10 were males).About 0.5 mL normal saline was given to the mice of control group every day and 0.5 mL G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide was given to the mice of other groups at the concentration of 1,20,50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.The growth performance(average body weight,average daily feed intake and feed efficiency),immune organ indexes(spleen index and thymus index) and immunologic function(serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells) of mice in each group were detected continuously.Results:The average body weight,feed efficiency,serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells of mice were increased with the increase of administrated time after administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide and were reached up the largest level on Day 28.At the same time,each index was proportional to the given dose and was significantly higher than those of control group and reached up the largest level at the administrated dose of 100 mg/mL.After administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide,the spleen index and thymus index of mice were increased with the increase of administrated dose and the spleen index and thymus index of mice administrated with the dose of 100 mg/mL were maximum which was more than 1.51 times and 1.43 times of that in control group respectively and the comparative differences showed statistical significance(P<0.05).The average daily feed intake of mice in each group was increased with the passage of lime and at the same time,the comparison of average daily feed intake of mice in each group was not significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusions:G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide can significantly improve the growth performance and immunologic function of mice and laid a research basis for the clinical application of G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide.展开更多
The effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on growth performance and humoral immune response in Miichthys miiuy were evaluated. One hundred and fifty Miichthys miiuy weighing approximately 200-2...The effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on growth performance and humoral immune response in Miichthys miiuy were evaluated. One hundred and fifty Miichthys miiuy weighing approximately 200-260 g were divided into five groups and reared in 15 tanks with closed circuiting culture system. The animals were fed 5 diets： basal diet only （control） or supplemented of the basal diet with C. butyricum at doses of 10^3 （CB1）, 10^5 （CB2）, 10^7 （CB3） or 10^9 （CB4） CFU/g. Compared with the control, the serum phenoloxidase activity was significantly increased by the supplementation （P〈0.05）, acid phosphatases activity was increased significantly （P〈0.05） at the doses of 10^9 CFU/g. Serum lysozyme activity peaked at dose of 10^7 CFU/g and in the skin mucus at dose of 10^9 CFU/g. Immunoglobulin M level in the serum and skin mucus was increased except at dose of 10^3 CFU/g （P〈0.05）. The growth at the dose of 10^9 CFU/g was higher than that of the control （P〈0.05）. It is concluded that supplementation of C. butyricum can mediate the humoral immune responses and improve the growth performance in Miichthys miiuy.展开更多
Background： Creep feeding is used to stimulate piglet post-weaning feed consumption.L-Glutamine（GLN） is an important source of fuel for intestinal epithelial cells.The objective of this study was to determine the i...Background： Creep feeding is used to stimulate piglet post-weaning feed consumption.L-Glutamine（GLN） is an important source of fuel for intestinal epithelial cells.The objective of this study was to determine the impact of creep feeding and adding GLN or AminoGut（AG;containing glutamine ＋ glutamate） to pre-and post-weaning diets on pig performance and intestinal health.Litters（N = 120） were allotted to four treatments during 14–21 d of lactation： 1） No creep feed（NC,n = 45）;2） creep fed control diet（CFCD,n = 45）;3） creep fed 1% GLN（CFGLN,n = 15）;4） creep fed.88% AG（CFAG,n = 15）.After weaning,the NC and CFCD groups were sub-divided into three groups（n = 15 each）,receiving either a control nursery diet（NC-CD,CFCD-CD） or a diet supplemented with either GLN（NC-GLN,CFCD-GLN） or with AG（NC-AG,CFCD-AG）.Litters that were creep fed with diets containing GLN or AG also were supplemented with those amino acids in the nursery diets（CFGLN-GLN,CFAG-AG）.Glutamine was added at 1% in all three post-weaning diet phases and AG was added at.88% in phase 1 and 2 and at.66% in phase 3.Results： Feed conversion（feed/gain） showed means among treatment means close to significance（P = 0.056） and Tukey＇s test for pairwise mean comparisons showed that Pigs in the CFGLN-GLN group had the best feed conversion（feed/gain） in the first three-week period post-weaning,exceeding（P = 0.044） controls（CFCD-CD） by 34%.The NC-AG group had（P = 0.02） the greatest feed intake in the last three week of the study,exceeding controls（CFCD-CD） by 12%.CFGLN-GLN,CFCD-GLN and sow reared（SR） pigs had the greatest（P = 0.049） villi height exceeding the CFCD-AG group by 18%,20% and 19% respectively.The CFAG-AG group had the deepest（P = 0.001） crypts among all treatments.CFGLN-GLN,CFCD-GLN and SR groups had the greatest（P = 0.001） number of cells proliferating（PCNA） exceeding those in the NC-CD group by 43%,54% and 63% respectively.Sow reared pigs showed the greatest（P = 0.001） intestinal absorption capacity for xylose and mannitol.Conclusion： Supplementation of creep feed and nursery diets with GLN and/or AminoGut in the first three week improved feed conversion possibly due to improved intestinal health.展开更多
基金financial support for this research by AB Vista,Marlborough,UK,is greatly appreciated.
