Nutrition at gene level: Pathway to improve pig performance and profitability

By: Damy Garino, Sales Manager for Visayas and Midanao, Alltech Philippines

Although nutrigenomics is not commonly discussed within the feed industry, it is integral to the future of food production. Nutrigenomics research examines the relationship between nutrients and genetics in order to regulate expression of genes that drive animal performance. In other words, it seeks to feed the gene so that animals may reach their full genetic potential.

The advancements in animal genetics and the industry’s focus on genetics for economically important production traits and disease resistance have given us the best animals with high genetic potential. However, an animal’s ability to reach that potential depends on the expression of genes. The external or environmental factors that can influence gene expression include temperature, light, drugs, chemicals, stress and nutrition.

In particular, understanding the role of nutrition at the gene level has revolutionized the way we feed animals. In several Alltech studies, it has been found that with the use of a nutrient(s) in the diet it is possible to regulate expression of genes that contribute to improvement in animal performance, driving towards achieving full genetic potential.

In a study conducted to evaluate a selenium (Se) source on muscle gene expression in finishing pigs supplemented two groups of black Iberian pigs with organic Se (0.2 ppm, Se as Sel-Plex®) or inorganic selenium (0.2 ppm as sodium selenite) as part of a standard finishing diet. The experimental period started when animals reached 80 kg and ended at slaughter (~120 kg). At slaughter, skeletal muscle samples were obtained, and total RNA was isolated from the samples and studied for gene expression.

Results indicated that 1,205 genes (757 were up- and 448 were down-regulated) were differentially expressed in pigs fed organic Se compared to pigs fed inorganic Se. A number of these genes were related to muscle development, including positive activation of lipid metabolism, cellular and tissue development. Further analysis of the biological functions identified specific genes associated with the regulation of beta-oxidation, oxidative stress and overall energy metabolism. In conclusion, the study indicated evidence of multiple molecular mechanisms affected by organic Se in the skeletal muscle of black Iberian pigs that relate to performance and meat quality ¹.

This study and several others by Alltech that have been focused on the relationship between nutrients in the diet and gene expression regulation have led to the development of technologies like the Alltech Finisher Advantage.  It is a combination of several Alltech nutritional ingredients designed to affect grower-finisher performance at the gene level by regulating genes involved in energy metabolism, muscular development and fat deposition. This helps producers improve farm performance and profitability by  addressing growth performance, feed efficiency and overall pig health.

Over eight evaluations have been conducted with Alltech Finisher Advantage in South-East Asian commercial pig operations. These trials included over 1,896 grower-finisher pigs. Pigs were fed Finisher Advantage from 72 days with an average weight of ~29.40 kg until slaughter age (~ 169 days). Pigs were kept in an elevated and open-ventilated shed throughout the trial. Ambient temperatures were from 26°-34°C. The control group received a standard farm diet and the treatment group received the same as the control group diet mixed with 0.5 kg Finisher Advantage per ton of feed.

Feed intakes in both groups were similar, but pigs in the treatment group produced an extra 4.07 kg liveweight for the duration of trial (97 days). Average FCR of pigs in the control and treatment group were 2.73 and 2.58 respectively. These results indicated pigs fed Alltech Finisher Advantage had 15 points improvement in feed efficiency and 42 gm improvement in average daily gain. The cost-benefit analysis showed an extra net profit of Peso 138 per pig through improved performance from feeding Alltech Finisher Advantage.