• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.447-454
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• 2001

For determining the relative genetic effects of Duroc (D) and Taoyuan (T) breeds on the economic traits of their hybrids, 72 litters of pigs, from four mating types, namely TT (T♂$\times$T♀), DD (D♂$\times$D♀) and D-T hybrids (TD, T♂$\times$D♀ and DT, D♂$\times$T♀) were used in this study. The various crossbreeding parameters were estimated by comparisons among mating types using linear contrasts of least-square analysis. The results of reproductive traits analysis showed that T breed had contributed superior genetic effects on the total number of piglets at birth (TBN) (p<0.10) and number of live piglets at 21 days (LP21) (p<0.05) to the D-T hybrids. Estimates of maternal genetic effects showed that the T females were superior in TBN (p<0.05), but inferior in average birth weight (ABW) and average litter birth weight (LBW) (p<0.01) to the D females. Direct heterosis effects were significant for LBW, LP21 and LWT21 (p<0.01). Least-squares analysis of other economic traits showed that T breed had relative negative effects on all growth traits, withers height (WH), body type index (BTI), average backfat thickness (ABF), carcass length (LENG), loin eye area (longissimus) (LEARA), and lean percentage (LEAN) of D-T hybrids (p<0.05). Estimates of direct genetic effects showed that the D breed was superior to the T breed in all growth and carcass traits except the average backfat (BF). Estimates of maternal genetic effects showed that average body weight at 180 days (WT180) of progenies from T sows were lighter than from D sows. Progenies from D females had larger and leaner carcass than those from T females. Direct heterosis effects were significant for average daily weight gains from 150 to 180 days ($ADG_{150-180}$) (p<0.05) and for average body weights at 150 (WT150), and 180 days (WT180), average daily weight gains from birth to 150 and 180 days ($ADG_{150}$ and $ADG_{180}$, respectively), WH, body length (BL), ABF, BTI, and LENG (p<0.01). The results showed that D-T hybrids tended to have superior TBN and LP21 than D breed, and to be superior in all growth and most conformation and carcass traits to the T breed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.1147-1153
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• 2000

A total of 9,540 pigs were evaluated for their growth performance to provide information on the development of different feeding strategies to support maximum rate of protein deposition (PD). Large variations in growth performance and protein deposition rate were found in the population used in this study (ADG from 701 to 974 g/day; ADFI from 1,726 to 2,498 g/day; Feed/gain from 2.10 to 2.90; Backfat thickness from 12.4 to 20.5 mm and PD rate from 103 to 153 g/day). It was found that ADG was positively correlated to PD ($R^2=0.9362$, p<0.0001) while FCR was negatively correlated to PD ($R^2=0.4031$, p<0.0001). Backfat thickness was negatively correlated to PD ($R^2=0.7024$, p<0.0001) and to ADG ($R^2=0.5096$, p<0.0001). The estimated lysine requirement based on PD rate also showed large variation (12.37 to 18.38 g/day true ileal digestible lysine on average between 25 and 100 kg), thus strongly indicated the need of separate feeding strategies for each group of pigs. When pigs were divided into three categories according to estimated whole body PD rate, the group of pigs with the highest PD rate grew faster by 6.3 and 13.9% than pigs with intermediate and low PD rate, respectively. Feed utilization was also more efficient in pigs with a high PD rate. It appeared that pigs with high PD rate maintained higher PD rate especially in the later stage of their life. Pigs with high PD rate require an extra amount of 1.2 and 2.4 g/true digestible lysine per day and 0.4 and 0.8% more lysine in the diet than pigs with intermediate and low PD rate during the growing-finishing period respectively. Results of this study suggest that there is a need for separate feeding strategies for individual group of pigs with different PD rate. It should be noted that average value for each group presented in this report is not the adequate amount for an animals potential for maximum PD rate. With recent development in growth modeling and access to computer technologies to facilitate computation, pork producers can easily estimate pigs protein deposition rate and thus can make their own feeding strategies.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.1308-1318
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal with treated castor meal with (CMT) or without lime (CMNT) on the nutrient intake, performance, carcass characteristics, and yield of commercial cuts of beef cattle from a feedlot. Thirty male, castrated, crossbreed zebu cattle were used in the study, with an average initial weight of $360{\pm}30.27\;kg$. Five animals were used as a control group and were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment; the remaining animals (n = 25) were distributed in random blocks (repetitions), with body weight as the criterion for block assignment. The animals were fed a diet containing 65% corn silage and 35% of concentrate on dry matter (DM) basis. Five diets consisted of four levels of soybean meal (SM) substituted with CMT (0, 33, 67 and 100%) on a DM basis and a diet with 100% of SM replaced with CMNT. At the end of the experiment, all animals were slaughtered, and their gastrointestinal tracts were emptied to determine their empty body weights (EBW). No significant effects were observed (p>0.05) for the substitution of soybean meal with CMT on intake of dietary nutrients, the average daily body weight gain (ADG) or EBW gain (EBWG). In spite of greater (p<0.05) ricin intake for the diet containing CMNT (3.06 mg/kg BW) compared to the CMT diet (0.10 mg/kg BW/d), there were no effects (p>0.05) on intake of dietary nutrients, ADG or EBWG. The average intake of DM and the ADG were 10,664.63 and 1,353.04 g/d, respectively. Regarding carcass characteristics, only carcass yield in relation to body weight was linearly reduced (p<0.05) upon substitution of SM by CMT. There was no effect (p>0.05) of the substitution of SM by CMT or CMNT on the yield of carcass basic cuts. CMT prices that are higher than 85% of the SM price do not economically justify the use of CMT. For CMT prices between 20 and 80% of the SM price, the optimal level was 67% substitution, while for prices below 15% of the SM price, the optimal level was 100% substitution with CMT. It can be concluded that treated castor meal with 6% lime can totally replace soybean meal in beef cattle diets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.197-204
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• 2010