文摘Background Exogenous xylanase can increase utilization of fiber and energy when included in diets for pigs,and xylo-oligosaccharides(XOS)may improve growth performance of pigs by modulating intestinal fermentation.However,it is unclear if a stimbiotic(i.e.,a combination of xylanase and XOS)has superior effects compared with a xylanase alone,and there is a lack of data demonstrating if xylanase fed to lactating sows influences growth performance of weanling pigs.Therefore,two hypotheses were tested:1)xylanase and stimbiotic improve growth performance,apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of gross energy(GE)and total dietary fiber(TDF),digestible energy(DE),and intestinal health of weanling pigs and 2)offspring of sows fed xylanase in lactation have greater growth performance after weaning than offspring of sows fed no xylanase during lactation.Methods One hundred and twenty pigs were weaned from sows fed a diet without xylanase,and 120 pigs were weaned from sows fed a lactation diet containing 16,000 beechwood xylanase units per kg(initial weight:5.81±0.50 kg).Pigs were allotted to a 2×3 factorial with two sow groups(lactation diet without or with xylanase)and three dietary treatments(i.e.,control,control plus xylanase,or control plus stimbiotic).Results There were no interactions between sow treatment and post-weaning pig treatment,and sow treatment did not impact post-weaning growth or ATTD of GE and TDF in weaned pigs.From d 15 to 28 post-weaning,the ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE were greater(P<0.05)for pigs fed the diet with stimbiotic than if fed the xylanase diet or the control diet,and pigs fed the xylanase diet had greater(P<0.05)ADG,G:F,ATTD of GE and TDF,and concentration of DE than pigs fed the control diet.From d 29 to 42 post-weaning,pigs fed the diets with xylanase or stimbiotic had greater(P<0.05)ADG,ATTD of GE and TDF,and DE than pigs fed the control diet.Conclusions Pigs fed xylanase or stimbiotic had greater ATTD of GE and TDF,greater DE,and greater overall ADG,G:F,and final body weight on d 42 post-weaning than pigs fed the control diet,but feeding sows xylanase in lactation did not influence post-weaning growth performance.
文摘This study was conducted at Fafan Research Center, Golajo research site to evaluate the effect of Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on growth performance of short-eared Somali goat breed. A total of fifteen yearling indigenous short-eared Somali goat breeds with an initial weight of 15.2 ± 0.30 kg were assigned to three treatment groups using completely randomized design. Pigeon pea (Pp) and Moringa stenopetala (MS) feeds were formulated using 0%, 5%, and 10% inclusion levels of MSLM and PPLM as experimental diets, respectively. The feed of the experiment was prepared in two levels (2 kg of Moringa stenopetala and 2 kg of pigeon pea) and was supplemented to experimental animals in treatments one and two, respectively. The average e initial body weight of selected male goats was 18.82 ± 0.37, 18.8 ± 0.37 and 17.8 ± 0.37 kg under treatment groups T1, T2 and control respectively. Data was analyzed using general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS computer package Version 9.0 (SAS, 2002). The final weights gain (FWG) of goats on T1 and T2 of experimental group was significantly (P 0.05) the final weight gain of goat supplemented on Moringa stenopetala (T1) and pigeon pea levels (T2). The mean average weight gains (AWG) obtained from the supplemented group in this study were 7.50 ± 0.37 and 7.82 ± 0.37 kg for T1 and T2, whereas mean weight gains for un-supplemented goats were found to be 6.26 ± 0.37 kg. Feeding of dried Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves mixture improved body weights and average daily body weight gain without affecting feed intake and overall health of Somali goat breed. As Moringa stenopetala and pigeon pea leaves are rich nitrogen/protein source, they can be used effectively as substitute for conventional concentrate in the diet of growing goats at small holder farmer’s level where they can be grown in abundance. Therefore, for higher quality of forage and higher total DM yield for animal feeding, moringa should be harvested at wider harvesting intervals of at least 6th- to 8th-week intervals. Similarly, for pigeon peas, 4- to 6-week harvesting interval can result in optimum forage as well as feed quality and resulted in better growth performances for Somali short-eared goat breeds.
