PSX-29 Effects of probiotic and xylanase supplementation in DDGS feeds on metabolism of Berkshire pigs finished in hoop structures.

Abstract In this study we evaluated the effects of probiotic and xylanase supplements in distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) feeds on weight gain, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratios (FCR) in Berkshire grower-finisher pigs raised in hoop structures. Over a 35-day period spanning August and September of 2024, twenty-four, 4-month old Berkshire pigs weighing 64.8±4.8 kg were randomly assigned to four diets: “15% DDGS” (Treatment 1), “15% DDGS + Probiotic” (Treatment 2), “15% DDGS + Xylanase (Treatment 3), 15% DDGS + Probiotic/Xylanase (Treatment 4). The probiotic supplement was added to the DDGS feed at a concentration of 1kg/ton, while the xylanase supplement was added at a concentration of 4,000 U/Kg. Using the One-Way ANOVA method in JMP Version 18.1, a significant feed effect was detected (P =0.0088). Treatment group 2 had a significantly higher ADFI (18.08 kg) compared to the Treatment groups 3 (14.34 kg) and 4 (14.36 kg). Grower-finisher pigs fed the Treatment 3 and Treatment 4 diets had FCRs of 2.17 and 2.15, respectively. This is within the ideal FCR range of 2-3 for grower-finisher pigs. Animals fed Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 diets had FCRs of 3.53 and 3.39, respectively. These values are indicative of an inefficient conversion of feed to live weight gain. Taken together, the results show an improvement in supplementing DDGS-based feeds with xylanase and a significant improvement of adding xylanase to DDGS-based feeds that have already been supplemented with probiotics. We are currently employing qPCR to analyze five gene associated with liver metabolism, GCK (Glucokinase), ALB (Albumin), ACACA (Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Alpha), ANGPTL4 (Angiopoietin-like 4), and PPARα (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha) in the liver tissues of these grower-finisher Berkshire pigs.