Tall fescue is a widely grown, cool season grass prevalent in the eastern United States that is known for its resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. A main reason for tall fescue's resistance to these stresses is attributed to the presence of a fungal endophyte. Unfortunately, this endophyte also adversely affects cattle production. Cows consuming the ergot alkaloids produced by these endophytes can exhibit decreased feed intake, growth performance, organ vasoconstriction, and increased rectal temperature. This work is interested in examining how endophyte toxin exposure impacts pregnancy in cattle. Reduced blood flow to the fetus and inadequate maternal nutrition contributes to intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR), and this work proposed that fescue endophyte toxicity affects the gestating cow and fetus. Three studies were completed. In experiment 1, gestating cows grazed high or low endophyte fescue pastures during late gestation to determine if exposure to ergot alkaloids in utero results in IUGR and if calves from these pregnancies have altered growth performance. Creep feeding was evaluated as a mitigation strategy for impaired calf growth due to fescue toxicity, and feedlot performance was evaluated to determine if consuming fescue during gestation and creep feeding would affect feedlot performance. Calf BW was different (P < 0.01) by treatment x time. Birth weights of calves were similar , prior to creep feeding calves exposed to high endophyte fescue were lower, and post-supplementation creep fed calves had increased BW. Days on feed and dressing percentage were decreased in the supplemented group, and marbling score was decreased for both the supplemented and unsupplemented groups following the completion of the feedlot phase (P < 0.05). The second study was setup similar to study one, however cows were exposed to fescue pastures from d 170 of gestation until calving. Calf birth weights did not differ, but weights were increased in the supplemented group post creep feeding (P < 0.05). Average daily gains (ADG) of supplemented calves were greater during the supplementation period (P < 0.01). In the third study, indwelling vaginal temperature probes were used to evaluate differences in body temperature of cows fed fescue seed with high or low levels of ergot alkaloids during early gestation, and in varying environmental conditions. In the winter trial, body temperature was measured hourly from days 0-14 of gestation. In the summer trial, body temperature was measured hourly from days 0-32 of gestation. Body temperatures were different (P < 0.01) between treatments during both trials. / Master of Science

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / Joe D. Hancock / Twelve experiments were completed to evaluate corn- and sorghum-distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for nursery and finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, corn-DDGS had 223 kcal/kg greater DE than sorghum-DDGS (P<0.02). In Exp. 2, pigs fed a corn-soy control diet had greater ADG, nutrient digestibility, HCW, and dressing percentage (P<0.02) and lower iodine value (IV) of jowl fat (P<0.001) than pigs fed diets with 40% DDGS. High-energy DDGS supported lower ADG, ADFI, and digestibility of DM (P<0.06) than moderate-energy DDGS, and sorghum-DDGS resulted in lower IV than corn-DDGS (P<0.001). In Exp. 3 and 4, addition of sodium bicarbonate to adjust dietary pH and electrolyte balance did not improve growth performance in nursery or finishing pigs (P>0.16) and adding molasses to improve palatability decreased (P<0.05) G:F for finishing gilts. In Exp. 5 and 6, enzyme additions improved nutrient digestibility in nursery (P<0.04) and finishing (P<0.01) pigs fed diets with high inclusion of DDGS. In Exp. 7, expander processing improved (P<0.02) ADG, G:F, and digestibility of DM, N, GE, and cellulose compared with standard steam conditioning of diets for nursery pigs, with the greatest response in G:F for pigs fed sorghum-DDGS (DDGS source × conditioning; P<0.02). In Exp. 8 and 9, expander conditioning improved G:F and dressing percentage (P<0.007) and digestibility of DM, N, and GE compared with standard conditioning (P<0.02), with the greatest response in digestibility of DM for the DDGS diets (diet × conditioning, P<0.01). In Exp. 10, 11, and 12, increasing tallow from 0 to 5% in diets with 40% DDGS improved (P<0.05) G:F. Dressing percentage was improved with addition of tallow and palm oil (P<0.08), but IV become worse (linear, P<0.06) as tallow was increased in the diet. Adding coconut oil improved growth performance and carcass firmness in pigs fed diets with 40% DDGS (P<0.01). In conclusion, growth performance and nutrient digestibility decreased with addition of DDGS to diets for nursery and finishing pigs. However, adding enzymes partially restored nutrient digestibility; expander conditioning improved G:F, dressing percentage, and nutrient digestibility; and adding coconut oil to diets with 40% DDGS improved G:F and carcass firmness.