基金Department of Veterinary Sciences“Ricerca Locale–Linea A”.
文摘Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.
基金funding from the European Union Next Generation EU(PIANO NAZION-ALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA—PNRR–MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2,CUP C93C22002790001)from University of Padova(2024DAFNAE1SIDPRO-GETTI-00004)。
文摘Background The protein sources in pig diets strongly rely on soybean meal,but its production has been associated with soil degradation,deforestation and loss of biodiversity.Microalga Spirulina can be a potentially more sustainable alternative to soybean meal,but comprehensive information about its use in growing pigs is still lacking.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial to full replacement of dietary soybean meal with Spirulina on the growth and carcass traits of growing pigs and on the chemical and physical attributes of the meat.Methods Eighty-eight pigs,gilts and barrows mixed together,with initial body weight of 52.4±4.2 kg,were allotted into 4 isoenergetic,isoproteic,and isoaminoacidic dietary treatments,which included a conventional control diet based on cereals and soybean meal and one of 3 diets formulated by replacing nearly 33%,66%or 100%soybean with Spirulina.Each treatment had 2 pens(11 pigs/pen),which were equipped with electronic feeders that were able to record individual feed intake.After 138 d on feed,at 174.9±6.4 kg body weight,the pigs were slaughtered,and the carcass traits and meat quality parameters from loin samples were assessed.Results The palatability of feeds was not depressed in pigs fed Spirulina,even when the soybean was completely replaced by the microalga.The incorporation of Spirulina in the diets in place of soybean did not impair the growth rate or feed efficiency,irrespective of the extent of replacement.The carcass traits and yield of commercial cuts were comparable for all Spirulina-included compared with those of the soybean-based groups,and the same was found for the chemical and physical attributes of loin meat.Conclusion The results obtained at the herd and slaughter levels revealed that the replacement of soybean meal with Spirulina did not negatively affect the growth or carcass traits of growing pigs or the main attributes of meat.Therefore,this study provides,for the first time,insights into the technical possibility of switching growing pig feeding systems toward more environmentally sustainable diets by including a microalga originating from landless feed production systems,which does not result in soil degradation or loss of biodiversity.
基金funded by USDA-NIFA Hatch Fund(#02893,Washington DC,USA)North Carolina Agricultural Foundation(#660101,Raleigh,NC,USA)+3 种基金Ajinomoto Co.,Inc(Tokyo,Japan)CJ Cheil Jedang Corp.(Seoul,Korea)Daesang Corp(Seoul,Korea)Fellowship to support MLTA from CNPq(Brasilia,Brazil).CNPq 305869/2018-3 to support MLTA。
文摘Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.
