Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Pig nutrition'

The main objective of this thesis was to have a deeper knowledge about the influence of feeding strategies with several natural plants extracts on pig performance and meat quality in different phases of pig production. To achieve this objective, a set of 4 studies were performed (chapter 2-6). The first study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with a mixture of algae plus polyphenols (AM) in lactating sow on maternal and piglets performance and sows reproductive data until the subsequent farrowing. This study showed that integration of AM in sow diet decreased the fat mobilization during lactation. Moreover, dietary AM inclusion in lactating sows positively affected body weight and average daily gain in piglets at 21 days. Moreover, sows that received AM had more total number of piglets born at the subsequent farrowing. Regarding the effects of plant extracts on meat and product quality, two different studies were performed. In the second study of the thesis, the impact of dietary integration with vitamin E and verbascoside (AOX) in pigs, on carcass characteristics, meat quality, shelf life of pork under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was evaluated. This study demonstrated the positive effects of plant extracts as antioxidant. Particularly, highlighted that dietary AOX positively affected carcass dressing percentage and pork oxidative and colour stability. Moreover, sensory analysis revealed that, at 15 days under MAP, meat from AOX was comparable with fresh meat in appearance and aroma. In the same way, the third study showed that vitamin E and verbascoside (AOX) also affected the quality of derived product like smoked cured ham. Results relieved infact that the AOX dietary inclusion affected the seasoning losses and influenced the consumers' preference of smoked cured ham, without affecting other quality parameters. Finally, the fourth experimental trial examined the impact of 3 % hydrolysable tannins (HT) from chestnut extract and two levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the diets on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and boar taint compounds in entire males. Results showed that dietary HT reduced the feed efficiency but not feed intake and the pigs final weight. These results show that performance, carcass composition and meat quality traits are not affected by dietary 3% chestnut extract supplementation in entire male. The boar taints compounds like androstenone, skatole and indole tended to be lower in HT group. The cytochrome mRNA expression in the liver and colon mucosa was not affected by the diet. No evident relationship between dietary PUFA level and boar taint compound levels was observed. Overall, these results contribute to improve the knowledge regarding beneficial effects of plant extracts. The inclusion of bioactive components contained in natural extracts can be considered an innovative approach to improve pig wellbeing and pork quality without negative effects on animal production.

Many factors influence the efficiency of muscle growth including genetics, nutrition, and environment. The neonatal period is characterized as a time of rapid growth. Growth rate is reduced during neonatal nutrient restriction possibly due to altered satellite cell activity which can permanently alter growth potential. Therefore, optimal nutrition is important for maximizing the growth potential of the animal. Heat stress leads to changes in digestion and metabolism, thus alters nutrient availability to muscle. Heat stress is a prevalent problem in the agriculture industry resulting in great economic losses due to reduced growth, fertility, and increased morbidity. The use of functional feed additives is a potential strategy to mitigate these negative effects. The objective of this dissertation was to investigate nutritional strategies to improve growth in pigs during key malleable periods. Three nutritional studies were conducted to discern the optimal inclusion levels of calcium phosphate, energy, and protein in the diet to maximize neonatal muscle growth. Adequate dietary calcium phosphate was most efficient for satellite cell function which may be mediated by micro-RNA. Differentiation promoting miR-206 and correspondingly the fusion rate was highest in adequate calcium phosphate diets. Excess protein diets enhanced body and muscle growth, while deficient protein was detrimental to growth. Dietary protein treatments altered energy metabolism genes, and genes regulating protein degradation were upregulated in deficient protein diets. Dietary energy levels did not influence body weight, however feed efficiency improved with energy balance. Excess energy diets had the lowest fusion rates and the lowest differentiation promoting miR-1 expression. These data suggest that nutrient inclusion levels are important for satellite cell function and may mediate satellite cell activity through the expression of micro-RNAs. The final study sought to discern the ability of supplementation of an artificial high-intensity sweetener and capsicum oleoresin to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on pig performance. Heat stress leads to increased body temperature and respiration and was detrimental to metabolic flexibility. Supplementation helped improve feed efficiency and maintain metabolic flexibility. These data indicate that supplementation may be an efficient strategy to mitigate heat stress.
Doctor of Philosophy
Muscle is an important tissue to consider when optimizing growing conditions in feed animals due to its function as a consumer good. Many factors influence the efficiency of muscle growth including genetics, nutrition, and environment. Fractional growth rates are highest during the neonatal period and animals require adequate nutrients to facilitate this growth. Nutrient restriction reduces growth rate and can lead to permanent changes the animals' body size and composition later in life. Therefore, optimal nutrition is important for maximizing the growth potential of the animal. While the nutrients in feed can be controlled to improve growth, other factors are more difficult to regulate. Heat stress is a prevalent problem in the agriculture industry resulting in great economic losses due to reduced growth, fertility, and increased morbidity. The use of functional feed additives is a potential strategy to alleviate these negative effects. The objective of this dissertation was to investigate nutritional strategies to improve growth in pigs during key malleable periods. Three nutritional studies were conducted to determine the optimal inclusion levels of calcium phosphate, energy, and protein in the diet to maximize neonatal muscle growth. Satellite cells are muscle-specific stem cells that help facilitate the growth of muscle. Altering the ability of satellite cells to proliferate and fuse impairs the ability of muscle to grow and repair. Adequate dietary calcium phosphate was most efficient for satellite cell function. Excess protein diets enhanced body and muscle growth, while deficient protein was detrimental to growth. Dietary protein treatments altered energy metabolism genes, and genes regulating protein degradation were upregulated in deficient protein diets. Dietary energy levels did not influence body weight, however, feed efficiency improved with energy balance. Satellite cells from excess energy diets had the lowest fusion rates. These data suggest that nutrient inclusion levels are important for satellite cell function and growth. The final study sought to discern the ability of the supplementation of an artificial high-intensity sweetener and capsicum oleoresin to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on pig performance. Heat stress leads to increased body temperature and respiration and was detrimental to metabolic flexibility. Supplementation helped improve feed efficiency and maintain metabolic flexibility. These data indicate that supplementation may be an efficient strategy to mitigate heat stress.

Thesis (M.S.) University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on August 27, 2007) Includes bibliographical references.

With the objective to determine guinea pig digestibility of the nutritive components of Vicia villosa, red clover, and Lolium multiflorum in relation to alfalfa, the digestibility coefficients were evaluated for fiber, protein, dry matter, energy, and dry matter consumption in these three species in a completely random block design with four repetitions. The results showed that for alfalfa digestibility coefficients of 85.7% of the protein and 2806.6 kcal/kg of digestible energy, plus an economic substitution value (ESV) of fiber, protein, and energy of US$0.41 and $0.38/kg and US$0.009/1000 kcal, respectively. Lolium multiflorum had the highest tendency toward digestibility with 60.7% of fiber and the highest consumption with 81.3g. Finally, the dry matter had a digestibility of 77.9% for red clover and 75.6% for alfalfa.

La produzione animale riveste un ruolo chiave nel garantire la sicurezza alimentare. Tale ruolo viene esercitato soprattutto grazie all’approvvigionamento di prodotti di origine animale e prodotti dell’agricoltura. Tuttavia, a causa delle diminuite disponibilità di terreni destinati all’allevamento ed alla agricoltura, insieme ai cambiamenti climatici e alla riduzione delle risorse idriche, diventa sempre più importante aumentare la sostenibilità e l’efficienza del settore agroalimentare. Per fare ciò, diventa necessario soddisfare le crescenti esigenze utilizzando al tempo stesso una quantità ridotta di risorse. Questa tesi ha avuto come tema principale quello di esaminare a fondo il potenziale utilizzo di scarti della industria alimentare (chiamati “former foodstuffs products”, FFPs) come ingredienti alternativi e sostenibili per la nutrizione animale. I prodotti esaminati sono alimenti che vengono scartati dalla grande distribuzione per difetti relativi alla loro forma, al loro colore, al loro packaging ecc. Tali scarti solitamente sono destinati a diventare rifiuto, nonostante il loro elevato potenziale nel poter essere utilizzati come ingredienti sostenibili per mangimi. La prima parte della tesi si concentra sull’analisi della composizione chimica di sei diversi tipi di FFPs. Inoltre, di questi prodotti sono state anche stimate l’energia digeribile e metabolizzabile con riferimento ai suini, la digeribilità in vitro, l’indice glicemico e di idrolisi attraverso tecniche di digestione enzimatica. La seconda parte della tesi è stata dedicata agli aspetti legati alla sicurezza dei FFPs. Campioni di FFPs sono stati quindi analizzati per la loro carica microbica e la presenza di residui di materiale di imballaggio. Per questo ultimo aspetto, sono stati testati due metodi differenti: il primo, precedentemente validato, basato sull’uso dello stereomicroscopio; il secondo, basato sull’uso dello stereomicroscopio accoppiato ad un sistema digitale di acquisizione di immagine (Computer Vision System). L’ultima parte, invece, ha investigato gli effetti di una dieta in cui in cui i cereali comunemente utilizzati per la formulazione di diete per suini in post svezzamento, sono stati parzialmente sostituiti dagli FFPs. In particolare, una dieta di controllo e quella contenente FFPs sono state confrontate per quanto riguarda la digeribilità in vitro ed in vivo della sostanza secca, le performances di crescita di suini in post svezzamento, così come alcuni metaboliti ematici ed il microbiota fecale. I risultati della tesi hanno dimostrato che gli FFPs possono essere considerati una “versione fortificata” dei cereali tradizionali comunemente utilizzati nel settore suinicolo, con valori di digeribilità in vitro comparabili agli stessi, ma con valori di indice glicemico e di idrolisi maggiori, caratterizzandoli come una fonte eccellente di carboidrati. Tutti i campioni di FFP sono risultati sicuri dal punto di vista microbiologico e sempre privi di Salmonella. Per quanto concerne la presenza di residui di materiale da imballaggio, il livello di contaminazione è risultata sempre al di sotto delle soglie di tolleranza. Il Computer Vision System si è inoltre rivelato essere una rapida alternativa per rilevare la presenza di materiali di imballaggio nei FFPs se accoppiata allo seteromicroscopio. Lo studio in vivo ha rivelato che sia i valori di digeribilità in vitro che in vivo delle diete contenenti FFPs sono maggiori rispetto ai valori delle diete di controllo. Alla fine dell’esperimento, non sono state osservate differenze nelle performance di crescita, tuttavia nei suinetti alimentati con la dieta FFP c’è stato un aumento di glucosio plasmatico ed una riduzione nella concentrazione di urea. Il sequenziamento di nuova generazione delle regioni variabili V3 e V4 del gene che codifica per il 16S rRNA hanno evidenziato come l’utilizzo di FFPs nelle diete per suini in post svezzamento riduca sia la numerosità che la biodiversità dei batteri che costituiscono il microbiota nel largo intestino. L’analisi “unweighted beta diversity” ha anche dimostrato piccole differenze nella composizione dei taxa batterici tra il gruppo FFP e quello di controllo. Inoltre, l’analisi lineare delle discriminanti ha documentato un aumento del phylum Proteobacteria ed una diminuzione del genere Lactobacillales nel gruppo FFP rispetto al controllo. Questi risultati hanno messo in evidenza il potenziale di questi ingredienti alternativi ed il loro utilizzo sicuro nella nutrizione suinicola. Il loro aumentato utilizzo potrebbe quindi portare ad una riduzione dello spreco alimentare, una riduzione dei costi del mangime, e ad un ridotto impatto ambientale della catena alimentare.
Livestock play a key role in food security, through food provision, agricultural production, and by providing employment and income. However, with the diminishing availability of farmland, climate change and the threat of declining water resources, the goal is to meet the growing demand for food and feed by using fewer resources. Exploiting alternative ingredients for livestock, feed could be one way of increasing livestock sustainability. This thesis focused on processed and ready-to-eat food products that are no longer suitable for human consumption due to logistical, manufacturing or packaging defects. Such products would normally go to a landfill yet actually have a high potential of being used as sustainable feed ingredients. The first part of this thesis investigated the chemical composition of six different former foodstuff products (FFPs). Based on the FFP composition data, the digestible energy and metabolisable energy values for pigs were estimated. In addition, the in vitro digestibility values of FFPs were evaluated using a multi-step enzymatic technique. The in vitro predicted glycaemic index and hydrolysis index of the same samples were examined using a two-step in vitro digestion assay. In the second part, the safety issues linked to the use of FFPs were investigated. FFP samples were thus analysed in relation to the microbial load and the presence of presumed remnants of packaging materials. For this purpose, two different methods were used: stereomicroscopy, according to published methods; and stereomicroscopy coupled with a computer vision system. The final part addressed the effects of a diet in which common cereal grains were partially replaced by FFPs in post weaning piglet diets. Specifically, pig growth performance and selected plasma biochemical variables were evaluated in twelve post-weaning piglets. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and the faecal microbiota were also characterized. When compared with common cereal grains used in pig feed formulations, FFPs can be considered a fortified version of cereals, with comparable in vitro digestibility values and with higher glycaemic and hydrolysis indexes, thus characterizing them as an excellent source of carbohydrates. All FFP samples were safe from a microbiological point of view, showing a limited microbial load and were always Salmonella free. Regarding the presumed remnants of packaging materials, the contamination level was always below the safety threshold set by German authorities, and the validated method demonstrated that packaging remnants were mainly from the 1-mm sieve mesh fraction. In order to find a more rapid and objective method for evaluating the packaging remnants, the innovative computer vision system was a rapid alternative for the detection of packaging remnants in ex-food samples when combined with a stereomicroscope. The in vivo study revealed that both in vitro and in vivo digestibility values were higher for the diet based on FFPs compared to the control diet. At the end of the experiment, no differences in growth performance were observed, however the plasma glucose increased in piglets fed FFPs compared to piglets fed the control diet, while the urea concentration decreased. The sequencing analysis of the variable regions V3 and V4 of the 16S rRNA gene showed that the use of FFPs in the post-weaning period decreased the bacterial richness and evenness in the large intestine. The unweighted beta diversity analysis also resulted in a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the taxa composition. The linear discriminant analysis of effect size also demonstrated an increased amount of Proteobacteria phylum and a decreased amount of Lactobacillales genus in the FFP compared to the control group. The results highlighted the potential of these alternative feed ingredients and their safe use in pig nutrition. This is essential for establishing the best scientific practices for the use of FFPs in animal nutrition and feeding. Given the increasing need to obtain a more sustainable livestock sector, research in animal sciences should focus not only on increasing the efficiency of the animal production chain but also on the efficiency of the entire food system in ensuring sustainable nutrition. By recognizing that former foodstuffs that are not suitable for human consumption are a resource for animal nutrition and not a waste product, food and feed industries could reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill or deposed-off every year, thus saving costs, and reducing the environmental impact of the food production chain.