Pigs can consume a wide range of feeds to meet their nutritional needs and there is a renewed interest in the use of cheaper nutrient resources for animal feeding. Forages have been proved to be a substantial source of nutrients for pigs, however, the bulk of the existing work has focused on sows and grower-finisher pigs above 50 kg. This study was conducted during May-June 2009 at the Agricultural Research Council (Irene, Pretoria) to determine the voluntary forage intake and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs fed a mixed diet (concentrate + Kikuyu grass). Twenty five 8 weeks old Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs (27 ± 3.8 kg) were blocked by weight into 5 groups of 5 pigs each. One of 5 treatments (A, B, C, D and E), corresponding to 100, 90, 80, 70 and 80 % of a basal concentrate ration, respectively, was randomly assigned to a pig within each block. Indoor treatments were either fed the concentrate only (A) or also received freshly cut Kikuyu grass (Pennissetum clandestinum) ad libitum (B, C and D). Only treatment E animals were housed outdoors in Kikuyu grass paddocks while all other treatments were housed indoors. Forage intake was recorded daily and also estimated using a pair of n-alkanes as markers. Nutrient and diet digestibility were calculated using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) and dotriacontane (C32) as markers. The results showed that the concentrate intake (CI) in treatments A, B and C was significantly different from treatments C and E (P < 0.05) and there was positive correlation between the concentrate level and its intake (P < 0.01). The recorded intake of Kikuyu grass (RKI) and the animal’s average daily gain (ADG) were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The estimated (EKI) and recorded (RKI) Kikuyu grass intakes were not influenced by CI or the level of concentrate allowance (CL) and RKI was higher (P < 0.05) than EKI. Digestibility estimates with AIA were higher than C32 Keywords: Dotriacontane; Kikuyu; growth performance; forage; monogastrics estimates (P < 0.05). It was concluded that Kikuyu grass intake was not affected by the reduction of the concentrate level allowance. It was proposed that forage intake in a mixed diet (forage + concentrate) was more dependant on its own characteristics than the concentrate’s nutritional value. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

There is a growing market for specialty poultry production using alternative genotypes and management systems. However, producers interested in specialty poultry production face several challenges. One challenge is that little published data exists regarding the growth and production parameters for alternative genotypes like slow-growing meat strains and heritage breeds. To address this challenge, research at the University of Kentucky examined the effect of feed strategies, alternative feedstuffs, and dietary enzymes on the growth and performance of heritage breeds of chicken used for either egg- or meat-production. The first trial documented the growth and nutrient intake of pullets from three heritage breeds (Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Black Australorp) and three egg-laying strains (Red Star, Black Star, and ISA Brown) on a self-selection feeding program through nineteen weeks of age. The second trial documented the growth and nutrient intake of males from those same three heritage breeds, a slow-growing meat-type strain (Red Ranger), and males and females from a fast-growing meat-type strain (Cornish Cross). Birds used a self-selection feeding program and were grown to a common weight of 2300 grams. Carcass characteristics of these birds were evaluated in the third trial. The fourth trial evaluated the partial replacement of corn and soybean meal with alternative feedstuffs (field peas, buckwheat, and flax seed) and dietary enzymes on the performance of straight-run commercial broilers and two alternative breeds of chickens: males from a Black Sex-Link cross and straight-run Rhode Island Reds. The fifth trial examined the use of sorghum and field peas to completely replace corn and soybean meal in formulated diets for two heritage breeds (Rhode Island Red and Barred Plymouth Rock). Results of these trials showed that heritage breed pullets had similar growth parameters and nutrient intake as commercial egg-laying strains. Heritage breed cockerels grew significantly slower and exhibited poorer feed efficiency than meat-type birds, but seemed to tolerate low nutrient density diets better. Overall, the findings of these studies could help producers interested in raising slow-growing meat-type chickens and heritage breeds create accurate business plans and determine if they can profitably produce meat and/or eggs for niche markets.