Two studies were conducted to determine the effects of replacing 30% (% in diet DM) of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) hay with citrus pulp in Merino ewe diets: i) an in vitro study which measured ruminal fermentation; and ii) an in vivo study in which twelve Merino ewes pre- and post-lambing were fed experimental diets in a cross-over design over 120 days to evaluate effects on ewe performance (i.e. DM intake, average daily gain (ADG) and wool growth). In both the in vitro and in vivo studies, the control treatment consisted of lucerne (91.3% in diet DM), lupins (8.3% in diet DM) and phosphate (0.42% in diet DM), while the citrus pulp treatment consisted of lucerne (57.7% in diet DM), lupins (9.5% in diet DM), phosphate (0.48% in diet DM) and fresh citrus pulp (32.3% in diet DM). Data were analysed using the mixed model procedure of SAS. In the in vitro study, gas production, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) yield, proportion of propionic acid to total VFA and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were higher (p<0.02) in the citrus pulp treatment compared to the control treatment. In contrast, in vitro ammonia production, pH and the acetate to propionate ratio were lower (p<0.03) for the citrus pulp treatment compared to the control treatment. In the in vivo study, DM intake of ewes fed the citrus pulp diet was lower than their control ewe counterparts throughout both the pre- and post-lambing periods (928.9 vs. 1,115.0 g/d pre-; 1,285.0 vs. 1,620.3 g/d post-lambing, p<0.01), however ADG was similar (p = 0.12). Wool growth parameters and lamb performance did not differ (p>0.32) between treatments. In summary, the in vitro study demonstrated that the replacement of 30% of a lucerne diet with fresh citrus pulp improved total VFA yield, increased total gas production and improved IVDMD, while decreasing the production of ammonia, acetic acid and rumen pH. In addition, the in vivo study demonstrated that the replacement of 30% of a lucerne diet with fresh citrus pulp pre- and post-lambing decreased intake but did not affect ewe performance in terms of ADG and wool growth. These findings, of course, would be of significant interest to sheep producers endeavouring to control cost of feed ingredients whilst maintaining productivity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.1582-1587
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• 2012