Diets consisting of non-purified guinea pig diet or non-purified guinea pig diet supplemented with either 1.1% of the bile acid binding resin cholestyramine or 0.25% cholesterol were fed to dams from the first day of conception. Whole body rates of endogenous cholesterol synthesis and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase mRNA levels were determined at 0, 40 and 60 days of gestation in the dam and fetus. Sterol synthesis studies indicated that maternal hepatic cholesterol synthesis was reduced 87% by dietary cholesterol and was increased 2.9-fold with cholestyramine feeding. The pattern of fetal hepatic and peripheral tissue cholesterol synthesis rates during development indicated that synthesis was highest at 40 days gestation, and by 60 days was reduced to levels similar to that found in the adult. Cholesterol synthesis rates in the fetus were relatively insensitive to dietary manipulation; however, maternal cholestyramine treatment did result in a 1.4-fold increase in fetal carcass cholesterol synthesis at 60 days gestation. To determine whether regulation at the level of feedback suppression or induction of steady state RNA levels were also present in the fetal organism, mRNA levels for HMG-CoA reductase were quantified in the maternal and fetal liver. In these studies the guinea pig was shown to have two reductase mRNA species of 4.5 and 3.2 kb, similar to transcript sizes identified for the hamster, rat and Drosophila. Although nearly equimolar in the 40 day gestation fetus the 3.2 kb transcript predominated at 60 days. Dietary treatment had only minor effects on fetal reductase mRNA levels at 40 days gestation; however, at 60 days gestation, fetuses from cholestyramine-fed dams had elevated levels of reductase mRNA and fetuses from cholesterol fed dams had reduced levels of reductase mRNA. These studies indicate that maternal cholesterogenic systems maintain responsiveness to dietary regulation during pregnancy at both the level of sterol synthesis rates and HMG-CoA reductase mRNA levels. These findings also indicate that it is possible to influence those mechanisms which modulate cholesterol homeostasis prenatally. Further studies will be required to determine if such effects extend into the post-natal period and beyond.

Hepatic â-oxidation and liver and skeletal muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) activity and mRNA expression were evaluated in the pig. In the first study, newborn pigs were allotted to one of four dietary regimens: artificial milk replacer with long chain triglycerides (LCT) as the fat source (Control), the Control diet with 0.5% clofibric acid (CA), the Control diet with medium chain triglycerides replacing LCT as the fat source (MCT), or the Control diet with 40 ppm isoproterenol (ISO). There were no differences between Control and MCT or ISO supplemented groups in total, mitochondrial, or peroxisomal â-oxidation of [1-¹⁴C]-palmitate (1 mM). Total and peroxisomal â-oxidation increased 134 and 186%, respectively, with CA supplementation. Hepatic malonyl-CoA sensitive CPT activity increased (p < 0.05) in pigs receiving CA. Changes in relative expression of hepatic LCPT I and skeletal muscle MCPT I mRNA amounts following clofibrate supplementation were not detected, while a modest effect on acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) relative mRNA amounts was observed (p=0.08). In the second study, hepatic and skeletal muscle CPT I kinetics in pigs during different stages of development were evaluated. Activity of CPT I increased 109 and 67% between birth and 1 wk of age in liver and skeletal muscle, respectively (p < 0.05). Realtive expression of hepatic CPT I mRNA in the 24 hr old pig was 7% of the amount detected in the newborn (p < 0.001); while hepatic CPT I apparent Km for carnitine decreased 48% from birth to 3 wk of age. The apparent Km for carnitine in skeletal muscle decreased from birth to 1 wk of age, then increased 200% between 1 and 5 wk of age (p< 0.01). Plasma and liver free carnitine concentrations increased 200 and 160%, respectively, during the first day of life (p < 0.05). High relative expression of ã-butyrobetaine hydroxylase (ãBBH) in the kidney indicated high capacity for de novo carnitine synthesis by this tissue. Collectively, the findings from this research are important in understanding how the pig, a species with a low capacity for â-oxidation, utilizes fatty acids.

Nutrition plays an important role in modulating livestock species immunity. Therefore, this thesis aimed at evaluating the effects of different dietary molecules used in animal nutrition on mammalian and avian immunity. Both, in vitro functional analyses and OMIC technologies (proteomics and miRNAomics) were implemented herein for an integral characterization of the molecules’ impact on the animals’ immune response. Specifically, in this thesis the in vitro impact of the n-6 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), citrus pectin (CP), and porcine milk exosomes and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on bovine, chicken and porcine mononuclear cells immune response was evaluated, respectively. In the first study, the in vitro activity of CLA on bovine monocytes apoptosis and immune activities, including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, killing capability, and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed. Anti-apoptotic effects and an increase in extracellular ROS production during experimental pro-inflammatory conditions were observed, only when using the mixture of the two main isomers of CLA in equal proportions (50:50). The present results demonstrated for the first time that CLA does have immunomodulatory effects on some functions of bovine monocytes in vitro and that the CLA (50:50) mixture is more effective than the CLA isomers individually. The proteomics analysis performed on bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed that CLA (50:50) mixture does modulate bovine PBMC proteome, supporting the antiapoptotic and immunomodulatory effects observed in the previous in vitro study on bovine monocytes, and propose a potential cytoprotective role of CLA (50:50) mixture against oxidative stress. In the second study, the in vitro activity of CP on chicken monocytes viability, apoptosis, chemotaxis and phagocytosis was assessed. The study demonstrated for the first time that CP inhibits monocytes’ chemotaxis and phagocytosis in vitro, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory activity. The proteomics analysis carried out on chicken PBMC provided a proteomics background to the anti-inflammatory activity of CP, demonstrating that the in vitro reduction of phagocytosis and chemotaxis is associated with changes in proteins related to the actin cytoskeleton. In the third study, the in vitro activity of porcine milk exosomes on porcine monocytes viability, apoptosis, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, killing capability and extracellular ROS production was assessed. Milk exosomes were successfully purified from sows’ milk and characterized using their size, concentration, morphology, and exosome protein markers. This study reported for the first time that porcine milk exosomes can be internalized by porcine monocytes in vitro and that they can modulate the cell's immune response, by decreasing their chemotaxis and phagocytosis; and increasing their ROS production under resting and pro-inflammatory conditions. The proteomics analysis performed on porcine PBMC demonstrated for the first time that porcine milk exosomes can modulate porcine PBMC proteome in vitro. Moreover, the gene ontology (GO) functional analyses revealed that porcine milk exosomes enrich biological processes related to innate immune-related processes and exosome uptake processes, supporting the immunomodulatory effects and the exosome internalization observed in the previous in vitro study. In the last study, the in vitro activity of the n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on porcine monocytes viability, apoptosis, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and intracellular, extracellular and total ROS production was assessed. The results of the study showed that DHA and EPA at the highest concentration (200 µM) decreased porcine monocytes' viability. In addition, it was reported for the first time that DHA and EPA can exert differential in vitro immunomodulatory effects in pigs, by dampening monocytes' chemotaxis and potentiating their intracellular oxidative burst, respectively. The proteomics and miRNAomics analyses were not performed for this study. Instead, a first glance on the results from the bioinformatic analyses of the miRNAomics data of all the rest of the studies is presented herein. In conclusion, this thesis provides both, a phenotypical and molecular characterization of the in vitro impact of these dietary molecules on bovine, porcine and chicken immune responses.

The effects of dietary saturated versus polyunsaturated fat (7.5%; w/w) on sterol balance and lipoprotein metabolism were studied in guinea pigs. The polyunsaturated diet significantly reduced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 34% and 40%, respectively. Polyunsaturated dietary fat significantly reduced the percentage of cholesteryl ester in low density lipoprotein (LDL) while the relative proportion of LDL-phospholipids was increased. The ratio of LDL surface to core components in the polyunsaturated fed animals was significantly higher (P .02). Dietary fat quality had no effect on either sterol balance or hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity. Hepatic free and esterfield cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the polyunsaturated fat fed group (P .01). Feeding polyunsaturated fat caused a significant (1.9-fold) increase in hepatic membrane LDL (apo B/E) receptor binding. The data indicate that the hypocholesterolemic effect of polyunsaturated fat is not attributable to changes in cholesterol metabolism but rather to a redistribution of plasma cholesterol to tissues due to increased tissue LDL receptor binding.

The processing of soya oilcake is important to ensure protein availability and high degradability of the soya proteins. Pig producers in South Africa are concerned about the quality of locally processed soya oilcakes and the effect that it may have on the intestinal health and lifetime production of the pig. The primary aim of this study was to compare the quality of locally processed soya oilcake to soya oilcake imported from Argentina. The trail consisted of two parts. In part one of the trail, eighty-eight samples of soya oilcakes from three different processing plants in South Africa and one from Argentina was analysed for their nutritive value and antinutritive factors. The results from the in vitro analyses were used to conduct the second part of this trail. Thirty-two piglets were divided into four treatment groups, the control group (diet containing no trypsin inhibitors), a low trypsin inhibitor group, a medium trypsin inhibitor group and a high trypsin inhibitor group. A digestibility trail was conducted to determine the effect of antinutritive factors on the digestibility of CP in pigs. The nutrient analyses suggested that the imported soya oilcake is of better quality than the locally produced product. All the results for the imported soya oilcakes were very consistent, with minor variations and had lower trypsin inhibitor activity. The results obtained from this study showed that some of the local soya oilcake processing plants in South Africa produced products of higher quality than others. One of the locally processed soya oilcakes, named soya oilcake 3 in this study, was identified as a good replacement for the imported soya oilcake. Soya oilcake 3 had a CP value of 53.11% which compared well with the imported soya oilcake with a similar CP value of 53.51%. The trypsin inhibitor concentration of the imported soya oilcake was the lowest and the second lowest in soya oilcake 3. Due to the high variance found in the results obtained from the in vivo digestibility study, it is not possible to make a conclusion on the effect of feeding lower quality soya oilcakes to weaner pigs. Further research is needed on the effect of trypsin inhibitor on gut health and digestibility of crude protein in weaner pigs.
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2019.
Topigs, Evonik Africa (Pty) Ltd, Addesio
Animal and Wildlife Sciences
MSc
Unrestricted

Au sevrage, la séparation de la mère, le changement d’environnement et la transition d’un régime lacté à un régime solide et complexe déstabilisent les fonctions de digestion et de défense du porcelet. Le sevrage entraîne l’apparition de diarrhées nécessitant souvent l’utilisation d’antibiotiques pour contrôler les infections digestives. L’émergence de souches bactériennes antibiorésistantes est devenue un enjeu de santé publique majeur. Développer des méthodes alternatives aux antibiotiques pour promouvoir la santé du porcelet sevré est une nécessité. L’objectif de la thèse est d’évaluer le potentiel de deux microalgues –la Spiruline et la Chlorelle– pour promouvoir la santé digestive du porcelet au sevrage.Deux essais ont été effectués chez des porcelets sevrés dans des conditions d’hygiène contrastées –standard ou dégradées– recevant ou non 1% de Spiruline ou de Chlorelle dans l’aliment. En conditions d’hygiène standard, la supplémentation en Spiruline ou en Chlorelle a amélioré la digestibilité des nutriments et la morphologie intestinale sans impact sur la croissance du porcelet sevré. En conditions d’hygiène dégradée, la supplémentation en Spiruline ou en Chlorelle a altéré les performances de croissance sans affecter sensiblement les indicateurs de la santé digestive. Dans un troisième essai, une administration orale en microalgues en amont et en aval du sevrage a été testée afin d’évaluer la capacité de la Spiruline ou de la Chlorelle à limiter la déstabilisation précoce du système digestif au sevrage. L’administration orale de Spiruline a favorisé la croissance e
Weaning is a critical step in pig farms. Separation from the sow, change in the environment and dietary transition from liquid milk to a solid diet induces a destabilization of digestive and defense functions in weaned pig. Weaning leads to digestive disorders and growth alteration that often require antibiotic use to alleviate pathogen invasion and mortality. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a major concern for public health. Thus, it has become necessary to find new strategies to promote digestive health in weaned pigs. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the potential of two microalgae – Spirulina and Chlorella – as new functional ingredients to promote digestive health in piglets at weaningTwo trials were conducted in pigs weaned in contrasted sanitary conditions –good or poor–and that received 1% of Spirulina or Chlorella in starter diet. In good sanitary conditions, dietary supplementation with Spirulina and Chlorella both enhanced nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology but did not affect growth performance. In poor sanitary conditions, both Spirulina and Chlorella supplementation altered growth performance with slight effect on indicators of digestive health. In a third trial, oral administration of the two microalgae before and after weaning was assayed to evaluate the ability of Spirulina and Chlorella to limit the early intestinal changes caused by weaning. Spirulina administration before and after weaning enhanced growth in suckling piglets and reduced risk of diarrhoea outcome in weaned pigs. Potential mechanisms of action of Spirulin