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de dois modificadores metabólicos, a sesamina, presente no óleo de gergelim, e ácido alfa-lipoico (na forma pura), sobre desempenho zootécnico, perfil de ácidos graxos, composição química dos filés de pacus e alterações histológicas no fígado. Foram utilizados 480 juvenis de pacu (3,35±0,78 g), distribuídos em 24 caixas de polietileno com volume de 50 litros, sendo estocados 20 peixes em cada unidade. Durante o período experimental de 90 dias, a temperatura média da água permaneceu em 26 °C e os demais parâmetros (amônia, nitrito, pH e oxigênio dissolvido) apresentaram-se dentro dos níveis adequados para o desenvolvimento desta espécie. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, no qual foram avaliados seis tratamentos em esquema fatorial 3x2, sendo três níveis do fator óleo (OS: óleo de soja; OG: óleo de gergelim; OL: óleo de linhaça) e dois níveis do fator ácido alfa-lipoico (AAL) (sem e com), resultando em seis tratamentos: T1: OS (controle); T2: OG+OL; T3: OL; T4: OS+AAL; T5: OG+OL+AAL e T6: OL+AAL. Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente por análise de variância (ANOVA) e diferenças significativas foram verificadas pelo teste de Tukey (5%). As dietas contendo OL como única fonte lipídica (T3 e T6) proporcionaram melhores índices de peso médio (PM) e ganho de peso individual (GPI) nos juvenis de pacu. Além disso, proporcionaram maiores (P&lt;0,05) teores de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) da família n-3 nos filés, especialmente do ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA, 20:5n-3). A única variável da composição química dos filés dos juvenis de pacu que apresentou diferença (P&lt;0,05) foi o teor de proteína bruta, sendo maior nos filés dos peixes alimentados com as dietas sem ácido alfa-lipoico (T4, T5 e T6). Os óleos utilizados nas dietas experimentais não causaram alterações nas células dos fígados de juvenis de pacu. Conclui-se que a sesamina, fornecida por meio de óleo de gergelim, não promoveu alterações no desempenho zootécnico dos pacus, nem na composição química e metabolismo de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) dos filés de juvenis de pacu. A presença do ácido alfa-lipoico não afetou o desempenho zootécnico dos animais e sua ausência promoveu maiores teores de proteína bruta e ácidos graxos poli-insaturados nos filés dos pacus. / The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of two metabolic modifiers, sesamin, present in sesame oil, and alpha lipoic acid (in pure form), on pacus growth performance, fatty acid profile, chemical composition of pacus fillets and histological alterations in the liver. We used 480 pacu juveniles (3.35±0.78 g), distributed in 24 boxes of polyethylene with volume of 50 liters, being stored 20 fish in each unit. During the experimental period of 90 days, the mean water temperature remained at 26 °C and the other parameters (ammonia, nitrite, pH and dissolved oxygen) were in the appropriate levels for the development of this species. The experimental design was completely randomized, in which six treatments were evaluated in a 3x2 factorial scheme, being three levels of the factor oil (OS: soybean oil, OG: sesame oil, OL: linseed oil) and two levels of the alpha acid factor -lipoic acid (AAL) (without and with), resulting in six treatments: T1: OS (control); T2: OG+OL; T3: OL; T4: OS+AAL; T5: OG+OL+AAL and T6: OL+AAL. Data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant differences were verified by the Tukey test (5%). Diets containing OL as the only lipid source (T3 and T6) provided better average weight (PM) and individual weight gain (GPI) in pacu juveniles. In addition, they provided higher (P &lt;0.05) levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n-3 family in fillets, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). The only variable of the chemical composition of pacu juvenile fillets that presented a difference (P &lt;0.05) was the crude protein content, being higher in the fish fillets fed the diets without alpha-lipoic acid (T4, T5 and T6). The oils used in the experimental diets did not cause changes in the livers cells of pacu juveniles. It was concluded that sesamin, provided by sesame oil, did not promote changes in the growth performance of pacus, nor in the chemical composition and metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of pacu juvenile fillets. The presence of alpha-lipoic acid did not affect the animals growth performance and its absence promoted higher levels of crude protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids in pacus fillets.