This experiment was performed to investigate the effects of lysine (Lys) to DE ratio on growth performance, and carcass characterics in finishing barrows. Ninety six cross-bred finishing barrows ((Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire)${\times}$Duroc, average BW $58.25{\pm}0.48$ kg) were assigned as a randomized complete block design by 2 energy levels and 4 Lys:DE ratios on the basis of BW to one of 8 treatments with 3 replications with 4 animals per pen. The levels of DE and Lys:DE ratio for each treatment were i) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 1.5 g Lys/Mcal DE, ii) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 1.8 g Lys/Mcal DE, iii) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 2.1 g Lys/Mcal DE, iv) DE 3.35 Mcal/kg, 2.4 g Lys/Mcal DE, v) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 1.5 g Lys/Mcal DE, vi) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 1.8 g Lys/Mcal DE, vii) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 2.1 g Lys/Mcal DE, viii) DE 3.60 Mcal/kg, 2.4 g Lys/Mcal DE. During finishing period from 58 kg to 103 kg of BW, increased energy density in the diet increased (p<0.05) ADG and gain:feed ratio, but did not influence ADFI. As Lys:DE ratio was increased, ADG, ADFI and gain:feed ratio were improved in finishing barrows (p<0.05). There were positive interactions (p<0.05) between carcass weight, grade, and backfat thickness and energy density and Lys level (p<0.05). In conclusion, data from our current study suggest that maximum yields including ADG, gain:feed ratio, carcass weight and grade can be achieved by administrating finishing pigs with an ideal Lys:DE ratio, Lys 2.1 g/DE Mcal.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.537-544
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• 2013

This study examined whether pre-treating palm kernel expeller (PKE) with exogenous enzyme would degrade its fiber content; thus improving its metabolizable energy (ME), growth performance, villus height and digesta viscosity in broiler chickens fed diets containing PKE. Our results showed that enzyme treatment decreased (p<0.05) hemicellulose and cellulose contents of PKE by 26.26 and 32.62%, respectively; and improved true ME (TME) and its nitrogen corrected value ($TME_n$) by 38% and 33%, respectively, compared to the raw sample. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chickens fed on different dietary treatments in the grower period were not significantly different. Although there was no difference in feed intake (p>0.05) among treatment groups in the finisher period, ADG of chickens in the control (PKE-free diet) was higher (p<0.05) than in all treatment groups fed either 20 or 30% PKE, irrespective of with or without enzyme treatment. However, ADG of birds fed with 20% PKE was higher than those fed with 30% PKE. The FCR of chickens in the control was the lowest (2.20) but not significantly different from those fed 20% PKE diets while birds in the 30% PKE diets recorded higher (p>0.05) FCR. The intestinal villus height and crypt depth (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were not different (p>0.05) among treatments except for duodenal crypt depth. The villus height and crypt depth of birds in enzyme treated PKE diets were higher (p<0.05) than those in the raw PKE groups. Viscosity of the intestinal digesta was not different (p>0.05) among treatments. Results of this study suggest that exogenous enzyme is effective in hydrolyzing the fiber (hemicellulose and cellulose) component and improved the ME values of PKE, however, the above positive effects were not reflected in the growth performance in broiler chickens fed the enzyme treated PKE compared to those received raw PKE. The results suggest that PKE can be included up to 5% in the grower diet and 20% in the finisher diet without any significant negative effect on FCR in broiler chickens.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.974-979
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• 2000