Master of Science
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
Jim Nelssen
Six experiments using 3,659 nursery and finishing pigs were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary soybean hulls and ingredient processing in corn-soybean meal or corn-soybean meal-DDGS diets on nursery and finishing performance. Experiment 1 tested increasing soybean hulls (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) and increasing soybean hulls decreased ADG and G:F. Experiment 2 evaluated increasing soybean hulls (0, 10, and 20%) in diets balanced or not for NE and showed reduced performance with increasing soybean hulls. Balancing for NE resulted in G:F similar to pigs fed the control. Experiments 3 and 4 evaluated increasing dietary soybean hulls in corn-soybean meal and corn-soybean meal-DDGS diets. Soybean hulls in either diet worsened G:F and improved caloric efficiency, suggesting current INRA (2004) values for soybean hulls underestimate their energy value. Experiment 5 evaluated 10 and 20% ground or unground soybean hulls in meal and pelleted diets. Caloric efficiency improved with high levels of soybean hulls. Pelleting improved ADG and eliminated negative effects on G:F with increasing soybean hulls, while grinding soybean hulls reduced performance. Experiment 6 tested increasing ground and unground soybean hulls (0, 7.5, and 15%). Increasing soybean hulls worsened G:F, carcass yield, and hot carcass weight. Grinding soybean hulls to finer particle sizes did not improve ADG and worsened G:F. Experiments 7 and 8 evaluated the replacement of corn with wheat and crystalline amino acids in nursery and finishing pig diets. Replacing 50% of corn with wheat did not affect growth performance in either nursery or finishing; however 100% replacement of corn with wheat reduced performance. In addition, feeding wheat improved carcass fat IV, while use of high levels of crystalline amino acids in wheat-based diets did not influence performance in either study. Experiment 9 evaluated the replacement of soybean meal with high-protein dried distiller’s grains with solubles and crystalline amino acids. High-protein DDGS and crystalline AA can replace 50% of the SBM in finishing diets without negatively affecting performance or carcass yield. Replacing 100% of SBM with high-protein DDGS reduced growth rate, but increasing crystalline AA levels can help mitigate negative effects on carcass yield and fat IV.

Tesis por compendio
[ES] Actualmente, la sostenibilidad del sector porcino depende de su capacidad para responder a la elevada demanda de productos ganaderos derivada del crecimiento de la población, adaptándose a los cambios en los contextos económico y político, y mejorando su rendimiento medioambiental mediante la mitigación de su impacto ambiental. En este contexto, el uso de subproductos agroindustriales ofrece materias primas alternativas en producción animal, con una menor carga ambiental asociada, en forma de piensos para el ganado, fuente de compuestos bioactivos o materias primas útiles en la producción de bioenergía. Esta tesis doctoral pretende evaluar el uso de subproductos agroindustriales mediterráneos como ingredientes en piensos para el ganado porcino o como co-substratos para la producción de biogás. Con este objetivo, se diseñaron y realizaron cuatro ensayos para evaluar el uso de subproductos de la industria del aceite de oliva y del zumo de naranja en alimentación porcina, evaluando su valor nutricional y las consecuencias de su inclusión sobre el rendimiento y la salud de los animales, la calidad del producto final y las emisiones de gases de los purines. Además, se realizó un ensayo para evaluar el efecto de cuatro sustratos agrícolas sobre el potencial bioquímico de metano (BMP) en co-digestión anaerobia con purines. Los resultados obtenidos a partir de los ensayos de valor nutricional indican que las tortas de aceituna y las pulpas de naranja ensayadas pueden ser incluidas en la dieta con cambios asociados en la excreción de nutrientes que conducen a modificaciones en las emisiones potenciales de amoníaco y BMP de los purines. En cuanto a los subproductos de la torta de aceituna, el ensayo de valor nutricional con tortas de aceituna crudas (COC) y parcialmente desgrasadas (PDOC) mostró que ambas tortas son fuentes apreciables de fibra insoluble, pero tienen un valor energético limitado (11.2 y 7.4 MJ/kg MS para COC y PDOC respectivamente) y un bajo valor como fuente de proteínas. En cambio, las pulpas de naranja deshidratadas (DOP) y ensilada secada al sol (ESDOP) ensayadas son una fuente de energía relevante (14.2 y 13.2 MJ/kg MS para DOP y ESDOP respectivamente) con valor añadido debido a su contenido en fibra soluble. En los ensayos de emisiones in vitro, los subproductos ensayados generaron una disminución en la excreción de N en la orina y, en el caso de la pulpa de aceituna, un aumento de la excreción de materia seca en heces. La emisión de amoniaco por kg de purín disminuyó con la inclusión de torta de aceituna y pulpa de naranja, mientras que el BMP por animal y día se vio negativamente afectado por la inclusión de torta de aceituna obteniendo un mayor BMP con estos subproductos. En cuanto a los ensayos de rendimientos productivos, la PDOC y la DOP pueden incluirse en la dieta hasta 120 y 240 g/kg respectivamente, sin efectos negativos en el caso de la PDOC y efectos menores para la DOP sobre los rendimientos productivos, la composición corporal y la calidad de la canal. La inclusión de PDOC y DOP no afectó a los recuentos microbianos ni al volumen, la composición y la emisión global de gases de los purines. Además, se observaron efectos beneficiosos sobre la grasa subcutánea con la inclusión de PDOC, mejorando su concentración en ácido oleico. La co-digestión anaerobia de subproductos agrícolas y purines mejora el BMP de la mezcla de sustratos en comparación con la digestión única de purines. Se obtuvieron mayores valores de BMP con la adición de los sustratos agrícolas, lo que confirma el mejor rendimiento de los sistemas en co-digestión a niveles de inclusión adecuados. Las combinaciones con tomate, pimiento y melocotón al nivel de inclusión 3 (50% de SV) alcanzaron el mayor BMP. Esto supuso un incremento del BMP del 41% con tomate, 44% con pimiento, 28% con melocotón y 12% con caqui. Los sustratos vegetales mostraron un mayor contenido en lípidos, prote
[CAT Actualment, la sostenibilitat del sector porcí depèn de la seua capacitat per a respondre a l'elevada demanda de productes ramaders derivada del creixement de la població, adaptant-se als canvis en els contextos econòmic i polític, i millorant el seu rendiment mediambiental mitjançant la mitigació del seu impacte ambiental. En aquest context, l'ús de subproductes agroindustrials ofereix matèries primeres alternatives en producció animal, amb una menor càrrega ambiental associada, en forma de pinsos per al bestiar, font de compostos bioactius o matèries primeres útils en la producció de bioenergia. Aquesta tesi doctoral pretén avaluar l'ús de subproductes agroindustrials mediterranis com a ingredients en pinsos per al bestiar porcí o com co-substrats per a la producció de biogàs. Amb aquest objectiu, es van dissenyar i realitzar quatre assajos per a avaluar l'ús de subproductes de la indústria de l'oli d'oliva i del suc de taronja en alimentació porcina, avaluant el seu valor nutricional i les conseqüències de la seua inclusió sobre el rendiment i la salut dels animals, la qualitat del producte final i les emissions de gasos dels purins. A més, es va realitzar un assaig per a avaluar l'efecte de quatre substrats agrícoles sobre el potencial bioquímic de metà (BMP) en co-digestió anaeròbia amb purins. Els resultats obtinguts a partir dels assajos de valor nutricional indiquen que les trotes d'oliva i les polpes de taronja assajades poden ser incloses en la dieta amb canvis associats en l'excreció de nutrients que condueixen a modificacions en les emissions potencials d'amoníac i BMP dels purins. Quant als subproductes de la torta d'oliva, l'assaig de valor nutricional amb tortes d'oliva crues (COC) i parcialment desengreixades (PDOC) va mostrar que totes dues coques són fonts apreciables de fibra insoluble, però tenen un valor energètic limitat (11.2 i 7.4 MJ/kg MS per a COC i PDOC respectivament) i un baix valor com a font de proteïnes. En canvi, les polpes de taronja deshidratades (DOP) i ensitjada assecada al sol (ESDOP) assajades són una font d'energia rellevant (14.2 i 13.2 MJ/kg MS per a DOP i ESDOP respectivament) amb valor afegit a causa del seu contingut en fibra soluble. Pel que fa als assajos d'emissions in vitro, els subproductes assajats van generar una disminució en l'excreció de N en l'orina i, en el cas de la polpa d'oliva, un augment de l'excreció de matèria seca en femtes. L'emissió d'amoníac per kg de purí va disminuir amb la inclusió de torta d'oliva i polpa de taronja, mentre que el BMP per animal i dia es va veure negativament afectat per la inclusió de torta d'oliva obtenint un major BMP amb aquests subproductes. Quant als assajos de rendiments productius, la PDOC i la DOP poden incloure's en la dieta fins a 120 i 240 g/kg respectivament, sense efectes negatius en el cas de la PDOC i efectes menors per a la DOP sobre els rendiments productius, la composició corporal i la qualitat de la canal. La inclusió de PDOC i DOP no va afectar els recomptes microbians ni al volum, la composició i l'emissió global de gasos dels purins. A més, es van observar efectes beneficiosos sobre el greix subcutani amb la inclusió de PDOC, millorant la seua concentració en àcid oleic. La co-digestió anaeròbia de subproductes agrícoles i purins millora el BMP de la mescla de substrats en comparació amb la digestió única de purins. Es van obtenir majors valors de BMP amb l'addició dels substrats agrícoles, la qual cosa confirma el millor rendiment dels sistemes en co-digestió a nivells d'inclusió adequats. Les combinacions amb tomaca, pimentó i bresquilla al nivell d'inclusió 3 (50% de SV) van aconseguir el major BMP. Això va suposar un increment del BMP del 41% amb tomaca, 44% amb pimentó, 28% amb bresquilla i 12% amb caqui. Els substrats vegetals van mostrar un major contingut en lípids, proteïnes, lignina i cel·lulosa que els substrats de fruita.
[EN] Nowadays the sustainability of the pig sector relies on its capability to respond to the increasing demands for livestock products that are arising from population growth, adapting to changes in the economic and policy contexts, and improving its environmental performance through the mitigation of its impact on climate. In this framework, the use of the agro-industrial by-products offers potential alternative raw materials for animal production with a lower associated environmental burden in the form of feedstuffs for livestock, source of bioactive compounds or raw materials useful in bioenergy production. This PhD thesis aims to evaluate the use of Mediterranean agro-industrial by-products as feed ingredients for pigs or co-substrates for biogas production. To fulfil these objectives, four trials were designed and conducted to evaluate the use of olive oil and orange juice industry by-products in swine nutrition, assessing its nutritional value and the consequences of its inclusion in the diet on animals' performance and health, final product quality traits and gas emissions associated to the pig slurry. Additionally, one more trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of four agricultural substrates (tomato, pepper, peach and kaki) on the biochemical methane potential (BMP) in anaerobic co-digestion with pig slurry, focusing on the type of substrate and its inclusion level on the final substrate's mixture. The results presented in this PhD Thesis from the nutritional value assays indicate that the olive cakes and orange pulps tested can be potentially included in pig diets with associated changes in urine and faeces nutrients excretion that leads to modifications in the potential ammonia and BMP emissions from slurries. Concerning olive cake by-products, the nutritional value assay designed to test the crude (COC) and partially defatted (PDOC) olive cakes showed that they are appreciable sources of insoluble fibre but have limited energy value (11.2 and 7.4 MJ/kg DM for COC and PDOC respectively) and a low value as protein source. On the contrary, the dehydrated (DOP) and ensiled sun-dried (ESDOP) orange pulps tested are a relevant energy source (14.2 and 13.2 MJ/kg DM for DOP and ESDOP respectively) with added value in terms of SF concentration. With respect to the in vitro potential ammonia and BMP emissions assays, the by-products tested led to a decreased N excretion in urine and, in the case of the OC, increased DM excretion in faeces. The ammonia emission per kg of slurry decreased with the inclusion of olive cake and orange pulp, whereas the BMP per animal and per day was negatively affected by the inclusion of olive cake obtaining higher BMP with these by-products. Regarding the performance assays, the PDOC and the DOP may be included in balanced pig diets at rates of up to 120 and 240 g/kg respectively, without negative effects in the case of PDOC and minor effects for DOC on growth performance, body composition and carcass quality traits. Contrary to what was expected, the inclusion of PDOC and DOP did not affect microbial counts nor excreta volume, composition and global gas emission from the slurry. Additionally, beneficial effects on subcutaneous fat were observed with the inclusion of PDOC, improving its oleic acid concentration. The anaerobic co-digestion of agricultural by-products and pig slurry improves the BMP from the mixture compared to only pig slurry anaerobic digestion. Higher BMP values were obtained with increasing addition of agricultural substrate, confirming the better performance of co-digestion systems at adequate inclusion levels. In fact, combinations with tomato, pepper and peach at inclusion level 3 (50% of VS) achieved the highest BMP. This resulted in an increase in BMP of 41% with tomato, 44% with pepper, 28% with peach and 12% with kaki. Vegetable substrates (pepper and tomato) showed higher lipid, protein, lignin and cellulose content than fruit substrates (kaki and peach).
Ferrer Riera, P. (2021). Valorisation of Mediterranean agroindustrial by-products in pig production as feed and anaerobic co-digestion of slurry [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/171747
TESIS
Compendio