Submitted by Cássia Santos (cassia.bcufg@gmail.com) on 2014-09-01T15:12:17Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertacao Mariana Alves Mesquita.pdf: 1355511 bytes, checksum: ad943c28d6a8c5364f0a749ef4d896c9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-09-01T15:12:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertacao Mariana Alves Mesquita.pdf: 1355511 bytes, checksum: ad943c28d6a8c5364f0a749ef4d896c9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The aim of this study was to compare the incubation systems in multiple stage and single stage, by evaluating the performance of the incubation process and the production performance of broilers originated from embryonated eggs incubated in the both systems. To evaluate the yield of incubation five experiments were performed, using eggs of Cobb broiler breeders. Each test was divided into two phases. In the first experimental phase, eggs weight, chicks weight, residual yolk weight, length and quality score of the chicks were analyzed using randomized block design with two treatments (single stage and multiple stage), and with blocks being each experimental trial. In each test, 140 eggs and all the chicks borned from those eggs from each treatment were assessed (experimental unit). In the second phase of the trial, a total of 25.360 eggs and was incubated and spread on trays for analysis of hatchability, hatch window, birth distribution and embryo diagnosis. For hatchability data and hatch window, a randomized block design in a 2x3 factorial arrangement (two incubation systems and three positions of the trays into the incubation machine) was used. The repetitions were composed by the trays, totaling 285. For the results of embryo diagnosis all unhatched eggs from 285 selected trays were evaluated. The productive performance was evaluated until 35 days of age by means of a completely randomized 2x2 factorial arrangement (chicks from two stages of incubation and both sexes), with six replicates. Each experimental unit consisted of 25 birds, totaling 600 birds. We concluded that incubation of fertile eggs from Cobb 500 broiler breeders in single stage machines enables to obtain better productivity of the hatchery than incubation in multiple stage machines, as a result of higher hatchability and better neonate quality. The productive performance of broiler up to 35 days of age was not affected by the type of machine used for incubation. / Objetivou-se comparar os sistemas de incubação em estágio múltiplo e estágio único, avaliando-se o rendimento do processo de incubação e o desempenho zootécnico de frangos de corte originados de ovos embrionados incubados nos dois sistemas. Para avaliar o rendimento da incubação foram realizados cinco ensaios experimentais, utilizando-se ovos de matrizes pesadas da linhagem Cobb. Cada um dos ensaios foi dividido em duas fases experimentais. Na primeira fase experimental foram analisados o peso dos ovos, peso dos pintos, peso do resíduo vitelino, comprimento e escore de qualidade dos pintos. Foi utilizado delineamento em blocos casualizados com dois tratamentos (estágio múltiplo e estágio único), sendo cada ensaio experimental os blocos. Em cada ensaio foram avaliados 140 ovos e 140 pintos de cada tratamento (unidade experimental). Na segunda fase experimental foi incubado um total de 25.360 ovos, distribuídos em bandejas para a análise da eclodibilidade, janela de nascimento, distribuição de nascimentos e embriodiagnóstico. Para os dados de eclodibilidade e janela de nascimento utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2x3 (dois sistemas de incubação e três posições das bandejas dentro da máquina de incubação). As repetições foram constituídas pelas bandejas, totalizando 285 bandejas avaliadas. Para os resultados do embriodiagnóstico avaliaram-se todos os ovos não eclodidos das 285 bandejas selecionadas. O desempenho zootécnico foi avaliado até 35 dias de idade utilizando-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x2 (pintos oriundos de dois estágios de incubação e dois sexos), com seis repetições. Cada unidade experimental foi composta por 25 aves, totalizando 600 aves. Conclui-se que a incubação de ovos férteis de matrizes pesadas da linhagem Cobb 500Ò em máquinas de estágio único possibilita a obtenção de melhor produtividade do incubatório em relação às máquinas em estágio múltiplo, como consequência da maior eclodibilidade e melhor qualidade dos neonatos obtidos. O desempenho zootécnico de frangos de corte até os 35 dias de idade não foi influenciado pelo tipo de máquina de incubação utilizada.