A total of 80 weaned piglets (Landrace $\times$ Yorkshire $\times$ Large White) were used in a 28-day growth assay to detennine the optimal inclusion level of sodium sulfite ($Na_{2}SO_{3}$) as an extrusion enhancer of soybean meal for nursery piglets. piglets (21 d of age, 6.04 kg of BW) were grouped into 4 treatments in a completely randomized block design. Treatments were: 1) Extruded SBM (Control), 2) Extruded SBM with 0.5% $Na_{2}SO_{3}$ (0.5 ESBM), 3) Extruded SBM with 1.0% $Na_{2}SO_{3}$ (1.0 ESBM) and 4) Extruded SBM with 1.5% $Na_{2}SO_{3}$ (1.5 ESBM). Each treatment has 4 replicates of 5 heads per pen. In phase I (d 0 to 14), diets supplied 3,400 kcal ME/kg, 23% crude protein, 1.65% lysine, 0.50% methionine, 0.9% Ca and 0.8% P. Phase II (d 14 to 28) diets contained 3,300 kcal ME/kg, 21% crude protein, 1.45% lysine, 0.45% methionine, 0.9% Ca and 0.8% P. For d 0 to 14, piglets fed 1.5 ESBM had greater ADG, ADFI and FCR compared to piglets fed control and 0.5 ESBM diet. ADG was significantly higher in piglets fed 1.5 ESBM diet than other groups (p<0.05) except 1.0 ESBM. In phase II (d 14 to 28), there was no significant differences in production traits among treatments. For overall period (d 0 to 28), piglets fed diets with high sodium sulfite grew faster than piglets fed control and 0.5 ESBM diets. The highest ADG and the best FeR were obtained in piglets fed diets with 1.5 ESBM during the entire period. Piglets fed 1.5 ESBM diet showed significantly higher crude protein digestibility than 0.5 ESBM (p<0.05) at d 14 post-weanling, but not at d 28 post-weanling. There were no significant differences in digestibilities of total amino acids. In conclusion, the addition level of 1~1.5% sodium sulfite for SBM extrusion could be favorable for rate and efficiency of growth in weaning pigs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.398-405
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• 2014

This study was conducted to compare growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 4 breeds of local chicken. A total of 480 1-d-old chicks were distributed to 16 pens, with 4 treatments of breed, 4 replicates and 30 chicks per pen. Three Korean local breeds of white-mini broiler, Hanhyup-3-ho, and Woorimatdag, and a breed of silky fowl were raised under identical rearing and feeding conditions for 31-d, 37-d, 36-d, and 59-d, respectively. The BW and feed consumption on a pen basis were weekly measured for all pens, and ADFI, ADG and gain:feed were calculated for each pen. The ADFI and ADG of 3 breeds of Korean local chicken were greater than those of silky fowl (p<0.05). Within the Korean local breeds, ADFI of white-mini broiler was the highest (p<0.05), and ADG of Hanhyup-3-ho and white-mini broiler was the highest (p<0.05). Gain:feed of silky fowl was less than that of the 3 breeds of Korean local chicken. The carcass and breast yield of white-mini broiler were the greater than those of other breeds (p<0.05). The breast meat color (CIE $L^*$, $a^*$, and $b^*$) of 3 breeds of Korean local chicken were higher than that of silky fowl (p<0.05). The breast meat of Hanhyup-3-ho had greater cooking loss (p<0.05), whereas water holding capacity and pH were less than those of other breeds (p<0.05). The color score of 3 breeds of Korean local chicken was higher than that of silky fowl (p<0.05). Woorimatdag had a higher score on tenderness (p<0.05), whereas flavor score was less than that of other breeds (p<0.05). In conclusion, 4 local breeds of chicken have some unique features and seem to have more advantages, and this information can help consumers who prefer healthy and premium chicken meat.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.90-96
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• 2008