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children has increased over the past decades, creating a need for animal models that recapitulate the features of the pediatric disease. Iberian pigs have a leptin-resistant phenotype characterized by hyperleptinemia, hyperphagia, and extreme adipogenesis. We hypothesized that neonatal Iberian pigs fed a high fat high-fructose (HFF) diet will develop a pattern of liver injury resembling pediatric NAFLD. In addition, we sought to determine if a mixture of probiotics would prevent the disease. Animals were fed 1 of 4 diets containing (g/kg body weight × d) 0 g fructose, 11 g fat and 199 kcal (CON-N; n=8), 22 g fructose, 16 g fat and 300 kcal (HFF2-N; n=8), CON + probiotic (CON-P; n=6), or HFF2 + probiotic (HFF2-P; n=6) every 6 h for 70 d. The probiotic mixture (6.2 × 104 cfu/mL) contained Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Body weight was recorded every 3 d. Serum markers of liver injury and dyslipidemia were measured on d 40 and 65 at 2 h post feeding. Fasting leptin, insulin, glucose and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) values were assessed on d 70. Liver and skeletal muscle (longissimus dorsi) were collected on d 70 for histology, triacylglyceride (TAG) quantification, relative gene expression, and Western blot analysis. Metabolomic analysis was performed on liver tissue and plasma. Body weight was not significantly greater in HFF fed pigs compared to CON. Leptin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin were increased (P ≤ 0.001), and high and low density lipoproteins decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in HFF2-N and HFF2-P. Livers in HFF2-P and HFF2-N had higher relative weight and TAG (P ≤ 0.001), micro and macrovesicular steatosis, ballooning degeneration, Mallory-denk bodies, inflammation and necrosis, increased gene expression of TNFα, TGFβ, IL1α and PPARγ (P ≤ 0.001), and decreased ChREBP (P ≤ 0.001). A probiotic affect was seen as pigs fed CON-P and HFF2-P had higher insulin and HOMA values were increased (P ≤ 0.05). Western blot analysis showed dysregulation of autophagy in liver of pigs fed CON-P and HFF2-P, and in skeletal muscle of pigs fed CON-N and HFF2-N. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated dysregulation of one-carbon metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), the urea cycle, and amino acid metabolism of pigs fed HFF2 diets compared to CON diets. In conclusion, Iberian pigs fed a HFF diet recapitulate many pediatric NAFLD-associated features, in the absence of obesity and independently of probiotic supplementation, suggesting a potentially suitable model for pediatric NAFLD research. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation did not ameliorate the onset of NAFLD when fed in conjunction with a HFF diet.

Avec une consommation de 19600 milliers de tonnes équivalent carcasses en 2005, la viande de porc est la plus consommée en Europe. Elle montre, toutefois, une forte variabilité, en partie due à des variations dans le métabolisme énergétique musculaire post-mortem. Celui-ci est défini comme l'ensemble des réactions biochimiques et leurs interactions survenant dans le muscle au cours de la période allant de la mort de l'animal jusqu'à la préparation de la viande avant consommation. De nombreux facteurs, dépendant de l'animal (génétique, mode d'élevage, alimentation, réactivité au stress d'abattage...) ou de la technologie (mode d'étourdissement...), peuvent influencer le métabolisme post-mortem et par conséquent, les qualités de viande. Un plan expérimental 2x2x2 comparait le protéome et l'expression de certains gènes d'intérêt chez des porcs femelles ou mâles castrés, de 2 origines génétiques différentes (pères Large White ou Duroc, mères Large White x Landrace), élevés dans 2 conditions différentes (conventionnelle en intérieur ou alternative en extérieur). Les résultats obtenus mettent en évidence l'important effet des facteurs de variation sur les quantités de protéines ainsi que sur les voies biochimiques impliquées dans le déterminisme des qualités des viandes. Ils ont également permis l'identification des marqueurs protéiques caractéristiques de l'origine génétique ou environnementale de l'animal. Les facteurs de variations n'influence pas l'expression des gènes étudiés. Le déterminisme des qualités des viandes n'est probablement pas une conséquence des modifications dans le niveau d'expression des gènes, mais plutôt dans la régulation des processus traductionnels.

Foram realizados dois experimentos para determinar a composição química, os coeficientes de digestibilidade de nutrientes e os valores de energia e proteína digestíveis do ovo em pó (OP) e avaliar o desempenho e os componentes sanguíneos e plasmáticos de leitões recém-desmamados alimentados com dietas contendo níveis crescentes de proteína do OP em substituição à proteína do plasma sanguíneo. O Experimento I consistiu de um ensaio de digestibilidade, sendo utilizados oito leitões (quatro machos castrados e quatro fêmeas), mestiços Landrace x Large White com 15,9 kg de peso médio. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta basal e uma dieta teste (70% dieta basal + 30% OP) com quatro repetições cada. Utilizou-se a metodologia da coleta parcial de fezes com o uso de 0,5% de óxido crômico (Cr2O3) adicionado às dietas como indicador. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente do OP foram de 87,18, 80,76, 81,99 e 70, 54%, respectivamente, para a matéria seca, energia bruta, proteína bruta e extrato etéreo. A partir dos coeficientes de digestibilidade determinados e os valores de proteína bruta (56,53%) e energia bruta (5.897 kcal/kg) foram calculados os valores de 43,91% de proteína digestível e 5.139 kcal/kg de energia digestível do OP para leitões em fase de creche. No Experimento II, foram utilizados 90 animais (machos castrados e fêmeas), mestiços Landrace x Large White, desmamados com 24 dias e 5,6 kg de peso médio. O período experimental compreendeu duas fases, a pré-inicial (1 a 14 dias) e inicial (15 a 28 dias pós-desmame), onde os tratamentos consistiram de cinco rações isonutritivas com níveis crescentes (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%) de substituição protéica do plasma sanguíneo da dieta pelo OP. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com nove repetições por tratamento e dois animais por unidade experimental (baia). Os animais e a ração foram pesados para o cálculo do ganho diário de peso (GDP), consumo diário de ração (CDR) e conversão alimentar (CA) em cada fase e período total. Ao final do ensaio de desempenho foi retirada uma amostra de sangue de cada animal para a determinação dos componentes plasmáticos (uréia, proteína total, albumina, globulina, relação albumina/globulina, triglicérides e colesterol) e sanguíneos (hematócrito e hemoglobina). Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos (P > 0,05) para as variáveis de desempenho na fase de 1 a 14 dias pós-desmame. Para a segunda fase experimental e para o período total, foi observada uma redução linear (P < 0,01) do GDP e CDR, à medida que aumentava o nível de substituição do PS pelo OP. Para as variáveis dos componentes plasmáticos e sanguíneos não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P > 0,05) entre os tratamentos. Concluiu-se que o ovo em pó pode substituir completamente o plasma sanguíneo sem afetar o desempenho dos animais na fase de 1 a 14 dias pós-desmame, enquanto que na fase de 15 a 28 dias essa substituição prejudicou o desempenho dos animais, refletindo assim, em um pior desempenho no período total (1 a 28 dias). A inclusão crescente do ovo em pó nas dietas não alterou os componentes plasmáticos e sanguíneos.
Two experiments were carried out to determine the chemical composition, nutrients digestibility and digestible energy and protein of spray-dried egg (OP) and to study the performance and plasma and blood components of weanling pigs fed a diets containing OP. In Experiment I, eight Landrace x Large White crossbred pigs (four barrows and four gilts), averaging 15.9 kg live weight were used for digestibility assay. The animals were assigned to two treatments and four replications/treatment. The treatments consisted of the basal diet and test diet (70% of basal diet + 30% of OP) The method was the partial faeces collection, using 0.5% of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) in the diet as fecal marker. The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein and crude fat were, respectivily, 87.18, 80.76, 81.99 and 70.54%. From these results of apparent digestibility coeficients and the values of crude protein (56.53%) and gross energy (5,897 kcal/kg) resulted in 43.91% of digestible protein and 5,139 kcal/kg of digestible energy for OP. In Experiment II, ninety Landrace x Large White crossbred pigs (barrows and gilts) were weaned at 24 days of age with 5,6 kg live weight. The experimental period was divided in two phases, 1 to 14 days and 15 to 28 days post-weaning. The treatments consisted of five dietary levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % of substitution of plasma protein for OP protein. Pigs were alloted in a randomized block design with nine replications per treatment and two pigs per experimental unit (pen). Pigs were weighed and the data of feed intake per pen were registered every week. Pig performance data such as average daily gain (GDP), daily feed intake (CDR) and feed conversion (CA) were analyzed by polynomial regression. No treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed on performance for 1-14 day post-weaning phase. For the 15-28 phase and for the total period, linear reductions (P < 0.01) of GDP and CDR, were observed with increased dietary OP levels. No treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed on plasma and blood components. Therefore, it can be conclued that the spray-dried egg can completely replace plasma without affecting the performance of pigs during 1-14 day post-weaning phase. For the 15-28 day phase and total period, added OP levels showed a depressive effect on pig performance. The plasma and blood components were not affected by the inclusion of spray-dried egg.

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The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional value of Cassava Dehydrated Coproduct (CDC) and its effects on performance and blood variables of piglets fed different levels of CDC. In the first experiment, the digestible e test was carried out and 30 hybrid pigs averaging 18 (0.673) kg of initial weight (IW) were individually housed in metabolic cages and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments, 6 replicates and one animal per experimental unit. A basal diet was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of the category and different levels of CDM (6, 12, 18 and 24%) were used to replace the reference diet, making the treatments. In the second experiment 120 piglets (60 males and 60 females) with initial weight of 13.05 (1.59) kg and final average weight of 26.03 (3.46) kg were distributed in experimental design of randomized blocks, with five treatments, six replicates and four animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of five diets with increasing levels of inclusion (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%) of CDC. The corn and soybean meal based feed was formulated to meet the requirements for pigs in the initial phase. Data were subjected to statistical analysis and to present significant differences, the averages were compared by Dunnet test at 10% significance level. The digestibility assay revealed values of digestible energy and metabolizable energy of 3022 and 2984 kcal kg-1, respectively, in the natural matter of CDC. There was no effect (P>0.10) of CDC inclusion levels on final weight and average daily gain, however there was effect (P<0.10) of CDC levels on daily feed intake and feed conversion. The use of the CDC can be an alternative of energy source to feed piglets in the initial phase, and the inclusion of 2.56% of coproduct promoted maximum feed intake
Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar o valor nutricional do Coproduto Desidratado de Mandioca (CDM) e seus efeitos no desempenho e nas variáveis sanguíneas de leitões alimentados com diferentes níveis do coproduto desidratado de mandioca. No experimento I, realizou-se um ensaio de digestibilidade e foram utilizados 30 leitões híbridos com média de 18,00 (0,673) kg de peso inicial (PI), alojados individualmente em gaiolas de metabolismo, e distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos, 6 repetições e um animal por unidade experimental. Uma ração referência foi formulada para atender as exigências nutricionais da categoria e diferentes níveis do CDM (6, 12, 18 e 24%) foram utilizados para substituir a ração referência, compondo os tratamentos. No experimento II foram utilizados 120 leitões (60 machos inteiros e 60 fêmeas) com peso vivo inicial de 13,05 (1,59) kg e peso médio final de 26,03 (3,46) kg, distribuídos em delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com 5 tratamentos, 6 repetições e 4 animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco rações com níveis crescentes de inclusão (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12%) do Coproduto Desidratado da Mandioca (CDM). As rações à base de milho e farelo de soja foram formuladas para atender ao recomendado para suínos na fase inicial. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística e, ao apresentar diferença significativa, as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Dunnet a 10% de significância. No ensaio de digestibilidade, foram encontrados os valores de Energia Digestível e Energia Metabolizável do CDM de 3022 e 2984 kcal kg-1 na matéria natural, respectivamente. Não houve efeito (P>0,10) de níveis de inclusão de CDM sobre o peso final e ganho diário de peso, no entanto observou-se efeito (P<0,10) dos níveis de CDM sobre o consumo diário de ração e conversão alimentar. O uso do coproduto desidratado de mandioca pode ser uma alternativa energética para rações de leitões na fase inicial, sendo que a inclusão de 2,56% deste coproduto promoveu o máximo consumo de ração