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de dois modificadores metabólicos, a sesamina, presente no óleo de gergelim, e ácido alfa-lipoico (na forma pura), sobre desempenho zootécnico, perfil de ácidos graxos, composição química dos filés de pacus e alterações histológicas no fígado. Foram utilizados 480 juvenis de pacu (3,35±0,78 g), distribuídos em 24 caixas de polietileno com volume de 50 litros, sendo estocados 20 peixes em cada unidade. Durante o período experimental de 90 dias, a temperatura média da água permaneceu em 26 °C e os demais parâmetros (amônia, nitrito, pH e oxigênio dissolvido) apresentaram-se dentro dos níveis adequados para o desenvolvimento desta espécie. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, no qual foram avaliados seis tratamentos em esquema fatorial 3x2, sendo três níveis do fator óleo (OS: óleo de soja; OG: óleo de gergelim; OL: óleo de linhaça) e dois níveis do fator ácido alfa-lipoico (AAL) (sem e com), resultando em seis tratamentos: T1: OS (controle); T2: OG+OL; T3: OL; T4: OS+AAL; T5: OG+OL+AAL e T6: OL+AAL. Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente por análise de variância (ANOVA) e diferenças significativas foram verificadas pelo teste de Tukey (5%). As dietas contendo OL como única fonte lipídica (T3 e T6) proporcionaram melhores índices de peso médio (PM) e ganho de peso individual (GPI) nos juvenis de pacu. Além disso, proporcionaram maiores (P&lt;0,05) teores de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) da família n-3 nos filés, especialmente do ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA, 20:5n-3). A única variável da composição química dos filés dos juvenis de pacu que apresentou diferença (P&lt;0,05) foi o teor de proteína bruta, sendo maior nos filés dos peixes alimentados com as dietas sem ácido alfa-lipoico (T4, T5 e T6). Os óleos utilizados nas dietas experimentais não causaram alterações nas células dos fígados de juvenis de pacu. Conclui-se que a sesamina, fornecida por meio de óleo de gergelim, não promoveu alterações no desempenho zootécnico dos pacus, nem na composição química e metabolismo de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) dos filés de juvenis de pacu. A presença do ácido alfa-lipoico não afetou o desempenho zootécnico dos animais e sua ausência promoveu maiores teores de proteína bruta e ácidos graxos poli-insaturados nos filés dos pacus. / The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of two metabolic modifiers, sesamin, present in sesame oil, and alpha lipoic acid (in pure form), on pacus growth performance, fatty acid profile, chemical composition of pacus fillets and histological alterations in the liver. We used 480 pacu juveniles (3.35±0.78 g), distributed in 24 boxes of polyethylene with volume of 50 liters, being stored 20 fish in each unit. During the experimental period of 90 days, the mean water temperature remained at 26 °C and the other parameters (ammonia, nitrite, pH and dissolved oxygen) were in the appropriate levels for the development of this species. The experimental design was completely randomized, in which six treatments were evaluated in a 3x2 factorial scheme, being three levels of the factor oil (OS: soybean oil, OG: sesame oil, OL: linseed oil) and two levels of the alpha acid factor -lipoic acid (AAL) (without and with), resulting in six treatments: T1: OS (control); T2: OG+OL; T3: OL; T4: OS+AAL; T5: OG+OL+AAL and T6: OL+AAL. Data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant differences were verified by the Tukey test (5%). Diets containing OL as the only lipid source (T3 and T6) provided better average weight (PM) and individual weight gain (GPI) in pacu juveniles. In addition, they provided higher (P &lt;0.05) levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n-3 family in fillets, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). The only variable of the chemical composition of pacu juvenile fillets that presented a difference (P &lt;0.05) was the crude protein content, being higher in the fish fillets fed the diets without alpha-lipoic acid (T4, T5 and T6). The oils used in the experimental diets did not cause changes in the livers cells of pacu juveniles. It was concluded that sesamin, provided by sesame oil, did not promote changes in the growth performance of pacus, nor in the chemical composition and metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of pacu juvenile fillets. The presence of alpha-lipoic acid did not affect the animals growth performance and its absence promoted higher levels of crude protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids in pacus fillets.