基金Supported by Harbin Applied Technology Research and Development Project(2016RAXXJ015)。
文摘This study aimed to investigate the effects of fermented puffed feather meal(FPFM)on growth performance,serum biochemical indices,meat quality,and intestinal microbiota in Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A single-factor design was adopted,and four treatments were administered with five replicates to 240 one-day-old AA broilers.The control group(group A)received a basal diet,while the experimental groups received a basal diet plus 33%(group B),67%(group C)and 100%(group D)FPFM,respectively.Compared with group A,(1)the average daily gain(ADG)in group C decreased(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio(FCR)in group D increased(P<0.05);(2)the level of serum urea nitrogen in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of triglyceride,high density lipoprotein,low density lipoprotein,cholesterol,and glucose contents in group D increased(P<0.05)at day 21;(3)the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group B and the immunoglobulin A in group C increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G in group D decreased(P<0.05)at day 42;(4)the share force of breast muscle and thigh muscle in group D increased(P<0.05);(5)the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum of group B increased(P<0.05)at day 21,and the villus height in group C and D increased(P<0.05)at day 42;(6)the proteobacteria counts in the cecum digesta in treatment groups decreased(P<0.05)at day 21.The basal diet supplemented with 33%FPFM promoted protein metabolism,enhanced immunity and improved meat quality,promoted the digestion and absorption of nutrients,increased intestinal microbial diversity,and improved the content of beneficial bacteria without affecting the growth performance,it was possible to be used as a good substitute for fish meal.
基金supported by the Major Science and Technology Program of Sichuan Province(No.2021ZDZX0009)Key Research and Development Program of Sichuan Province(No.2020YFN0147)。
文摘Background Addressing the shortage of high-quality protein resources,this study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal(SBM)with different levels of enzymolysis-fe rmentation compound protein feed(EFCP)in the diets of growing—finishing pigs,focusing on growth perfo rmance,nutrients digestibility;carcass traits,and meat quality.Methods Sixty DLY(Durdcx LandracexYorkshire)pigs with an initial body weight of 42.76±2.05 kg were assigto 5 diietary treatments in a 2×2+1 factorial design.These dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal diet(CON),untreated compound protein feed(UCP)substitution 50%(U50)and 100%SBM(U100)diets,and EFCP substitution 50%(EF50)and 100%SBM(EF100)diets.Each treatment had 6 pens(replicates)with 2 pigs per pen,and the experiment lasted 58 d,divided into phaseⅠ(1-28 d)and phaseⅡ(29-58 d).Following phaseⅠ,only the CON,U50,and EF50 groups were continued for phaseⅡ,each with 5 replicate pens.On d 59,a total of 15 pigs(1 pig/pen,5pens/treatment)were euthanized.Results During phaseⅠ,the EF50 group had a higher average daily gain(ADG)in pigs(P<0.05)compared to the CON group,whereas the U50 group did not have a significant difference.As the substitution ratio of UCP and EFCP increased in phaseⅠ,there was a noticeable reduction in the final body weight and ADG(P<0.05),along with an increase in the feed-to-gain ratio(F/G)(P<0.05).In phaseⅡ,there were no significant differences in growth performance among the treatment groups,but EF50 increased the apparent digestibility of several nutrients(including dry matter,crude protein,crude fiber,acid detergent fiber,ash,gross energy)compared to U50.The EF50 group also exhibited significantly higher serum levels of neuropeptide Y and ghrelin compared to the CON and U50 groups(P<0.05),Moreover,the EF50 group had higher carcass weight and carcass length than those in the CON and U50groups(P<0.05),with no significant difference in meat quality.Conclusions The study findings suggest that replacing 50%SBM with EFCP during the growing-finishing period can improve the growth performance,nutrient digestibility,and carcass traits of pigs without compromising meat quality This research offers valuable insights into the modification of unconventional plant protein meals and developing alternatives to SBM.
基金Supported by China National University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Program(S202310553010)2023 Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Hunan University of Humanities,Science and Technology(14).
文摘[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding compound probiotics on the growth performance and intestinal flora of Kunming mice.[Methods]Twelve healthy 2-week-old Kunming male mice with body weight of(11.09±0.43)g were selected.They were randomly divided into two treatment groups,namely blank control group(NC)and compound probiotics group(CB+LR+BS),with six mice in each group.The two groups were fed with commercial basal diet,and the compound probiotic experimental group was fed with basal diet supplemented with compound probiotics,in which the contents of Clostridium butyricum spores,Lactobacillus reuteri and Bacillus subtilis spores were 1×1010,1×1011 and 1×1010 CUF/kg,respectively.The body weight,feed intake and water intake of mice were counted every 4 d,and the experimental period was 13 d.On the 13 th day,the cecal contents of the mice were collected for analysis.[Results]There was no significant change in body weight and feed intake when compound probiotics were added to the diet.However,the addition of compound probiotics reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli,urease-negative Helicobacter typhlonius and Salmonella enterica,while increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Anaerostipes hadrus,and the contents of IgG and IgM increased significantly(P<0.05).[Conclusions]In summary,the addition of compound probiotics could significantly improve the structure of intestinal microbial flora,increase the quantity of beneficial bacteria,reduce the quantity of harmful bacteria,and improve the immune function of mice.