The present work was divided into three main areas of study, (1) the development of a reliable "in vivo" model for double choice (DOCH) testing in piglets avoiding the isolation time and fasted state of animals to evaluate weaned pig preferences, consumption and appetence under a fed-state for Glycine and several L-amino acids at different concentrations (-in vivo trials- Chapter 1), (2) identifying and characterizing the porcine Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 gene sequences in pigs, to construct a stable cell reporter system expressing the porcine umami taste receptor (pT1r3/pT1r1) to measure the cell responses to amino acids at physiological concentrations (0.5, 5 and 50mM) and to compare these cell response with the pig in vivo results (-in vitro trials- Chapter 2), and (3) to determine the pattern of expression of the porcine umami taste receptor genes, pTas1r3 and pTas1r1, in several tissues of the digestive system including tongue (circumvallate and fungiform papillae), stomach (fundus), pancreas, liver, duodenum, jejunum and ileum and how that pattern responds to three factors: (a) the age of the pig -from birth to 20 days after weaning-; (b) sex -male vs. female-; and (c) the dietary crude protein content and essential amino acid supplementation (Chapter 3).
Chapter 1 describes a new methodology of DOCH testing to evaluate preferences, consumption and appetence in fed pigs for amino acid solutions (D,L-Met, Gly, L-Ala, L-Gln, L-Glu, L-Lys, L-Thre, L-Trp and MSG) at different concentrations (0.5, 5, 50 and 500mM). This methodology includes a preliminary training period (10¬minute at 9am and 12pm) based on an operant conditioning procedure using sucrose at 500mM as a reward before test sessions (2-minute at 9am and 12pm). Two models were developed where animals were maintained individually (individual model) or in pairs (pair model) during training (4 and 2 days, respectively) and test sessions. Social isolation and novelty are two important factors of stress that could influence pig learning capacity for DOCH testing, therefore, behavioural and total test consumption parameters were used as criteria for the exclusion of animals in testing sessions. The results showed that the pair model developed in this work may be more appropriate than previous models to study pig preferences and appetence for amino acid solutions or other nutrients. Weaned pigs under a fed-status were able to discriminate solutions of amino acids except when those were offered at 0.5mM. In general, piglets showed significant preferences for non-essential amino acids with a higher appetence for potential umami tastants at high concentrations (MSG, L-Glu and L-Gln). However, this taste response changed with essential amino acids, resulting in significant aversions at high concentrations (L-Trp, L-Thr).
Chapter 2 presents, after the identification and characterization of the porcine umami taste receptor (pT1r1/pT1r3), an in vitro tool based on a cell culture that expresses the heterodimer to identify Gly and L-amino acids as umami tastants at different concentrations (0.5, 5 and 50mM) in pigs. This cell system showed significant responses to MSG, L-Glu, L-Gln, L-Ala, L-Asn and Gly at all tested concentrations. Moreover, our in vivo data (Chapter 1) was significantly correlated with our in vitro results meaning that umami agonists are highly preferred by pigs.
Chapter 3 studies the expression of the porcine umami taste receptor genes, pTas1r1 and pTas1r3, in different taste (tongue's fungiform and circumvallate papillae) and non-taste tissues from the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and liver) of pigs of different sex (male and female) and ages (birth, preweaning- 26d old-, 48h after weaning -28d old- and 20d postweaning -46d old-) and with different levels of dietary crude protein in their postweaning diet (high-crude protein -26%, HCP-, low crude protein-17%- with -SAA- and without -LCP- essential amino acid supplementation). Both genes were more expressed in tongue and stomach, followed by small intestine and liver. Significant changes in gene expression were observed with age, sex and dietary crude protein content and the main changes occurred after weaning, with more expression in males than in females and in the LCP group that in the other two groups.
It is concluded that pigs sense some amino acids as umami tastants that generate a pleasant stimulus. The umami tastants are sensed through the heterodimer receptor pT1r1/pT1r3, which is expressed in taste buds in the tongue and in non-taste tissues along the gastrointestinal tract. Changes in pTas1r1/pTas1r3 gene expression may reflect the nutritional status of the animal and a better understanding of the mechanism will help to develop new strategies (such as the use of umami ligands to stimulate their voluntary feed intake) for improving the adaptation of piglets to the postweaning period.

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Two experiments were performed in order to determine the maintenance requirements and marginal efficiency of utilization of the amino acids lysine and threonine, through the nitrogen balance technique. It was used 12 castrated pigs, on each experiment, with an average weight of 52 ± 2 kg (experiment with lysine) and 72 ± 2 kg (experiment with threonine) were kept in metabolism crates in temperature-controlled room of 22 ± 3°C. The pigs were distributed in four diets formulated to supply 30, 50, 60 and 70% of expected standardized digestible lysine requirements and supply 30, 45, 60 and 70% of expected standardized digestible threonine requirements using a changeover design with two periods (seven to adaptation and five collection). All of other essential amino acids were furnished at a minimum of 15% excess level relative to the level of amino acid test. The feed was provided to cover 2.6 times the metabolizable energy requirements needed to maintenance with a daily adjustment according to the expected gain of 0.8 kilograms. The lysine experiment there was no difference (P> 0.00) in dry matter intake (DMI) and metabolizable energy intake (MEI) between treatments. Already in the experiment threonine significant difference was observed of DMI and MEI between treatments. In lysine experiment the amount nitrogen excreted represents on average 46% of the nitrogen ingested with 35% of the nitrogen excreted in feces and 65% in urine. As in lysine experiment the amount nitrogen excreted represents on average 43% of the nitrogen ingested with 35 and 60% of the nitrogen excreted in feces and urine, respectively. The total losses were lysine and threonine 36.4 and 46.3 mg kg-1 BW0.75, respectively, resulting in lysine maintenance requirements of 40.4 mg kg-1 BW0.75 and threonine maintenance requirements of 62.2 mg kg-1 BW0.75. In our experiment the marginal efficiency of lysine and threonine utilization was 90 and 74%, respectively, meaning that 10% of lysine and 26% of intake of standardized threonine was not recovered in the body protein.
Dois experimentos foram realizados com o objetivo de determinar a exigência de manutenção e eficiência marginal de utilização para deposição de proteína dos aminoácidos lisina e treonina, através da técnica de balanço de nitrogênio. Foram utilizados 12 suínos castrados, em cada um dos experimentos, com peso vivo médio de 52 ± 2 kg (experimento lisina) e 72 ± 2 kg (experimento treonina). Os animais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas, mantidos em sala climatizada com temperatura de 22 ± 3°C. O delineamento experimental foi um changeover constituído de quatro dietas elaboradas para atender 30, 50, 60 e 70% das exigências nutricionais de lisina digestível estandardizada e 30, 45, 60 e 70% das exigências nutricionais de treonina digestível estandardizada. A quantidade ração fornecida foi calculada para suprir 2,6 vezes à energia metabolizável de manutenção. Os demais aminoácidos foram adicionados às dietas para atingir a proporção de, no mínimo, 15% de suas exigências expressas em relação ao aminoácido teste. Os animais foram alimentados quatro vezes ao dia, com um ajuste diário no consumo de ração de acordo com uma taxa de ganho médio diária de 0,8 kg de peso vivo. Os experimentos foram divididos em dois períodos experimentais consecutivos (sete dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta). No experimento de lisina não houve diferença significativa da matéria seca ingerida (MSI) e energia metabolizável ingerida (EMI) entre os diferentes níveis de lisina na ração. Já no experimento de treonina observou-se diferença significativa da MSI e EMI entre os tratamentos. No experimento de lisina o nitrogênio excretado representou, em média, 46% do nitrogênio ingerido, sendo que 35% desse nitrogênio excretado foi eliminado pelas fezes e o restante (65%) na urina. No experimento de treonina o nitrogênio excretado representou, em média, 43% do nitrogênio ingerido, sendo que 35 e 65% desse nitrogênio excretado foi eliminado pelas fezes e urina, respectivamente. As perdas totais de lisina e treonina foram de 36,4 e 46,3 mg kg-1 PV0,75, respectivamente, resultando na exigência diária para manutenção de 40,4 mg kg-1 PV0,75 de lisina e 62,2 mg kg-1 PV0,75 de treonina. Em nossos experimentos a eficiência marginal de utilização de lisina e treonina foram de 90 e 74%, respectivamente, ou seja, 10% da lisina e 26% da treonina estandardizada ingerida não foram recuperadas nas proteínas corporais.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária
Depois da proibição do uso de promotores de crescimento em produção animal pela União Europeia em 2003, a suinicultura deparou-se com uma série de doenças que anteriormente estavam suprimidas, nomeadamente a nível do tracto gastrointestinal, devido à incorporação consecutiva de promotores de crescimento, ou seja, antibióticos nos alimentos compostos. Os actuais sistemas de produção de suínos têm um impacto importante nas funções, na integridade e na saúde do seu tubo digestivo, havendo uma diversidade de factores que a podem prejudicar, nomeadamente nutricionais. O uso de determinadas estratégias, tanto a nível das características do alimento como a nível do sistema de alimentação das explorações, permitem diminuir ou até mesmo prevenir o impacto das doenças mais importantes do tubo digestivo dos suínos. A microbiota intestinal desempenha um papel fulcral na sua protecção e na função digestiva e de absorção, estando a constituição das populações microbianas da microflora gastrointestinal dependentes das características do alimento e da incorporação de aditivos que, geralmente, têm como objectivo modular estas populações. Os transtornos gastrointestinais também podem ser prevenidos através da forma como os animais são alimentados, estando a alimentação líquida aplicada em produção intensiva de suínos a mostrar resultados promissores. A finalidade deste trabalho é conhecer de que forma é possível, através da alimentação dos suínos, diminuir ou prevenir o impacto das doenças gastrointestinais mais importantes em suinicultura. Também foi realizado uma análise descritiva de dados recolhidos resultantes de uma prova comercial de rações, numa exploração de suínos clássico, e de dados anuais de uma exploração de suínos ibéricos, alimentados com sistema de alimentação líquida. Em ambos os casos, os dados sugerem um impacto da nutrição na saúde do tracto gastrointestinal dos suínos, assim como nas suas performances produtivas. Em relação à fase de recria, os leitões da exploração de suínos clássicos demonstraram superioridade produtiva em relação aos leitões da exploração de suínos ibéricos.
ABSTRACT - Nutritional strategies in the prevention of pig pig´s digestive disease - Since the use of antibiotics as growth promoters by the European Union was abolished in 2003, pig production faced several constrains related to diseases, mainly at the gastrointestinal level, which were suppressed by the consecutive incorporation of antibiotics in feed. There are a diversity of factors in the actual pig production systems, namely nutritional, that have an important impact in the function and health integrity of the pig digestive tract. The use of specific strategies concerning the characteristics of the diet and the feeding system used at the farm, allow to diminish or even prevent the impact of the most important pig’s digestive tract disorders. The intestinal microbiota seems to play a crucial role in the gastrointestinal function and protection, while the population of bacteria of the microbiota depend of the characteristics of the feed, and the presence of additives that generally have a modulatory effect on microbial growth. The way the animals are fed, and particularly Liquid Feed applied to intensive pig production, is showing promising results in preventing gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this work is to understand how, through pig diet´s, is possible to decrease or prevent the impact of the most important pig’s gastrointestinal diseases. Based in data collected at a comercial feed trial in a classical pig farm, and from annual data collected at an iberian pig farm, whith a liquid feeding system, a descriptive analysis was made. In both cases, the analysis suggest an impact of nutrition in the pig´s gastrointestinal health, as well as in their productive performances. As for the growing phase, the piglets from the classical pig farm revealed productive superiority to the piglets from the iberian pig farm.

The broad objective of the study was to determine the economic value of local pigs in marketand subsistence-oriented production systems in communal areas of Southern Africa. Data were collected from 288 households to investigate farmer perceptions, effects on pig production and handling of disease outbreaks such as classical swine fever (CSF) in market- and subsistenceoriented production systems. The utilisation of local pigs in these market- and subsistenceoriented production systems in improving people‟s welfare was evaluated. Climate change was identified by farmers in these production systems as a major constraint to pig production hence an experiment was carried out in the hottest season to determine diurnal heat-related physiological and behavioural responses in Large White (LW) and South African local pigs. The same genotypes were used to determine effects of diurnal heat-related stress on their growth performance. Choice experiment was done to determine farmer preferences for local pig traits and implicit prices for these traits in CSF-affected and unaffected areas that were under subsistence- and market-oriented production systems. In this experiment, the importance of heat tolerance was assessed relative to other productive and climate change adaptation traits. Significantly more pigs were culled in the CSF-affected areas that were market-oriented (8.0 ± 1.76) than subsistence-oriented (4.1 ± 1.00) production system. The risk of parasites and disease challenges was high in subsistence-oriented production system and coastal areas. In both production systems, CSF was perceived as destructive since the culling of pigs affected pork availability and income generation. The high risk of disease outbreaks and threat of climate change caused farmers in subsistence-oriented production system to select local pigs for their adaptive traits while those in the market-oriented production system focused on productive imported pigs. Farmers (83 %) indicated that they wanted pig genotypes that were adapted to climate change effects such as hot conditions. Local pigs were found to have superior heat tolerance over LW pigs (P < 0.05) in terms of lower heart rate and skin surface temperature. Frequency per day and duration for behavioural heat loss activities such as wallowing, sleeping in a prostrate posture and sprawling in slurry were also lower (P < 0.05) for local than LW pigs. The superiority of heat tolerance of local over LW pigs was further confirmed by their uncompromised growth performance under high diurnal temperatures. The Pearson‟s product moment correlation coefficient between temperature and feed conversion ratio for LW pigs was strongly positive (r = 0.50; P < 0.001) unlike the weak and positive correlation for local pigs (r = 0.20; P < 0.05). There was a quadratic relationship between temperature and average daily gain (ADG) for both pig genotypes. The regression coefficients for ADG were higher (P < 0.001) for LW than local pigs. It was concluded that at high ambient temperatures, performance of local pigs was less compromised than for LW pigs. Although local pigs were found to be heat tolerant, results of choice experiment showed that this trait was not selected for relative to other traits. Keeping pigs that required bought-in feeds, fell sick often and produced low pork quality (eating quality based on farmer perceptions) negatively affected farmers‟ livelihoods more in subsistence- than market-oriented production system. Farmers in market-oriented production system derived more benefit from productive traits such as heavier slaughter weights and large litter size than subsistence-oriented farmers. Under the subsistence-oriented production system, farmers in CSF-affected areas placed high prices on adaptive traits than the unaffected areas. Subsistence-oriented farmers who were affected by CSF wanted a total compensation price of R10 944.00 (USD1563.43) for keeping a pig genotype with unfavourable traits when compared to R4235.00 (USD605.00) for their CSF-unaffected counterparts. Implicit prices for traits could not be determined for market-oriented production system. It was concluded that farmers in CSFaffected areas placed high economic values on pig traits than farmers from the CSF-unaffected areas. The findings suggest that adapted local pigs can be promoted in subsistence-oriented production systems while productive imported pigs and their crosses with local pigs can be kept in market-oriented production systems.

