136. Xylanase supplementation improves growth performance and carcass characteristics in growing and finishing pigs

Abstract

Xylanases break down long chain arabinoxylans present in feed ingredients into shorter xylo-oligosaccharides. By improving the supply of short-chain xylo-oligomers in the lower gut and promoting beneficial microbiota fermentation, the application of an effective xylanase may also increase VFA production. The net result could be an improvement in energy supply, growth performance, and gut functionality. Therefore, an experiment was designed to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of pigs supplemented with a xylanase in a commercial wean-to-finish facility. Two dietary treatments were formulated and fed over 5 phases. A control diet (CON) was formulated to contain no supplemental NSPases. The second diet (EXT) was similar to the CON except that it contained a xylanase (Econase XT, AB Vista) at 16,000 BXU/kg of diet, which was offered over the top at the expense of corn. In total, 800 pigs (initial BW = 26.75 kg) were blocked by weight and sex. Each dietary treatment was fed to 16 replicate pens containing approximately 25 pigs. Pens of pigs and feed disappearance were weighed at each phase change for determination of ADFI, ADG, and G:F. A subset of approximately 100 pigs from each treatment was sent to a processing plant where carcass data were determined. Data were analyzed using a t-test. Experimental unit was pen for growth performance and individual pig for carcass data. Pigs fed EXT had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than the CON (886 vs. 867 g), resulting in a tendency for a higher end weight (125.49 vs. 123.92 kg; P = 0.073). The G:F was greater (P < 0.05) for EXT (0.378) compared to CON (0.373). Loin depth and percent lean were both greater (P < 0.05) for EXT than for the CON. Adding exogenous xylanase is an effective strategy to improve pig growth and efficiency of the diet.