文摘The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of infusion. Feed intake decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with 2 and 4 ml of infusion/L drinking water. Live weight and weight gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher with 6 ml/L, while feed conversion significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the same treatment compared with the control treatment without additives (T0). Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P < 0.05) increase independently of the rate of incorporation of the infusion into the drinking water, with the exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P < 0.05) high with 8 and 10 ml Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with infusion compared to the control without additive. In conclusion, 6 ml of Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.
文摘This study investigated the effect of Israel grass in feed formulation on growth performance of local chicken.The study was conducted from October 2023 until January 2024 in Kampong Chheutel Institute of Technology.The CRD(Completely Randomized Design)was used with 4 treatments and 4 replications.The local chicks were purchased from local famer at 1 day old and kept in whole pen by feeding commercial feed.At 21 days old the total 320 chicks were allocated into experimental treatments.The 4 feed formulas based on the level of Israel grass added such as 0,5%,7%and 9%,were called T1(control),T2,T3 and T4 respectively.The result showed that body weight gain,feed intake,ADG(Average Daily Gain)and FCR(Feed Conversion Ratio)in all treatments were not significantly different(p>0.05).However,there was strong correlation between living weight with carcass of al treatments,but no difference among carcass percentage of local chicken for all different diet in this study.In conclusion,the Israel grass did not affect growth performance of local chickens and can be used to replace some expensive feed ingredient,such as rice bran.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Henan Educational Committee(2003230110)Key Research Foundation of Henan Institute of Science and Techonology~~
文摘Aniso-dose glycyrrhiza polysaccharide was injected into abdominal cavity of mice. The effect of glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on growth performance and immune ruction of mice was determined. The results showed that the growth performance and immune function of mice were improved and there were significant differences among the treatment groups and control group.
基金Supported by Project of Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College(NSFZN1309)~~
文摘In order to investigate the effects of probiotics on growth performance, blood biochemical indexes and economic benefits of Cherry Valley ducks, different probiotics were added into the feed of Cherry Valley ducks. Total 240 1-d-old Cherry Valley ducks were selected, and they were randomly divided into 4 groups, including 1 control group and 3 treatment groups. There were 3 replicates for each group and there were 20 ducks for each replicate. The ducks in the control group were fed the basal diet, and the ducks in the 3 treatment groups were fed the basal diet added with Lactobacillus, Bacillus natto and florfenicol, respectively. The test lasted for 42 d. The results showed that the addition of Lactobacillus and Bacillus natto could improve the average daily weight gain and final average weight （P〈0.05） of Cherry Valley ducks, and reduce the glutamic-pyruvic transaminase ac- tivity, alkaline phosphatase activity and serum urinary nitrogen content in duck blood （P〈0.05） and reduce the creatinine content and total cholesterol content in Cherry Valley ducks （P〉0.05）; at the same time, adding probiotics to feed could also in- crease the grass economic benefits of Cherry Valley ducks. In overall, the effects of adding probiotics were better than those of adding antibiotic.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Provincial Department of Education(JA14406)~~
文摘In this study,the effects of compound Chinese herbal medicine on growth performance and occurrence of diarrhea in weaned piglets were investigated.A compound Chinese herbal medicine that consisted of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula,Epimedium sagittatum,massa medicata fermentata,Atractylodes macrocephala,malt,Glycyrrhiza uralensis,Angelica sinensis and Crataegus pinnatifida,was crushed and then passed through a 500-mesh sieve.The obtained powder was added to the basal diet of weaned piglets.A total of 100 healthy crossbred weaned piglets,aging 26±2 days,were selected.They were randomly divided into 5groups（20 piglets/group） in according to principles of similar parity（3-5）,similar body weight and half male and half female.The piglets in the control group were fed with basal diet.For the piglets in the I,II and III groups,0.4%,0.7% and 1.0%of Chinese herbal medicine additive were added to the basal diets,respectively.The basal diet of piglets in the IV group was added with 30 mg/kg of oxytetracycline.The results showed the incidences of diarrhea in I,II and III groups were4.85%,5.14% and 5.63% lower than that of control groups（P〈0.05）.There was no significant difference in incidence of diarrhea between the control and the IV groups.