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This study was conducted to evaluate levels of digestible lysine for barrows during the growth phase, from 30 to 60 kg, maintained under stress by heat. We used 140 animals, and 70 animals to experiment with temperature of 30ºC and 70 to experiment with temperature of 34ºC. In both experiments, the animals were divided into experimental in a randomized block design, with five levels of digestible lysine (0.83, 0.93, 1.03, 1.13 and 1.23%), and seven replicates. The experimental diets and water were provided ad libitum and the experimental period was 32 days in the environment of 30ºC and 37 days in the environment of 34ºC. The temperatures recorded in the interior of the building during both experiments, environment, characterized by heat stress to the animals under study. There was a quadratic effect of levels of digestible lysine on the daily weight gain (GPD) of the animals kept at room temperature 30ºC, which increased by the estimated level of 1.04%, while the GPD of animals that were kept at room temperature of 34ºC was not influenced by levels of lysine. It was noted that livestock kept GPD of the environment of 34ºC were on average 13.4% lower than those observed in animals kept in the environment to 30ºC. The daily consumption of diet (CDR), regardless of the temperature at which the animals were kept, was not influenced by levels of digestible lysine in the diet, the figures obtained from the animals kept at 34ºC were on average 8.7% lower than those observed we kept at 30ºC. The daily consumption of lysine (CDL) of the animals kept at 30 and 34ºC increased linearly in accordance with the levels of the dietary lysine. The daily consumption of lysine of animals kept in the environment of 34ºC was on average 9.5% lower than those in the environment of 30ºC. In the environment of 30ºC, feed conversion (FC) ranged from a quadratic, improving to the estimated level of 1.07% lysine, while the environment of 34ºC, was not influenced by levels of lysine. In both ambient temperatures, levels of lysine influenced the efficiency of lysine (EULG) for weight gain, which reduced in a linear fashion, with 4.4% in the worsening of environment with higher temperature (34ºC). The level of digestible lysine in the ration influenced the deposition of protein (PA) in the carcass of animals kept in the environment with a temperature of 30ºC, which grew from a quadratic to the estimated level of 1.05%. Meanwhile, the environment with a temperature of 34ºC, the deposition of protein did not vary between the levels of the dietary lysine. In the environment with a temperature of 30ºC, the deposition of fat (DG) in the carcass of animals reduced to a quadratic according to the levels of digestible lysine to the estimated level of 1.08%, while in the environment to 34ºC, has increased, too in a square, up to 1.08% lysine, with an average 25.6% lower than that of animals kept at 30ºC. Plasma levels of hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) of the animals were respectively 35 and 30% lower in animals kept at 34ºC. The animals kept at 34ºC showed an average increase of 42% in respiratory rate, and increased rectal temperature, compared to 30ºC maintained in the environment. In the environment of 30ºC, the level of 1.04% of digestible lysine in the diet, which corresponds to a daily consumption of 21 grams, provides the best daily weight gain and increased deposition of protein in the carcass of growing pigs kept in the environment 30ºC, and environment of 34ºC, the level of 0.83% of digestible lysine in the diet, which corresponds to a daily consumption of 15 grams, meet the daily weight gain and deposition of protein in the carcass of pigs in growth.
Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar níveis de lisina digestível para suínos machos castrados em fase de crescimento, dos 30 aos 60 kg, mantidos sob estresse por calor. Foram utilizados 140 animais, sendo 70 animais para o experimento com temperatura de 30ºC e 70 para o experimento com temperatura de 34ºC. Em ambos os experimentos, os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco níveis de lisina digestível (0,83; 0,93; 1,03; 1,13 e 1,23%), sete repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. As rações experimentais e a água foram fornecidas à vontade e o período experimental foi de 32 dias no ambiente de 30ºC e de 37 dias no ambiente de 34ºC. As temperaturas registradas no interior dos galpões durante ambos os experimentos, caracterizaram ambiente de estresse por calor para os animais em estudo. Houve efeito quadrático dos níveis de lisina digestível sobre o ganho de peso diário (GPD) dos animais mantidos à temperatura ambiente de 30ºC, que aumentou até o nível estimado de 1,04%, enquanto que o GPD dos animais que foram mantidos à temperatura ambiente de 34ºC não foi influenciado pelos níveis de lisina. Foi constatado que GPD dos animais mantidos no ambiente de 34ºC foram em média 13,4% menores que os obtidos pelos animais mantidos no ambiente a 30ºC. O consumo diário de ração (CDR), independentemente da temperatura em que os animais foram mantidos, não foi influenciado pelos níveis de lisina digestível das rações; os valores obtidos com os animais mantidos a 34oC foram em média 8,7% menores que os observados nos mantidos a 30oC. O consumo diário de lisina (CDL) dos animais mantidos a 30 e 34oC aumentou linearmente de acordo com os níveis de lisina da ração. O consumo diário de lisina dos animais mantidos no ambiente de 34oC foi em média 9,5% menor que o daqueles em ambiente de 30oC. No ambiente de 30oC, a conversão alimentar (CA) variou de forma quadrática, melhorando até o nível estimado de 1,07% de lisina, enquanto, no ambiente de 34oC, não foi influenciada pelos níveis de lisina. Em ambas as temperaturas ambientais, os níveis de lisina influenciaram a eficiência de utilização de lisina (EULG) para ganho de peso, que reduziu de forma linear, com piora de 4,4% no ambiente com temperatura mais elevada (34oC). O nível de lisina digestível da ração influenciou a deposição de proteína (DP) na carcaça dos animais mantidos no ambiente com temperatura de 30oC, que aumentou de forma quadrática até o nível estimado de 1,05%. Entretanto, no ambiente com temperatura de 34oC, a deposição de proteína não variou entre os níveis de lisina da ração. No ambiente com temperatura de 30ºC, a deposição de gordura (DG) na carcaça dos animais reduziu de forma quadrática de acordo com os níveis de lisina digestível até o nível estimado de 1,08%, enquanto, no ambiente a 34oC, aumentou, também de forma quadrática, até o nível de 1,08% de lisina, com média 25,6% menor que a dos animais mantidos a 30oC. Os níveis plasmáticos dos hormônios triiodotironina (T3) e tiroxina (T4) dos animais foram, respectivamente, 35 e 30% menores nos animais mantidos a 34oC. Os animais mantidos a 34oC apresentaram em média aumento de 42% na freqüência respiratória, além de maior temperatura retal, em comparação aos mantidos no ambiente a 30oC. Em ambiente de 30oC, o nível de 1,04% de lisina digestível na ração, que corresponde a um consumo diário de 21 g, proporciona o melhor ganho de peso diário e maior deposição de proteína na carcaça de suínos em crescimento mantidos em ambiente a 30oC e, em ambiente de 34ºC, o nível de 0,83% de lisina digestível na ração, que corresponde a um consumo diário de 15 g, atende ao ganho de peso diário e a deposição de proteína na carcaça de suínos em crescimento.

Hampshire crosses of different genotype and sex were used to investigate the effects of rearing system, feed and handling on sensory quality, consumer preference and cooking loss. A selected and trained panel carried out descriptive tests. Two preference tests were carrieout by, in each case, 200 consumers.

The genotype had a major effect on sensory quality in all four studies irrespective of rearing system, feed and sex. In three of the four studies pork from RN¯ carriers scored higher for juicines, tenderness, acidulous taste and meat taste intensity.

Sex showed contradictory effects on sensory quality, while rearing system and feed had minor effects on sensory properties of pork.

Hams (M. biceps femoris) from pigs reared outdoors scored lower for juiciness and acidulous taste than hams from pigs reared indoors. Loins from pigs organically reared (KRAV) scored lower for juiciness and higher for crumbliness than ones from pigs conventionallreared.

Loins (M. longissimus dorsi) aged four days from conventionally fed pigs were juicier than ones from silage-fed pigs. When loins were aged eight days there was no difference in juicines while acidulous taste became weaker and tenderness and meat taste intensity increased.

In the case of loins stored frozen one year, those from silage-fed pigs scored higher for acidulous taste and off-flavour than those from conventionally fed pigs.

Cooking, thawing and total loss data showed minor and contradictory differences between genotypes, sexes, rearing systems and feeding regimes.

Organically and conventionally produced loins were equally liked and loins from RN¯ carrier pigs were preferred to loins from non-carriers.

This study aimed to describe nutrition transition in Nepal over the past 40 years and to explore its relationship with economic, demographic and epidemiological shifts; and further discussed how different socioeconomic groups were experiencing the nutrition transition. The current study used a multimethod study framework including quantitative and qualitative studies. In the past 40 years, nutrition transition had occurred in Nepal. In 1990s, economic shifts occurred raising the GDP per-capita income above poverty threshold level. Following this, increase in total energy supply and total fats intake in diet exceeded the average dietary energy requirement level (2250Kcal/person/day) set out for the country (end of pattern 3). During 2000s, a number of demographic shifts including increase in average life expectancy beyond 60 years occurred leading to population ageing. Imports of processed foods increased significantly due to globalisation, while domestic agricultural production decreased drastically due to the Civil War resulting in higher proportion of processed foods, fats and sugar in diet. The globalisation and the Civil War may have facilitated to shift the food supply system from primary agriculture products to convenience/processed foods. It was likely that the economic, demographic and dietary behavioural shifts had collectively influenced the epidemiological shifts leading to overweight, obesity and chronic NCDs in Nepal (pattern 4). Distinct socio-economic groups in Nepal were experiencing these transitions differently. The lower socio-economic group and rural residents continued to consume low variety and low-fat foods and had lower prevalence of overweight and obesity (pattern 3). While, the higher socioeconomic groups and urban residents retained some food from Nepalese traditional cereal but were also increasing their consumption of extra meals, which were higher in fats and had higher prevalence of overweight and obesity (pattern 4). A number of underlying drivers for these dietary shifts were identified, but further work is still needed to better understand how these drivers interact with a range of sociodemographic factors to elicit behaviour change.