A 2-year grazing study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, ruminal fermentation, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid compositions in subcutaneous adipose tissue of beef steers grazing tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.; TF) pastures without or with N fertilization. Nitrogen fertilization increased crude protein concentration of TF pasture and average daily gain of beef steers. Increase in total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentrations were detected in steers grazing fertilized TF. In comparison with steers on feedlot, pasture-finished steers had greater proportions of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and C18:3 n-3, but lower n-6:n-3 ratio in adipose tissue. In the first in vitro study using 2 energy supplements [corn or dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS)] and 4 pasture mixture forages [TF without or with N fertilizer (TF˗NF or TF+NF), TF-alfalfa mixture (TF+AF), and TF-birdsfoot trefoil mixture (TF+BT)], we found that corn supplementation increased total VFA and propionate concentrations, while DDGS supplementation decreased total VFA concentrations. Lower NH3-N concentration and methane (CH4) production were observed due to energy supplementation, in particular when corn grain was supplemented. Similar NH3-N:VFA ratios were detected in the cultures fed the TF+NF and the TF+BT. This result indicates that the TF+BT had similar fermentation efficiency on in vitro ruminal metabolism compared with the TF+NF. The second in vitro study was performed to investigate the effects of grass-to-legume ratios of 3 different TF-legume mixed diets on in vitro fermentation characteristics in continuous cultures. Propionate concentration increased with the increasing of legume proportion in the mixed diets. The greatest propionate concentration was shown by cultures fed the TF+CM, while the TF+AF and the TF+BT maintained a similar propionate concentration. Increasing legume proportion in the forage diets also increased NH3-N concentration, but decreased CH4 production in the cultures. Further decrease of CH4 production was recorded when the TF+BT was fed to the cultures. Overall results from the grazing study demonstrate that N fertilizer can improve nutrient quality of TF as well as growth performance of grazing steers, while the in vitro studies showed positive effects of grass-legume mixture diets on in vitro microbial metabolism by improving ruminal fermentation and reducing CH4 production.

The nutritional value of flaxseed meal (FSM), a by-product of the flax crushing industry, has not been evaluated properly for use within swine rations. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the nutritional profile of this novel feed ingredient for pigs.<p>The analysis of FSM revealed that it contains, on a dry matter (DM) basis, 133 g/kg ether extract (EE), 345 g/kg crude protein (CP), 60 g/kg ash, 164 g/kg ADF, 250 g/kg NDF, 102 g/kg crude fibre, 14 g/kg starch and 9 g/kg phosphorus. The gross energy (GE) content of the meal was 5.2 Mcal/kg DM. The ether extract fraction was characterized by, as a percent of total fat, 46.6% á-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids accounted for 9.5, 4.8, 20.7 and 18.4% of the total fat content respectively. The crude protein content was well balanced for all amino acids with the exception of lysine (4.1% of CP), the level of which falls below that of the requirements for growing pigs (5.3% of CP for pigs 20-50 kg). The apparent digestibility of DM, nitrogen, ash, EE and GE as well as determination of the DE and NE content of FSM was determined for both growing pigs (32 pigs, initial weight 70 ± 3 kg) and gestating sows (26 pigs, parities 2 4). Animals were fed wheat/barley based diets containing 0, 10, 20 or 30% FSM. Faecal grab samples were collected for 3 days after a dietary adaptation period. The apparent digestibility of nutrients in FSM was determined both by regression and by difference calculations. As calculated by difference, the apparent digestibility coefficients for DM, nitrogen, ash, and GE were 63.0, 60.8, 22.3 and 60.5% respectively for growing pigs. The values obtained for sows were 64.1, 58.8, 20.8, 94.9 and 65.4% for DM, nitrogen, ash, EE and GE respectively. The DE content was 3.37 Mcal/kg for growing pigs and 3.52 Mcal/kg for sows. Net energy was then estimated by use of a prediction equation to be 2.34 and 2.44 Mcal/kg for growing pigs and sows. <p>An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performances and carcass fatty acid profiles of pigs fed with graded levels of FSM. A total of 200 pigs (100 barrows, 100 gilts; initial weight 32 ± 4 kg) were blocked by gender and housed in groups of 5 pigs per pen. The experiment was divided into three phases for pigs 32-60 kg, 60-85 kg and 85-115 kg. Each group was assigned to one of four dietary treatments containing 0, 5, 10 or 15% FSM at the expense of wheat and soybean meal. At the time of market, 6 pigs per treatment group were randomly selected for carcass fatty acid analysis, and backfat and rib-end loin samples were collected. The average daily gains, average daily feed intakes and gain to feed ratios were not affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Inclusion of 15% dietary FSM increased the ALA content from 11 to 47 (± 0.8) mg/g of backfat (P < 0.001) and from 5 to 10 (± 0.4) mg/g of loin tissue (P < 0.001). Increasing dietary FSM decreased the saturated fatty acid content of backfat (P < 0.01). <p> The final experiment was designed to determine the availability of phosphorus in semi-synthetic diets containing FSM, and to determine the effects of microbial phytase inclusion of this availability. Five treatment groups, 8 barrows (45 ± 4 kg initial weight) each, were fed a diet containing 30% FSM with increasing levels of phytase (0, 575, 1185, 2400 and 2570 FTU/kg). Apparent P digestibility increased from 20.6 to 61.3% with the inclusion of up to 2570 FTU/kg microbial phytase (P < 0.001), and followed a quadratic response pattern with an R2 value of 0.96. A broken-line analysis estimated the optimal phytase inclusion level to be 1415 FTU/kg of diet. Inclusion of just 575 FTU/kg accounted for half of the response, improving the apparent P digestibility by 20% and reducing P excretion by 850 mg/kg dry matter intake.