基金Supported by National Science and Technology Project in Rural Areas during the"12th Five-Year Plan"Bulk Breeding of New Varieties of Major Freshwater Fishes"(2012BAD26B02)Construction of National Bulk Freshwater Fish industry Technology System"Selective Breeding and Molecular-assisted Breeding of Grass Carp in South China"(CARS-46-03)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to evaluate growth performance of hybrid progenies of 10 grass carp （Ctenopharyngodon idella） populations from different ge- ographical origins （Foshan population, Zhaoqing population, Jingzhou population 1, Jingzhou population 2, Jingzhou population 3, Ezhou population, Yiyang population, Changsha population 1, Changsha population 2 and Jiangsu population）. [Method] Fifteen hybrid combinations were established with these ten grass carp populations and cultured in the same pond. The body mass of hybrid progenies was measured at the age of 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 months, respectively. Using body mass at the age of 4 months as a concomitant variable, the growth performance of proge- nies from different hybrid combinations was analyzed by covariance analysis. [Re- suit] The average body mass of hybrid progenies of Jingzhou population 2 c2 x Foshan population $ reached the maximum （1 892.90 g） at the age of 18 months, which was 3.51%-32.36% higher than that of other hybrid progenies. Multiple com- parison analysis showed that average body mass of hybrid progenies of Jingzhou population 2 2 x Foshan population ♂ and Jingzhou population 1 ♀× Foshan population ♂ was significantly higher than that of other hybrid progenies （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] In the production process, Jingzhou population 2 ♀ × Foshan popula- tion 5 and Jingzhou population 1 ♀×Foshan population ♂ can be used to pro- duce high-quality fries, thereby greatly improving economic benefits. This study laid the foundation for establishment of rapid-growing grass carp core populations.
基金supported by the International Cooperation Project of Zhejiang Province(No.2012C14031)Innovative Research Team Program of Zhejiang Province(No.2011R50025)
文摘Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostfidium butyricum （C. butyficum） on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Eschefichia coli （E. coil） K88. Methods： The chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment （NC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coil K88 challenge and positive control treatment （PC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coil K88. C. buO/ricum probiotic treatment （CB） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 x 107 cfu C. buO/ricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment （CS） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Results： The body weight （BW） and average day gain （ADG） in the broilers of CB group were higher （P 〈 0.05） than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of interleukin-4 （IL-4） at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower （P 〈 0.05） at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower （P 〈 0.05） at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at 7, 14, and 21 d post-challenge. In comparison to PC birds, the CB birds had lower （P 〈 0.05） jejunum crypt depth during the whole experiment. The birds in CB or CS treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） activities of amylase and protease at 3, 7, and 14 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） activity of lipase at 3, 7 d post-challenge than PC birds.
