Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in corn distillers dried grains with solubles fed to gestating and lactating sows

This study determined the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and crude protein (CP) in seven corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) fed to mid-gestating, late-gestating, and lactating sows. Seven representative corn DDGS samples were collected from ethanol plants in seven different provinces across China. Sixteen sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; parity 4) with a T-cannula in the distal ileum were assigned to a repeated 8 × 3 incomplete Latin square design (three periods and eight diets) during mid-gestation, late-gestation, and lactation stages. The diets included seven experimental diets (DDGS 1-7) and a nitrogen-free diet. Results showed that when fed to sows (mid- and late-gestating and lactating), the ileal digestibility of CP from seven DDGS samples differed significantly (P < 0.05). When fed to mid-gestating sows, the SID of AA (excepting His, Lys, Gly, and Pro) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Across all essential AA in DDGS, mean SID value for Leu was the highest (93.57%), mean SID value for Trp was the lowest (78.61%). When fed to late-gestating sows, the SID of AA (excepting Met and Phe) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). When fed to lactating sows, only the SID of Trp and Cys for seven DDGS samples showed significant differences (P < 0.05). In addition, the SID of CP and most AA in DDGS was significantly higher in mid-gestating sows compared to late-gestating sows, and higher in late-gestating sows compared to lactating sows (P < 0.01). Overall, the SID values for CP and most AA (except Gly) in corn DDGS were influenced by sow physiological stage. Our findings provide a reference for the use of corn DDGS in sow diet.