La presente Tesis Doctoral tiene como objetivo simular diferentes estados fisiológicos o nutricionales que enfrentan los lechones destetados en el sistema intensivo de producción, por ejemplo, variaciones en el contenido nutricional de la dieta, en la disponibilidad de nutrientes o piensos, o en la homeostasis de los animales. Se plantea la hipótesis de que los lechones comerciales pueden haber conservado la capacidad de realizar patrones de selección dietéticos adecuados en relación a sus necesidades, incluso cuando las prácticas de alimentación comunes en la industria porcina no permiten a los animales seleccionar su propia composición de dieta. El Capítulo 1 analiza si la densidad energética de la dieta afecta la preferencia de los lechones por fuentes de proteína o carbohidratos. Se llevó a cabo un experimento mediante el uso de dos dietas pre-estárter isoproteicas que defirieron en el contenido de energía digestible, una dieta alta en energía (HE) y una dieta baja en energía (LE). La dieta LE promovió un rendimiento más alto que la dieta HE después de 14 o 21 días de consumo. En los lechones alimentados con la dieta LE, no se observó preferencia por soluciones de proteína o carbohidratos. Por otro lado, los lechones alimentados con la dieta HE mostraron una mayor preferencia por la solución de sacarosa. El Capítulo 2 evalúa si lechones sometidos a un estado de deficiencia de proteína son capaces de seleccionar y preferir fuentes de proteína para superar la deficiencia. Se utilizaron en dos experimentos dos dietas pre-estárter isoenergéticas que defirieron en el contenido de proteína bruta, una dieta alta en proteína (HP) y una dieta baja en proteína (LP). En el Experimento 1, los lechones mostraron un mayor consumo y preferencia por sacarosa que una solución de proteínas, independientemente del contenido de proteína bruta de la dieta. En el experimento 2, los lechones recibieron ocho sesiones de condicionamiento con dos flavors igualmente preferidos mezclados con soluciones de proteína (CSp) o carbohidratos (CSc). Posteriormente, los lechones alimentados con la dieta LP mostraron una mayor ingesta y preferencia por CSp que CSc, siendo las diferencias mayores en los lechones de pesos mediano y bajo. El Capítulo 3 estudia si una exposición a largo plazo a soluciones de carbohidratos y edulcorantes artificiales tiene un efecto en el comportamiento alimentario de los lechones. En tres experimentos diferentes, se les ofreció a los animales una disponibilidad a largo plazo a soluciones de sacarosa 160 g/L, maltodextrina 160 g/L y sacarina 0,08 g/L más neohesperidina dihidrocalcona (NHDC) 0,02 g/L, como complemento a la dieta de mantenimiento. En el Experimento 1, los lechones mostraron una mayor ingesta de sacarosa 160 g/L que de agua, y una disminución en el consumo de pienso y ganancia media de peso. Una situación similar ocurrió en los últimos días de la exposición a maltodextrina 160 g/L en el Experimento 2. Por el contrario, los animales no se vieron influenciados por la sacarina 0,08 g/L más NHDC 0,02 g/L en el Experimento 3. Después de la exposición a las soluciones, se observó una reducción en la preferencia y apetencia por sacarosa 20 g/L en los Experimentos 1 y 2, pero no el Experimento 3. El Capítulo 4 evalúa si el balance electrolítico de la dieta (dEB) influencia la preferencia y apetencia alimentaria, así como el rendimiento productivo de los lechones. En tres experimentos distintos se utilizaron siete dietas estárter isoproteicas e isoenergéticas que defirieron en el dEB, variando desde -16 mEq/kg a 388 mEq/kg. Los resultados productivos de los Experimentos 1 y 2 mostraron que niveles bajos de dEB en lugar de niveles altos optimizaron el rendimiento de los lechones. En los Experimentos 2 y 3 los lechones tuvieron la oportunidad de elegir entre estas dietas, no pudiendo seleccionar la dieta que optimizó su rendimiento en pruebas de preferencia ni de corto ni largo plazo, mostrando también una mayor apetencia por los niveles altos de dEB. Se concluye que los lechones pueden ser capaces de realizar patrones de selección dietéticos apropiados en relación a diferentes estados nutricionales, siempre y cuando se haya realizado un proceso de aprendizaje. En ausencia de aprendizaje, como en las condiciones de la industria intensiva de cerdos al destete, los lechones pueden ser incapaces de superar una situación particular que se aparte de un estado óptimo basándose sólo en sus preferencias y aversiones alimentarias innatas.
The present PhD Thesis aims to simulate different physiological or nutritional status that post-weaned piglets face in the intensive production system, e.g., variations in the dietary nutritional content, in the availability of nutrients or feeds, or in the animals’ homeostasis. It is hypothesized that commercial piglets may have retained the capacity to perform appropriate dietary selection patterns in relation to their needs, even when the common feeding practices in the pig industry do not allow animals to select their own diet composition. Chapter 1 assesses whether dietary energy density affects the preference of piglets for protein or carbohydrate sources. One experiment was conducted by using two isoproteic pre-starter diets differing in the digestible energy content, a high-energy (HE) and a low-energy (LE) diet. The LE diet promoted a higher performance than did the HE diet after 14 or 21 days of feeding. Preference was not observed for protein or carbohydrate solutions in piglets fed the LE diet. On the other hand, piglets fed the HE diet showed a higher preference for sucrose solution. Chapter 2 evaluates whether piglets submitted to a protein-deficiency status are able to select and prefer protein sources to overcome the deficiency. Two isoenergetic pre-starter diets differing in the crude protein content were used in two experiments, a high-protein (HP) and a low-protein (LP) diet. In Experiment 1, piglets showed higher intake and preference for sucrose than for a protein solution, independently of the dietary crude protein content. In Experiment 2, piglets were given eight conditioning sessions with two equally preferred flavors mixed into protein (CSp) or carbohydrate (CSc) solutions. Subsequently, piglets fed the LP diet showed a higher intake and preference for CSp than for CSc, differences being higher for medium and low weight piglets. Chapter 3 studies whether a long-term exposure to carbohydrate and artificial sweetener solutions has an effect on feeding behavior of piglets. Animals were offered in three different experiments a long-term availability to sucrose 160 g/L, maltodextrin 160 g/L, and saccharin 0.08 g/L plus neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) 0.02 g/L solutions as supplement to the maintenance diet. In Experiment 1, piglets showed a higher intake of sucrose 160 g/L than of water and a decrease in feed intake and weight gain. A similar situation occurred in the last days of maltodextrin 160 g/L exposure in Experiment 2. In contrast, animals were not influenced by saccharin 0.08 g/L plus NHDC 0.02 g/L in Experiment 3. After solutions exposure, a reduction in sucrose 20 g/L preference and appetence was observed in Experiments 1 and 2, but not Experiment 3. Chapter 4 estimates whether dietary electrolyte balance (dEB) influences feed preference, appetence and growth performance of piglets. Seven isoproteic and isoenergetic starter diets differing in the dEB were used in three distinct experiments, diets ranging from -16 mEq/kg to 388 mEq/kg. Productive results of Experiments 1 and 2 showed that low rather than high dEB levels optimized growth performance of piglets. In Experiments 2 and 3 piglets had the opportunity to choose between these diets, being unable to select the diet that optimized their performance neither in short- nor long-term preference tests, showing also a higher appetence for high dEB levels. It is concluded that piglets might be able to perform appropriate dietary selection patterns in relation to different nutritional status, but critically whether a learning process has been carried out. In the absence of learning, such as in the intensive pig industry conditions at weaning, piglets might be unable to overcome a particular situation that departs from an optimal state just relying on their innate dietary preferences and aversions.

Los objetivos de la tesis fueron el estudio y revisión de los actuales conocimientos sobre el metabolismo y las acciones de IGF-I en la producción porcina y más específicamente la investigación de los efectos que un suplemento alimenticio proveniente de la fermentación de la proteína de patata puede tener sobre los niveles de IGF-I en diferentes estadios productivos, y si estas modificaciones tienen alguna repercusión práctica sobre la producción. En el estudio realizado con las cerdas lactantes, el objetivo fue estudiar si la adición en la dieta de las cerdas lactantes durante 5 días antes del destete y 5 días post destete de la proteína fermentada de patata con o sin glucosa tenía algún efecto sobre los días no productivos entre el destete y su cubrición, sobre la fertilidad y sobre el número de lechones nacidos totales en el subsiguiente parto y si estos parámetros productivos estuvieron relacionados con niveles plasmáticos de IGF-I. Para ello se eligió una granja altamente productiva con un alto status sanitario porque se consideró que era la mejor opción para conocer los efectos de la proteína fermentada de patata sobre los parámetros estudiados. Se usaron un total de 183 cerdas de 3 grupos de cerdas destetadas de forma consecutiva y se distribuyeron en 4 grupos de tratamiento teniendo en cuenta el ciclo de parto, el número de lechones destetados en el ciclo anterior y el número de lechones paridos en el ciclo actual. El tratamiento consistió en la adición de la proteína de patata fermentada, con y sin glucosa, que se consideró como el control positivo y un grupo de cerdas que actuó como control negativo al que no se le suministró ningún producto. Los tratamientos se iniciaron 5 días antes del destete y concluyeron 5 días post destete. Se registraron todos los parámetros productivos para alcanzar los objetivos y se obtuvieron muestras de sangre de un subgrupo de cerdas para determinar el nivel de IGF-I. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a los niveles de IGF-I al finalizar los tratamientos ni tampoco se encontraron diferencias significativas en los parámetros productivos estudiados. Un hallazgo no contemplado en el estudio pero encontrado en el análisis fue que las cerdas que fueron nodrizas durante la lactación en la que se inició el tratamiento tenían mayor nivel de IGF-I que las que no lo fueron. Este hallazgo confirma que el nivel de IGF-I depende el status nutricional y metabólico de los animales ya que las cerdas que actuaron como nodrizas tuvieron un gasto metabólico menor que las que no lo fueron y pudieron recuperar mejor su status metabólico. A pesar de ello no existieron diferencias de productividad tras el subsiguiente parto. En el estudio con los lechones lactantes el objetivo fue estudiar el efecto de la administración oral de la proteína fermentada de patata a lechones durante las primeras 12 horas tras el nacimiento sobre los niveles plasmáticos de IGF-I, sobre la mortalidad y sobre la ganancia de peso vivo desde el nacimiento al hasta el destete. Este estudio se realizó en una granja con productividad media, con una sanidad considerada como habitual en la producción porcina y que podía ser catalogada como una granja estándar. Se usaron 542 lechones nacidos en 3 grupos consecutivos de parto. Los lechones fueron clasificados según su peso al nacimiento entre lechones grandes, con 1,2 kg de peso o más al nacimiento y lechones pequeños con menos de 1,2 kg de peso al nacimiento porque se consideró que el peso al nacimiento podría ser una variable que influyera en el estudio. Se distribuyeron en 4 grupos de tratamiento dentro de cada grupo de peso. Los tratamientos consistieron en el suministro oral de la proteína de patata fermentada bien en una sola dosificación (primer grupo) o bien partida en media dosis separadas de un intervalo de 12 h (segundo grupo) suministrando a un tercer grupo de animales glicerol en una sola toma, grupo que se consideró como el control positivo. El cuarto grupo fue el control negativo y los lechones de este grupo no recibieron ningún tratamiento. No se encontraron diferencias significativas de forma global ni dentro de cada grupo de peso en ninguna de las variables estudiadas. Los niveles de IGF-I fueron mayores en los animales del grupo de peso grande cuando se compararon con los lechones pequeños a los 7 días del estudio, pero no al finalizar el mismo. En el estudio con los lechones destetados, el objetivo fue estudiar si la adición en la dieta de lechones de proteína fermentada de patata tras su destete en diferentes proporciones podía reemplazar el uso de plasma porcino y si las modificaciones estaban relacionadas con los niveles plasmáticos de IGF-I. Este estudio se realizó en una granja de destete de lechones. Los lechones provenían de la granja utilizada en el estudio de lechones lactantes. Se realizaron dos estudios consecutivos, el primero para conocer los efectos de la proteína de patata fermentada sobre los lechones y el segundo para conocer el nivel necesario de incorporación a las dietas para substituir al plasma porcino. Se usaron 200 lechones en el primer estudio distribuyéndose homogéneamente según su peso y edad al destete y su sexo. Se distribuyeron en 5 grupos de tratamiento donde un grupo fue el control negativo sin plasma ni proteína de patata fermentada, un grupo como control positivo con plasma en la dieta y 3 dosificaciones crecientes de proteína de patata. En el segundo estudio se usaron 1036 lechones distribuidos homogéneamente según su peso y edad al destete y su sexo. Se distribuyeron en 6 grupos de tratamiento donde un grupo fue el control negativo sin plasma ni proteína de patata fermentada, un grupo como control positivo con plasma en la dieta y 4 grupos con cantidades crecientes de proteína de patata fermentada. Los lechones alimentados con plasma en el primer estudio tuvieron el día 4 del mismo un nivel mayor de IGF-I que el resto siendo los lechones que fueron alimentados con la dosis inferior de proteína de patata fermentada los que tuvieron el nivel de IGF-I inferior teniendo el resto de grupos un nivel intermedio de IGF-I. Los lechones que más pienso consumieron fueron los lechones que consumieron el menor nivel de proteína de patata y los que menos los del grupo control negativo. Estas diferencias de consumo no se vieron reflejadas en un mayor crecimiento diario ni en una mejor conversión alimenticia al final del estudio. Los lechones que consumieron proteína de patata tuvieron mayor peso y ganancia media diaria que los animales del control negativo al finalizar el segundo estudio. En cuanto al consumo, los animales con las 3 dosis más bajas de proteína de patata tuvieron mayor consumo que el resto teniendo una mejor conversión alimenticia los lechones que consumieron bien proteína de patata o plasma que los lechones del control negativo. Los resultados de la presente tesis demuestran que el suministro de un suplemento alimenticio derivado de la fermentación de la proteína de patata i) no mejora la productividad de las cerdas en el subsiguiente parto, ii) no mejora la mortalidad de los lechones durante la lactación ni tampoco su peso a destete y iii) puede reemplazar al plasma animal en las dietas de lechones destetados. El nivel de IGF-I no se ve modificado en ningún estudio al suministrar la proteína de patata fermentada por lo que el modo de acción de este producto debe ser investigado con estudios futuros.
Els objectius de la tesi van ser l'estudi i revisió dels actuals coneixements sobre el metabolisme i les accions d'IGF-I en la producció porcina i més específicament la investigació dels efectes que un suplement alimentari provinent de la fermentació de la proteïna de patata pot tenir sobre els nivells d'IGF-I en diferents estadis productius, i si aquestes modificacions tenen alguna repercussió pràctica sobre la producció. En l'estudi realitzat amb les truges lactants, l'objectiu va ser estudiar si l'addició a la dieta de les truges lactants durant 5 dies abans del deslletament i 5 dies post deslletament de la proteïna fermentada de patata amb o sense glucosa tenia algun efecte sobre els dies no productius entre el deslletament i la cobrició, sobre la fertilitat i sobre el nombre de garrins nascuts totals en el subsegüent part i si aquests paràmetres productius van estar relacionats amb nivells plasmàtics d'IGF-I. Per a això es va triar una granja altament productiva amb un alt estatus sanitari perquè es va considerar que era la millor opció per conèixer els efectes de la proteïna fermentada de patata sobre els paràmetres estudiats. Es van usar un total de 183 truges de 3 grups de truges deslletades de forma consecutiva i es van distribuir en 4 grups de tractament tenint en compte el cicle de part, el nombre de garrins deslletats en el cicle anterior i el nombre de garrins parits en el cicle actual. El tractament va consistir en l'addició de la proteïna de patata fermentada, amb i sense glucosa, que es va considerar com el control positiu i un grup de truges que va actuar com a control negatiu al qual no se li va subministrar cap producte. Els tractaments es van iniciar 5 dies abans del deslletament i van concloure 5 dies post deslletament. Es van registrar tots els paràmetres productius per assolir els objectius i es van obtenir mostres de sang d'un subgrup de truges per determinar el nivell d'IGF-I. No es van trobar diferències significatives pel que fa als nivells d'IGF-I en acabar els tractaments ni tampoc es van trobar diferències significatives en els paràmetres productius estudiats. Un resultat no contemplat en l'estudi però trobat en l'anàlisi va ser que les truges que van ser alletants durant la lactació en què es va iniciar el tractament tenien major nivell d'IGF-I que les que no ho van ser. Aquesta troballa confirma que el nivell d'IGF-I depèn l'estatus nutricional i metabòlic dels animals ja que les truges que van actuar com dides van tenir una despesa metabòlica menor que les que no ho van ser i van poder recuperar millor el seu status metabòlic. Malgrat això no van existir diferències de productivitat després del subsegüent part. En l'estudi amb els garrins lactants l'objectiu va ser estudiar l'efecte de l'administració oral de la proteïna fermentada de patata a garrins durant les primeres 12 hores després del naixement sobre els nivells plasmàtics d'IGF-I, sobre la mortalitat i sobre el guany de pes viu des del naixement al fins al deslletament. Aquest estudi es va realitzar en una granja amb productivitat mitjana, amb una sanitat considerada com habitual en la producció porcina i que podia ser catalogada com una granja estàndard. Es van usar 542 garrins nascuts en 3 grups consecutius de part. Els garrins van ser classificats segons el seu pes al naixement entre garrins grans, amb 1,2 kg de pes o més al naixement i garrins petits amb menys de 1,2 kg de pes al naixement perquè es va considerar que el pes al naixement podria ser una variable que influís en l'estudi. Es van distribuir en 4 grups de tractament dins de cada grup de pes. Els tractaments van consistir en el subministrament oral de la proteïna de patata fermentada bé en una sola dosificació (primer grup) o bé partida en mitja dosi separades d'un interval de 12 h (segon grup) subministrant a un tercer grup d'animals glicerol en una sola presa, grup que es va considerar com el control positiu. El quart grup va ser el control negatiu i els garrins d'aquest grup no van rebre cap tractament. No es van trobar diferències significatives de forma global ni dins de cada grup de pes en cap de les variables estudiades. Els nivells d'IGF-I van ser majors en els animals del grup de pes gran quan es van comparar amb els garrins petits als 7 dies de l'estudi, però no al finalitzar el mateix. En l'estudi amb els garrins deslletats, l'objectiu va ser estudiar si l'addició a la dieta de garrins de proteïna fermentada de patata després de la seva deslletament en diferents proporcions podia reemplaçar l'ús de plasma porcí i si les modificacions estaven relacionades amb els nivells plasmàtics d'IGF-I. Aquest estudi es va realitzar en una granja de transició. Els garrins provenien de la granja utilitzada en l'estudi de garrins lactants. Es van realitzar dos estudis consecutius, el primer per conèixer els efectes de la proteïna de patata fermentada sobre els garrins i el segon per conèixer el nivell necessari d'incorporació a les dietes per substituir al plasma porcí. Es van usar 200 garrins en el primer estudi distribuint homogèniament segons el seu pes i edat al deslletament i el seu sexe. Es van distribuir en 5 grups de tractament on un grup va ser el control negatiu sense plasma ni proteïna de patata fermentada, un grup com a control positiu amb plasma en la dieta i 3 dosificacions creixents de proteïna de patata. En el segon estudi es van usar 1036 garrins distribuïts homogèniament segons el seu pes i edat al deslletament i el seu sexe. Es van distribuir en 6 grups de tractament on un grup va ser el control negatiu sense plasma ni proteïna de patata fermentada, un grup com a control positiu amb plasma en la dieta i 4 grups amb quantitats creixents de proteïna de patata fermentada. Els garrins alimentats amb plasma en el primer estudi van tenir el dia 4 del mateix un nivell major d'IGF-I que la resta sent els garrins que van ser alimentats amb la dosi inferior de proteïna de patata fermentada els que van tenir el nivell d'IGF-I inferior tenint la resta de grups un nivell intermedi d'IGF-I. Els garrins que més pinso consumir van ser els garrins que van consumir el menor nivell de proteïna de patata i els que menys els del grup control negatiu. Aquestes diferències de consum no es van veure reflectides en un major creixement diari ni en una millor conversió alimentària al final de l'estudi. Els garrins que van consumir proteïna de patata van tenir més pes i guany mitjà diari que els animals del control negatiu al final del segon estudi. Pel que fa al consum, els animals amb les 3 dosis més baixes de proteïna de patata van tenir major consum que la resta tenint una millor conversió alimentària dels garrins que van consumir bé proteïna de patata o plasma que els garrins del control negatiu. Els resultats de la present tesi demostren que el subministrament d'un suplement alimentari derivat de la fermentació de la proteïna de patata i) no millora la productivitat de les truges en el subsegüent part, ii) no millora la mortalitat dels garrins durant la lactació ni tampoc el seu pes a deslletament i iii) pot reemplaçar al plasma animal en les dietes de garrins deslletats. El nivell d'IGF-I no es veu modificat en cap estudi al subministrar la proteïna de patata fermentada per la qual cosa la manera d'acció d'aquest producte ha de ser investigat amb estudis futurs.
The objectives of this thesis were the study and review of the current knowledge about the metabolism and actions of IGF-I in pig production. The thesis also studied the effects that an additive coming from the fermentation of the potato protein can have on the IGF-I levels in the different pig production phases and if these modifications have some practical consequence in the pig production. In the lactating sows study, the objective was to assess if the introduction of the fermented protein potato in the diet of the sows 5 days before and 5 days after weaning, with or without glucose, had some effect on the non-productive days between weaning and mating, the fertility and the number of piglets total born in the subsequent litter, and if these productive parameters were in relation with plasma IGF-I levels. It was chosen a high productive sow farm with a high health status because it was considered the best option to assess the effects of the fermented protein potato over the studied parameters. 183 sows coming from 3 consecutive weaned batches sows were distributed in 4 treatment groups taking into account the parity, the number of piglets weaned in the former litter and the number of piglets born in the current litter. The dietary treatments were arranged as a 2x2 complete factorial design with the factors being the addition or not of fermented protein potato and with or without glucose. The treatment started 5 days before weaning and ends 5 days after weaning. There were recorded all the production parameters to get the targets and blood samples were obtained from a subgroup of sows to analyze IGF-I level. No statistical differences were found in IGF-I levels at the end of the treatment nor in the productive parameters recorded. An outcome not considered in the design of the study was that nursing sows had higher IGF-I levels. This finding confirms that IGF-I level depends on the nutritional and metabolic status. Sows that were nursing an extra litter (small piglets) in the current lactation had lower metabolic expense that normal sows during the nursing time and there could recover their metabolic status. In spite of, there were not found productive differences in the next parity. In the study with milking piglets the objectives were to assess if the oral administration of the fermented potato protein in piglets during the first 12 h of live had some effects on the plasma levels of IGF-I, the pre weaning mortality and the average daily gain from birth to wean. This study was carried out in a sow farm with the country average production, with a standard health status. 542 piglets from 3 consecutive batches were used. Piglets were classified into two groups depending on their weight at birth because it was considered that weight at birth could influence the results. The cut-off weight was 1.2 kg. The treatments were: a single oral dose of fermented protein potato, a split half dose in 12 h interval of fermented protein potato, and a group of piglets that received glycerol as positive control group. One group of piglets with no treatment was considered negative control group. No differences were found in any group neither of treatment nor within the weight groups. IGF-I levels were higher in heavier piglets at 7 day of study but not at the end. In the study with weaned piglets the objectives were to assess if the introduction in the diet of the fermented potato protein in weaned piglets at different ratios could substitute the use of animal plasma and if this modification was linked with the plasma level of IGF-I. This study was carried out in a nursery using piglets from the sow farm used in the milking piglets study. There were conducted 2 consecutive experiments. The first of them was carried out to assess the effects of the fermented protein potato on the productive parameters and the second to assess the level to substitute animal plasma. In the first experiment, 200 piglets were distributed taking into account their age, sex and weight at weaning in 5 experimental groups. One group was considered as negative control group with neither fermented protein potato nor animal plasma, one group was the positive control group with animal plasma and 3 other groups with different levels of fermented protein potato. In the second experiment, 1036 piglets were distributed taking into account their age, sex and weight at weaning in 6 experimental groups. One group was the negative control group without animal plasma or fermented protein potato, one group as positive control group with animal plasma and 4 groups with increasing ratios of fermented protein potato. IGF-I levels at day 4 of the first study were higher in piglets fed with animal plasma being the lowest IGF-I level for the piglets fed the lower ratio of fermented protein potato. The rest of the groups had intermediate IGF-I levels. The highest daily feed intake was achieved by the piglets fed with the lowest ratio of fermented protein potato. This high daily feed intake was not achieving a high daily gain or a better feed conversion ratio at the end of the study. Piglets fed with fermented protein potato were heavier and growth faster than piglets in the negative control group at the end of the second study. The highest daily feed intake was achieved by the piglets fed the 3 lower doses of fermented protein potato. Feed conversion ratio was improved in piglets fed either fermented protein potato or animal plasma than piglets in the negative control group. The results of the studies of this thesis show that feeding a fermented protein potato i) do not improve the productivity of the sows in the subsequent parity, ii) do not improve pre weaning piglet mortality nor their weaning weight, iii) can substitute animal plasma in the post weaning diets. The IGF-I levels were not modified in any study when fermented potato was administered orally either to weaned sows, pre weaning piglets or weaned piglets. The mode of action of fermented protein potato should be researched in future experiments.