The nutritional value of flaxseed meal (FSM), a by-product of the flax crushing industry, has not been evaluated properly for use within swine rations. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the nutritional profile of this novel feed ingredient for pigs.<p>The analysis of FSM revealed that it contains, on a dry matter (DM) basis, 133 g/kg ether extract (EE), 345 g/kg crude protein (CP), 60 g/kg ash, 164 g/kg ADF, 250 g/kg NDF, 102 g/kg crude fibre, 14 g/kg starch and 9 g/kg phosphorus. The gross energy (GE) content of the meal was 5.2 Mcal/kg DM. The ether extract fraction was characterized by, as a percent of total fat, 46.6% á-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids accounted for 9.5, 4.8, 20.7 and 18.4% of the total fat content respectively. The crude protein content was well balanced for all amino acids with the exception of lysine (4.1% of CP), the level of which falls below that of the requirements for growing pigs (5.3% of CP for pigs 20-50 kg). The apparent digestibility of DM, nitrogen, ash, EE and GE as well as determination of the DE and NE content of FSM was determined for both growing pigs (32 pigs, initial weight 70 ± 3 kg) and gestating sows (26 pigs, parities 2 4). Animals were fed wheat/barley based diets containing 0, 10, 20 or 30% FSM. Faecal grab samples were collected for 3 days after a dietary adaptation period. The apparent digestibility of nutrients in FSM was determined both by regression and by difference calculations. As calculated by difference, the apparent digestibility coefficients for DM, nitrogen, ash, and GE were 63.0, 60.8, 22.3 and 60.5% respectively for growing pigs. The values obtained for sows were 64.1, 58.8, 20.8, 94.9 and 65.4% for DM, nitrogen, ash, EE and GE respectively. The DE content was 3.37 Mcal/kg for growing pigs and 3.52 Mcal/kg for sows. Net energy was then estimated by use of a prediction equation to be 2.34 and 2.44 Mcal/kg for growing pigs and sows. <p>An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performances and carcass fatty acid profiles of pigs fed with graded levels of FSM. A total of 200 pigs (100 barrows, 100 gilts; initial weight 32 ± 4 kg) were blocked by gender and housed in groups of 5 pigs per pen. The experiment was divided into three phases for pigs 32-60 kg, 60-85 kg and 85-115 kg. Each group was assigned to one of four dietary treatments containing 0, 5, 10 or 15% FSM at the expense of wheat and soybean meal. At the time of market, 6 pigs per treatment group were randomly selected for carcass fatty acid analysis, and backfat and rib-end loin samples were collected. The average daily gains, average daily feed intakes and gain to feed ratios were not affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Inclusion of 15% dietary FSM increased the ALA content from 11 to 47 (± 0.8) mg/g of backfat (P < 0.001) and from 5 to 10 (± 0.4) mg/g of loin tissue (P < 0.001). Increasing dietary FSM decreased the saturated fatty acid content of backfat (P < 0.01). <p> The final experiment was designed to determine the availability of phosphorus in semi-synthetic diets containing FSM, and to determine the effects of microbial phytase inclusion of this availability. Five treatment groups, 8 barrows (45 ± 4 kg initial weight) each, were fed a diet containing 30% FSM with increasing levels of phytase (0, 575, 1185, 2400 and 2570 FTU/kg). Apparent P digestibility increased from 20.6 to 61.3% with the inclusion of up to 2570 FTU/kg microbial phytase (P < 0.001), and followed a quadratic response pattern with an R2 value of 0.96. A broken-line analysis estimated the optimal phytase inclusion level to be 1415 FTU/kg of diet. Inclusion of just 575 FTU/kg accounted for half of the response, improving the apparent P digestibility by 20% and reducing P excretion by 850 mg/kg dry matter intake.