Effects of L-carnitine on Carcass Composition and Tissue Accretion in Weanling Pigs. Prevalence of Bovine Mastitis Increases with Av- Erage Linear Score and Has Possible Implications for Genetic Selection

fore, data were pooled across experiments (12 pens/trt). ADG, ADFI, and G:F for the 38-d study were: 394, 398, 370, and 391 g; 566, 567, 536, and 540 g; and .696, .703, .690, and .725, respectively. Pigs fed SBO tended (P<0.10) to grow slower and consume less feed compared to those not fed SBO, but G:F was not affected (P>0.10). The addition of L-carnitine did not affect (P>0.10) ADG or ADFI; however, it did improve (P<0.01) G:F. Also, the increase in G:F associated with L-carnitine was more pronounced in pigs fed SBO than those not fed SBO (carnitine x SBO, P<0.08). The greatest response to L-carnitine occurred in P2 with an increase in ADG (P<0.05) and G:F (P<0.01). In contrast, the response (G:F) to SBO was greatest during P3. These results suggest that the addition of 50 ppm L-carnitine improved growth performance in weanling pigs; however, supplemental L-carnitine was more effective when SBO was provided in the diet.