We compared the effects of supplementing $L-lysine{\cdot}SO_4$ to L-lysine HCl on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in weaning pigs. A total of 96 crossbred pigs, weaned at $21{\pm}3$ days of age and with an average initial body weight (BW) $6.23{\pm}0.01kg$, were given one of 4 treatments, which translated into 6 replicates of 4 pigs in each pen. The animals were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments according to a randomized completely block design (RCBD) as follows: 1) control-no synthetic lysine, lysine deficient (0.80% total lysine); 2) L-C (= 0.2% L-lysine HCl); 3) K-L-S (= 0.332% $L-lysine{\cdot}SO_4$, A company); 4) C-L-S (= 0.332% $L-lysine{\cdot}SO_4$, B company). Diets were formulated with corn, soy bean meal, and corn gluten meal as the major ingredients, and all nutrients except the lysine met or exceeded NRC requirements (1998). The lysine content of supplemented synthetic lysine was the same in all treatment groups except the control. No clinical health problems associated with the dietary treatments were observed. During the entire experimental period, body weight, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F ratio) increased (p<0.01) in pigs fed the experimental diets supplemented with L-lysine??HCl or $L-lysine{\cdot}SO_4$ produced by A company, irrespective of the two synthetic lysine sources. Although the supplementation of $L-lysine{\cdot}SO_4$ produced by B company tended to improve the ADG and G:F ratio, significant differences were not seen among all treatments and tended to be lower than the L-C (L-lysine HCl) and K-L-S ($L-lysine{\cdot}SO_4$ groups using the product from A company). The digestibility of crude protein (CP) was increased by the supplementation of synthetic lysine (p<0.05), irrespective of the L-lysine source (L-C, K-L-S, C-L-S). The results of this study showed that ADG, G:F ratio, and CP digestibility improved when $L-lysine{\cdot}SO_4$ or L-lysine HCl was supplemented into the weaning pigs' diet. There was a clear difference in efficacy between the two $lysine{\cdot}SO_4$ products based upon the growth performance of weaning pigs. Consequently, the bioavailability of $lysine{\cdot}SO_4$ products should be evaluated before supplementation of synthetic lysine in swine diets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.267-274
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• 2009

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the feeding value of wood vinegar in weanling pigs. In Experiment 1, weanling pigs (n = 224; Landrace ${\times}$Yorkshire ${\times}$Duroc, 21${\pm}$3 d-old, initial BW 6.12${\pm}$0.10 kg) were assigned to four dietary treatments. Different levels of wood vinegar were added to the diets as dietary treatments (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%). Each treatment comprised 4 replicates with 14 piglets in each. Experimental feeding was conducted for 28 d in two phases (phase I, d 0 to 14 and phase II, d 15 to 28). Feeding of wood vinegar linearly (p<0.05) improved the phase I, phase II and overall ADG and increased (linear, p<0.05) the overall and phase II ADFI. Linear improvements in the apparent fecal digestibility of dry matter (p = 0.013), gross energy (p = 0.019) and crude protein (p = 0.033) were observed as the level of wood vinegar was increased in the diet of pigs. Experiment 2 was conducted to compare dietary wood vinegar with commonly used growth promoters, organic acid (mixture of 21% phosphoric acid, 3.25% propionic acid, 2.8% formic acid, 10% calcium formate and 5% calcium propionate) and antibiotic (aparamycin). A total of 288 weanling piglets (Landrace ${\times}$Yorkshire ${\times}$Duroc, 22${\pm}$2 d-old, initial BW 6.62${\pm}$0.31 kg) were assigned to four treatments with four replicates (18 piglets/pen) for 28 days and fed in 2 phases: phase I, d 0 to 14 and phase II, d 15 to 28. The dietary treatments were control (corn-soybean meal basal diet without antibiotics) and diets containing 0.2% antibiotic, 0.2% organic acid and 0.2% wood vinegar. Pigs fed antibiotic showed higher (p<0.001) ADG and better feed efficiency followed by pigs fed wood vinegar and organic acid diets while those fed the control diet had lowest ADG and poorest feed efficiency. The overall and phase I ADFI was highest (p<0.001) in pigs fed wood vinegar and lowest in pigs fed the control diet. Apparent fecal digestibility of dry matter, gross energy and crude protein was significantly higher (p<0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet when compared with pigs fed the control but comparable among pigs fed antibiotic, organic acid and wood vinegar diets. Higher populations of Lactobacillus (p = 0.004) were noted in the ileum of pigs fed the wood vinegar diet, while the population of coliforms in the ileum and cecum was higher (p<0.001) in pigs fed the control diet when compared with pigs fed antibiotic, organic acid or wood vinegar diets. These results indicated that wood vinegar could improve the performance of weanling pigs by improving the nutrient digestibility and reducing harmful intestinal coliforms; moreover performance of pigs fed wood vinegar was superior to those fed organic acid.