Syftet med denna systematiska litteraturstudie som inkluderar 18 artiklar, har varit att belysa vilka nutritionsstöd som kan förebygga och behandla malnutrition hos barn med cancer samt vilka omvårdnadsbehov som finns i samband med nutritionsbehandling. Resultatet visade att barn med cancer som behandlas med strålning och/eller cytostatika ofta drabbas av olika biverkningar som påverkar nutritionen. Cirka 46 % av barnen utvecklade malnutrition. Näringsintaget försämrades ofta på grund av biverkningarna vilket fick till följd att behandlingen försämrades samt tillväxt och utveckling påverkades negativt. Olika sätt fanns för att upprätthålla gott nutritionsstatus. Oralt intag förordades för att upprätthålla mag- tarmkanalens struktur och funktion. Alternativ för kostbehandling när barnet inte klarade att inta oral kost var nasogastrisk sond (NS), Perkutan Endoskopisk Gastrostomi (PEG) och Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). NS visade sig vara relativt biverkningsfritt och ett alternativ att tillgå under kortare nutritionsbehandlingar. PEG var ett gott alternativ med relativt få biverkningar då barnet behöver nutritionsstöd under längre tid. TPN var ett alternativ enbart då barnet inte kunde äta relaterat till bristande upptag i mag- tarmkanalen. Försämrat näringsintag påverkade barnets livskvalitet. Familjen påverkades genom att ätandet var en stark källa till konflikt mellan barnet och föräldrarna. Det var viktigt att barnet och familjen fick stöd i barnets förmåga att kunna äta samt att erbjudas näringsrik kost. Bedömning av nutritionsstatus och dokumentation av oralt intag, parenteralt intag och effekter av nutritionsbehandlingen var av stor vikt för att kunna ge barnet optimal omvårdnad.

Ce travail aborde différents aspects de la nutrition oligo-minérale du pin maritime dans les landes de Gascogne par des observations de terrain et des expérimentations en milieu contrôle (culture en serre, hydroponique). Dans l'enquête de terrain, nous avons défini les réserves et la répartition des oligo-éléments dans les sols sableux podzoliques et mis en évidence l'importance du recyclage biologique dans la dynamique de ces éléments. Les analyses de tissus végétaux ont permis de préciser les besoins réels en oligo-éléments d'un peuplement de 16 ans ainsi que l'évolution des teneurs en fonction des différents organes, de l'âge des aiguilles et de l'âge des arbres. Dans des essais en serre comprenant des apports de matières fertilisantes à des sols forestiers landais, nous avons étudié l'influence du ph, des teneurs en matière organique, cuivre et phosphore des sols sur la nutrition oligo-minérale de semis de 6 mois. L'interaction la plus déterminante dans les phénomènes nutritionnels étudiés est l'antagonisme phosphore-cuivre, de par son intensité et de par l'emploi quasi-généralisé des amendements phosphates dans la sylviculture locale. Nous avons détaillé cette interaction en montrant que les engrais phosphates provoquaient une augmentation des teneurs en cuivre soluble par une stimulation probable de la microflore du sol, alors que les potentialités du pin a mobiliser le cuivre par l'intermédiaire des exsudats racinaires sont abaissées. Grâce à des expériences en milieu hydroponique, nous avons pu montrer l'existence d'un antagonisme au niveau de l'absorption racinaire dépendant des teneurs en phosphore des racines et non du milieu nutritif, excluant ainsi l'hypothèse d'une compétition directe entre les deux ions. Ce premier niveau d'interaction est renforcé par une régulation du transfert du cuivre des racines vers le système aérien sous le contrôle du métabolisme phosphore

Problemformulering: Patienters upplevelser av att nutrieras via gastrostomi eller parenteral nutrition (PN) är ett förbisett område. Det är viktigt att sjuksköterskan har en helhetssyn på patienten för att kunna ge god omvårdnad. Syftet med litteraturstudien var att beskriva patienters upplevelser av att nutrieras i hemmet via gastrostomi eller PN. Metoden var en systematisk litteraturstudie, där elva artiklar bearbetades och analyserades utifrån problemområdet. Resultat och Konklusion: När patienter behandlades i hemmet med antingen gastrostomi eller PN förändrades det dagliga livet för dem. Patienterna upplevde både positiva och negativa effekter av att nutrieras i hemmet. Det positiva med behandlingarna var enligt patienterna att de blev välnutrierade och att behandlingen räddade deras liv. Det negativa med behandlingarna var att de kunde ge fysiska, psykiska och sociala begränsningar. Trots de negativa effekterna upplevde patienterna att de positiva effekterna av behandlingen övervägde de negativa. Implikation: Det finns behov av ytterligare forskning inom området för att sjuksköterskor ska få bättre kunskap om patienters upplevelser av att nutrieras via gastrostomi och PN.