Windows on Research
Silas Ferrao
Dr. Hurd
AP Biology
08/26/2013
“Windows On Research”: The Effects of Enzyme Complex On Performance, Intestinal Health, and Nutrient Digestibility of Weaned Pigs”
The research completed (August 2013), evaluates the effects of inserting an enzyme complex (amylase, protease, xylanase) on the performance, intestinal, and nutrient digestion of weaned pigs. Experiment one had 108 piglets (28 days weaning) feeding on 0, 100, or 150 ppm enzyme complex. 6 pigs, at the end, from control and supplemented feeds were examined for viscosity and stomach pH and volatile fatty acid concentrations of microflora in the colon. Experiment 2 used 6 crossbred barrows to test in 3 dietary treatments (Latin Square process). Enzymes have been used in livestock for many years, but are increasingly being used in corn feed for diet supplementation for poultry. The enzyme complex used in the experiment had 2000 Units of activity/gram of enzyme amylase, 40,000 U/g protease, and 20,000 U/g xylanase. These supplements were grinded into 1.5 mm bits and met levels of nutrients appropriate for the pigs. Experiment 1 had a meal corn control diet and two experimental (100&150ppm diets of complex). One important note is that the feed was not limited and neither was water. 6 pigs each from control and 150 supplemental were killed after two hours of eating. In experiment 2, 6 crossbred barrows outfitted with T-cannulas (thin tubes for insertion/extraction of agents), ate commercially twice daily in increasing amounts. After 12 days, they were given the “3 treatments”. Each treatment was 7 days. In experiment 1, pigs fed supplements with 150 ppm increased weight (p equaled .09) compared to the control. The results indicate that the enzyme mush improved the pigs’ body weight gain, energy, and dry excretions of the pigs. The dry matter suggests that the blend affected nutrient digestibility the most by breaking the plant cell wall and subsequently releasing the
Dr. Hurd
AP Biology
08/26/2013
“Windows On Research”: The Effects of Enzyme Complex On Performance, Intestinal Health, and Nutrient Digestibility of Weaned Pigs”
The research completed (August 2013), evaluates the effects of inserting an enzyme complex (amylase, protease, xylanase) on the performance, intestinal, and nutrient digestion of weaned pigs. Experiment one had 108 piglets (28 days weaning) feeding on 0, 100, or 150 ppm enzyme complex. 6 pigs, at the end, from control and supplemented feeds were examined for viscosity and stomach pH and volatile fatty acid concentrations of microflora in the colon. Experiment 2 used 6 crossbred barrows to test in 3 dietary treatments (Latin Square process). Enzymes have been used in livestock for many years, but are increasingly being used in corn feed for diet supplementation for poultry. The enzyme complex used in the experiment had 2000 Units of activity/gram of enzyme amylase, 40,000 U/g protease, and 20,000 U/g xylanase. These supplements were grinded into 1.5 mm bits and met levels of nutrients appropriate for the pigs. Experiment 1 had a meal corn control diet and two experimental (100&150ppm diets of complex). One important note is that the feed was not limited and neither was water. 6 pigs each from control and 150 supplemental were killed after two hours of eating. In experiment 2, 6 crossbred barrows outfitted with T-cannulas (thin tubes for insertion/extraction of agents), ate commercially twice daily in increasing amounts. After 12 days, they were given the “3 treatments”. Each treatment was 7 days. In experiment 1, pigs fed supplements with 150 ppm increased weight (p equaled .09) compared to the control. The results indicate that the enzyme mush improved the pigs’ body weight gain, energy, and dry excretions of the pigs. The dry matter suggests that the blend affected nutrient digestibility the most by breaking the plant cell wall and subsequently releasing the