基金supported by the Program for Changjiang Scholars,Sichuan Province "135" Breeding Tackle Project(Project No.2016NYZ0052)
文摘Background: Weanling pigs, with immature immune system and physiological function, usually experience postweaning diarrhea. This study determined the effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea, and immunity of weaned pigs challenged with lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Methods: In Experiment(Exp.) 1,144 weaned piglets were weaned at 21 d and randomly assigned to six groups,with six replicates per group and four pigs per replicate, receiving a control diet(CON) or diet supplemented with antibiotics(AB) or C. butyricum(CB)(0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.8%), respectively. All diets in Exp. 1 were a highly digestible basal diet, with 3,000 mg/kg zinc oxide supplied in the first 2 wk only. In Exp. 2, 180 piglets were weaned at 21 d and randomly assigned to five groups, with six replicates per group and six pigs per replicate, receiving CON, AB, or CB(0.2%, 0.4%, or 0.6%) diets. The digestibility of diets was lower than those in Exp. 1, and did not include zinc oxide. At 36 d of Exp. 2, 12 piglets were selected from each of the CON and 0.4% CB groups, six piglets were intraperitoneally injected with LPS(50 μg/kg body weight) and the other six piglets with normal saline;animals were killed at 4 h after injection to collect blood, intestine, and digesta samples for biochemical analysis.Results: In Exp. 1, CB and AB diets had no effect on growth performance of piglets. In Exp. 2, 0.4% CB decreased feed-gain ratio(P < 0.1), diarrhea score(P < 0.05), and increased duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height and jejunal villus height/crypt depth(P < 0.05). The 0.4% CB decreased the plasma tumor necrosis factor(TNF) α(P < 0.05) but increased ileal mucosa IL-10 and TLR2 mRNA expression(P < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.4% CB altered the microbial profile, with Bacillus and Ruminococcaceae UGG-003 at genus level and Lactobacillus casei and Parasutterella secunda at species level were higher than CON in colonic content(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary C. butyricum supplementation had positive effects on growth of weaned piglets with less digestible diets. There was a tendency to reduce the feed-gain ratio, which could reduce feed costs in pig production. Moreover, C. butyricum decreased post-weaning diarrhea by improving the intestinal morphology,intestinal microflora profile, and immune function.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2012CB124704 and 2013CB127305)KC.Wong Education Foundation,Hong Kong
文摘Background： The protein/energy ratio is important for the production performance and utilization of available feed resources by animals. Increased protein consumption by mammals leads to elevated feed costs and increased nitrogen release into the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein/energy ratio on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and plasma metabolites of pigs of different genotypes. Methods： Bama mini-pigs and Landrace pigs were randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups （Chinese conventional diet with low protein/energy ratio or National Research Council diet with high protein/energy ratio; n = 24 per treatment） in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Blood and muscle samples were collected at the end of the nursery, growing, and finishing phases. Results： We observed significant interactions （P 〈 0.05） between breed and diet for total fat percentage, intramuscular fat （IMF） content, protein content in biceps femoris （BF） muscle, and plasma urea nitrogen （UN） concentration in the nursery phase; for average daily gain （ADG）, average daily feed intake （ADFI）, dry matter, IMF content in psoas major （PM） muscle, and plasma total protein and albumin concentrations in the growing phase; and for drip loss and plasma UN concentration in the finishing phase. Breed influenced （P 〈 0.05） growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality, but not plasma metabolites. Throughout the trial, Landrace pigs showed significantly higher （P 〈 0.0_5） ADG, ADFI, dressing percentage, lean mass rate, and loin-eye area than did Bama mini-pigs, but significantly lower （P 〈 0.0.5） feed/gain ratio, fat percentage, backfat thickness, and IMF content. Dietary protein/energy ratio influenced the pH value, chemical composition of BF and PM muscles, and plasma activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and plasma concentration of UN. Conclusions： Compared with Landrace pigs, Bama mini-pigs showed slower growth and lower carcass performance, but had better meat quality. Moreover, unlike Landrace pigs, the dietary protein/energy ratio did not affect the growth performance of Bama mini-pigs. These results suggest that, in swine production, low dietary protein/energy ratio may be useful for reducing feed costs and minimizing the adverse effects of ammonia release into the environment.
基金supported by Scientific Research Innovation Project of Graduate Education Innovation Fund from Xinjiang(Grant No. XJGRI2014057)
文摘Objective:To discuss the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(G.uralensis) Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang and to provide important data supporting the application of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide.Methods:A total of100 Kunming mice aged 3 weeks old were randomly divided into 5 groups with 20 mice in each group(10 were females and 10 were males).About 0.5 mL normal saline was given to the mice of control group every day and 0.5 mL G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide was given to the mice of other groups at the concentration of 1,20,50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.The growth performance(average body weight,average daily feed intake and feed efficiency),immune organ indexes(spleen index and thymus index) and immunologic function(serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells) of mice in each group were detected continuously.Results:The average body weight,feed efficiency,serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells of mice were increased with the increase of administrated time after administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide and were reached up the largest level on Day 28.At the same time,each index was proportional to the given dose and was significantly higher than those of control group and reached up the largest level at the administrated dose of 100 mg/mL.After administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide,the spleen index and thymus index of mice were increased with the increase of administrated dose and the spleen index and thymus index of mice administrated with the dose of 100 mg/mL were maximum which was more than 1.51 times and 1.43 times of that in control group respectively and the comparative differences showed statistical significance(P<0.05).The average daily feed intake of mice in each group was increased with the passage of lime and at the same time,the comparison of average daily feed intake of mice in each group was not significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusions:G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide can significantly improve the growth performance and immunologic function of mice and laid a research basis for the clinical application of G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide.
基金Project supported by the Bureau of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province (No. 2004201), China and the Youth Fund of Ningbo City (No. 2004A620008), China
文摘The effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on growth performance and humoral immune response in Miichthys miiuy were evaluated. One hundred and fifty Miichthys miiuy weighing approximately 200-260 g were divided into five groups and reared in 15 tanks with closed circuiting culture system. The animals were fed 5 diets： basal diet only （control） or supplemented of the basal diet with C. butyricum at doses of 10^3 （CB1）, 10^5 （CB2）, 10^7 （CB3） or 10^9 （CB4） CFU/g. Compared with the control, the serum phenoloxidase activity was significantly increased by the supplementation （P〈0.05）, acid phosphatases activity was increased significantly （P〈0.05） at the doses of 10^9 CFU/g. Serum lysozyme activity peaked at dose of 10^7 CFU/g and in the skin mucus at dose of 10^9 CFU/g. Immunoglobulin M level in the serum and skin mucus was increased except at dose of 10^3 CFU/g （P〈0.05）. The growth at the dose of 10^9 CFU/g was higher than that of the control （P〈0.05）. It is concluded that supplementation of C. butyricum can mediate the humoral immune responses and improve the growth performance in Miichthys miiuy.
文摘Background： Creep feeding is used to stimulate piglet post-weaning feed consumption.L-Glutamine（GLN） is an important source of fuel for intestinal epithelial cells.The objective of this study was to determine the impact of creep feeding and adding GLN or AminoGut（AG;containing glutamine ＋ glutamate） to pre-and post-weaning diets on pig performance and intestinal health.Litters（N = 120） were allotted to four treatments during 14–21 d of lactation： 1） No creep feed（NC,n = 45）;2） creep fed control diet（CFCD,n = 45）;3） creep fed 1% GLN（CFGLN,n = 15）;4） creep fed.88% AG（CFAG,n = 15）.After weaning,the NC and CFCD groups were sub-divided into three groups（n = 15 each）,receiving either a control nursery diet（NC-CD,CFCD-CD） or a diet supplemented with either GLN（NC-GLN,CFCD-GLN） or with AG（NC-AG,CFCD-AG）.Litters that were creep fed with diets containing GLN or AG also were supplemented with those amino acids in the nursery diets（CFGLN-GLN,CFAG-AG）.Glutamine was added at 1% in all three post-weaning diet phases and AG was added at.88% in phase 1 and 2 and at.66% in phase 3.Results： Feed conversion（feed/gain） showed means among treatment means close to significance（P = 0.056） and Tukey＇s test for pairwise mean comparisons showed that Pigs in the CFGLN-GLN group had the best feed conversion（feed/gain） in the first three-week period post-weaning,exceeding（P = 0.044） controls（CFCD-CD） by 34%.The NC-AG group had（P = 0.02） the greatest feed intake in the last three week of the study,exceeding controls（CFCD-CD） by 12%.CFGLN-GLN,CFCD-GLN and sow reared（SR） pigs had the greatest（P = 0.049） villi height exceeding the CFCD-AG group by 18%,20% and 19% respectively.The CFAG-AG group had the deepest（P = 0.001） crypts among all treatments.CFGLN-GLN,CFCD-GLN and SR groups had the greatest（P = 0.001） number of cells proliferating（PCNA） exceeding those in the NC-CD group by 43%,54% and 63% respectively.Sow reared pigs showed the greatest（P = 0.001） intestinal absorption capacity for xylose and mannitol.Conclusion： Supplementation of creep feed and nursery diets with GLN and/or AminoGut in the first three week improved feed conversion possibly due to improved intestinal health.
